Insulting comparison

June 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

I write regarding the comments of Ms Laverne Furbert concerning the march on Parliament on Tuesday, June 16. Specifically, she said: "What I saw here today was a lynching party … and I tell people go and look at history books."

Shame on you, Ms Furbert, for such blatant mis-characterisation of the event and for ignoring history yourself. As you know, "lynching" is an extralegal punishment carried out by a mob to kill a person for a supposed offence.

What you witnessed was a free and legal demonstration of freedom of expression. Your reaction reminds us once more that freedom of expression is a two-sided coin. It's great when people say things you agree with and not so great when they don't.

But that's the way freedom of expression works. Ms Janice Battersbee and her group can state their opinion and you can disagree with it. What you shouldn't do, Ms Furbert, is dishonour and insult the memory of people such as Isaac McGhie, Elmer Jackson and Elias Clayton, who actually died at the hands of a lynch mob.

A. RATTERAY PRYSE

Warwick

Bermuda, wake up!

June 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

To my fellow black Bermudians,

Whilst today's Hott topic for discussion should have focused on disturbing reports that our Premier has again misled the electorate and potentially his own MP's in the House of Assembly on Friday by stating that the Police Commissioner had assessed the four detainees and deemed that they were "absolutely no security risk", only for the Police Commissioner to state on Tuesday that this was not in fact the case and that based on a lack of information the Governor and Minister Burch on Friday had been informed that they were actually "high risk", the media and powers that be have chosen instead to once again attempt to divide Bermuda along racial lines by focusing on the racial makeup of Tuesday's lunchtime demonstration.

Bermuda, wake up!

How long are we going to allow the race card to be played against us and our greater sensibilities? Yesterday's demonstration was in fact organised in part by a black lifelong PLP supporter and attended by black Bermudians, some of whom were PLP supporters. That individuals would have us completely disregard those facts in an attempt to depict the crowd as a "lynch mob" is an insult to the intelligence and yet another indication that the powers that be thrive on us being a racially divided nation in order to distract us from holding them accountable.

That individuals who once demonstrated and fought against their race being used against them as an impediment to progress would now attempt to use our blackness against us to keep themselves in power is an affront to each and every black Bermudian and can no longer be tolerated.

As the descendents of marchers and civil activists, we can ill-afford to sit back whilst individuals run roughshod over our rights, with elected and non-elected officials deliberately witholding information and making decisions without having gone through the proper process – let alone the consultation of us, the people that they have been chosen to represent.

That the makeup of the crowd was not representative of the general population was less indicative of white Bermudians "out for blood" and more indicative of the fact that while our ancestors fought long and hard to give us all the right to vote, the right to have our say, all too often our say is limited to our livingrooms and water cooler conversations, but rarely go any further than that, providing our leaders with our own ammunition – apathy – to be turned around and used against us.

Standing up for ones rights – even if it be shoulder to shoulder with other Bermudians who happen to be white does not make one an Uncle Tom or a sell-out ... the fact that we have even allow this argument to be made and to infect our psyche and limit our own progress is unfortunate.

There are a number of positive initiatives that have taken place under the PLP government. The demonstration yesterday was not a demonstration against the PLP. But let's be clear – one man does not and should not make the Government, let alone one that has shown that he is willing to flout the laws of the land including due process and has failed to act with honesty and integrity, disrespecting the very followers who chose hm to lead.

Wake up Bermuda!

Securing the future of our children depends on us not allowing our black leaders to use our blackness against us. We are a patient people who have given Ewart Brown enough free rein ... it's time to put the power back where it belongs – with the people.

CONCERNED BLACK BERMUDIAN

Pembroke

Premier did right thing

June 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

I do not need to commence my letter by indicating which party I support or confirming my support of our Premier. This fact is well known.

I write to express my dismay and deep disappointment as to how certain elements of our society have responded to our Premier's humanitarian act of agreeing to accept the four Uighur political refugees into our island. I must say that when I first heard the news of this on Thursday morning by way of Royal Gazette's website, I was concerned.

However, once I had an opportunity to hear all the facts and consider the circumstances in which the agreement was made and the likely effect of the agreement, my views dramatically changed.

Lucinda Spurling's excellent movie, "The Lion and the Mouse", sets out the history of the relationship between Bermuda and the 13 American colonies and the United States over the last 400 years.

Clearly the United States is depicted as the lion and Bermuda as the mouse. The film's title and theme are based on the well known Aesop's fable whereby Aesop taught us that even the most lowly is able to assist the most powerful at certain times and that mutual assistance between entities of such disparate strength is important to both sides.

