Tale of two graduations

July 12, 2008

Dear Sir,

I was recently invited to attend the graduation of one of my young relatives.

As this is an important milestone and having steadily followed the many successes of my nephew, I along with several other family members flew in to the island for this special occasion.

On Monday morning I attended the graduation ceremony for the Berkeley Institute graduates. Some of my relatives attended the other graduation ceremony for the CedarBridge graduates at the Ruth Seaton James.

We experienced two very different ceremonies. One ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of each and every student. Whether their interests was sports, reading the ability to make their peers laugh the ability to encourage, perseverance, no one was left out. It was a celebration of the abilities of each and every graduate and recognition of the accomplishments and achievements of the graduation class of 2008. Congratulations Mrs. Kalmar Richards for the wonderful spirit of inclusiveness displayed at the CedarBridge graduation ceremony where the whole class was made to feel that they all were graduates worthy of praise for the accomplishments be they great or small. The positive parting gift you gave through your inclusiveness needs to be duplicated and emulated.

As for my experience at the Berkeley graduation, while the graduates as a whole were given what amounts to a passing glance, there was one graduates family who may have been in the first instance quite proud, but I'm sure by the end, most uncomfortable.

I congratulate the family for the impressive achievements of this student. Without a doubt she has achieved much academically in her young life. I wish her God speed in her endeavours.

However, to the principal and faculty. It wasn't until I was present at the cotillion did I realise that Berkeley had a successful sports programme also. I saw during the slide show that there were two students who received the Denton Hurdle awards. Talking to others present I learned that there were several students who represented Bermuda on the Carifta team and are quite accomplished athletes.

Berkeley also had a debate team, drama club and many students who received honours and many others who have been awarded scholarships independent of the school. Apparently there was a prize giving several months back. Those students who received prises for many accomplishments and community service were not recognised at the graduation ceremony. From the time the principal spoke, to the end, one name was repeated with a few others thrown in.

My point is this. My nephew and several of his friends felt like they did not matter. He was very proud to have me there. I have seen the many certificates he has earned. He actually apologised for me coming there because he thought that at least something he had done would be recognised. Not even in the programme was the class given any credit. Meanwhile CedarBridge programme is a keepsake for all graduates.

My main reason for writing this letter is that as a fellow educator, I felt that the graduation class of 2008 at the Berkeley Institute deserved better. So for all the one hundred graduates of the Berkeley Institute 2008 Bravo! You all possess qualities which will chart you on a course for success. As your valedictorian stated, you can do great things. If you feel that you did not give one hundred percent to your schooling, just remember that this is just the beginning of another journey.

A journey which you get to choose what you want and your diploma will help you to begin your course toward your future goals.

You have already proved your ability to achieve success by graduating from a school with academic standards set at a high level and responsibility has been encouraged. I hope that you all can understand how proud each parent feels and all that you have achieved has not been forgotten. Your greatness will show in your future success.

So take everything you have learned even the way some of you were made to feel on your special day, and use that energy to accomplish your goals.

You all are winners and should be made to feel as such. To the valedictorian, thank you for your humble spirit and the words you imparted to your peers. For someone so young, among the educators, you as a graduate, saw the need to be inclusive, and inspirational. God Bless.

PROUD RELATIVE

New Jersey

Is it fair in these times

July 24, 2008

Dear Sir,

There seems to be no relief for the Seniors of Bermuda when it comes to the Bermuda Housing Trust. Three years ago they put up our rent now they have it up again.

These places like Purvis Park, Elizabeth Hills, Heydon and Franklin Park were built by Mr. Purvis, to make life easier for seniors. Most of us live on our pensions, but there are some who have no right to these places that get in, they can pay. This is a bad time as we are struggling with electric bills, food and doctors. As we get older we seem to visit the doctors more. Our rents were put up three years ago and now again. I would call that senior abuse. They say that it's mainly for the high cost of maintenance. Well if they got qualified work men they would not have them return repeatedly. That cost them money. Is it fair to these hard times on seniors who live on a fixed income?

OLD SENIOR

P.s. We also have to pay the Rent Control $30 if we object to review.

A quick calculation

July 30, 2008

Dear Sir,

I listed with interest to the Minister of Works & Engineering last night mention that the department budgets for resurfacing 10km of our roads each year. According to published Bermuda statistics, we have 209km of public paved roads and 241km of private paved roads. A quick calculation would indicate that your children are more likely to see the road outside your house fixed than you are!

COLUMBA

Smith's

Something should be done

August 4, 2008

Dear Sir,

To my fellow Bermudians, and in particular, those that live in the Warwick and Camp Hill, Southampton area: For over ten years now, I have watched very closely the growth surrounding the Camp Hill/Middle Road junction. There are numerous accidents at this location. In addition, the crossing positioned near the bus stop is a death trap — the motoring public just does not stop!

I am writing this letter early on the Saturday morning following Cup Match after very nearly being knocked down on the crossing. This has happened to me on more than one occasion and I have witnessed others take their lives into their own hands (especially the Bermuda Institute students) attempting to get from one side of the street to the other.

I urge residents of the surrounding area to contact their Member of Parliament. I have personally spoken to the Speaker of the House, Stanley Lowe, on several occasions and he has yet to visit me as he said he would. Likewise, I had personally spoken to the Premier (who also holds the Transport Ministry on this matter) during a PLP meeting and I observed him make a note of it.

Something needs to be done such as placing caution lights at the crossing or installing speed bumps. Please, Bermuda, speak up now. Don't wait until we have a death occur before we react.

JEFFERSON C. SOUSA

Warwick

Let the rest of us know

July 29, 2008

Dear Sir,

It was interesting to read the interview with Dr. Brown's newest acolyte in this morning's Royal Gazette. According to Senator Bean, who says he is trained in that field, it's OK to "use a private aircraft, which costs the same as a first class plane ticket". As an occasional user of private aircraft, it distresses me to know that I have clearly been paying far too much. Perhaps Senator Bean could let us know which operator of private aircraft provides its planes for the price of a first class ticket?

IN THE KNOW

St. George's

Leadership at every level

July 29, 2008

Dear Sir,

As the strife in Somerset unfolds over lost views of Cup Match there is more than a subtle touch of irony to the situation. Your edition of Saturday, July 26, quotes Mr. Richard Scott, President of Somerset Cricket Club as follows "All we are trying to do is make progress. It's not our intention to make anybody feel disrespected. I know some of the residents are not happy, but we are trying to serve the entire community for those two days."

Against the background of allegations of a lack of consultation with the neighbours affected and complaints that that which has continued unchanged for fifty years is about to change in the name of progress and better serving the majority, I marvel at the parallel story about Tourism's North American operation. Mr. Scott's comments mirror those of Dr. Brown and make perfect sense. Yet, he has not been demonised by your paper, you have expressed no view on the issue at hand and moreover, your report on the matter was both fair and balanced.

The irony, sir, is that in his day-job Mr. Scott is Tourism's local Controller. I wonder, does he support his Minister in making a decision identical to the one he has made at SCC? Leadership at every level means tough choices in the name of the greater good.

COVER POINT