Take crime off Page 1

May 19, 2010

Dear Sir,

Frankly, this is one letter I really don't care whether you publish or not. But I do think you, as the Editor of the one daily newspaper in Bermuda, should start listening to some of your correspondents and I suspect that many of your readers feel the same way that they, and I, do. I speak of your front page in recent weeks. In the past few weeks alone we have had foul gestures, massive tabloid-like headlines about shootings, murders and other crimes against humanity and a picture of a man who had just been acquitted by a jury telling all of us to STOP SNITCHING by wearing a T Shirt with that logo — all of which you so helpfully advertised on the front page of The Royal Gazette. Why do you have to advertise all this on Page 1?

In my opinion, you have a number of reasons for existing and two of the main ones are: 1) the public's right to know and 2) to sell newspapers. I venture to guess that most Bermudians who buy your paper read Page 10 as well as Page 1 so their "right to know" should be satisfied. And you are not going to sell that many more newspapers, if any at all, by grandstanding bad news on Page 1. There are no other daily newspaper choices and there are only so many people out there who will buy the paper. On top of that, and I have mentioned this to you personally, I believe that you have a bigger responsibility to the community simply because The Royal Gazette is the only daily newspaper in Bermuda.

Bermuda is (or was) a major tourist destination. We are (or were) a terrific place to live and bring up our children. The vast majority of tourists and locals do not need to be pummelled every morning by news that, for the most part, they cannot do a damn thing about. Fine... tell us about what's happening with these idiots and tell us on Page 10. It is pointless and of no benefit to you or anyone else, to show Bermuda's worst side to the world — much of which only sees us on Page 1 online. Frankly, I think that you have damaged Bermudas hospitality industry and its quality of life by your show stopping headlines and front page graphics. Maybe you can explain the rationale but I can't see the point. What good does it do when you promote (and, yes, that's what you're doing) gang behaviour, Police struggles to deal with any of this and all sorts of other examples of negative behaviour by the few? Put 'em on Page 10. Don't pander to their need for recognition and emphasise the positive things about Bermuda... and that's my sermon for today.

JOHN FAIELLA

Southampton

Responsible journalism

May 10, 2010

Dear Sir,

During the staggered jury verdicts last week in the trial of six men charged with what The Royal Gazette newspaper has termed a 'mob attack', one man, Kaiwan Trott, was acquitted on Wednesday while three of his co-defendants were convicted. On Thursday the remaining two defendants were cleared. Friday's edition of the newspaper published a photograph of Mr. Trott, arms outstretched, clothed in a grey T-shirt over his dress shirt. The T-shirt was emblazoned with the emblem of a red stop sign inscribed with the words 'stop snitching'. The photograph's caption explains that Mr. Trott put the T-shirt on as he left the Supreme Court on Wednesday following his acquittal. It appears that the newspaper wisely delayed publication of the photograph until after the jury had delivered their verdicts in respect of all of the defendants. That avoided any possibility that the disturbing picture would fall under the eye of any juror before the verdicts ere entered.

Sadly, an even larger issue seems to have escaped the attention of The Royal Gazette. The newspaper, naively or otherwise, reinforced Mr. Trott's threat to anyone willing to cooperate with the law enforcement with response to criminal offences. On Wednesday night, armed killers murdered George Lynch at the scene of the original 'mob attack' in what was evidently a reprisal for the courtroom evidence given by a couple who lived near to the victim of that attack.

That he was in a position to put on the T-shirt immediately after his acquittal means that Mr. Trott had it with him with the intention of displaying it before press cameras as he did. His purpose can only have been to implicitly menace readers who might contemplate testifying in court against criminal defendants. The message, in light of that night's murder, is clear; stop cooperating with law enforcement and the courts (i.e. snitching) or you will die. The result must be heightened alarm and unwillingness among virtuous citizens otherwise disposed to help law enforcement. It is unclothed intimidation and Mr. Trott rightly calculated that the press would take the bait and publish it — reaching a far greater number of people than he could have done by himself. The right to publish information from the public domain does not necessarily confer a public duty to publish it. Restraint can sometimes be the greater duty and was so, I submit, on this occasion. Responsible journalism does not act as a press secretary for those sympathetic to the underworld.

COGGIE GIBBONS

Paget

Raze this eyesore

May 12, 2010

Dear Sir,

Monday was opening day for the new bank on Front Street, so I drove to town to make a deposit. I was all shook up on arrival as I noticed on the way that a row of shade trees opposite the Supermart had been chopped down, Why? Who is in charge of this sort of carnage? Too late to make an objection; it took years to grow those lovely trees and now they are gone. Words fail me.