We as an island and a people have been concerned for some time as to the damaging effects that certain threatened tax legislation in the United States may have on our international business and in turn our economy. As we consider this, millions of dollars are being spent on studies to assist our Government in placing Bermuda in the best light possible with the United States, with its authorities and its Government.

In the case at hand, the Premier saw an opportunity to place Bermuda in a favourable light with the United States and its Government. Indeed even in your own newspaper, albeit on the 12th page, of your edition for Wednesday June 17, you have quoted that the President of the United States, President Barack Obama, a man now recognised as the most powerful man in the world as saying "I have to say, by the way, that Bermuda has done us a great service, on that front and I am grateful to them". Quite frankly I am not sure that more needs to be said when the voice of the lion speaks in such terms.

In addition on the fourth page of your paper of the same date the United States Consul General to Bermuda, Gregory W. Slayton is quoted as saying: "The United States will be eternally grateful to Bermuda for its partnership in helping resettle these innocent men."

Nothing could be more important to Bermuda than a favourable relationship with the United States. Some have determined to draw the question of Independence into this issue. As far as I can see no actions were taken by anyone which had that subject in mind. What is clear is that Bermuda is and will continue to be economically dependent upon the United States who continue to put bread on our table.

In matters such as these, agreements are not documented and it could be said that "a wink is as good as a nod".

The Premier however has indicated that in his discussions with the United States which involved Bermuda taking the Uighur Four that certain individuals in authority in the United States had indicated a willingness to once again consider reparations for the base lands and reviewing the United States stop list policy, in addition to giving very careful consideration to any plans for taxing initiatives and their likely effect on Bermuda.

It is now clear from the fallout that has occurred that our Premier in fact has placed the future of our Island and its economy and its people before that of his own political future.

The Premier went to Washington with known political adversaries in Bermuda both within and outside of his party.

These adversaries have now seen fit to take advantage of this situation, in my view, to the potential detriment of Bermuda as a whole.

I would agree that this matter could perhaps in hindsight have been handled better but "he who is without fault" in such matters, "let him cast the first stone".

It is my hope that as time progresses, the people of Bermuda will see that in this case our Premier did the right thing.

WENDELL HOLLIS

Smith's

This is America's problem

June 15, 2009

Dear Sir,

I was dismayed to read about the United States government sending former Guantanamo Bay detainees to Bermuda.

After reading about the Uighurs in The Royal Gazette, New York Times, and Washington Post I feel pretty confident that they were not terrorists. But, that is not the point. They were in Afghanistan, they were turned over to the United States military and detained in Guantanamo Bay. They should be our problem, not Bermuda's. We are responsible for the fact that they were detained, and we should handle their resettlement here. We have more than enough room and resources to find a place for these men.

I don't know why your Premier Brown decided to accept these four men, and this America citizen apologises to Bermudians for the fact that Bermuda will have to house, educate, and support these former United States prisoners.

LINDA CAFFREY

Cranbury, New Jersey

Premier doesn't get it

June 15, 2009

Dear Sir,

Somehow the PLP Government and Party don't seem to get it.

The Bermudian people's disgust has little to do with the four Chinese Muslims and everything to do with the Bermudian people's disgust with Ewart Brown and his selfish ambitions. His recent comment "this too shall pass", once again shows his arrogance and lack of respect for the Governor/UK Government and Bermudians.

I sure hope that if/when the vote of no confidence comes around, the MPs who were elected by the people to do the people's business have the guts to oust Dr. Ewart Brown. They should now be out and about polling their constituents as to whether their constituents want Ewart Brown to remain Premier. This vote needs to be about what the people want, not the MP or PLP Party want.

Unlike most Bermudians, Ewart Brown has a non-Bermudian wife, so when all is said and done, he can make a clean getaway and never look back, while we all self destruct in debt, illiteracy, anarchy and disrepute.

Bermudians deserve better and I hope "this won't pass" until Ewart Brown is ousted.

BLACK BERMUDIAN WHO VOTED PLP

St. George's

Do the maths!

June 12, 2009

Dear Sir,

Possible Scenario: Four Chinese Muslims come to our shores and are granted status. They then decide to get married. Their wives now get status. These four couples decide to have offspring at an average of 2.5 per couple. These offspring now have status, cause "their daddy's got status."

Now we have eight Chinese Muslim adults and approximately ten offspring, all with status. This scenario could roll out within the next ten years. If these ten offspring require public schooling, their 13 years of enrolment would cost the Bermudian tax payers over $1.5 million (this figure does not include inflation), and this is just for the schooling. It's these ramifications, that most likely, have not been thought out. When you look at the big picture, over the course of the next 40 years, this decision could bring approx. 50-75 Chinese Muslims with status to our shores. These people of status will need housing, schooling, and jobs. Now that's what I call looking out for the Bermudians. Hmm ...

