Appalled and outraged

February 17, 2007

Dear Sir,

I am appalled and outraged at the recent actions of government as respects guest workers who have been expelled from the island. It is apparent that this island is rapidly moving away from democracy and toward dictatorship. First we had the chef, whose unwise but surely harmless “kitchen humour” resulted in the immediate loss of his livelihood. Surely to God nobody seriously thought he was a prospective assassin. Then the lady doctor who spoke out against the closing of the free clinic at KEMH — literally sent packing for showing concern and compassion, (and where is the support for her from our medical community?) Now the latest explusion of the Canadian contractor who is being evicted because of an altercation with an MP. Shame on our spineless and gutless immigration officials for taking this action. This was an argument between two people, nothing illegal took place, except perhaps trespass by Mr. Scott. If he was conducting official business on behalf of the government he should have put this is writing and made an appointment to visit the worksite.

If Mr. Scott believes that no where else in the world are MP’s treated with disrespect he should spend some time in the Houses of Parliament at Westminster; and what about the disrespect and abuse meted out the MP Dr. Gibbons in our won House when he was called a “racist dog” by our Premier in that disgraceful display of venom and spite. Government representatives in all democratic countries have to deal with criticism and abuse from the public; it goes with the territory.

On TV last night we again heard the pathetic excuse for closing the much needed and valued clinic at KEMH. What a load of balderdash! My advice to all these patients whose care is being terminated, please make Dr. Ewart Brown your physician of choice. After all his offices are not too far from KEMH and there are no steps to climb. I feel certain that there, they will receive the same quality care and compassion as they did at KEMH.

I normally sign my name to letters I write to the Editor — but no more — I am too scared of the repercussions from this arrogant, vindictive and racist government, so sign me.

APPALLED IN WARWICK

Policy is ignored in govt.

March 10, 2007

Dear Sir,

As stated in the Report from the House mentioned in today’s Royal Gazette, referring to the Honourable Minister, Derek Burgess’ speech during the budget debate on Friday, March 9, 2007. I am once again reminded that there are existing Immigration policies in place, albeit, not fully adhered to. I therefore, implore Minister Burgess to remind the Chief Immigration Officer and the Public Service Commission, who makes recommendations to His Excellency the Governor, of same.

I previously served the Government of Bermuda in the Department of Immigration for 18 plus years until 2002. Prior to leaving I was furnished with a copy of the Conditions of Employment and Code of Conduct for Government Workers. In the welcoming comments by the Secretary to the Cabinet and the Head of the Civil Service, it states that, “You are, therefore, encouraged to read and comment freely whenever necessary”.

Since the topic of Immigration policies is being discussed, reflecting how Bermudians should be receiving first preference, my comments are as follows:

According to Appendix 1 of the Public Service Commission Regulations 2001 - Principles Government Recommendations:

19(2) states, “Subject to this Regulation, the person who in the Commissioner’s opinion is the best candidate shall be preferred.”

19(4) “For the purpose of appointment to an office, a person with Bermudian Status (“a Bermudian”) who is not already an officer shall, other things being equal, rank equally with a Bermudian who is already an officer unless the Commission for special reasons decides otherwise in the particular case.

19(5) “Subject to paragraph (11), the Commission shall not recommend a person for permanent appointment to an established office if he is not a Bermudian.

I quote one particular point Minister Burgess mentions as follows: “Ensuring that employers adhere to the rule that Bermudians are always hired first before other categories of resident, including spouses of Bermudians and Permanent Resident Certificate holders.” If this is an existing Immigration policy, they why have there been instances where expatriates have been offered positions over qualified Bermudians? As point 19 (6) of the Public Service Commission Regulations also states that “A Bermudian shall be preferred to a person who is not a Bermudian (“a non-Bermudian”).”

Considering this, why do the qualified Bermudians, who have been bypassed, have to resort to the unnecessary process of litigation, if there are supposedly existing policies in place to protect them? If policies and procedures are being ignored in the Civil Service, how can the powers that be expect the private sector to adhere to Immigration policies and procedures and good employment practices?

Obviously, there needs to be better adherence to policies within the Government entities to sustain what Minister Burgess is advocating in the Budget Debate.