When the plans for the bank first came out my understanding was that the immediate Front Street area would be devoted to retail, and I don't mean retail banking that can take place anywhere and certainly should not take up valuable space on Front Street. Now we have a vast expanse of window in the prime shopping spot in the whole of Bermuda with nothing behind it but a row of quick deposit boxes. Was this really necessary?

When Smith's and Triminghams closed, it tore the heart out of Hamilton, and although the new building is acceptable enough, surely there should have been some thought given to tourism, not to mention the local population. Once again I have to emphasise that this is the prime shopping area of our island, and it is a shocking waste. Endless numbers of tourists have told me how they miss Triminghams, and using that valuable Front Street space for a bank is adding insult to injury.

However there is hope. If HSBC really wants to endear themselves to the hearts of Bermudians they should tear down that dreadful square box that they have just vacated and create a park. That building has been an eyesore since it was built, and anything that replaces it will be an improvement. On a more positive note I would like to congratulate whoever is in charge of the flowers on the Trimingham Hill roundabouts. They are a riot of colour and a joy to behold.

E. RABEN

Paget

Where's the Culture minister

May 11, 2010

Dear Sir,

The Culture Minister is the Minister responsible for the Bermuda Day Parade. The Minister is also a woman. Why has she not said anything about Filipino women being verbally abused as a result of comments by another Government Minister, resulting in their withdrawal from the Bermuda Day Parade? And more generally, Mr. Editor, where is she?

ASSOCIATE

Smith's

A golden opportunity

May 11, 2010

Dear Sir,

We are about to have a wonderful opportunity of cleaning up our Parliamentary Register. The Census taking on May 20 would provide a clear-cut, official documentation of Bermuda's people and where they live! There can be no excuse for not taking advantage of this golden opportunity well, other than the obvious one. This Government would like the Parliamentary Register to remain as it is. The Registrar has declared that he does not wish to disenfranchise anyone, so he is loath to remove a person's name even after several public notices in the newspaper to do just that unless such person responds and justifies the registration. The cost of correlating the Census with the register would probably be used as an excuse. However, the cost of an incorrect register is the result it sustains. No one should be disenfranchised; just vote where you live like the law provides!

UNCOMMON SENSE

St. David's

Revamp Camden

May 12, 2010

Dear Sir,

We have one of the most beautiful and interesting houses in Bermuda (Camden) in a glorious setting (The Botanic Gardens). It is a perfect wedding venue. I am sure that if it was marketed properly in bridal magazines etc. we would get many bookings from overseas, which of course would entail hotels, catering, taxis, horse and carriages for the wedding parties and guests. Come on, Bermuda Government, show some imagination. I am sure with some physical modifications to the property (e.g. bathrooms, modern kitchen installation) we would see a significant amount of people using it. The bookings, both from overseas and local clients, would soon offset the cost of the renovations and thus provide more revenue for the upkeep of the property and also for the Government coffers.

PAULINE DEFONTES

Paget

That's not how it works

May 11, 2010

Dear Sir,

I would like to say to Sen. Marc Bean something... Who is pimping and prostituting issues now? I say this because of Dr. Brown recently calling to order Rolfe in regards to his attack on Minister DeVent. He only did so because his party caucus called Dr. Brown to heel. So let me get this straight. Rolfe's statement's were wrong (and believe me I believe they were, I wrote a letter in the paper about it), but other statements aren't?

Statements by Sen. Burch such as his disgusting comments about black UBP members, his remarks towards Filipinos and Dominicans, his comments to Sen. Dunkley et cetera as the list goes on for days. Also, what about Walter Roban's comments? How about Marc Bean's own statements towards community members and Stuart Hayward? I can go on for days. So tell me, why do you call Rolfe to order (finally) but not these others. Hmm ... biased maybe?

Prejudiced maybe? Some food for thought isn't it? That's the attitude of the PLP. They can totally disrespect anyone they so please. They pick and choose what's right or wrong as it suits them. No! That's not how it works. What's right is right and what's wrong is wrong, period! What goes for one goes for all. It is my belief that Dr. Brown wouldn't have done anything anyway if it was for inside pressure, which is very sad! Bermuda's government is in a sad state of affairs, but there is hope. The Conservative UK Party was sworn in today, after years of being told they'd never get in... sounds like comments Sen. Burch has been making about the UBP. Well guess what Sen. Burch ... One Brown down! One to go!