NON-BERMUDIAN PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER

City of Hamilton

A cancellation

June 12, 2009

Dear Sir,

We, along with two other couples (six of us), were planning a Bermuda trip and are now cancelling all plans to come with you receiving the Gitmo terrorists. You should have stood up to the USA and refused.

MR. AND MRS. C. MAHER

Pennsylvania

Feeling dumped on

June 12, 2009

Dear Sir,

I left Bermuda to settle in America in 1962. I had to choose between the love for the Island of my birth and the young girl from America with whom I fell in love 47 years ago. My father is buried at St. John's at the top of the hill in the Bermuda War Vets grave. My grandparents are buried in Bermuda. My uncle is buried in Bermuda. I now only have cousins in Bermuda. Contrary to what your Premier and his Government say I am a Bermudian! When I awoke this morning I turned on the TV to watch the news, it was very sad to watch and hear the commentary by the media making fun of Bermuda on the issue of the acceptance of four terrorists on the Island of Bermuda by your Premier Ewart Brown.

One TV station was having a contest asking their listeners to submit slogans for Bermuda dealing with the terrorists. I can assure you all, that the comments made by the news commentators was less than flattering to Bermuda and the slogans submitted were even worse. As I sat there with a gamut of emotions, the worst being utter sadness, the thought struck me that this was the second time in modern times that the United States has dumped on Bermuda. The other time was when the Americans left their Bases on the Island and it was discovered that the bases were an ecological disaster! Decisions made by Governments who were and are subject to protecting the "people" of Bermuda. The Premier of Bermuda and his Government of Bermuda are a Government "by the People" but not "of or for" the People.

MICHAEL E. PITTS

Inverness, Florida

Going elsewhere

June 12, 2009

Dear Sir,

More than 40 years ago my husband and I spent our honeymoon on your idyllic island. Our love for Bermuda has made it our preferred vacation spot ... visiting at least every other year … usually with a group of good friends who jokingly refer to Bermuda as our "summer camp". To us, it has been an oasis of tranquility. Even recent reports of an uptick in crime has not deterred us from our visits.

But, the decision of your government to make Bermuda a halfway house for alleged terrorists is a deal breaker. We have come to Bermuda to escape anxiety … not to spend our time concerned about these people being "imported" into your paradise, being present on the flights over and back with us, or what the "consequences" of your government's decision might be in making Bermuda "a target". My daughter was living in NYC on 9-11. I do not need to come to Bermuda to be reminded of the fear and horror. This year I will organise our six couples to take our "camp" elsewhere. After over 40 years of faithful patronage of your island, your government has made it impossible for us to return. I think there will be others like me who will decide a vacation in a terrorist halfway house island is an unappealing and unacceptable option.

LYNN KASPER

Youngstown. Ohio

A contradiction

June 11, 2009

Dear Sir,

I have many questions regarding this Guantánamo deal. First and foremost, why is the US not cleaning up its own mess? They want to keep these detainees out of the US to "make America safer" and they will pay small islands and willing governments (who want to make a buck) so they can wash their hands of the atrocities that former administrations committed. This whole thing brings back memories of the US Naval Air Base mess, which left us with the world's highest concentration of asbestos per square mile.

I am not comparing these men to a hazardous mineral. I am questioning the balance of the Bermuda-US relationship and the actual "respect" that exists, and I am concerned for the men's safety and well-being. The Obama administration also claims to be worried about the Uighurs' safety if they were to repatriate them to China. Then make them safe. Resettle them. Ensure their safety. How will the Bermuda Government do so? How will they ensure the safety of these men and other Asian men on the island who may be looked at sideways (or worse) by a small-minded minority? Is a small island safer than a larger city where these innocent men could simply blend in and start a new life? What kind of assessment has been done on these individuals besides Colonel Burch's view that they seem "quite fine"? These men have undergone and been surrounded by years of torture at the very least. What level of psychological evaluation has been done regarding post-traumatic stress syndrome? What conditions will be required for them to ease back into society and in particular, the Bermuda society? Counselling? Classes about life in Bermuda? Or will they simply have periodic "check-ins" with Colonel Burch who will then assess if they are still "quite fine"?

Finally, there is the glaring contradiction in this immigration move by the Bermuda Government – from the number of families who were in Bermuda for 20 years and forced to leave to the insidious poor treatment of expatriates. This decision to welcome the Uighur men with open arms has almost given me whiplash. Is there a new "pay to stay" law in effect that I don't know about? I wish the Uighur men the best as they begin their new life and I hope there is a solid plan in place for their resettlement, safety and health.

