Dear Sir, Sacred, HOLY objects. Pink cottages are sacred, HOLY objects, Mr. Editor, not ONLY objects ("Protect local artists!'' April 12). Please. These are matters of great sensitivity. Letters to the Editor are protected.

Were we not such an all-inclusive, well-rounded sexy party, we might take umbrage at the Gazette's hopeless proofreading and bad spelling, and conclude that you were out to subvert our message and sabotage the earnest efforts of the one and only true party of the people.

DAN DEMPSTER Chairman Skink and Lobster Party (SLP) Forum was a success April 12, 2001 Dear Sir, Please allow the Student Services Team of the Whitney Institute Middle School to publicly acknowledge the assistance we received from members of our community with our "Calling All Males'' evening.

On April 11, 2001, Mr. Dale Butler, JP, MP facilitated an evening panel discussion for the male students and their fathers/guardians/mothers of the Whitney Institute Middle School. The purpose of the evening was to guide our male students toward a successful future by motivating them and exposing them to successful males in our "dying'' trade professions as well as exposing them to successful entrepreneurs.

Mr. Butler continues to support efforts to direct our young males towards a positive future. He was an excellent facilitator. We would also like to sty thank you to the members of our panel who volunteered their evening time: Mr. Craig Simmons -- Venturilla Project Mr. Alpheus Black -- Business Entrepreneur Mr. Mark Bean -- Transportation/business Entrepreneur Mr. Eugene Dean -- Computer/business entrepreneur Mr. Gavin Black -- Automotive Mechanic Mr. Joseph Smith -- Contractor Mr. James Landy -- Contractor Mr. Michael Stowe -- National Training Board Mr. Ola Gabisi and Mr. David Kerr -- Bermuda College The feedback of the parents in attendance was extremely positive. They were very impressed with the panelists. Many parents asked whether we would have this event on a monthly basis.

On behalf of the Whitney Institute Middle School Student Service Team, we would like to again thank Mr. Butler for agreeing to facilitate this extremely important event. We would also like to thank our M3 Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Nadine Browne Evans Pusha for her efforts in assisting with the organisation and planning of the "Calling All Males'' evening; as well as Mrs. Albertha Waite of the Market Place Ltd. who donated cookies.

MRS. DONNAMAE GOMES Educational Therapist Assistant MRS. LEEANN SIMMONS School Counsellor MR. WARREN SIMMONS Educational Therapist MRS. LISA TROTT School Counsellor Whitney Institute Editors are single voices April 12, 2001 Dear Sir, Listening to the VSB news this morning, Chris Lodge reported that as of this morning, all three local newspapers have condemned the outcome of the FCO talks. I found this statement quite humorous as it implied that the three newspapers represent some kind of rational, independent and objective organisation or institution. Even more humorous is the notion that the viewpoints expressed are representative of the entire newspaper staff, when in fact they are the singular opinions of three people: William Zuill, Tim Hodgson and Tony McWilliam.

Perhaps the greatest tragedy in all of this mess, is that not one of the three newspapers can stand tall and say that they worked to change the long-standing electoral inequalities with the same passion that they have vehemently opposed the changes now being discussed. This abundant evidence of hypocrisy is at the root of your lack of credibility on the issues. We need look no further than the Mid-Ocean News' placement of an opinion piece as the lead story in Friday's edition. With headlines like "FCO to Bermuda: Drop Dead'', is it any surprise that the UBP's faithful followers levelled hysterical claims of ethnic cleansing during the meeting at Government House last week? Is it then any surprise that not one newspaper has challenged the UBP on its role in such extreme displays of white fear? Further, while the Opposition has raised proportional representation as a solution to all of the "new evils'' of our current system, not one newspaper report has explored the problems of the system. Not one word has been written about the absurdity of proportional representation in a two-party system; it's leanings towards stagnant and impotent Government; its tendency to further polarise communities; and the removal of the absolute right of a constituency to vote in a representative of their choice. Instead, we find all three newspapers advocating a move to proportional representation.

The heart of the matter is simply this: Should any newspaper wish to do some good for this island, the Editor should first realise that his opinion is but one of many. Secondly, he should have the highest ambition to do a thorough job of reporting on the real issues, rather than abusing his power to present his own biased political point of view. Without these two things occurring, the newspapers' opinions will be regarded as little more than the gospel of right-wing extremists within the UBP.

MR PRESIDENT Sandys Parish Promote positive images April 13, 2001 Dear Sir, Could you please explain the logic behind the photos that appear on page 67 of your paper: "Because today only happens once.'' I am sure your many readers would much rather see a more positive image projected, than that of my friend Mr. Powell displaying his frustration towards a company that offers over priced substandard service.

Sir, we need to be mindful of the message we send out to our young people. Mr.

Powell's picture tells them. "Hey! if you can't get it how and when you want it. Then take it.'' Remember. Today only happens once. So let us endeavour to teach our young people to be positively aggressive, bearing in mind that, adults create and children immitate.

JOSHUA RICHARDSON Pembroke Check your bills carefully April 11, 2001 Dear Sir, How many of you, as consumers, actually read over your bills? For those of you that just look at the bottom line and then pay it, I suggest you read it in detail. For example my bills from a local telephone company seems to always have these miscellaneous charges attached to the regular high fees that they charge. I call these charges mystery charges because when I call the company's customer service to inquire about them, even they don't know where these charges come from and they're not listed in the phone book either. The usual response is that I should just pay the bill. Have you ever heard anything so absurd? As a bill-paying customer I have every right to question a bill.

Over the years I have come across many bills with questionable charges on them. I would then take the time out to visit or call the company in question to go over the bill. Many times I've had to be refunded because of their mistakes. Had I not visited or called, I would've given that company money that did not belong to them. I understand that they may not have the staff or the time to check every bill to make sure that it is correct before it is sent out, but they should welcome questions pertaining to the bill so they won't make the mistake again.

Although my current issue is with a local phone company, I've had to bring to attention discrepancies in my bills to my bank, my doctor, cell phone company, internet service provider, restaurants, HM Customs, garages that have serviced my car, grocery stores, overseas hotels, car rentals, clothing stores, shall I go on! These may be innocent mistakes but they are costly to the consumer.

Therefore I ask you to please check your bills and don't take for granted that what you see on the line stating 'Amount Due' is always correct. Avoid having bills automatically deducted from checking and savings accounts and never be afraid to call a company or business to question a bill.

HUMAN ATM Smith's Parish