Traffic light questions

This letter was sent to the Ministry of Works and Engineering and copied to The Royal Gazette:

October 14, 2009

Dear Sir,

The residents of South Road in Southampton have had to endure traffic lights outside The Reefs Hotel for some time. Many have called me to query when they will be removed. I had received one 'date' which passed a month ago. Now there is another set, on Middle Road, where it passes Five Star Island in Southampton.

Both these sets of lights cause severe delays, especially during the morning and evening 'rush' hours. I would like to pose two questions, and offer a suggestion, as below:

Question 1: When will the lights adjacent to the Reefs, on South Road in Southampton, be removed?

Question 2: How long will the lights, on Middle Road in Southampton, where it passes Five Star Island, be in place?

Suggestion: Have these lights, especially those just erected on Middle Road, Southampton, removed during "rush hour" periods – such as between 0630 and 0830, and between 1700 and 1830.

Feel free to contact me, if needed, as below:

E-mail batson@ibl.bm

Tel: 505-4754 Cell 238-5000 or 234-1408 Home 292-4755 Work.

Respectfully submitted. Yours in Service,

CHARLIE SWAN JP MP

No more pseudonyms

October 11, 2009

Dear Sir,

In your October 10 edition, there were two letters that seemingly arrived at the same destination by vastly different routes – the need for a Godly standard. While both may be open to challenge, apparently their authors are up for it as they both signed their name (at least this appeared to be the case). I now wait for what I'm sure will be an ensuing debate. Sir, and you know where I'm going with this, to keep the level of debate potentially high and relatively free or rancor, I encourage you once again to do away with the policy of allowing pseudonyms.

CORDELL W. RILEY

Pembroke

The shame of this neglect

July 22, 2008

Dear Sir,

One can only view Mr. Robinson's hanging suicide with great sadness and shame. He was someone's son, a little boy growing up with probably psychiatric problems from the start, and because probably again, the neglect and responsibility we as a community must feel toward the less fortunate, he paid the ultimate price.

The shame must belong to all of us, that this neglect and callous outlook on our part exists in our midst. A man so despondent and so neglected that he masterminded his own treatment, the only treatment that was left to him — death.

Where were we, that we went to bed every night in a comfortable and hopefully happy home without a conscience, leaving this poor man in a cell, night after night to his nightmarish existence, year after year, locked away and forgotten.

I try and comfort myself with the thought that perhaps Mr. Robinson had to die to wake us up, perhaps he paid the price for US to wake us up, and dear God hopefully we will. He should have been sent to a facility abroad which would have given him the treatment he needed. However much it cost, it would have been a drop in the bucket in comparison with the expenses that Government expends on a regular basis on travelling abroad.

The shame of this neglect must not be forgotten and from now on we must make sure it can never happen again, that must be our promise to your memory, Mr. Lorenzo Robinson.

DIANA WILLIAMS

Kudos to W&E

October 10, 2009

Dear Sir,

I would like to express sincere gratitude to Minister Derrick Burgess and Team for the commendable job done in enhancing the Bailey's Bay Cricket Field and surrounding area. "Only through the efforts of the present can we support both the memories of the past and the plans and dreams of the future."

MARSHALLE OUTERBRIDGE-AUGUSTUS

City of Hamilton

Passport clarification

October 14, 2009

Dear Sir

In reference to a letter to the Editor from "Northern Soul" published on October 13, the following may help clarify concerns over the new British Citizen passport procedures. From November 1, 2009, persons wishing to apply for a full validity British Citizen passport should do so by sending their applications by courier or registered post to the UK Passport Service Centre in Washington DC rather than via the Bermuda Department of Immigration as has been previously the case. More information, guidance and copies of application forms can be obtained from www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk

This change has been driven by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), not the Government of Bermuda, and is part of the FCO's Passport Rationalisation Project set up in May 2008. Its aim is to deliver a more streamlined and efficient British passport operation. Such changes are happening world wide – not only in Bermuda. The efficiencies in centralising the British Citizen passport issuing system are significant.The new arrangements will work to the benefit of Bermudians.

DAVID ARKLEY

Deputy Governor

Taxing questions

October 12, 2009

Dear Sir,

A few questions that require truthful answers about the four Chinese Uighurs brought illegally to Bermuda with the assistance of the US Government (who supplied the airplane) that arrived at midnight on 10 June. According to a story in the Mid-Ocean News, October 9 2009, the axe is set to fall on the White House lawyer who engineered the deal and accompanied them here. Who is paying their rent?

Understand they are living in a very nice house. Who is paying the interpreter, since they could not speak English when they arrived? Who is doing the shopping and paying the bills? How are they getting around since they cannot read English and pass the drivers test? Is the answer us taxpayers?

P.S. TATEM

Pembroke

Thank you KEMH

October 12, 2009

Dear Sir,

We often hear negative stories about our hospital, KEMH. Having recently had surgery and spent eight days there I would like to state my opinion for what it's worth. My experience began with the friendly and efficient ladies in the Blood Bank and the Lab, the technicians in radiology and the pre-admission staff. Next came OR – a very successful operation, then marvellous treatment in ICU — up to Perry Ward where those nurses are run off their feet, but ever so caring and finally the staff in Physiotherapy. Last by no means least my wonderful doctors.

Admittedly there were a couple of minor bumps along the way but otherwise it all went like a well-oiled machine. We know only too well that the infrastructure needs much attention nevertheless we are very fortunate to have such a well run facility. It isn't possible to name all those who were so kind to me so my most sincere thanks to you all.

GRETA MARSHALL

Warwick