ERIN MORAN

Seattle, Washington

A slap in the face

June 12, 2009

Dear Sir,

Four men branded enemies of the US, terrorists held for years in Guantánamo Bay are released and shipped to beautiful Bermuda. And their lawyers say they're very happy with the move – you think? Not only are they here enjoying all the perks our little island has to offer, but they are being offered Bermudian status (ah, that status so many dream of and will never obtain …) and the opportunity to work.

How many foreigners who have actually lived and contributed to our island's wealth and society (who have lived here for 18 and 19 years, might I add), have been sent back right before they reach that 20 year anniversary so that there's no chance they can apply for long-term residency status? I do understand we cannot welcome everyone, as our island is only so big, but to open our "doors" to these men is not only a defiant move against the UK Government, but also a slap in the face of all Bermudians. I'm sure jobs will be found fairly easily and quickly for all four men, let's impress the US administration … shame on you, Dr. Brown, to snub your own people (if you think of us that way at all!) and to accommodate the needs of foreigners who know nothing about this Island and have contributed zilch to this Island. Is this the future of Bermuda? Please say it isn't so. Bermuda, take a stand – it's past time!

SHIP THEM BACK

Paget

All about ambition

June 11, 2009

Dear Sir,

I read with surreal astonishment in today's online Royal Gazette about the Premier's decision to provide four released prisoners from Guantánamo Bay with refuge and naturalisation status in Bermuda. The way in which the Premier went about making this decision, without informing the country of his intentions, flies in the face of his past pledge to make Government more transparent. With this unilateral decision, he has once again shown his complete disregard and disrespect for the people of Bermuda who will be affected by this decision.

Not to mention the fact that this was done without consultation with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office which, whether the Premier likes it or not, is still responsible for all foreign policy and security issues. Secondly, and perhaps what I find most disturbing, is that fact that when the media asked Sen. Lt. Col. David Burch what the mental state of the released prisoners was, he responded with words that should make every citizen cringe. He said, "Their mental state appears to be quite fine."

Now, I don't know when Col. Burch acquired his doctorate in psychology or psychiatry, but I do know that any person with a bit of common sense will know that someone who has been deprived of their freedom (unjustly, as the case may be) and potentially tortured or at least witness to torture, or who has lived in fear of imminent abuse and mistreatment for several years will undoubtedly return to society emotionally and psychologically wounded. They will require some form of mental health intervention not only for their own well-being but also for the well-being of those around them. It absolutely appals me that none of these factors were considered in the Premier's decision to take the prisoners and no conditions have been imposed on these men to obtain ongoing psychological treatment for such conditions as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, regardless of whether Sen. Burch has deemed them "quite fine". Was there even any psychological assessment conducted on the men before they arrived in Bermuda?

This decision to allow the released prisoners of Guantánamo to live in Bermuda seems motivated less by humanitarian concerns, and more by the personal and political ambitions of a few. These four men are absolutely entitled to live the rest of their lives with dignity and respect, and if Bermuda is to be their new country of residence then so be it. The issue is not in what the Premier has done, but in how he has gone about doing it. Had he conducted this matter in consultation and cooperation with the local community, he could have avoided the fallout that I feel is to come, or at the very least allowed members of the community to feel that their voices matter. The people of Bermuda are tired of things being done surreptitiously and then finding out about them after the fact.

ISIS

Different issues

June 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

Like most Bermudians of conscience, I have mixed feelings about the Uighurs being here and hopefully once due process has taken place, the multifaceted risks to Bermuda will be deemed to be non-existent. If not, we will have to deal with what Dr. Brown has done. It's nice to know that the US President looks on us favourably, "on that front", but how will that translate to helping Bermuda with our future financial survival knowing the President's position on us "Tax Havens".

The Uighurs and Dr. Brown's actions should be separated. They are now different issues. I suspect that Dr. Brown kept this quiet so he could spring yet another of his photo opportunities and pretend to be a great humanitarian while once again sticking it to the British and seriously threatening our once good relationship with Great Britain. I believe I know for certain who is the only "terrorist" in Bermuda, or perhaps that person believes themselves to be a "freedom fighter", who just happens to not give a hoot about the vast majority of Bermudian's wishes.

Our Premier has repeatedly taken on the role of a dictator, uses and discards both friends and colleagues at a whim and unfortunately being politically neutered may not be enough for our well paid Ministers to risk their very generous pay cheques or for budding Ministers to risk the potential for a serious financial upgrade.

