Let's end prejudice

November 26, 2007

Dear Sir,

If possible, I would like to offer my own thoughts on the continued commentary on racism in Bermuda. It should be noted that I don't proclaim to be an expert in the matter, nor do I think that should be treated as a non-issue. While racism is not something that should be completely ignored, we should consider ourselves quite lucky that our society has lived in relative peace when compared to the sectarian hatred that continues to happen around the world. Prejudice is prejudice whether it's black and white, Catholic and Protestant, Muslim and Hindu, Palestinian and Israeli.

Our history demands recognition, and yes, in some instances, atonement and further exploration, so that these things are never allowed to happen again. We must learn, and I do believe, that as a society we are continuing to take huge strides in conquering the demons of the past. Certainly there are still many pockets of society that are seen as black and white. That the UBP and PLP are still viewed as white and black, is an acknowledgement of our damning past, and while the faces may have changed, the apathy on one side for the other is vexing, even for me.

For while I teach my children to be Bermudian first, and to treat others as they want to be treated, and while I promote the just and noble causes that unite our Country, it is still so sad that I am seemingly expected to vote one way, simply because of my skin colour. It is stranger still that we, as a country, can unite for such wonderful social causes such as The End to End Walk, Breast Cancer awareness, and many others, yet still be divided when it comes to the most simple of ideals… who shall lead us?

The sins of our past are many. In our continued evolution, we must accept that we have made mistakes, and that we should become wiser and more tolerant because of it. While I understand it is not so easy for some, and to that end ultimate forgiveness is still some ways off, it is important that we continue to break down the barriers, and do away with the stereotypes. It must be accepted that as a whole, both black and white together, that we are for better or worse, Bermudian. Please do not assume that because my skin is white that I will vote UBP. I will vote for the person that is willing to work the hardest and shows that he cares for the people in my constituency.

Finally, to my knowledge, racism is not something that we are born with. It is a learned condition, one that is taught out of fear and misunderstanding. Do I know what it is like to be black? No. Does a black person know what it's like to be white? Maybe. I don't, and won't assume that they do. I do, however, know what it is to be a Bermudian, and at the end of the day is that not what matters most? At the end of the day, it matters little to me as to who runs the country, even less if they are black or white, UBP, PLP or whatever political incarnation happens next. What matters most is that the person, whoever it is that is elected, leads our country with dignity, honour and respect… on to bigger and brighter days, for all Bermudians.

PHILLIP A. RAY

Pembroke

Calling for a fair press

November 26, 2007

Dear Sir,

I write in support of a free press and a fair press. In the words of Joni Mitchell I can fairly say "I have seen both sides now". I have been struck over the last couple weeks with how clearly biased our daily newspaper has been against the current Government and how supportive it appears to be towards the Opposition.

It is clearly difficult for us to always separate ourselves from our own individual bias. However, I would suggest that being in the privileged position of being Bermuda's only daily newspaper, The Royal Gazette clearly is in a position of significant strength to affect the hearts and minds of its readers.

There is a long held moral truism; that privilege confers responsibility.

You yourself have recently expressed the importance of a free press in Bermuda. In my submission Bermuda is not well served by a press, albeit free, which so openly supports a particular political perspective. Once again to quote from a well-known song, The Royal Gazette now appears to "accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative" insofar as the Opposition is concerned, and at the same time "accentuate the negative and eliminate the positive" insofar as the current Government is concerned.

In your editorial of Monday the 26th of November 2007 you comment that "it is a fact that international companies are feeling nervous, especially as political and racial rhetoric has been ratcheted up in the past year".

I believe that few would argue that the greatest single influence on the mindset of our international business leaders is the content of our daily newspaper.

With no direct finger on the pulse of workingman Bermuda, this is to be expected. With no disrespect meant to these individuals, as a result of their limited experience in Bermuda, their social and economic position and racial makeup, the opinions that they reach insofar as Bermuda and its political climate is concerned are also to a great extent naturally influenced by the company they keep. That company by its very nature is not one that generally supports the current Government.

It therefore serves the purpose of the Opposition for The Royal Gazette to suggest this feeling of nervousness on the part of international business.

It therefore serves the purpose of the Opposition to project this view to the voting population of Bermuda.

I write therefore to urge you, your editorial staff and your journalists to keep this in mind when recording the news and when projecting your views during the next three weeks.

