Paula Cox and the PLP's plan to open a "snitch-line'' (see "Hotline may be abused, MPs warn,'' by Neil Roberts; RG, May 10, 1999.) must not be allowed to become the law of the land. It has all the earmarks of a policy that Police states of the past have employed to control freedom of expression and movement by their population: "Those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it.'' The PLP's efforts to undermine the democratic foundations of this Country are blatant and unambiguous. The hot line would set a dangerous precedent for even more abuse of our expat community: A community that contributes to the well- being of the greater Bermuda through hard work, as well as through marriage to Bermudians.

UNDER THE BUTTOMWOOD St. George's A great disservice done May 15, 1999 Dear Sir, To misquote William Shakespeare: "Methinks the man doth protest too much!'' For months now Mr. Bill Shoaf, the General Manager of the Elbow Beach, has been denying the charges against him regarding the racist comments attributed to him.

In your paper today, we discover that the HRC have found "overwhelming and credible'' evidence against Mr. Shoaf. The fact that he did not say the comments in a public place as defined by the HRC does not mean that he did not say them. If I read your coverage correctly, he said them, he made those offensive remarks, but cannot be prosecuted by the HRC.

According to your coverage, the HRC's recommendation is that the owners and managers of the hotel should look to their own internal guidelines regarding racist and offensive behaviour to discipline Mr. Shoaf.

I hope that they do in fact do this, as Mr. Shoaf has done a great disservice to his employees, his employers and to the people of Bermuda. A bigger man would admit when he is wrong and has wronged. Perhaps we are asking too much of Mr. Shoaf? WAYNE SMITH Southampton Unhappy with service The following letter was sent to the managing director, Stonington Beach Hotel and copied to The Royal Gazette .

May 3, 1999 Dear Sir, I regret to say that the intended improvements to the hotel & restaurant over the last few years have been to little avail. A visit to the restaurant on Sunday, May 2 revealed many deficiencies, the majority of which were not to be seen some years back, during the less exalted days of the College.

Firstly, the campus is very poorly sign posted. One can easily waste ten or 15 minutes searching for the place to park one's car in the proximity of the restaurant. This would seem to be an improvement which could be made with very little effort or expenditure.

Secondly, the musician in the restaurant needs to be informed that he is performing in a restaurant, not a nightclub. The volume was way above what could be regarded as an accompaniment for conversation. Several attempts to reduce the decibels were of little effect. Musicians are sometimes over-enthusiastic about the appeal of their product.

The service, as with many, if not most, Bermudian restaurants was offhand.

When two glasses of wine which were not ordered by our table, appeared and the waiter who furnished them was informed, the reply was an abrupt "they're on the bar check!'' -- which is hardly an informative remark.

Finally, we were charged for 14 brunches instead of the 12 which were present at our table. Again the adjustment was made with little in the way of apology.

Also, the basic charge of $35 seemed to all of us to be rather high in comparison to other similarly appointed and staffed restaurants. $26 to $28 would have been regarded as nearer the mark. I suppose it is Government. After all, and they are renowned for overcharging for just about all services.

ALAN BAINBRIDGE Pembroke Billy Paul's homecoming May 2, 1999 Dear Sir, I would like to thank Mustapha Rasheed for giving me the opportunity to again perform in Bermuda. My recent visit was for me, my wife, management and band a "homecoming'', and it was a wonderful experience to see my old friends.

Again, my sincere appreciation and thanks for the excellent and memorable hospitality shown to us. Thank you Bermuda.

BILLY PAUL Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Join the marine industry May 13, 1999 Dear Sir, I fully agree with the opinion contained in Maryellen Goodwin's article in The Royal Gazette , May 12. The article, "Island's Marine Industry Looking For A Few Good Men (And Women)'', voiced concerns that Bermuda, as a maritime nation, has so far failed dismally to attract young people into the shipping industry.

Our company, Atlantic Marine Limited Partnership, a shipowning and ship management enterprise in Bermuda, wholeheartedly supports the idea of training and growing a pool of maritime expertise. During Atlantic Marine's 20 years here in Bermuda we have "home-grown'' our expert staff whenever possible.

Today 25 of our team of 30 are Bermudians. This company has not waited for an answer to the question of whether anyone will support a well-organised training programme for people joining the maritime industry.

In April, 1999 we instituted a trainee programme ourselves for young Bermuda College graduates. We now have two trainees working on an agreed rotation schedule in all departments of our operation. Over time, and with dedication from both the company and the trainees, their talents will be used and their potential nurtured, enabling them to assume positions that many Bermudians think foreign workers always fill.

In other maritime centres such as Hong Kong, London, Cyprus and Singapore the question of training is not an issue. It is considered natural to train and increase the skill base, with the knowledge that all members of the maritime industry can and will benefit. There is no reason why this should not also be possible in Bermuda. We support action. Young people must be encouraged to enter the marine industry now, to ensure that Bermuda's need for trained and expert marine industry personnel can be filled in the future.

JENS ALERS Atlantic Marine LP Hats off to flower buffs May 12, 1999 Dear Sir, May I, through your newspaper, commend the people responsible for the beautification of some roadside properties in congested areas of Bermuda.

White's Grocery on Middle Road, Warwick have planted a lovely and diverse array of flowers in front of, and across the street from, their store. The choice of flowers creates a lovely picture of spring and abundance quite appropriate for a supermarket. It is inspiring to see the unusual yellow and red Calla Lilies planted among Amaryllas, Gladiolas, multi-coloured Impatiens, and white Allysum.

Just up the street at the entrance to Riddell's Bay Road someone has very thoughtfully planted and rejuvenated a previously overgrown and neglected road-side planter. The Collector's Hill Apothecary has enhanced this busy area with eye-catching plantings in front of their building.

It is encouraging to see these individual efforts to improve the outdoor environment which serve to uplift the human spirit while travelling by often soul-destroying, congested, and littered, segments of Bermuda.

Hats off, as well, to Works and Engineering who have hired the delightful rhymer Mr. Hassell who performs the most important function of keeping the sidewalks clean in the Riddell's Bay, Middle Road area.

FRANCES EDDY Warwick Headline was misleading May 11, 1999 Dear Sir, "Jamaican officials began visiting tour operator and travel agents in the United States yesterday, in an attempt to repair the islands vacation paradise image, which was damaged by riots last month.'' This is the first paragraph, Mr. Editor, of an article which appeared on page 10, in The Royal Gazette on May 11, 1999. Ironically Mr. Editor, on the same day, The Royal Gazette also carried this misleading front page headline, "Strip show sparks riot on Court St.'' I'm bringing this to your attention, because you need to be conscious, Mr.

Editor, of the potential damage that could be caused, by a single misleading headline! DR. CLARK GODWIN City of Hamilton