November 22, 2002

Dear Sir,

So far television on a Sunday is still boring (could at least spice it up a bit). Another matter is that most shows either mention sex or more.

Channel 15 shouldn't even be a regular channel as there is profanity on this station (I may not watch it but,who's to say whether a little child would watch something on this channel?). Why is channel 11 and 6 the same? Channel 11 should be a different station (UPN).

Does Bermuda really need a channel 3? It'll be better if channel 3 was a local learning channel. Channel 17 should feature something else like more educational programming or nature or sports. Why do we have a channel 24 since all it shows is Bloomberg?

Channel 35 should be changed as well (this is Bermuda for crying out loud not Nashville,Tennessee!). If possible, please take off channel 36 and make it another learning channel,educational programme or nature programme.

CHANNELS NEED CHANGING

Pembroke

Race charge is despicable

November 28, 2002

Dear Sir,

When I entered Parliament in 1984, I was astounded by the fact that the Auditor's reports of Government were four years late. One of my first speeches in the House of Assembly suggested that the Auditor be fired!

I received a three-page letter from Mr. Larry Dennis pointing out his problems. One was that his department was underfunded and understaffed. Also he had very little cooperation from some departments of Government.

I took the letter to the then Premier John Swan and suggested that this state of affairs was unacceptable, and he should let the Auditor General second accountants from the private sector to do a catch-up. Also that he should instruct Government Departments to put their houses in order and assist the process.

Larry Dennis was relentless in criticising the UBP Government whenever the facts warranted it. He practised his with such renown that I was convinced he was a member of the PLP!

To shoot the messenger is one of the oldest of political plays and the recent efforts of Mr. Burgess and Mr. Scott go beyond the pale. To include the charge that he is a racist must surely trouble Mr. Dennis's long-time friend; the present Minister of Finance.

Larry Dennis patterned himself after the renowned/resowed/renewed Auditor General Day of Canada; an independent minded and fearless auditor.

Mr. Dennis continues to present the facts as he sees them. I leaved that he has no biase; was very independent minded and completely honest and fearless.

To try and kill the messenger in this case is despicable and to add that he is a racist is an insult.

DR. C.R. TERCEIRA

Just the ticket

November 23, 2002

Dear Sir,

This past Thursday I had completed my Seniors Test for my updated driving licence. I am a disabled driver and have greatl difficulty in getting into and out of a chair. The young man sitting next to me while I waited to pay for this licence at TCD asked me what my number was - I said 81. He offered to change this for his 77 number in order that he could help me when my number was called. This was the most generous gesture I had ever received from a complete stranger and, as I have no idea of his name, felt that he deserved my grateful thanks via your newspaper.

What had been a stressful day was made so much better by his wonderful act of kindness. In future when I hear adverse comments about our young people, all I need to do is think about this young man. Thank you so very, very much.

MOIRA J. RANKINE

Southampton

System is wrong

November 12, 2002

Dear Sir,

After reading your paper and hearing about how much the Government is trying to provide affordable housing, I can tell you it is just a farce. I have had my stepdaughter and her three children with my wife and I since June of 2001 in a two-bedroom condominium.

She has been to the BHC many times and I myself have gone. We have been to local realtors and have literally called and gone to every advertised vacant apartment we could find in our area.

She has been told she could not get any social assistance in view of the fact that is staying with her parents. Her husband returned to the Island three months ago in an effort to put his family back together, yet they are unable to find a place to rent within their affordable price range. They are willing to pay up to $2,000,00.

I ask, what is wrong with this Government when they cannot take care of their own, when I read about the new ambitions of developing affordable housing at South Side with a selling price of $500,000 to $570,000 range, I wanted to cry. This system is so wrong.

My stepdaughter, who is a working mother, and children are living in our home, my son-in-law stays at his employer's one room apartment and we have searched everywhere to rent. I know, since we are in this predicament, that we are not alone or in an unusual situation, there are lots of families in the same position.

Why can't this Government, who claims to be "for the people" do something for their own?

CRAMPED AND NEED SPACE IN ST. GEORGE'S, HOME OF PREMIER.

P.S. If anyone is able to help us or can give us a contact to someone who can, please call this paper for our contact information.

Well done Mrs. Richards

November 25, 2002

Dear Sir,

After hearing the news reports on the school uniform issues, I felt compelled to put pen to paper.

When I was in high school a few short years ago, you were sent home if the hem of your skirt or trousers was not regulation. There was no such thing as braids for boys and there was only one style of shoe to be worn, Oxfords. Everyone respected the rules and deviants accepted the consequences.

Supposedly in "keeping up with the times" as they say, some of the rules have been relaxed and here we are now with public outcry over a blazer. It is ludicrous to think that parents can publicly blast a principal who is trying to instill a sense of decorum and pride in the children that she is responsible for each day.

To the parent that boldly stated that she would not be buying the blazer, I hope that your disregard for school rules does not come back to haunt you. One day you are going to be calling out for help when your child for whom you have set the example decides to boldly disregard the rules of your home. I believe that you said that you did not wish to buy a blazer only for it to be lost or stolen. Well it would make sense to use this as an opportunity to teach your child about responsibility. If he/she loses the blazer then make them get a job after school or use their allowance to pay for another one. I would also like to wager a bet that some of the parents who said that they couldn't afford a blazer are the same ones who would not miss a "seat sale".

Most places of employment have either a dress code or uniform. Doesn't it make sense that our children learn about the same in school. How many of us would risk a day's pay just because we did not want to come to work in full uniform? How many of us would threaten our boss that they had better not call our union to report us for our own infractions. How many of us would tell our boss that we do not like his/her behaviour because they were upholding the policy?

Mrs. Richards, to you, I say, keep up the good work. School may be the only place that some children are learning any values at all. Remember, if you give someone an inch they may take a mile. There are many parents out there who respect the rules and the valuable lessons being taught to our children.

A few bad apples can spoil the bunch and we all know that apples don't fall too far from the tree!

STILL THINKIN'!

Warwick