I am not a PLP supporter but they were elected to serve the people of Bermuda as its Government. That is our democracy. If the UBP's no-confidence vote could be interpreted in any way as a threat to the PLP Government, the UBP should change the wording so it is unequivocally aimed at Dr. Brown. Senior PLP supporters have suggested a secret ballot so that PLP Members can vote without being threatened or intimidated by Dr. Brown's current friends and cronies. If it is within the rules, let it be so. All of Bermuda can then see if yellow stripes run up the spines of our elected politicians.

I believe that Dr. Brown has, all on his own, caused this country more damage than anybody previously within Government. All for his own aggrandisement.

It is time to go, Dr. Brown. We again need a leader who will walk with his/her people, talk with them and most importantly, listen to them.

OLD BERMUDIAN

Pembroke

Who has power?

June 12, 2009

Dear Sir,

Premier Dr. Brown said on Friday June 12: "I have no power; what I have is delegated authority and delegated authority can always be taken away by he or she who delegates."

Gee, I always thought he received his authority initially from the electorate! I guess he has forgotten that.

UN-COMMON SENSE

St. George's

Window dressing

June 14, 2009

Dear Sir,

Having listened to the Premier recently on talk radio one thing is apparent; Dr. Brown is convinced in his own mind that the means is always justified by the end result. He shared that he thought it acceptable for him as a leader to make unilateral or arbitrary decisions as long as he believes that it is in the best interest of Bermuda. I merely wish to ask: "Is a dangerous precedent been set by the unilateral decision to bring US detainees here"? Could a future political leader, following Dr. Brown's example, make an important arbitrary decision with wide ranging ramifications which proves not to be in Bermuda's best interest?

The big question that needs to be answered is what checks and balances, on power and authority, are there on the person who occupies the office of premier? Even the President of the United States has checks and balances on his power, not because he isn't a man of honesty or integrity, but because the founding fathers of America recognised that history of mankind teaches that power and ambition must be controlled, as the maxim goes "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely".

How can Dr. Brown arbitrarily make such an important snap decision, ignoring Bermuda's constitution and bypassing the collective wisdom of our elected representative body, including the Cabinet and the deputy Premier? What necessitated that this decision be made in such haste and secrecy? The government from Palau, the other island nation that has, in principle, agreed to take detainees, are still involved in active discussions with the US government according to CNN "the agreement includes some US aid for Palau but those details remained to be worked out as well".

Are we as Bermudians prepared to entrust unlimited decision making powers in the hands of one or two men, one of whom is not even an elected official? Have the House of Assembly and the British Government been merely reduced to window dressing? Have both been supplanted by a return to oligarchy rule?

Dr. Brown's unilateral actions have left this country with some gigantic questions to answer with regard to the rule of law. Whether you like the laws and the constitution or not, are our political officials, and every citizen not bound to uphold the laws and the constitution? Is anyone above the law and constitution? I leave the legality of Dr. Brown's action to constitutional scholars and the British Government, but as I see it, for the good of Bermuda and our future political stability, this whole area of boundaries and limitations on power must be addressed. Does the end justify the means?

WE HAD TO DECEIVE!

Warwick

God be with us

June 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

At the risk of hogging the space to the Editor of The Royal Gazette, I have to say how proud I was to be a Bermudian yesterday and to see my fellow Bermudians rallying to say no to tyranny and a potential Dictatorship.

Janice Battersbee, was articulate and calm, she should be commended for her bravery and courage. and the general organisation and atmosphere, which she continuously encouraged to be respectful and disciplined, which it was. It was well coordinated and proved that Democracy is alive and well in the hearts of the gathering that came to make a point; not against the four unfortunate men who were brought to the island under secrecy, but to expose and put a stop to a man that has been dedicated to disrupt the People by playing the race card, and to come to settle scores, which included among other things destroying and humiliating the Government of the day.

By stealth and dishonesty stealing the Premiership, creating his own fiefdom, regardless who he trampled on and generally disrupting and exciting racial disharmony. He has stuck to his agenda faithfully and probably feels he has achieved what he came to do, so it is possible that he is ready to go and really doesn't care. He has made his, and tomorrow is another day and in his own words and I quote "This too will pass" and so will he. It is not too late for us to heal as the world has watched this man with amazement and wondered how long it would take for Bermudians to say "Enough is Enough" Yesterday was that day. May God be with us to bring this lovely little island, Bermuda, once again into the sunshine.

