A note of thanks

September 15, 2005

Dear sir,

We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the sponsors and supporters of the charity buffet which took place on Labour Day, September 5, in aid of the West Africa food crisis at Pirate?s Landing Restaurant. The event was organised to help the people of Niger, and the deserving people of its neighbouring countries. As well as promote awareness and understanding among the general public of the real plight of starving people in Western Africa. Though we are aware of some of the corruption and mishandling of money that takes place in many of those poverty-stricken countries, we have not allowed that to discourage us from our efforts to do our best at trying to eradicate poverty and illiteracy among some of the world?s most deprived countries. We are thankful that many people in Bermuda share the same outlook and did what they could to help.

There simply aren?t words to express the sheer size of our gratitude to our supporters for their benign donations. Through the kindness and generosity of individual and corporate supporters we have raised $3,734 for our Mission Possible Fundraiser, and because of their gifts, hundreds of men, women and mostly children will be clothed and fed. An additional $610 was donated on behalf of the Wilks family, making the total $4,344.

As the wise mother once said that though everything we do is a drop in the ocean, nevertheless if we don?t do it, that drop is lost forever, hence we have committed ourselves to taking time out to contribute to what?s important in this world, which is our neighbours, our brothers and sisters near and far. If you can?t feed a hundred people, then feed just one. ? Mother Teresa

Therefore, on behalf of Mr. Fosco Nannini, the staff at Pirate?s Landing and Pasta Basta Restaurants, we would like to thank Miles Market, Bermuda Imports & Export, Goslings Brothers, Wilks Catering, Kafu Hair & Gallery, Freeport Gardens, Butterfield & Vallis, The Frog & Onion Pub, and The Market Place A1 Smith?s for their bountiful philanthropic contributions. We would also like to thank Mix 106, a Defontes Broadcasting Company station, andwww.where2.bm for helping to spread the word. We know that this mission would not have been possible without their help, and the help of others, which will not go unrewarded. A very big thank you to DJ Miguel (Pepsi) Walker from O.G.S. Genesis for spinning the wheels and keeping the spirit alive with some of the world?s finest tunes. All members of staff from the in Dockyard: We salute you and thank you.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, please do what you can to help, but at the same time, we are requesting that you do not forget about Africa and other poorer countries. The African countries are destitute and in need of greater help; there is a huge difference between not having enough and not having anything. Many African countries, particularly in West Africa, do not have anything, absolutely nothing, and are too often being put on the back burner. Please let?s not separate ourselves from them, let?s become part of the one world alliance. We would like to thank everyone involved for their participation and for supporting us in our efforts; here at Nannini Group we strongly believe that together we can make a difference. Sincerely,

Referenda minutiae

September 21, 2005

Dear Sir,

Whether or not one agrees with the Government?s establishing of the Bermuda Independence Commission, the assertion made in its final report, and reproduced in your newspaper on September 16, 2005, that ?it had learned of ?no instance? where a decision on Independence had been taken by means of a referendum?, at best, displays the complete inadequacy of the BIC?s research capacity, and at worst, a disingenuous and cynical attempt at opinion-manufacture. In short: the report was wrong in this regard. Reproduced below, for the benefit of the BIC and the people of Bermuda, is a listing of numerous referenda deciding major constitutional issues from across the globe, throughout the 20th and 21st century.

The first section deals with questions of independence. The second section deals with questions of major constitutional significance, with which Bermuda?s path towards nationhood can be counted. While this list comprises of a cursory overview of referenda, it should nonetheless show that a significant precedent has been set as regards this tool for deciding a nation?s constitutional future.