ROBERT DAVIES

Devonshire

Wonderful ideas

May 15, 2010

Dear Sir,

What a brilliant idea by Taciturnus of Warwick, as printed in The Royal Gazette on Wednesday, May 12. He/she had some wonderful ideas about how to revive our tourism industry. I only hope that the Department of Tourism read that letter, particularly the last paragraph. The idea of having short film clips from classic films wherein the star (often Cary Grant) talks about going to Bermuda is an excellent idea. So many times, I have seen films where Bermuda is mentioned many times and I think this would make a wonderful advertisement to try and promote Bermuda. I intend copying this letter to DOT and hopefully they will pass the idea along to their advertising agency. I hope that Taciturnus can send a list of such films directly to DOT.

BRIDGET M. MARSHALL

Smith's

No more pledges of allegiance

May 12, 2010

Dear Sir,

Given the prolific opposition to the Green Paper on 'gaming' and the apparent opposition to Corporation "reform" from within Cabinet, can we assume the "pledges of allegiance" are now null and void?

KENT SMITH

St. George's

A note of thanks

May 11, 2010

Dear Sir,

On behalf of our son Gabriel Wilkinson and the entire Wilkinson and Philpott Family, we take this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to all who have contributed to Gabriel's recovery. On March 31, 2009, Gabriel returned to Bermuda after spending five and half months in Boston. From October 12, 2008 through to this present day, your concern, prayers and genuine outpouring of love buffered our faith and brought us through our darkest moments.

It would be an impossible task to thank every church, business organisation, school and individual who prayed, contributed their skills, finances and genuine concern. However, we wish to acknowledge and thank the following persons and organisation Port Royal Fire Service EMTs, KEMH Ambulance Crew, KEMH Staff, Mrs. Eloise Bell (Bermuda Air Medivac Ltd), Lahey Clinic, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Mount Zion AME Church, Department of Corrections, Prison Officers Association, Prison Officers Recreation Club and Benevolent Fund, Financial Assistance Staff, Kites Are Us and The Berkeley Institute.

Words can hardly express our gratitude to Dr. Carlos David (neurosurgeon) and the long line of health professionals who attended to Gabriel at Lahey Clinic. Their knowledge and skill truly made a difference. The quality of care and concern for Gabriel's welfare continued at Youville Hospital in Cambridge and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston. Above all, we thank our creator from whom all blessings flow, as we knew he would never forsake or abandon us.

SHARON AND GARRY WILKINSON

Southampton

Larry Dennis, Hero

May 13, 2010

Dear Sir,

I recommend former Auditor General Mr. Larry Dennis as the next Bermuda's National Hero. Mr. Dennis, regardless of the pushback during the rule of the UBP and the rule of the PLP, regardless of his and his family's safety, performed his job with honesty, integrity and fearlessness. In the face of much adversity he stood tall and proud in defence of the Bermuda people's tax dollars. Now one may argue that he was tougher on the PLP but my response to that would be the PLP has acted with a "To hell with you, it is our turn" attitude. Their arrogance has far outpaced anything else.

MICHAEL E. PITTS

Florida

Referendum question

May 10, 2010

Dear Sir,

Isn't it extraordinary that the PLP would consider a referendum on "gaming" (gambling!) with all the trouble and expense the referendum would entail, but they turn down the proposal of a referendum for the entire future of Bermuda regarding the subject of Independence! Gee, I wonder why?

UN-COMMON SENSE

St. George's

Could ruin it for everyone

May 11, 2010

Dear Sir,

Thank you, thank you, thank you Department of Parks for allowing dogs in the ring at the Botanical Gardens. As a responsible dog owner I am very happy, as are lots of my doggy friends! Can I direct this to the dog owners I don't know. Please, please pick up your dogs' messes and don't ruin it for others. I went to the ring this morning and walked around. I picked up three lots of mess. This is going to ruin it for everyone. I don't expect anyone to pick up my dog's mess, please have the same expectations and don't be selfish. The black poop bags are outside two entrances to the ring, get them and use them.

LISA OUTERBRIDGE

Smith's

Protect the children

May 12, 2010

Dear Sir,

Kindly allow me to use your newspaper to address the male driver of a white van, and any other person that smokes in a vehicle carrying children. I pass this particular driver nearly every morning just after 8 a.m. while on my way to work in Hamilton. He has his window cracked and is inevitably smoking each time as he makes his way west along Harbour Road with two school-aged children in the front seat of the van. If someone wishes to continue to smoke in this day knowing all we know about the harmful effects, that's their call. However don't be so ignorant as to smoke in the presence of children, especially in a confined space such as a vehicle. Let's protect children from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. It's time to crack down on adults who light up with kids in the car. I hope the driver reads my message and decides to have more respect for the children he drives to school each morning.

HOPEFUL

Warwick