JENNIFER CAINES

Devonshire<$>

A tightrope with no net

Dear Sir,

The Budget promise of four doctor’s visits to be paid seniors on HIP instead of the current two visits sounds good on the face of it but in reality when payment never seems to be made by the Department of Social Insurance it just seems to be an idle promise. I submitted a doctor’s bill for $173.90 (of which I will only get $40 from HIP) on May 11 of last year and to date I haven’t seen a penny of reimbursement despite an e-mailed reminder sent on September 9. Is this an isolated case? No.

On December 11, 2005 I made a complaint to the Ombudsman when an April 4, 2005 doctor’s visit by my wife had not been paid by HIP. Mrs. Arlene Brock, the Ombudsman proved most diligent in her efforts to have the matter resolved and in her annual report, which appeared on Page 2 of your February 12 edition, she mentions my case and finds: “There was no maladministration, but the delay was caused by a manual reconciliation process that is now being computerised.” My wife finally got her cheque May 17, 2006, more than 13 months later. So it seems from my experience described in the first paragraph of this letter that so far this year the reconciliation process has not kicked in yet.

Ironically any tardiness on our part is punished. Failure to pay the premium within three months results in the cancellation of insurance coverage and reinstatement will require medical evidence of insurability, we are warned with every monthly statement. Last year I went over my $1,000 a year allowance for prescription drugs (the rate allowed at that time) and when year’s end (March 31) arrived I received notice within days that I had exceeded the limit and would receive no further drugs until the over-run was paid for in full. Fair enough, but the speed with which this side of the Hospital Insurance Plan business is conducted is astonishing when one has to wait more than 13 months for a $40 repayment. Could this be construed a case of obtaining money by false pretences — you get your premiums but don’t pay the claims? Sadly HIP is the only health insurance plan my wife and I (I get a Government pension, my wife doesn’t) — can afford and it is rather like standing on a tightrope without a net.

In closing I would like to point out that in your senior citizen precis of the budget speech on Saturday your chief reporter, in describing the number of annual medical visits being doubled to four, described them as “free”. Not so as you can see from the above — we only get $40 a time and I can’t remember the day we have got out of the doctor’s office with a bill under $150 each for our annual checks.

HURTING IN ST. GEORGE’S

Communication is healthy

March 12, 2007

Dear Sir,

Senator Lt. Col. Burch continually opens his mouth and inserts his foot. His Government are the ones who are responsible for the “squatters” at the Club Med site. Let’s get it right now Lt. Col. Burch. These folks have nowhere to live unless you want them to live in the bushes or in a car or in a cave or in an old dog kennel. Why don’t you as Minister of Housing do something about it? Why don’t you turn these rooms into an apartment building so that they can have a place of some permanency to call home? Senator Gina Spence-Farmer is a woman of integrity. She is the only one who is willing to assist these people. Whether she is offering some food, clothing or furniture to these people, she does so because that is the type of person she is. Even if she is a politician, she is a Christian first. Stop berating her for her kindness.

Why don’t you answer this question? When will the Government have a plan for housing? If you do have a plan, why haven’t you shown this to the people of this country? Oh sure, this Government does have a plan. They plan to spend more and more of our money. Maybe some of that money that you politicians use for your sporty cars and trips, which seem to be never-ending, could be used to rebuild the Salvation Army who need help. Don’t rely on us hard-working Bermudians to do all your dirty work for you. Give them some financial assistance.

On another note, Mr. Editor, I would like to express my disgust of MP Glen Blakeney. It doesn’t surprise me that MP Blakeney shouted at MP Gordon-Pamplin because that’s the way this Government tries to stifle questions. Don’t you get it yet, UBP? They heckle you in the House just to get your backs up and kicked out. Don’t fall for their ridicule. Stand up to this Government with facts. Fight for us who believe n you, first and foremost. They can say whatever they want, but stand your ground. we, who have any brains about us, know how unfair the Speaker of the House is. Remember UBP Party, you’ll have your turn soon.

The PLP Government said in their 1998 election win that they would be a transparent Government. They would have an open-door policy. They continually say, on talk radio that is, that freedom of speech has never been more prevalent since 1998. Well, if that’s the case, why do they hinder it? Don’t they realise communication is healthy, or do they believe that it’s healthy only when it benefits them?

M. DUBOIS

Pembroke<$>

Lets focus on tourism

March 12, 2007

Dear Sir,

The Southlands hotel project has raised a lot of questions, particularly as it relates to our future way of life, especially our economy. Let’s start with the obvious — Bermuda needs more hotel beds. What sense does it make to encourage more visitors to come to the island and have nowhere for them to stay? Look at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf scheduled for Bermuda in October — the belief is that already you cannot find a hotel room.

