Dear Sir, Please allow me this opportunity to give praise where is due. Quite often when it comes to things happening in the hospital, people often publicise the negative things so it is only right for me to make public mention of a very positive thing.

Last year May I went to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for outpatient surgery. As I have very shallow veins I always have a problem with needles. I therefore had problems with my veins collapsing while the anaesthetic was being administered. I was very scared as it was becoming a problem throughout the surgery. The anaesthetist, Ms Cindy Morris, was an angel in disguise. She stood by my side and kept me calm as I wept and cringed in pain. I was very impressed by the fact that she stayed close by and comforted me so.

So to you, Ms Morris, I am grateful. You deserved to be recognised for this.

My only regret is waiting almost a year before I publicly thanked you. Please forgive me. A job well done.

CRYSTAL BAILEY Pembroke Cut Regiment funds March 12, 1999 Dear Sir, Regarding the high sum in the Budget for defence I say that while it has been legislated, it should not have been appropriated pending the findings of the committee examining the operation of the Bermuda Regiment.

I am opposed to having any Regiment at all if there are going to be charges of racism laid against it. I remember writing about that just last year when it was in the news that some black members expressed dismay at promotions of certain officers. There were no revelations of such stink during the commands of Cols. Raynor, Burch and Tucker.

On another subject: The late great Mr. Alma (Champ) Hunt always had a favourable reaction to my letters to your column. So did the late Mrs. Dorothy Simmons, former teacher.

On another subject: I protest against the blaring headlines of attacks by the criminals in our midst while the good performed by our youth is reported on the bottom of the page.

ROSS TUZO Warwick Brown misses the mark April 1, 1999 Dear Sir, Would someone please inform Ewart Brown that in England a large number of surgeons, doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers and related personnel, are in fact black. No-one really cares as long as they are all qualified for the work that they do. I have never heard such drivel emanating from the mouth of someone who is supposed to be in charge of a Country. If this is the new Bermuda, I don't think I like it.

CITY OF HAMILTON Why Butler charges fees March 31, 1999 Dear Sir, I was absolutely surprised by the contents of your article in today's paper entitled, "Butler under fire for demanding payment''. Having been subjected to similar question marks in the past, I guess I should be immune and leave the article alone but I feel that history necessitates a response, to clarify for the public, the exact nature of such continuous attacks on me, given the fact that foreign experts walk in here all the time and are paid for many of the things I do free! To begin with, the person or persons who sent the report to your paper can only be described as being mischievous and your paper took the bait. They are allowed to hide and still smile in my face but I always find out who they are.

In January, I was contacted by the Deputy Principle of Clearwater Middle School, and asked to participate in their book fair. I informed him that I had been going to a number of these events, only to spend four or five hours away from my family, research projects, of which I have many, and my own relaxation, only to find a handful of people in the building because they had failed to advertise the event properly or people chose not to come. I indicated that my new policy was to charge a fee for three main reasons: 1. To acquire funds to help with my numerous research projects. (It might interest the public to know that I do numerous oral and video interviews and these have costs. I also write and have to pay editors and proof-readers, typists, etc., all of whom have costs which have to be met.) 2. Schools, although not rich, can afford to assist with such a small payment.

The request for payment should motivate them to get their parents out. And they should realise that it is payment towards the publication of even more materials for our students. They had a choice: Pay $100 or purchase $100 worth of books for their library. It is as simple as that.

3. I had to take this stand because on a regular basis I send schools information to order books and the response from all but three Government schools is absolutely poor. Over a very long period of time they have purchased very little, then turn around and set homework assignments which lead to my door because parents and children call me even up to 11.30 at night when they could have had the books in their schools or home library.

In late January, I was again contacted by the deputy principal of the school and told that the school had broadened its perspective and wanted to have a Black History Open House Night and I was asked what I could do. I indicated that I offered a variety of events and I had a fee schedule. I was asked to send the schedule, which I did.

About a week before the event was due to be held, I was told by the deputy that they did not expect much of a crowd and so my services would not be needed. The school never once mentioned that they could not meet my demands! I confirmed this with both the principal and the deputy after your reporter called me.

My whole involvement with the school was about a book fair, and later, any of the cultural activities that I offer. The school cancelled both, on the grounds that they expected a poor attendance! That's what they told me! Again, contrary to your report, the school did not cancel because of my fee schedule, they cancelled because they did not expect to get, and in fact did not receive, a large attendance. At no time did they object to my fees. The school had been informed that the only way I could pay for my research projects, which they benefited from, once books were published, was to charge a fee.

To ask me to attend without a fee, given all of the numerous unpaid things I do in the community, is absolute nonsense and Tim Smith in particular should be aware of this. His comments, therefore are totally out of order and without foundation. In fact the support from him as a former Minister of Education and the support of previous Ministers of Education was absolutely awful, so bad that they should bury their heads in shame.

I also find it incredulous that The Royal Gazette would write a report which started out as follows: "We have a report stating that you were going to charge to be a judge at their poetry night.'' This was the first and only thing I was told. But when Mr. Finighan was informed that I was never asked to be a judge at a poetry contest, he dropped the issue. Now I read that I was being asked to come to a charity event. Not so. I was told that the school wanted to make an impression with its new students. I indicated that I was very, very busy but would come if they could compensate me for lost time on other projects. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that and I think most people, knowing how many speeches I give all over the Island, would agree.

So, let me state here that as a professional with very little financial support for most of the history projects I do, I will: 1. Continue to charge a fee for attending Book Fairs, the funds of which will help with my research and writing expenses because I do not have charity status and do not benefit financially from the final products. (Indeed people know that I have had to take loans and use my Mastercard to do 98 percent of my projects.) 2. I do charge a fee if schools would like me to conduct a workshop.

