omitted. The following names should also have been included as part of `the stepping crew' she was thanking: Lindsay Gaugain, Kamal Hewey, Karim Hewey, Bianca Joinville, Najla Muwwakkil.

Continuing UBP excesses July 17, 1999 Dear Sir, During the "debate'' (if we can call any of the verbiage in the House of Parliament "debate'') in the House on the proposed increases in Land Tax, two very strange comments were made.

One was "See if you can guess'' by our new Attorney General; the other was "We are working on a wonderful plan for the Country''. This deserves commentary -- demands commentary! Let me see if I can guess. More unnecessary trips for members of Parliament; more money for the bloated, civil service; more money wasted on Tourism adverts; more social handouts to single mothers; more Government cars for civil servants and ministers and lastly higher wages for Members of Parliament.

Where is the fiscal restraint? The PLP is, in fact, only continuing the excesses of the UBP who often made promises of reductions but who could not perform with the delicate balance they had -- the balance of keeping the conservative black community in their camp (it is this group that held the UBP in power for so long -- too long!) Cynically, it is said that the UBP created a black middle class with an oversized, overpaid civil service. There is considerable truth in this. The PLP does not have to play this game and if they were honest and had integrity they could cut this waste and not need to raise taxes to take their trips.

But, let me suggest the Attorney General applies any extra income to hire a new judge or magistrate now that she has been notified of the twenty to twenty five felonies/misdemeanours with young girls, under the age of sixteen having children, every year for the past twenty years.

SANDERS FRITH BROWN Warwick Teenagers stepped up! July 18, 1999 Dear Sir, Amidst the confusion over politics, abundance of traffic, our drug problem and stress, I have had the honour of working with teenagers. Yes, teenagers! On top of that, these teenagers attend CedarBridge Academy! Some negative dwellers may have to sit down and wipe their brow on that one! Three years ago, I founded a charitable show entitled "Summer Stepping''. The show features a form of movement called "stepping'' but also displays the vast talents of our locals in other areas such as dance and singing. At the commencement of CedarBridge I established a scholarship fund that allowed students to have items they could not afford on their own or at all. Some of the items were school supplies (pens, pencils, highlighters, art supplies etc.), daily lunch, PE clothing, sneakers, school uniforms, shoes, toiletry items, school bags, even travel money to attend a choir competition abroad.

While I serve as the director, organiser, etc. it is imperative to note the show could not go on without the performers. Most of the performers are students who offer their ideas, spirit of being a teenager and time to me selflessly. Of course they love what they do but they also know the main purpose of the show is to give to others.

For all the days I looked crazy, acted crazy, and actually went crazy, I show special love to my "crew''. Thank you for hanging in there and making everyday a blessing. They are David Minors (step master and teacher), Shirmeka Brown (step master), Jamila Godwin (senior stepper), Dorren Burgess (senior stepper), Vernal Brown, Chris Busby, Amber Bradshaw, Antione Lugo, Maneka Butterfield, Tiara Carter, Mya Furbert, Katrina Phillips, Jamila Simons, Sara Simons, Andwele Simmons, Dawnae Simmons, Dawn Smith, Frederika Smith, and Chernika Woodley. Next year I would like to take the step team on a trip to the United Stats to visit Colleges and Universities, and perform at an American step show. The world is at their fingertips, we just have to provide the means and desires to broaden their horizons.

To all the persons who contributed to the success of the show I am grateful and say thank you. Patrons thank you for your overwhelming support of our children. In fact, the next time you see a CedarBridge student walking down the street, pat yourself on the back because you may have helped put the uniform on their back.

In our efforts to make a difference, we will continue to raise funds, so come out and support us and have some fun while your at it! See you next year! RACHAEL SMITH Pembroke Driver, not horse smelled July 20, 1999 Dear Sir, My wife and I have been enjoying the spectacular island of Bermuda for many years. Bermuda is second to none for friendliness, beautiful scenery, and cleanliness.

Traditionally, my wife and I take a scenic tour around Hamilton in one of the many horse and buggies located on Front Street. This year was no exception, however, it was a vastly different and unpleasant experience. Usually the carriage drivers are friendly, informative and aside from the horse, produce no offensive odours.

