The British government by now must feel pity for those of us in Bermuda who voted for Bermuda to remain a colony, yet want to retain the death penalty.

We simply cannot have it both ways. To brand those government members who absented themselves from the vote as cowards is mischievous at best.

Most politicians know that under the party system, the members of the governing party often find themselves between a rock and a hard place.

I hope the hanging section at Westgate will not be converted into something else since I am in favour of retention but I am also in favour of Independence.

Referring to remarks attributed to the Hon. Mr. Lister about the execution of black men, certain states in USA were famous for that. I don't know that it happens today.

ROSS TUZO Warwick Keeping a dream alive December 24, 1999 Dear Sir, I read the letter by St. Stephen in The Royal Gazette of Tuesday, December 7.

St. Stephen states he did not vote as he was unhappy with the UBP who I presume he may have voted for had he been happy with them.

Of course he, in fact, did vote if he abstained -- presuming he would have voted for the UBP as this would have increased the position of the PLP and so he is responsible to that degree for the performance of the PLP.

In my opinion, it is a little immature to sit on the sidelines, in a fit of pique as it were.

I have probably got a great deal more reason not to vote for the UBP than he has, but I do not vote for the UBP because I like the people in it -- rather I vote for them because I like Bermuda and all its people and feel that I would rather work to fix the party, as my worst fears for not voting for the PLP have come to pass now they are in power.

Rather than free us of racial overtones, I find this has increased dramatically.

The singular greatest failure of the PLP is its inability to unite the races; indeed many feel that it fosters racial division to retain political power.

If you -- like me -- feel that Bermuda is too small to be divided about 50/50 you will agree this is damaging.

Regarding fiscal responsibility, name me one PLP member who has a track record of success in their personal business. I'd say that is their second biggest drawback.

In its last few years, the UBP made bad decisions as they were hoping to appeal to the black voter; however, prior to that they did a pretty good job of running the country for many years and deserve credit for that.

Whilst Sir John Swan must accept his share of blame, nevertheless he too did much good.

In my opinion he did more to unite blacks and whites that any other politician before or since.

He had this unique gift, since I remember him as President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce over 36 years ago.

Other than that, I think many of your points are well taken and I agree with most of them.

It is past time for the UBP to attract more young people -- both Black and White -- that would more accurately reflect the racial make-up of the Island.

There is no good reason why young blacks cannot be given responsible positions, based on their abilities rather than window dressing to some degree.

I feel the party is coming to realize this and I certainly hope so, as there is no way the PLP will ever attract any white members to any meaningful extent.

One has to have a better reason that being disenchanted with the UBP to join the PLP.

In closing I feel it is not quite fair to blame Pam Gordon for the present situation, as she came on board at a time when the mess was created, so it is easy to play Solomon after the event.

She has learned a lot and is the wiser for it -- just as we all should be -- and remember the country is bigger than any of us.

I too was disenchanted with the UBP but was inspired by the example of my friend Madeleine Joell, who was already in a successful career and well respected.

When I questioned her as to why she would enter politics and especially as a UBP candidate and added that "you know they will try to destroy your character and attack you in every way which will make your life stressful and you really don't need this''.

At this time she was sitting in my living room and she looked me straight in the eye and said and I quote "I feel I could make a difference and I am absolutely determined to try''.

Madeleine -- although a very sensitive person -- was also very strong and, had she lived, would have achieved great things. She had a wonderful charismatic effect on people with her enthusiasm. Her service in the Cathedral was packed with an equal number of Black and White mourners for the first time ever in my experience.

I will help to keep her dream alive and hope you will be moved to do likewise.

LIBRA Paget Some well-earned thanks December 20, 1999 Dear Sir, Thank you allowing us to say "Thank You'' to two organisations that helped us have a really successful International Camp this summer, at Cooper's Island Nature Reserve, on St. David's Island.

The Bermuda Girl Guide Association would like to say Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, to the staff and cooks at the Co Ed Facility, for preparing three of our evening meals. They were prepared tastefully and timely. We were therefore able to pick up, deliver on-site and serve the meals without any problems.

Four additional night's meals were prepared and delivered by Monty's Restaurant staff, to the highest degree of satisfaction to all.

We are therefore extremely grateful for the support provided by these establishments in helping to make our International Camp a success.

May God bless and keep you all, especially during this our giving season.

MRS. BARBARA MILLETT Bermuda Girl Guide Association