DIANA WILLIAMS

Pembroke

A motive

June 13, 2009

Dear Sir,

My biggest concern over this decision from Dr. Brown to allow these men here doesn't have anything to do with the men really. His complete disregard for the constitution, and chain of command is what scares me the most. If the Governor allows this decision to stand, then Dr. Brown inches Bermuda one step closer to becoming a Dictatorship. If the people of Bermuda cannot see this after this disaster of a decision then I imagine they never will. Why also haven't we heard how much money Bermuda received for this, the other country received $117 million, what did we get? And my final fear, Col. Burch made a statement the other day. He felt we (Bermudians) didn't need to know about the Chinese Muslims. What else have the good Dr. and Col. done that we as Bermudians didn't need to know? All of Bermuda needs to wake up! Black, white, Portuguese, PLP, UBP, everyone! Perhaps this decision was also made with the thought that Britain would cut us loose, since independence didn't seem to be favoured?

DISGUSTED

Devonshire

Slayton's meddling

June 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

I am quite sure the US Consul Gregory Slayton was involved in the move to bring the Uighurs to Bermuda. He has meddled in our affairs for too long now. It is time he packed his bags and headed back home with the four Uighurs in tow.

ST. GEORGIAN

Put it to the people

June 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

This is an open letter to the Governor, Sir Richard Gozney.

Thank you for taking the time to review my remarks concerning an amicable solution to our Premier's distasteful means of offering refuge to the former detainees of Guantánamo.

May I suggest a solution to this crisis could be putting the decision of whether these individuals can remain in Bermuda to the people via a referendum? Further, should the people of Bermuda opt in favour of this referendum it could be on the condition that the Uighurs be granted permanent residency as opposed to status.

Such acts would adequately reverse our Premier's rather dictatorial actions, gain favour of the people of Bermuda and ultimately resolve the issue of risks associated with the Uighurs being given status and ultimately rights to UK citizenship.

In the interests of promoting this idea to as wide an audience as possible I have opted to post a copy of this letter on my website, as well as having forwarded it on to the local newspapers. Thank you once again for taking the time to review my remarks. Sincerely,

DENIS PITCHER

www.21square.com

We are a democracy!

June 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

I am extremely proud to be a Bermudian but I am disgusted by Dr. Brown and his actions regarding recent events.

As many protesters said, it is not about the fact these men released from Guantánamo Bay are here. It is the way in which Dr. Brown operated by bringing them here. I must say Dr. Brown is nothing more than a fascist dictator. Just like those who came before him, he ignores the people who put him in place to begin with and he remains in power through intimidation, bullying and threats. The people of Bermuda are too scared to speak out against him as they're afraid of being black listed, of having their work permits revoked.

This is not how things are done, and governments are run in a democratic country. That's right Dr. Brown, I'm talking to you: We are a democracy! Stop ignoring the Bermudian people as though we are stupid and you can pull the wool over our eyes. You like to put on airs by thinking you have the power to fire a civil servant – you don't! You think you can use taxpayers' money to fund your own agenda – you can't! You think you can blackout media in a civil, democratic society – you can't! You can't pretend we're not dependent on the UK and disrespect the Crown, the FCO and HE Sir Richard Gozney.

To LaVerne Furbert who yelled at protesters to "read a history book as they were behaving like lynch mobs" I say, you are the one who needs to read a history book as a peaceful protest is nowhere near the same thing as a violent, uncivilised lynch mob. To the PLP supporters, Ministers and everyone who tries to bring race into this discussion I am not surprised. Whenever things don't go your way, you just love to play the "race card" because it takes the focus off the real issue. The Bermudian public is sick to death of the "race card" being played, and believe me, it does not fool anybody from noticing you are ignoring the issue. Just like politicians all over the world – Bermudian politicians do a whole lot of talking without ever really saying anything at all.

And don't even get me started on the fact that these men are being given Bermudian status regardless of the fact that hundreds, if not thousands of people apply for it every year by legal and above board means and they are rejected for the stupidest of reasons. I am proud to be Bermudian but I feel sick that Dr. Brown is in charge of my country and represents the population of Bermuda to the outside world. Anyone would be better.

BRING BACK DEMOCRATIC BERMUDA

Different issues

June 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

Like most Bermudians of conscience, I have mixed feelings about the Uighurs being here and hopefully once due process has taken place, the multifaceted risks to Bermuda will be deemed to be non-existent. If not, we will have to deal with what Dr. Brown has done. It's nice to know that the US President looks on us favourably, "on that front", but how will that translate to helping Bermuda with our future financial survival knowing the President's position on us "Tax Havens".