When in doubt, maintain a level playing field.

As set out above, you have a moral responsibility to be fair.

WENDELL HOLLIS

Devonshire

Editor's Note: Since Mr. Hollis has specifically mentioned the "nervousness" of international companies as an example of bias, it is worth noting that although The Royal Gazette has reported on a number of initiatives that it has reported as having caused nervousness, it did not initiate them.

These include the floating of the idea to apply quotas of cars to companies employing non-Bermudians, the long-running controversy over term limits for expatriates, the floating of the Workplace Equity Act, the 2005 Tourism Department memo to international companies asking them to underwrite the cost of guarantees to new airlines.

Again it is not The Royal Gazette that is saying this. It did quote former chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Charles Gosling earlier this month as saying: "I really don't want to be 'Chicken Little', but I think we really do have to be quite careful in how we move forward with these companies but at the same time ensuring the benefits these companies bring are shared throughout the Island."

Part of a newspaper's job is to report opinions whether it agrees with them or not. It is the editorial opinion of this newspaper that international companies are feeling increasingly nervous. Whether they are right to do so is another matter. Clearly Mr. Hollis does not think so, and it is his right to express that view in this newspaper, as he has done.

Let's be thankful

November 28, 2007

Dear Sir,

From time to time, I get to read the letters to the editor section of this newspaper, in addition I often listen to individuals that call in to the radio talk shows, and I have arrived at the conclusion that there are a lot of disgruntled people on this small Island called Bermuda.

I have also concluded that no political influence could remedy all the problems that exist here at home, no matter if there is a UBP, or a PLP government in power at any given time.

Bermudians travel often and surely those of us who have travelled to various destination outside of Bermuda, where their circumstances or environment is steeped in poverty, or their political climate is not as peaceful as ours etc, surely when we return to these beautiful shores, we can at least be more appreciative of what, and how God has blessed us, then with out a doubt, this alone should be a remedy for all of the complaining and murmuring that we engage in.

In essence, what I am saying is let us try and be more appreciative of where we are living, and what we have.

There are so many that are less fortunate than ourselves outside of Bermuda, who would love to exchange their circumstance, for the privilege to live here.

Due to the fact that Bermuda is facing an imminent election, my further comments will take on more of a political tone.

I am a Bermudian by birth, and I have lived here in Bermuda for the most part of my life. In addition, I have experienced living under both the UBP, and the PLP governments during their respective reigns.

Without a doubt, Bermuda has progressed so much since 1998, more so since the Brown administration has been in the driver's seat.

Much as been said, both positively and negatively concerning our Premier, Dr. Brown, however, irrespective of what one thinks about this progressive thinking man, one would have to put feelings aside, and look at this man's record of accomplishments for which all of Bermuda has tremendously benefited.

I do not have the time, or space in this letter to list the many things our Government, under Dr. Brown's leadership have done, suffice to say, many innovative things have been introduced, thereby improving our way of life here at home.

It has been stated by some that there is a dissident faction within the Progressive Labour Party who are dissatisfied with, or perhaps apprehensive with regard to Dr. Brown.

If this is the case, I would encourage you as Dr. Brown has already mentioned, let's win the election first, then deal with any internal matters there after.

Turning our attention to the US political scene, perhaps some here, already have received the news that the ever popular "Oprah Winfrey', has given her political backing and support to Democratic Senator Barak Obama.

In addition to this being a tremendous political gesture on Oprah's part, this also is a major solidarity stance for our people.

On December 18, we will be going to the various polling stations to vote, I would like to encourage those of us who believe in the progress for Bermuda to continue to endorse our government, particularly our Premier, Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown JP, MP. Let's resolve to Be Solid As A Rock.

Bob S. Smith

City of Hamilton

Great work, maternity

November 25, 2007

Dear Sir,

This letter is long overdue but things have been fairly busy with two new babies!

My sister and I wanted to acknowledge the fantastic care we received at KEMH on the labour and maternity wards.

The nurses/midwives were so wonderful with all their help and advice and the care we both received was second to none!

We have both been patients in hospitals outside of Bermuda and have never experienced such good care as we did in the maternity ward at KEMH.

The staff there should be commended for the excellent service they are providing and we would like to add a very sincere thank you as well.

Nancy Swart and Sarah Tafur

Hamilton Parish