We need to keep our focus on growing the tourism industry not only because of the revenue it generates from visitor spending, but also because it employs large numbers of Bermudians at entry — level positions. Another major benefit of more hotel is, unlike international company business, it will not/cannot just pick up and leave the next day. Plus, the main beneficiaries of international business, as vital as it is to our economy, are the law firms, the accounting firms and the banks.

What most people don’t seem to be aware of is that Southlands is privately owned — it was purchased for millions of dollars. Unlike the Government-owned Club Med and Morgan’s Point properties, the Southlands developers are looking for the maximum return, of course. They are willing to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to develop a first class resort which will attract big spending tourists so that we don’t have to rely on so many cruise passengers.

Don’t get me wrong! I think it is a good thing when environmentalists monitor any major development that could have a dramatic impact on Bermuda. Just don’t forget, also, to focus on privately owned condo developers, eating up all the remaining open spaces and ten storey office developments in Hamilton, supported by the mayor.

Now, Stuart Hayward and his group have played a major role in encouraging Government to consider additional objections to the Southlands project. However, the question is, if Government goes through the entire process suggested by Mr. Hayward’s group, and the Southlands developers are still awarded a SDO , will Mr. Hayward at least publicly admit that the process was fair?

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Sandy’s<$>

Suzuki’s reminiscences

February 26, 2007

Dear Sir,

World-renowned environmentalist David Suzuki spoke to an audience of 350 people last evening (February 25th, 2007) at the Park Side Recreation Center in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. His hour-long speech was about escalating pollution, and how best to combat the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. “The choice becomes spotted owls or people, jobs or parks, the environment or the economy.” He had a deep concern for the future of our grandchildren and all coming generations and what we can do to help. During the question and answer period about six of us were able to make comments and ask questions.

Since his remarks were addressed to Canadians I thanked him for allowing me a few seconds as a Bermudian to express my concerns about pollution on our island. I told him we are a population of 63,000 with about 50,000 gas-polluting, out of control vehicles on our roads and a government that has no answers for the future. In addition, Bermuda has an electric company and garbage-burning incinerator which is causing an abundance of dangerous emissions into the atmosphere. Our answer for waste management control when we find it necessary to rid ourselves of old kitchen appliances, cars etc, is to dump them into the sea.

Government agencies such as planning and building controls are useless since environmental ministers have the last word and can overrule boards and give approval to construct hotels in green belt areas of our community. Mr. Suzuki said he had visited Bermuda some time ago and was very interested in the Nonsuch Island project. He talked about the main person behind the scheme and I reminded him it was Dr. David Wingate and he was quick to remember what this gentleman has done for our environmental concerns. He also said at the time he condemned our authorities for not addressing issues that we would have to face in the future. He said Dr. Wingate is an example of one man trying to make a difference.

On a positive note he told the audience Canadians might well take a lesson from Bermuda in the way we collect our water and that we should all try to do our part and not totally rely on our governments to come up with the solutions. A small vegetable garden in our back yards is another way to contribute to ever increasing demands on our land. I was most pleased to have had the opportunity to say a few words.

W. A. (TOPPY) COWEN

Kelowna, British Columbia<$>

AA indifference

March 19, 2007

Dear Sir,

I am a recent passenger with American Airlines and I have some concern with their services that I would like to be known to the public. My first concern is that my flight left my original destination late and my connecting flight to Bermuda had already left and I had to sit at an airport for 7-[1/2] hours and I am a diabetic. When I boarded a plane it was to NY and I had to stay at an hotel overnight. When I was on that flight I asked for potato chips because my sugar was low. They wanted to charge me $3 for them. I had only $1 left and my sugar concern, could she please allow me to have a bag and I was told not unless I paid. When I reached NY it was after midnight. The ticket counter gave me a voucher for dinner and breakfast. I had to also sit in the cold for 2-[1/2] hours with no coat waiting for the hotel limo to come. I was never told I had to call to let them know to come and pick me up. When I arrived the restaurant was closed. This made a total of 11 hours without eating. My sugar was still dropping. In the morning I was told breakfast is over and maybe there was enough for a cup of coffee and bagel. If it wasn’t for a concerned person I still would not have eaten and could have gone into a diabetic state. My treatment through the whole return trip was no concern or consideration from American Airlines staff.

ANONYMOUS