October 1, 2003

Dear Sir,

My comments I write you are two fold. Firstly I would like to commend this eight-year boy for being extremely brave and taking the stand for justice and hopefully setting precedence for those that follow.

In all honesty he is definitely a hero! I would like to commend his parents as well for their belief in trusting the legal system in hopes of a positive outcome. I pray for them as a family and individuals to be able to not only to move forward but because of the legal outcome maybe they can offer those that are finding themselves in the same situation some support and encouragement in dealing with such a traumatising incident.

I respect you immensely as parents for publicly addressing your situation and making our society recognise that our community needs to be aware of how many children in Bermuda alone are sexually assaulted based on records and statistics this figure is one to high yet alone to think that there are many more who have never come forth is a horrendous thought.

Bermuda's archaic laws need to be changed now not six months time or years from now. These paedophiles need to be punished for the crimes they commit. I feel strongly that there should be a visible and accessible register established and accessible to those that are caregivers of minors also being informed and updated on a continual basis.

These paedophiles need to be held accountable for their actions and not only having them locked up but to offer them whatever assistance to reform them. Protecting their anonymity affords them continued existence where they can continue to sexually prey on minors with 100 percent protection behind them.

Secondly my family will be facing this excruciating situation not knowing what our fate will be when our case goes to court. It is extremely terrifying, frustrating and stressful times and not knowing as a parent how to protect your child is incredible. I called upon assistance from Sheelagh Cooper (Child Protection Agency) when this occurred and being so desperate for advice, comfort and seeking information for the immediate protection of my child. I hate to say this at this time but I am still awaiting her phone call.

My constant telephone calls to the Police only leave them frustrated with me and there is always nothing to report. Seeking the advice of attorneys is definitely costly only to be told of the dreaded realisation that there are no laws in Bermuda that can protect these innocent children.

Bermuda's laws are, when all's said and done, putting our children at the extreme high risk mark and we need to change this before there is one more innocent child attacked by these protected repeat offenders. We need to find immediate solutions and update not just the sex offender's laws but also all our laws into the 21st Century. Other countries have accomplished this extraordinary feat, why can't Bermuda?

After experiencing this we had no idea where to turn or where to begin to get information. Bermuda needs along with renewed and updated laws definitely need support groups and I would appreciate it immensely if there are those that would be willing to contact us and offer us the support and comfort and direction we desperately need at this time. A parent only wanting to protect her child

Pembroke

September 29, 2003

Dear Sir,

This is just an observation of mine. Now that those BIU and Cablevision members who went on strike have decided to return to work, I can not help but think that there are some persons among us who - for whatever their reasons - are prepared to sacrifice more than just a few days pay.

Just as the Bermuda Government, members of the private sector, Telco , Belco, Bermuda Regiment and many others to numerous to mention were working very hard to get the Island back onto it's feet after the devastation caused by Hurricane Fabian, up popped the on going reality series "Cablevision vs. BIU." (Television not necessary for viewing)

Those persons who eagerly signed up for Bermuda's very own reality series could not have had the well-being of Bermuda and the people of Bermuda in mind. Not to mention those visitors who chose Bermuda as their vacation destination. What stories they have to tell their families and friends who may have been planning a vacation in Bermuda of their own. (I emphasis may have been planning a Bermuda vacation).

When the rallying call went out for those persons who never miss the opportunity of being a cast member in the ongoing reality series "Cablevision vs BIU" to turn in their own cable boxes, the numbers turned in speaks for itself.

It would appear, that some people would prefer to ruin the Island's economy, and thus their own, rather than turn in their cable boxes at a time when a large portion of the households in Bermuda were still without electrical power and could not view anything via their cable boxes. I guess it all depends on one's priorities in life.

GEORGE M. STONE

Warwick

September 30, 2003

Dear Sir,

When Hurricane Fabian struck, we had hours of damaging high-velocity winds, pounding on every facet, nook and cranny of Bermuda. The wind pressure was absolutely enormous, so little wonder the Causeway came to grief!

Years ago when the Causeway was originally built, it was built with archways, underneath, along its length, so that when it did receive a pounding, the water pressure would pass underneath and there would be an immediate release of pressure on the structure above.

This has served it well in successive seasons of winter storms and hurricanes. However, now we see that many of the arches have been filled in with bridge repairs and an inadequate group of rocks have been placed along the southern side to protect the bridge.

This 'new bridge,' after repairs, will be an accident waiting to happen. If we get bigger and better storms in the future, with higher wind speeds and more ferocious storms, the current repairs will also be inadequate.

Far better if we put a temporary Bailey Bridge on the far north side and connect it to the Ferry Reach Road, and then put in a brand new, modern bridge. Either a suspension bridge or maybe even a tunnel as suggested by Mr. Philip Perinchief.

We have some excellent civil engineers that could design a strong bridge that could stand intact through the coming storms.

Further, small docks that are built in wood could also survive these storms if the final plank, next to the land was not securely 'fixed in place' but was simply laid down so that when the pressure of the waves hit the dock, the last plank would move so that pressure was instantly reduced. This would save the dock from being completely destroyed.

HILARY SOARES

St. David's

September 20, 2003

Dear Sir,

A national day of Thanksgiving, as it has been called, is an idea many of us have discussed, given the way September 5, changed our Island both physically and mentally.

So the announcement by Government this week was a welcome proposal. However, we would like to suggest the following format in order to make this a truly memorable event with the widest possible participation.

The ideas that have already been put forward, with the National Stadium as the venue, might present some limitations to many who would like to be a part of the day, but are not willing to endure hard seating, limited parking, the possibility of poor weather conditions, etc.

However, in order to ensure that everyone has the best opportunity of attending, participating and feeling a of this national event, what might be more fitting is a Front Street parade.

For Bermuda as a whole, Hurricane Fabian has left in her tracks a mixed bag of sentiments.

First and foremost, sadness and loss have been felt by all of us as we join with the families in the memory of those who have been taken from us by the storm. A short memorial service, perhaps at the Cathedral, could commence the morning's activities. No doubt, a solemn prayer of thanksgiving would probably be the next appropriate item on the agenda before we hit the street.

All would agree that the individuals that first come to our minds as deserving a show of appreciation would be those that unselfishly left home and family on the day after to go to work, in order to help clear roads, cover roofs, labouring many long hours to restore power, communication, and normality to our lives.

Why not honour our Regiment, firefighters, Police, Belco and BTC workers with a good old ticker tape parade? It need not be complex. Led by the Regiment Band, have a few fire truck, even a few of those Belco and BTC vehicles. Parade a few blocks down Front Street, followed by as many representatives as reasonably possible of those mentioned, along with our Parks workers, EMO people, radio announcers and any other group directly involved in the restoration or relief efforts.

Supply the children with little Bermuda flags. Have students make up banners for the day, or posters to be displayed at City Hall.

After a short word from our Premier (who would also deserve a loud round of applause for his excellent leadership throughout the crisis), we can do the Hip, Hip, Hurray thing, and then all hug and shake hands with each other, recognising that we all played some part, in our own way, in the rebuilding of this unique and wonderful country.

The afternoon could be reserved for those other means of reflecting on the Fabian experience. For some, it may mean a time of entertainment at the National Stadium. Others may wish to rush home for a reflective flashlight dinner of barbeque viennas, washed down with some good room-temperature Coke. No doubt, many will prefer to spend the rest of the day with family and friends, sharing stories and maybe appreciating their restored homes. But others, I'm sure, will just be happy to take a well-deserved, undisturbed, afternoon nap!

We would be interested in what others think of such an idea.

R.L.

Sandys