How quickly they forget. How quickly they change. If I hadn't heard it with my own ears, I wouldn't have believed it. The PLP, who have had a long history of being disrespectful to the Governor, the United Kingdom, and yes, to the Queen decrying the UBP for boycotting the Opening of Parliament. Well, Sir, in my view, recent events have reinforced beliefs that I have held for a long time; that the PLP are nothing but a bunch of self-serving hypocrites.

On another note, I was amused to read Labour M.P. Oona King's comments as reported in The Gazette today. I don't recall hearing of the esteemed lady visiting Bermuda before, yet she is an instant expert. Perhaps, though, she may have been correct when she stated her amazement at how much the political landscape has changed. If she had been here before, she would know that the political landscape has changed for the worse. Bermuda is becoming daily more polarised racially. The PLP, who for years decried the UBP as being nepotistic, arrogant and self-serving, has obviously met the challenge of Government and itself become more nepotistic, arrogant and self-serving than the UBP ever was. Indeed, the political landscape has changed.

It took the Bahamas 25 years to shake off the Pindling regime. God help Bermuda if it takes us that long to rid ourselves of the scourge of the PLP.

Sir, I believe that the PLP have missed a very fundamental point. On November 9, 1998, they were elected to serve as Government. The responsibility of Government is immense. The power of Government is the only thing they seem to know. They haven't clued in to the responsibility yet. Time will hold them accountable for their actions, for their abuse of power, for their betrayal, in the end, of their own supporters. I must obtain a copy of George Orwell's `Animal Farm' because I'm sure that's where I've read all this before.

GRYPHON Due praise October 20, 2000 Dear Sir, At last, the former employees of Club Med Hotel in St. George's have been rightfully compensated, for the lost severance pay they suffered by the pull out of their former employers.

Now, in your papers of October 19, 2000 everyone else was given praise, and took praise for having looked out for the workers, but no one has had the decency to mention the true champion of those workers, and I speak of Mr.

Raymond Russell who single handedly kept this issue squarely in the public domain. Often times at great expense, to himself, for which he will never let anyone know about, and more man hours was put in by him then any union boss has ever done in this case.

So, I wish here to pay a tribute to the real hero and champion of those workers, and say well-done Mr. Russell, without you this could never have come off. And I like the workers who you so diligently served, pay this small tribute to you. Thank you. Your's is the real spirit of Bermuda, people who serve without reward, and for the good of humanity.

LAWRENCE G. SCOTT Sandy's Parish In the pink October 23, 2000 Dear Sir, In response to a letter in today's Royal Gazette , I too feel that the flamingo located at Warwick Pond should have a mate.

It certainly is a joy to look over to see him whenever I drive by. He certainly appears to be thriving at the Pond and certainly has added beauty to the landscape.

Warwick Pond is a large area with ample room for a flamingo family and a few more flamingo friends.

WENDY S. HARVEY Warwick Not arrogant October 23, 2000 Dear Sir, Mr. Bill Zuill in the editorial in October 23rd, 2000 Royal Gazette , has stated that our Premier has to admit that she has been inaccessible and arrogant in order to meet the public's approval.

Mr. Zuill neglects to mention the profound and astute representation our Premier, the Honorable Jennifer Smith, has made on our behalf internationally and locally in our subject matters.

Our Premier has been presented with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which I am sure is not based on her inaccessible and arrogant attitude, but on her ability to profoundly represent the People of Bermuda.

RAYMOND RUSSELL Pembroke How dare she October 31, 2000 Dear Sir, No doubt you have received a flood of letters regarding the speeding ticket that was issued to one of our ministers but please allow me to voice my comments on the matter.

I am one of the "ordinary'' people who have been ticketed for speeding offences in the past. At no time was I ever afforded a warning for those violations and I know of no-one who have been offered such accomadation. As far as the Minister's claim that it is none of my "goddammed'' business that she was speeding I say, everything you do while driving or acting in public is the business of the people of this island and for you to suggest otherwise is a violation of your duty to serve the people of Bermuda.

Does it not occur to the Minister that she was endangering the lives of others travelling at that speed, particularly on Harbour Road? My pregnant wife drives on Harbour Road regularly, with our 15-month-old baby in the car with her. Is the Minister suggesting that it is none of my business that she was on the same road driving in such a dangerous manner? How dare she! BERMUDA4ALL Warwick