September 27,2002

Dear Sir,

While it is not easy to respond to a shadow, that being the anonymous letter writer who signed a recent letter “Like George Foreman” I will take a few paragraphs to try.

Firstly, my view as expressed in The Royal Gazette interview concerning the generational issue was not deterministic. One need look no further than my consistent opposition to the current Premier to verify that. She is far from being classified as a senior citizen. By contrast the late L.F Wade was someone of exceptional political abilities with much to offer his Party and thus the Government.

I am not altogether sure that I can honestly assert that applies to most of the individuals who were either his generational contemporaries in the present Government or to those few who were his seniors. For the most part their political careers have been mediocre and or unremarkable at best. And after 30 years of simply being “place men” their utility to Government has frankly outlived its usefulness.

As to his/her assertion that Mr. Wade personally groomed or gave his blessing to Ms Jennifer Smith's ascension to high office within the Progressive Labour Party, I too have heard this tale and have found it without merit, bordering on mythical.

Being present at the Delegates Conference that saw the nomination of Ms Smith for the post of Deputy Leader I can assure you that Mr. Wade was as shocked as we all were by a bid that no one anticipated, save her coterie of close supporters.

And lastly, the letter writer has criticised my right to express my views through the medium of this newspaper yet - and to this I find ironic - he/she has no compunction in using the same medium - anonymously no less - to express his own.

In addition to his finely honed cynicism as expressed in his/her initial reply, I'm afraid that the letter writer betrays a certain hypocrisy. Nonetheless, both traits in abundance undermine democracy.

He/she may subscribe to the theory that might makes right but I never will. It is one thing to win power and quite another to govern.

ROLFE PATTON COMMISSIONG

City of Hamilton

September 23, 2002

Dear Sir,

I wonder how many people witnessed the generous display of the Night Blooming Cereus on Sunday, September 22! This particular plant is on the wall across from the welding shop on Middle Road, Devonshire.

I could not count the number of blossoms, they were so profuse and so stunningly beautiful. Bermuda is blessed with numerous natural happenings and I wonder if this could not be a subject that a roaming Royal Gazette reporter could capture and share with its readers.

Until then, readers, be aware of the outstanding natural wonders right under your noses. You will be truly rewarded.

MARY JANE COELHO

Smith's Parish

September 23, 2002

Dear Sir,

I write in response to the Postmaster General's letter of September 23, 2002 “The last post”, regarding the US/Bermuda post passage.

If, as claimed, the foreign mail that takes so long to reach recipients in Bermuda is the other Postal Service's fault, how is it that a simple bill from Hamilton to Smith's takes 11 days?

Are US/UK/Airlines to blame? I could crawl there and back quicker!

Yours anticipating sore knees

CRAIG STARK

Smith's Parish