Norway in 1905, on becoming independent from Sweden

Carinthia in 1920, on settling the border between Austria and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes

Upper Silesia in 1921, on whether to remain a part of Germany or to join Poland

Iceland in 1944, on becoming independent from Denmark

Newfoundland in 1948, on whether to remain under Commission Rule by Great Britain, to revert to dominion status or to join Canada

Madagascar, Gabon, Guinea, Brazzaville, C?te d?Ivoire in 1958, on becoming self-governing territories within the French community

Jamaica in 1961, on whether to remain a part of the Federation of the West Indies

Algeria in 1962, on becoming independent from France

Puerto Rico in 1967, 1993 and 1998, on becoming either independent of the US or becoming its 51st state

Northern Ireland in 1973, on whether to remain part of the UK or join the Republic of Ireland in creating a United Ireland

Neuvelle in 1974, on becoming independent from the UK

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 1979, on becoming independent from the UK

Quebec in 1980 and 1995, on becoming independent from Canada

Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, & Georgia in 1989, on becoming independent from the USSR

Slovenia in 1990, on becoming independent from Yugoslavia

Ukraine in 1991, on becoming independent from the USSR

Bosnia in 1992, on becoming independent from Yugoslavia

Eritrea in 1993, on becoming independent from Ethiopia

Nevis in 1998, on becoming independent from St. Kitts & Nevis

East Timor in 1999, on becoming independent from Indonesia

Somaliland in 2001, on becoming independent from Somalia

In 2004, the UN Security Council extended the UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara until 31 October, with the goal of ultimately working towards a referendum on whether the region should secede from Morocco.

Since 1901, Australia has held 43 referenda on altering the constitution

The Saar in 1935, on whether to continue under French administration or to revert to German control; in 1947 on whether to form an economic union with France; and in 1956 on whether to accept autonomy from France and Germany

The Republic of Ireland in 1937, on whether to adopt a new constitution

France in 1958, on whether or not to adopt a new constitution

Greece in 1974, on abolishing the monarchy

The UK in 1975, on becoming a part of the European Union

Spain in 1976, on whether to adopt a series of post-Franco democratic reforms

Uruguay in 1980, on whether to adopt a new constitution

Nepal in 1980, on whether to adopt a new constitution

The Philippines in 1987, on whether to adopt a new constitution

Burundi in 1992, on whether to adopt a new constitution

Djibouti in 1992, on whether to adopt a new constitution

Canada in 1992, on whether to amend the constitution in accordance with the Charlottetown Accord

Malawi in 1993, on whether to alter their constitution

Albania in 1994, on whether to adopt a new constitution

Sweden in 1994, on EU membership

Switzerland in 1994, on European Economic Area Membership

Gabon in 1995, on whether to alter their constitution

Armenia in 1995, on whether to adopt a new constitution

Kazakhstan in 1995, on whether to adopt a new constitution

Belarus in 1996, on whether to alter their constitution

Northern Ireland in 1998, on whether support for the Good Friday Agreement which provide for shared administration of the province

Chad in 1996, on whether to adopt a new constitution

Venezuela in 1999, on whether to adopt a new constitution

Bahrain in 2001, on whether to adopt the Amir?s ?National Action Charter?

The Republic of the Congo in 2002, on whether to adopt a new constitution

Gibraltar in 2002, on whether to accept shared sovereignty between Spain and the UK

Hungary in 2003, on EU membership

Sweden in 2003, on adopting the Euro currency

Cyprus in 2004 on unification of north and south

France, Spain, Luxembourg and the Netherlands in 2005, on adopting the new EU constitution

Iraq will consider a new constitution no later than Oct. 15 of 2005

Kenya will consider a new constitution on Nov. 21 of 2005

The Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland, Latvia, Poland, Portugal and the UK have also committed themselves to a referendum on their own adoption of an EU constitution, even though some delays were made following France and the Netherlands? negative polling results on the issue

Rebellion ... or stupidity?

September 15, 2005

Dear Sir,

Have you noticed the number of motorbike riders who are riding around with their helmets undone? I am curious to know if any in the Police, Ministry Transport or members of the Road Safety Council have noticed. I am also curious if any one of them may want to comment on this new and dangerous trend. There is no doubt in my mind that such comments would be helpful to offset the very poor example this is giving to the most impressionable youngsters who are watching. The cruel irony is that this seeming act of rebellion (or is it simple stupidity?) is that it poses a much greater risk to the rebel himself. With a little foresight, perhaps their friends and family may determine it worthwhile trying to influence them NOW to ?grow up? and act like the adults they want us to consider them to be.