The Uighurs and Dr. Brown's actions should be separated. They are now different issues. I suspect that Dr. Brown kept this quiet so he could spring yet another of his photo opportunities and pretend to be a great humanitarian while once again sticking it to the British and seriously threatening our once good relationship with Great Britain. I believe I know for certain who is the only "terrorist" in Bermuda, or perhaps that person believes themselves to be a "freedom fighter", who just happens to not give a hoot about the vast majority of Bermudian's wishes.

Our Premier has repeatedly taken on the role of a dictator, uses and discards both friends and colleagues at a whim and unfortunately being politically neutered may not be enough for our well paid Ministers to risk their very generous pay cheques or for budding Ministers to risk the potential for a serious financial upgrade.

I am not a PLP supporter but they were elected to serve the people of Bermuda as its Government. That is our democracy. If the UBP's no-confidence vote could be interpreted in any way as a threat to the PLP Government, the UBP should change the wording so it is unequivocally aimed at Dr. Brown. Senior PLP supporters have suggested a secret ballot so that PLP Members can vote without being threatened or intimidated by Dr. Brown's current friends and cronies. If it is within the rules, let it be so. All of Bermuda can then see if yellow stripes run up the spines of our elected politicians.

I believe that Dr. Brown has, all on his own, caused this country more damage than anybody previously within Government. All for his own aggrandisement.

It is time to go, Dr. Brown. We again need a leader who will walk with his/her people, talk with them and most importantly, listen to them.

OLD BERMUDIAN

Pembroke

Who has power?

June 12, 2009

Dear Sir,

Premier Dr. Brown said on Friday June 12: "I have no power; what I have is delegated authority and delegated authority can always be taken away by he or she who delegates."

Gee, I always thought he received his authority initially from the electorate! I guess he has forgotten that.

UN-COMMON SENSE

St. George's

Window dressing

June 14, 2009

Dear Sir,

Having listened to the Premier recently on talk radio one thing is apparent; Dr. Brown is convinced in his own mind that the means is always justified by the end result. He shared that he thought it acceptable for him as a leader to make unilateral or arbitrary decisions as long as he believes that it is in the best interest of Bermuda. I merely wish to ask: "Is a dangerous precedent been set by the unilateral decision to bring US detainees here"? Could a future political leader, following Dr. Brown's example, make an important arbitrary decision with wide ranging ramifications which proves not to be in Bermuda's best interest?

The big question that needs to be answered is what checks and balances, on power and authority, are there on the person who occupies the office of premier? Even the President of the United States has checks and balances on his power, not because he isn't a man of honesty or integrity, but because the founding fathers of America recognised that history of mankind teaches that power and ambition must be controlled, as the maxim goes "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely".

How can Dr. Brown arbitrarily make such an important snap decision, ignoring Bermuda's constitution and bypassing the collective wisdom of our elected representative body, including the Cabinet and the deputy Premier? What necessitated that this decision be made in such haste and secrecy? The government from Palau, the other island nation that has, in principle, agreed to take detainees, are still involved in active discussions with the US government according to CNN "the agreement includes some US aid for Palau but those details remained to be worked out as well".

Are we as Bermudians prepared to entrust unlimited decision making powers in the hands of one or two men, one of whom is not even an elected official? Have the House of Assembly and the British Government been merely reduced to window dressing? Have both been supplanted by a return to oligarchy rule?

Dr. Brown's unilateral actions have left this country with some gigantic questions to answer with regard to the rule of law. Whether you like the laws and the constitution or not, are our political officials, and every citizen not bound to uphold the laws and the constitution? Is anyone above the law and constitution? I leave the legality of Dr. Brown's action to constitutional scholars and the British Government, but as I see it, for the good of Bermuda and our future political stability, this whole area of boundaries and limitations on power must be addressed. Does the end justify the means?

WE HAD TO DECEIVE!

Warwick

God be with us

June 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

At the risk of hogging the space to the Editor of The Royal Gazette, I have to say how proud I was to be a Bermudian yesterday and to see my fellow Bermudians rallying to say no to tyranny and a potential Dictatorship.

Janice Battersbee, was articulate and calm, she should be commended for her bravery and courage. and the general organisation and atmosphere, which she continuously encouraged to be respectful and disciplined, which it was. It was well coordinated and proved that Democracy is alive and well in the hearts of the gathering that came to make a point; not against the four unfortunate men who were brought to the island under secrecy, but to expose and put a stop to a man that has been dedicated to disrupt the People by playing the race card, and to come to settle scores, which included among other things destroying and humiliating the Government of the day.