3. I do charge a fee if any organisation would like me to make full cultural presentations that will involve two or more hours of my time. The funds again are used for research projects.

4. I do not charge Bermuda College Students, Seniors or church organisations and I reserve the right to be flexible with schools.

In closing, let me state the following: 1. I believe the school owes me an apology because at no time was I asked to judge a poetry competition and they never informed me that they cancelled my services because my fees were too high. They cancelled in their own words because: "The attendance was not going to be high.'' 2. Many, many people charge for their services in Bermuda and they gain personally, yet I am chastised because I choose to be creative and fund my research in this way. Yet numerous foreign experts can come here and charge without batting an eye.

3. I am always so amazed at the thousands of dollars some schools raise and then turn around and cry poverty when it comes to paying a small amount which goes into research. I am amazed when they fail to order even one book and then set projects and tell me that their teachers are going to copy my copyrighted material.

Need I say more, other than it is now in the open, if you want me to continue to publish, find me a sponsor, give me a grant or I will have no other choice but to charge for my services.

DALE BUTLER, J.P., M.P.

Warwick Use your imagination March 29, 1999 Dear Sir, The UBP are in Opposition because of their lack of imagination and social conscience. I have always argued that the UBP suffered from anaemia of the imagination and this deficiency is largely responsible for our bad road manner and the crime and violence which is deranging our society.

After all, imagination is a power that could be used to transcend self and to nourish a national social conscience which could have rescued us from cynicism and despair which the UBP has left us with. Out of this situation may come a universal ethical mandate for the exercise of a social conscience with the PLP in power. Our imagination operates through our senses, it is the most democratic of our human faculties. It is the foundation of ethical behaviour in our society. If we cannot imagine the full consequences of our actions for other people as well as for ourselves, we are not likely to act ethically, as any society in which the moral imagination is not fed is in trouble.

Crime, violence and corruption in Bermuda today are the result of an undernourished national moral imagination under which the UBP governed us.

After all, without imagination the mind contracts and hardens by wants of stimulants and men become selfish, sensual, cross and hard hearted which is what happened under the UBP, our former oppressors.

I believe that the PLP understands how important imagination is in the development of a social conscience and will take practical steps to nourish it. Politicians who hold themselves out to be leaders have a special responsibility to foster imaginative responses to the needs of our community.

RAYMOND RUSSELL Pembroke Who said what on tower April 3, 1999 Dear Sir, Your newspaper recently printed an article, which broadcast the view of a Mr.

Adam Gauntlett. Apart from the inaccuracies and misleading statements made by Mr. Gauntlett, your newspaper incorrectly reported that CARE had quoted a Dr.

Leiss. In fact the joint "Vienna EMF -- Resolution'', to which Dr. Leiss was a signatory, was quoted. An associate of mine has since been in touch with Dr.

Leiss who says he "continues to support that document''.

With reference to the use of his name in your article, Dr. Leiss comments: "I heart that perhaps my views have been misrepresented. I certainly agree, as would every reputable scientist, that there are huge uncertainties around the biological effects of exposure to radio-frequency fields. I also firmly believe that those who wish to place towers in close proximity to residences ought to be obliged to negotiate seriously with local communities, so that the least possible impact is achieved.'' CONCERNED Warwick Proud to own a jet ski April 5, 1999 Dear Sir, I am the proud owner of a Yamaha Waverunner and must respond to the letter written by "Waterside'' who has a definite prejudice against personal watercraft.

The writer falls into the trap of trying to classify PWC as something other than a boat. In Bermuda PWC are classified as Class A boats (and I have a Marine & Ports registration sticker to prove it), entitled to the same rights and privileges as all other Class A boats, period. In addition, Personal Watercraft manufacturers are spending millions of research & development dollars in building quieter, more environmentally friendly PWC. These boats are now being marketed with great success.

Personal watercraft are now owned by a wide cross section of the local boating community simply because they are an affordable option for those who cannot sink untold thousands into a full size boat. Plus they are fun! And yes, just like other boats, Personal Watercraft can be raced. This season the Bermuda Powerboat Association has a "jet-ski'' class that is guaranteed to provide thrilling, safe, racing at Ferry Reach and I invite all to come out to see what this exciting new sport is all about.

In conclusion, I represent no "Dealer Associations''. I am simply, someone who enjoys the recreational pleasure riding Personal Watercraft gives me and I invite "Waterside'' to show some tolerance. Finally, unlike "Waterside'' I am not afraid to sign my name! SYLVAN D. RICHARDS JR.

Paget Rain doesn't stop walkers March 30, 1999 Dear Sir, The weather failed to cooperate, but spirits were high for the Bermuda National Trust's annual Palm Sunday Walk. Despite the downpour, about 150 slightly soggy walkers explored and enjoyed the sights and sounds of St.

David's Island.

"I never knew there was so much to see here,'' was a comment we heard more than a few times as we splashed along the six-mile route. Walkers visited the historic St. David's Lighthouse, trekked along the stunning coastline of Great Head and Little Head Parks and passed through areas where natural vegetation has survived intact and undisturbed. The rain-soaked route also took people through the NASA property and the reclaimed US military base, now Southside.

On behalf of the National Trust, I would like to extend sincere thanks to our refreshment sponsors, Barritts; the NASA and the Bermuda Land Development Company for making their properties available to us; to the community of St.

David's; and to Dr. David Wingate and the many volunteers who assisted us in planning and managing the walk.

Thanks, too, to the walkers who brought both a sense of adventure and a sense of humour -- and joined us in promoting awareness of the many historic, cultural, and environmental treasures there are in Bermuda. These are the sort of treasures the Trust, with its members, is working to preserve for everyone.

AMANDA OUTERBRIDGE Director, Bermuda National Trust