Cost, service, cleanliness

Dear Sir

So Delaey (Robinson) thinks CNN and their mention of hurricanes is the main cause behind Tourism collapse? Well, I will agree that there might have been a few people who were scared off but I?m thinking he might not be addressing the real situation. No disrespect to Aunt Nea?s but me, Tom and Huck been coming here for years and we know what the problem is.. I have an idea. No more Walton Brown surveys at the airport or however they do them these days. Find, say, 2000 tourists ? no, Walton, not business guys staying here at a hotel... real tourists. Give them each a survey form with a postage paid envelope addressed to the New York Tourism Office and just ask some simple questions ? nothing fancy, no deep multi-thought questions where you can get the answers you want to hear..just the following questions:

1) Did you think the airfare was too high ?

2) Did you think the hotel rate was too high ?

3) Was the service level lower than you expected ?

4) Was the litter on the roadside more than you expected ?

5) Were the service people (not the average guy on the street) that you met polite to you ?

That?s all. Just those questions and if you see some sort of trend, then do another Walton type survey where you get what you want. Maybe those questions aren?t framed the way a researcher would frame them but they are simple questions and, in my opinion, the heart of the matter. Cost, service and image ? that?s what our problem is...not hurricanes. I don?t know what the solution is but I do know that when you pay $500 to fly to Bermuda on a half empty plane, stay at a fancy hotel at a rate of $250 a night and often much more plus 17.5 percent on top, plus grats etc., where the service levels are very mediocre, where the roadsides are littered with more trash than you ever thought possible, where you met all those lovely Bermudians who were very nice and then some taxi driver told you not to sit on his beautiful taxi seats with your damp bathing suit and ruined it all, where for the cost of a very mediocre meal you could have flown to Hawaii and back... well, I think you get the gist. Just a thought... why do you think all those cruise ship passengers are happy... cost, service and clean.... I?m staying in Hannibal from now on.

Stop attacking foreigners

September 21, 2005

Dear Sir,

To the Bootsie & Co. Team at Hott 1075: First of all, let it be known that I absolutely love your Morning Show and I marvel at the short history of Hott 1075 as it has been remarkable. However, one of the areas that I suggest you look at closely is your foreign phobia. This morning?s show (Wednesday, September 21) was simply off the mark. Specifically, your ?I like foreigners when they are only on vacation? comment was disrespectful to our most important partner and customer. This note is not to lecture anyone as you are entitled to your views. What I do have a problem with is your unbalanced comments on various topics especially when it impacts on Bermuda. Your station is the most listened to and with that becomes added responsibility. Therefore, I implore you to do your homework on the following...

Recognising that tourism has steadily declined over the last two decades due to increased competition and other reasons, what state Bermuda would be in if we have not been successful in International Business?

Recognising that the majority of local owned businesses are either in the retail or service sector, who would they be selling to if we have not been successful in International Business?

Recognising that Bermuda has absolutely no natural resources to export, how would Bermuda earn its capital if there was no International Business?

What percentage does International Business currently contributes towards Bermuda?s GDP?

Recognising that Bermuda is one of the few countries in the world that has more jobs than people, how do you propose to fill these jobs?

As the Bermuda baby boomers increasingly move into retirement, who do you think we need even more to take up the shortfall, contribute to taxes and help to pay pensions? I am sure we all agree that we need International Businesses and foreign workers for Bermuda to maintain its current status. Although we all know this, why do we continue to blame non- Bermudians for most if not all of our ills? In light of the above, I now challenge you Hott 1075 to help bridge the gap between Bermudians and foreign workers. I challenge you to help your listeners understand and put a face on foreign workers, why they are here, what they would like to achieve and what their views are on Bermuda and Bermudians. No one to date has been successful in doing this, will you?

Correct this error

September 20, 2005

Dear Sir,

For some months now a commercial for the Bookmart has aired on local television. It?s cute and nice to see imagination in a local production ? but please someone, correct the spelling in the tag line at the end! It shows as ?No books harmed in the making ...? It should read ?No books harmed in the making?. My spelling and grammar are by no means perfect but seeing this each time it airs is driving me crazy and I?m surprised it?s not yet been corrected.