By stealth and dishonesty stealing the Premiership, creating his own fiefdom, regardless who he trampled on and generally disrupting and exciting racial disharmony. He has stuck to his agenda faithfully and probably feels he has achieved what he came to do, so it is possible that he is ready to go and really doesn't care. He has made his, and tomorrow is another day and in his own words and I quote "This too will pass" and so will he. It is not too late for us to heal as the world has watched this man with amazement and wondered how long it would take for Bermudians to say "Enough is Enough" Yesterday was that day. May God be with us to bring this lovely little island, Bermuda, once again into the sunshine.

DIANA WILLIAMS

Pembroke

A motive

June 13, 2009

Dear Sir,

My biggest concern over this decision from Dr. Brown to allow these men here doesn't have anything to do with the men really. His complete disregard for the constitution, and chain of command is what scares me the most. If the Governor allows this decision to stand, then Dr. Brown inches Bermuda one step closer to becoming a Dictatorship. If the people of Bermuda cannot see this after this disaster of a decision then I imagine they never will. Why also haven't we heard how much money Bermuda received for this, the other country received $117 million, what did we get? And my final fear, Col. Burch made a statement the other day. He felt we (Bermudians) didn't need to know about the Chinese Muslims. What else have the good Dr. and Col. done that we as Bermudians didn't need to know? All of Bermuda needs to wake up! Black, white, Portuguese, PLP, UBP, everyone! Perhaps this decision was also made with the thought that Britain would cut us loose, since independence didn't seem to be favoured?

DISGUSTED

Devonshire

Slayton's meddling

June 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

I am quite sure the US Consul Gregory Slayton was involved in the move to bring the Uighurs to Bermuda. He has meddled in our affairs for too long now. It is time he packed his bags and headed back home with the four Uighurs in tow.

ST. GEORGIAN

Put it to the people

June 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

This is an open letter to the Governor, Sir Richard Gozney.

Thank you for taking the time to review my remarks concerning an amicable solution to our Premier's distasteful means of offering refuge to the former detainees of Guantánamo.

May I suggest a solution to this crisis could be putting the decision of whether these individuals can remain in Bermuda to the people via a referendum? Further, should the people of Bermuda opt in favour of this referendum it could be on the condition that the Uighurs be granted permanent residency as opposed to status.

Such acts would adequately reverse our Premier's rather dictatorial actions, gain favour of the people of Bermuda and ultimately resolve the issue of risks associated with the Uighurs being given status and ultimately rights to UK citizenship.

In the interests of promoting this idea to as wide an audience as possible I have opted to post a copy of this letter on my website, as well as having forwarded it on to the local newspapers. Thank you once again for taking the time to review my remarks. Sincerely,

DENIS PITCHER

www.21square.com

We are a democracy!

June 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

I am extremely proud to be a Bermudian but I am disgusted by Dr. Brown and his actions regarding recent events.

As many protesters said, it is not about the fact these men released from Guantánamo Bay are here. It is the way in which Dr. Brown operated by bringing them here. I must say Dr. Brown is nothing more than a fascist dictator. Just like those who came before him, he ignores the people who put him in place to begin with and he remains in power through intimidation, bullying and threats. The people of Bermuda are too scared to speak out against him as they're afraid of being black listed, of having their work permits revoked.

This is not how things are done, and governments are run in a democratic country. That's right Dr. Brown, I'm talking to you: We are a democracy! Stop ignoring the Bermudian people as though we are stupid and you can pull the wool over our eyes. You like to put on airs by thinking you have the power to fire a civil servant – you don't! You think you can use taxpayers' money to fund your own agenda – you can't! You think you can blackout media in a civil, democratic society – you can't! You can't pretend we're not dependent on the UK and disrespect the Crown, the FCO and HE Sir Richard Gozney.

To LaVerne Furbert who yelled at protesters to "read a history book as they were behaving like lynch mobs" I say, you are the one who needs to read a history book as a peaceful protest is nowhere near the same thing as a violent, uncivilised lynch mob. To the PLP supporters, Ministers and everyone who tries to bring race into this discussion I am not surprised. Whenever things don't go your way, you just love to play the "race card" because it takes the focus off the real issue. The Bermudian public is sick to death of the "race card" being played, and believe me, it does not fool anybody from noticing you are ignoring the issue. Just like politicians all over the world – Bermudian politicians do a whole lot of talking without ever really saying anything at all.

And don't even get me started on the fact that these men are being given Bermudian status regardless of the fact that hundreds, if not thousands of people apply for it every year by legal and above board means and they are rejected for the stupidest of reasons. I am proud to be Bermudian but I feel sick that Dr. Brown is in charge of my country and represents the population of Bermuda to the outside world. Anyone would be better.

BRING BACK DEMOCRATIC BERMUDA

Somerset