January 4, 2003

Dear Sir,

I find it rather ironic that Bermuda recently received an award for tolerance from the UN, and then in a letter to the Editor the true colours of Bermuda are shown, those of intolerance, misunderstanding and hatred.

I refer to the letter written to the Editor about how the Christmas pantomime, which is put on every year, somehow promotes homosexuality, because women dress as men, and a man plays the role of the Dame. For goodness sakes, this is only a pantomime!

The mere mention that people are not fulfilling their 'true Christian', or 'proper' roles in society, is met with intolerance and hatred.

Bermuda is happy to accept the UN's recognition as a tolerant society, but it fails to address the issues of rigid, static belief systems, and the lack of acceptance of the diversity in our community, that we should be celebrating. A tolerant society, hardly!

JONATHAN SUTER

A.K.A. CURLY WURLY!

City of Hamilton

January 2, 2004

Dear Sir,

On behalf of the St. Brendan's Volunteer Services, I would appreciate the granting of space to give thanks.

Firstly, I wish to publicly thank the Adult Education Centre for the two decades of decorating Christmas trees at St. Brendan's. Last year, an era of dedication, beauty and admiration was brought to a quite closure. We wish them success in their future endeavours as new opportunities unfold and we begin the search for a new community partner.

Secondly, I highlight Velma Small, Michelle Lindsay, Lorin Rubaine, Carys Caisey, Debra Wellman and Peggy Outerbridge. These individuals in their unique way performed stellar jobs in their contributions to the Volunteer Services. With passion and enthusiasm and on their own accord, they drew others into the fold in some form, to contribute gifts, money or services. Some of the mentioned have had this zeal since the Christmas Projects began in 1998. Success is not a lonely walk ? so many others also took the journey this year.

Additionally, I sincerely am appreciative of the efforts by some of our long-serving church ministries and charitable organisations. As space is limited, I ask that they make a note to see our thank you advert to appear soon. Berkeley, CedarBridge and St. Theresa's Church are to be also applauded for some of their young people's efforts in assisting. Bermuda, we have leaders around the corner ? watch out! Steve Lacey thanks a billion for bringing out the best in our clients through your music and performances.

In closing, I give thanks for health, strength, ability and the vision that has resulted in another victorious year in blessings for the clients we serve. I encouraged everyone not volunteering in Bermuda to find a cause to give of themselves to this year ? our people need you and it's truly amazing what you'll discover and receive within yourself. Happy New Year!

LINDA TROTT

Director of Volunteer Services

St. Brendan's Hospital

January 2, 2004

Dear Sir,

The Premier has raised the awareness of Bermudians significantly concerning the importance of Bermudianisation of high-profile roles.

Many Bermudians are going to be extremely disheartened if the entire Government does not attach similar importance to the Bermudianisation of all those other lesser roles, over which they do have control and which impact on the lives of the majority of Bermudians.

EVA N. HODGSON

Bailey's Bay

Taking the high road

December 30, 2003

Dear Sir,

I commend Dr. Grant Gibbons for taking the high road and for his response to your headline yesterday and comments attributed to Sir. John Swan. Dr. Gibbons and his team have revived the UBP and brought it back from the fractured and weakened positions thrust upon it by Sir John himself with his McDonald's franchise bid and his ill-timed independence venture.

I am not trying to defend the Gibbonses, Dodwells, Dunkley or Barritts as they are all quite capable of doing that themselves; but, lest we forget they are as much Bermudian as anyone else, and have as much right as anyone else to want to make a contribution to their homeland.

Sir John has surprised me by calling for leadership by colour and not skills and ability. The UBP is much more representative of the demographics of Bermuda than the PLP can ever claim to be. It is an insult to even intimate that only a black leader will appeal to voters. We now have a black government that can be characterised as being long on talk and short on action.

KEEN OBSERVER

Devonshire

The law is political

December 29, 2003

Dear Sir,

For Dr. Grant Gibbons, UBP leader of the Opposition, Mr. Bill Rammell, Minister for the Overseas Territories, Mr. Trevor Moniz, Shadow Minister for Legislative Affairs, and Mr. David Kessaram, President for the Bermuda Bar Association, to state that judicial appointments should not be politicised is hogwash!

Mr. Editor, everyone knows that law is emphatically political. To state otherwise is politically dishonest, politically deceitful and politically misleading the Bermudian public.

Mr. Editor, no honest, objective, unbiased and self-respecting lawyer would state that law is not inherently political. Is it not the case, Mr. Editor, that Mr. Jack Straw, a British labour politician the person who made the final decision to appoint Bermuda's Chief Justice? Then tell me, Mr. Editor, how can Grant Gibbons, Bill Rammell, Trevor Moniz and David Kessaram, or anyone for that matter, argue that this decision was not a political decision or that this appointment was not politicised by the British politicians from start to finish!

DR. AMENEMHET TAMERRY

Pembroke

A new approach

January 6, 2004

Dear Sir,

Matthew Taylor wrote an article in your December 29 edition featuring Sir John Swan and his comments about the United Bermuda Party. In that article Sir John was very critical of the party and its white and black Members of Parliament.

My comments were then featured in an article on January 5. In regards to this article I would like to elaborate on my quoted comments: "It's very unfortunate to criticise our black members. Basically in one fell swoop he wrote off the black members of the party by saying they didn't have the intellectual background. I have the highest regard for Jon Brunson and Neville Darrell; they bring a lot to the table."

These comments are correct but I want to let your readers be aware that I did say to Mr. Taylor it was not my desire to single out any person but Sir John questioned the ability of the party to attract competent black candidates.

I used these two as examples that the party has attracted at least two quality people but also that these two quality people believe that the United Bermuda Party is the best party to represent Bermudians. In time I am sure that they will prove their worth to Sir John and the rest of Bermuda.

I want to also take this opportunity to say that I believe that the current UBP team in the Upper and Lower House is a most formidable Opposition and would be a capable government if elected. Finally, I would like to correct the comment attributed to me that the party "is gearing up to look at the whole issue of race". This is an incorrect quote. I informed Mr. Taylor that the New UBP has been well aware that race is a major divisive issue on the Island and we are not willing to let it pull us apart or hold us back from continuing to develop into One Bermuda. Perhaps in the past the party, and indeed the Island, has been loath to tackle this matter head on. The current Senators and Members of Parliament for the UBP will not take this approach. We intend to be attentive, understanding, caring and proactive in our desire to make some progress for all people.

In closing, for those who wish to discuss this matter or any other political matter, I remain available. Please give me a call.

MICHAEL H. DUNKLEY, JP, MP

Devonshire