The gentleman (I use the term loosely) we had the misfortune of choosing to take us on our tour this time was the exact opposite of the aforementioned drivers. He never introduced himself to us; offered no commentary on the sights we were seeing and overpowered the horse with his own unbelievable stench. We could not wait for the tour to end, as we felt sickened throughout the duration of the ride. I did not know it was possible for someone to smell that bad unless they were knee deep in a cesspit. This man tarnishes the overall reputation of the carriage drivers of Bermuda and I hope he will try to change not only for himself but also for the good of all. Aside from this, Bermuda was everything we keep coming back year after year. See you next time.

THE HEMBERGS Virginia PS. I hope the gentleman reads this and understands that soap works better when applied directly to the skin.

Expat teacher felt abused July 23, 1999 Dear Sir, I am an expat teacher, currently completing a term of employment with the Ministry of Education. As with all foreign teachers, I was assigned to an apartment through the Ministry of Works and Engineering. In mid-June I gave notice to W&E, and to my landlord, Mr. Everett Powell, of my intent to vacate the apartment at the end of July, and an inspection by W&E personnel was arranged for 11.30 on July 23.

While setting up the inspection appointment, I was informed by W&E housing clerk LuGene Ingham that my contract required that I paint my apartment throughout before the final inspection. My understanding was that after three years occupancy, one is required to repaint. Ms Ingham shouted that I should read my contract, and to "be sure and have everything freshly painted for the inspection''.

Well, I checked my contract, and yes, it does state that the place must be painted after three years. Yes, it also states (in the Appendix on page 5) that: "At the termination of the Property, leave the decoration of the Property in the same condition as at the commencement of the licence period, apartment must be painted throughout once tenant has occupied for a period more than (6) six months.'' So I painted. Throughout. Today, at 10.15 and not 11.30 as arranged, Ms Ingham and her associate arrived for the inspection. As a result of that inspection I have been advised to replace 4 new burners on the stove (a decade-old Whirlpool whose burners have been encased in foil for as long as I have known it); replace the shower curtain in the bathroom where a small patch of mold is visible); and PAINT the bedroom walls (again!) There was an added note that I should dust throughout. One can only assume that the last was a final vindictive twist, since I can honestly say (and have witnesses who will attest) that the place is spotless. The end result, of course, is that after paying an exorbitant rent for nine months, and painting the apartment throughout, if I do not also comply with these additional demands, I risk losing my deposit.

Fortunately, I have an honest landlord, and he has assured me that he will refund my deposit, and he himself will meet the Housing clerk's unreasonable demands. Why? In order to remain on the W&E roster which guarantees that the rents will be paid (deducted from the tenant's pay cheque at source) and his apartment will always be occupied.

On reflection it is obvious to me that this whole incident is not about an apartment that does not meet reasonable expectations of cleanliness; it is not about protection of the landlord's rights -- and clearly it is NOT about defending the rights of tenants; something else is at issue here. That issue is power, and the abuse of power for reasons that I leave to the reader to ascribe. In any event, this is something that should concern all Bermudians.

The fair treatment of all persons in Bermuda legally, under the auspices of the Government of Bermuda, is something which we -- and you -- have the right to take for granted.

ELLA GILKS Warwick NLP was `discriminatory' July 27, 1999 Dear Sir, I find it interesting, if discriminatory that the NLP has come to the cause of Dr. Larita Alford but has never once raised its voice in support of Dr. Muriel Wade-Smith who has been fighting her battle for a much longer period of time and suffered many more rejections. Is their concern morality or political? E.N. HODGSON Congrats to `Fab Five' July 27, 1999 Dear Sir, To the Fabulous Five Ms. Ann Cartwright DeCouto Mr. Trevor Moniz Mr. Jim Woolridge Dr. David Dyer Dr. Clarence Terceira Congratulations on your victory in the `Hamburger' Case! You had the persistence and the courage of your convictions to wage a long, lonely campaign against almost overwhelming economic power. If it is true that being right has its own rewards, you must all feel great pride in the satisfactory resolution of this goal, although at more personal sacrifice than we will all ever know.

I personally thank you, praise and applaud you for your advocacy on behalf of all of the people of Bermuda. In a world that continues to march toward total homogenization, you have made a major contribution in preserving for posterity Bermuda's unique, cultural heritage. Three cheers for all of you! MARTHA MYRON Sandys