An example to all

July 12, 2008

Dear Sir,

The Premier the Honourable Dr. Ewart Brown is claiming that because he is wealthy, confident and black he is considered arrogant, and elitist. The Honourable Sir John Swan is black and extremely confident and also extremely successful and most probably also very wealthy. He is the least arrogant and elitist person in Bermuda. He is friendly to anybody he meets and at times even humble. The Honourable Premier would do well by taking a leaf out of Sir John's book. Sir John is an example to all people. You feel happy when you come across him in the streets of Hamilton. No arrogance or elitist in his vocabulary. Always a friendly smile and a sign of recognition.

L.L.

Pembroke

Phone book is too big

July 16, 2008

Dear Sir,

When a telephone directory becomes the bearer of multiple tidings, isn't it time to review its form of presentation? Its size and weight is one thing above all that has irked a good number of us following each annual rebirth of our phone book and, I hear it has grown again (for 'grown' read 'groan').

When I read this year's edition was going to be bigger and better my weakened heart sank, I for one have hell lifting it now. I value its contents, but not in one volumous, volume. Each section is a major achievement on its own and should serve as companion issues to their host. For the faint hearted, the printing of the same massive tome on a reduced scale complete with plastic magnifying device to aid challenged eyesights is a concession which has to be costly, so why not spend the difference in separating the sections altogether.

MACM

Warwick

Restore your credibility

July 15, 2008

Dear Sir,

I cannot count the number of times I have been approached by a variety of Bermudians in recent weeks who appear very frustrated with the current state of affairs in our little island. Many hard working Bermudians who glorified the day the PLP won the government are now expressing dismay that this same government appears to have lost touch with the common man/woman.

I recall how sad I felt last year when I witnessed many of the Parliamentarians climbing the stairs to the 'trophy suites' at the Bermuda Music Festival. I remember thinking that we have so lost our way as representatives of the people would be cognizant of the negative messages that these types of perks would send. It is not acceptable that the people's funds should be spent in that manner.

As all of the members of Parliament are there because they were voted in by us, may I suggest that those of you who continue to express your frustration to your respective associates call your MP and advise him or her to shape up and do what is best for Bermudians. One only need look at the current state of affairs in the Turks and Caicos Islands to see how things can go horribly wrong when the leaders of the country are not challenged by their own. PLP Members of Parliament, get some backbone and speak up now so as to restore your credibility with your constituents. You are not looking good in the public eye.

S. BROWN

Hamilton Parish

Upgrade parking machines

July 16, 2008

Dear Sir,

I always end up parking on the street because I never have enough exact change in my pocket. In this day and age where we pay with a debit card on pretty well everything (oh except when paying at the Parish post offices?) Might I suggest that to encourage people to utilise the city's car parks more, Corporation of Hamilton install machines that will take a debit card, the machines that were there never seemed to be working?

JEP

Paget

Mandela event thanks

July 20, 2008

Dear Sir,

I would like to use your columns to express appreciation for those who assisted in making a success the Celebration/Reception on the occasion of Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday, an Imagine Bermuda 2009 production. The more than 100 people that enjoyed the affair could testify to fact that the event became a special moment.

We would like to thank the Corporation of Hamilton with the cooperation of In Motion Dance School (which had booked the auditorium), for the use of the City Hall foyer for the July 18 event. In using this space, which contains some of the finest work of local artisans, such as George Trott's chandeliers, provided an appropriate stage for a unique occasion.

We thank the drummers – Lynn Millet, Miles Manders and Clarke Simmons – who welcomed the public to the event; as well as pianist Toni Bari and trumpeter Derek Hamelin, who got the evening off with the help of violinist Taylor Rankin. Mr. Entertainment – Gene Steede, headlining a list of local vocalists, set the standard with his indomitable style.

Canjelae Taylor a 17-year-old singer, set a soulful mood, bringing the diverse crowd together around the purpose of the evening. Rankin livened up the event with his jazz violin piece. The voices of the vivacious Khalilah Smith and the multi-talented Mitchell Trott, kept things going. Chewsticks-own Gavin Smith and the sultry Sheila Smith capped a wonderful entertaining occasion.

Our local honourees provided a completion to the circle. From the 'Hill Group' through the Progressive Group and the Committee for Universal Adult Suffrage, there was an opportunity to highlight the 1950's. The honouring of Robert Barritt and Warren Brown offered a side of Bermuda's story that was not as familiar as that of Canon Thomas Nisbett. When Dr. Ball stood up with her now frail body, it offered an embodiment of the words of the poem Still I Rise, which sent emotional applause around the room.

In between the music there were the contributions of the competitors from the Writing Competition, on the theme Reflecting on Mandela's Example. A poem from Jo'el Robinson and an essay from the second place winner Sergio Lottimore was read by the authors. The winner Malissa Johnson concluded that segment, receiving her certificate for a new motorcycle from HWP. We wish also to thank The Royal Gazette and Cellular One, for support in this aspect of the celebrations.

The evening was topped off with refreshments delightfully prepared by chefs at the Marketplace, MEF Group as well as deserts and a birthday cake from Coco Reef.

Goslings and Barritts provided the beverages.

The event would not have happened without the assistance of our Partners: ABIC, BEC, BIU, BPSU, BUT, Chamber of Commerce, HEB. That eclectic evening provided contributions from the young and old, black and white, many of the various strands in the Bermuda fabric. It all came together better than we had Imagined; achieving the goal of honouring the Global Icon while recognising local elders.

For all of this we give thanks.

GLENN FUBLER

Imagine Bermuda 2009

Let's fix it

July 10, 2008

Dear Sir,

One wonders when repairs to the western end of the walkway ramp to the General Post Office will be made. There has been a concrete slab, detached from the top of the Bermuda stone wall, laying in the walkway for at least three months. Does this very noticeable two-minute repair have to be brought to the attention of Works and Engineering?

A.G.S.

Smith's