The problem remains

March 30, 2010

Dear Sir,

On Friday, March 12 at about 3 o'clock I went to People's Pharmacy to buy some medication. The taxi pulled in to the parking are to wait for me while I went into the pharmacy as I still needed his service. I got out and went toward the entrance to the building. Next thing I knew I was sprawled out on the ground. I had fallen over some spikes in the ground placed there to prevent vehicles exiting at the entrance to the parking lot. I never did get to the pharmacy to collect my medication — an ambulance was called and took me to the emergency department at King Edward for treatment. Diagnosis of the fall was: "Abrasion, knee contusion and chest contusion". Later that same day my son took me to the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care clinic for an X-ray, to ensure that nothing was broken. The doctor confirmed that injuries were bumps, bruises, sprains and strains and soft tissue injuries. In addition I continue to be traumatised by the experienced. For the first week I was in bed due to these difficulties.

During the following week, when I was up and about, I contacted People's Pharmacy to relate my experience. Ms Pearman was helpful and asked that I keep her informed on how I am. She told me that others have fallen down before me. Last week I was in conversation with the manager of another Hamilton store who told me that, just two days prior, another lady had tripped and fallen down at the same location. I called the pharmacy again to let them know about this subsequent incident and was told that they had been trying to solve the problem with the Corporation but that the thing will have to stay. So, the problem remains! As I am concerned about the danger posed to the public by these spikes (especially to elder citizens) I spoke with the Corporation of Hamilton to see if the spikes are permitted. I was told that they are on private property and, as such, no permit is needed. Mr. Naess of the Department of Planning told me that he would do a site visit and get back to me. To date I have heard nothing. The reason I am writing to you today is to warn people of the danger due to the location of these spikes, close to the entrance to People's Pharmacy. I think they should be removed and suggest that a solution to the problem would be to hire a jobless person who could ensure that vehicles using the parking area do so in the proper manner. This would also avoid any more patrons falling over the unexpectedly placed spikes. Thank you for the opportunity to relate my concerns and solution.

J. MASTERS

Pembroke

Time to get radical

March 23, 2010

Dear Sir,

I am writing you out of anger and I am sure I am not the only one. My first point is the payroll tax increase. I find the Finance Minister out of control and she is not sensitive to the citizens of this island. I truly can't believe the payroll tax was increased by such a large percentage when the island is having economic difficulties. Ms Cox, I feel that the budget put forward this year 2010/2011 is definitely out of order and I feel it is going to interfere with your opportunity to become Premier of this island. I am so frustrated with you being the Finance Minister and allowing the Premier and other Ministers to dictate to you about how the money is to be spent. There have been so many consultants coming here at a cost of roughly $400,000 and up. I just read that one consultant received $800,000. Can I have a definition of a consultant? I remember some time back when the Housing Corporation hired a painter who billed them $800,000 for three months work. I thought that would have been a lesson learnt. I am calling for the public to get more radical towards this Government. Some of us may have to go to jail to get the message across. I went to jail back in 1961 in New York for three days because I was protesting for the disabled. So again I say wake up Bermuda.

My second point concerns a politician crossing the floor in the House on Friday, March 19, 2010 to join the PLP. His name is Mr. Wayne Furbert. I have no idea what his motive is. I feel that he has put a political hangman loose around his neck. He has gone out and found a tall tree and a short rope. He is politically swinging in mid-air and slowly choking himself to death, in other words he is committing political suicide. He was unelectable in the next election if he stayed with UBP but now I am convinced he will not be a candidate in the next election for the PLP. Anyhow Mr. Furbert when you have become dissatisfied with the PLP you have one more option, join the BDA and that would remove all doubt in my mind that you are a snake in the grass. This goes for all politicians who are elected to represent their constituent. They need to resign if they want to change parties. If you are elected a PLP or UBP representative you need to serve the term out or resign. I did not even care to watch the interview Gary Moreno had with Mr. Wayne Furbert on March 22, 2010 because I think Mr. Wayne Furbert talks out of the side of his mouth.

W.S. FOX

St. Davids

Bermuda needs gambling

April 8, 2010

Dear Sir,

The sad state of Bermuda tourism is well known, and the resultant economic crisis underway in Bermuda's hotel industry can't be ignored. This malaise affects all of us and must gradually erode Bermuda's economy, further exacerbating our accelerating crime woes. While "gaming" (a subject of zero personal interest to me at any level) is not "a silver bullet" to cure our tourism's ills, it will surely help materially — as all dispassionate third-party studies demonstrate and as any hotelier will quickly tell you. In the days before gaming became commonplace in the Caribbean and in 90 percent of the resort destinations on the planet, Bermuda competed with the Caricomers on semi-equal footing.

No more. Our Government's work permit rules long ago eliminated first rate nightclub entertainers here and rational, adult nightlife for tourists along with it. With nothing for tourists to do here at night, Bermuda simply can't compete and has been written off by most vacationers. The tourism trend line has been down, is down and is going to remain in decline until some abysmal and irredeemable bottom is reached. When you're losing, standing pat is not wisdom. We must face reality: Bermuda-tourism is "broke" and dramatic corrective action is mandated. Options do not abound, and this isn't a "political issue"; it's pure economics. Absent Mediaeval views that allow only churches to "game", even antipodal politicians may be able to agree on this. Legislation to allow gaming at resort hotels is being considered by Parliament now, as Tony Brannon recent well-reasoned letter to the editor discusses. If you will speak in support — via letters to the editor and copy your MP and friends — it may help. It's worth a try. Hoping for a better Bermuda,

RESIDENT OF 25 YEARS

Warwick

The youth must stand up

April 11, 2010

Dear Sir,

As I recite the words, "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference", I think of this island we call Bermuda and how things have changed. God has granted me the serenity and I have accepted that I cannot change the fact that gun violence has gotten out of hand; I have been courageous enough to write about it and express how I feel.

How many of our politicians have demonstrated courage by speaking out when necessary? A few back bench Members of Parliament have previously taken a stand and shared their opinions about corrupt practices they are aware of. the remaining majority appear to have consented by remaining silent, hence contributing to these negative changes. So many people appear to have sold their souls and, therefore, have no voice.

A recent visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site refreshed my memory and inspired me to continue the fight for justice. Dr. King advocated 'non-violence' and had the courage to truly lead; he was a great example to follow. there is actually a sculpture in his memory, made by Patrick Morelli, which was unveiled by the late Mrs. Coretta Scott King on January 11, 1990 as an inspiration to other to fight for dignity, social justice, and human rights. This monument, which is called 'Behold', reflects the ancient African ritual of lifting a newborn child to the heavens and reciting the words: 'Behold the only thing greater than yourself'.

Perhaps we should all remember those words.

I ask the question, if young people once helped lead the Civil Rights Movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., what example are our young people, who choose to resort to violence, following today? Does our leader demonstrate similar qualities to those of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?

I know that some youth don't heed the advice or suggestions of their parents, not to mention other adults, and don't like being told what to do; unfortunately, they most likely choose the wrong paths in life. This negative mindset often remains with them throughout their adulthood and is obviously passed from one generation to the next. the cycle, therefore, continues.

Life shouldn't be about impressing others with material wealth, it shouldn't even be about how well you dress because you can't judge a book by its cover; we should heed the words of Dr. King and judge people by the content of their character instead. The individual who inspired Dr. King was the religious, political leader called Mohandas Karamchand 'Mahatma" Gandhi who was by no means materialistic. Mahatma Gandhi was also an advocate of 'non-violence', who dealt with political issues, social injustices and economic concerns through the power of unconditional love. According to Mahatma Gandhi, truth and non-violence are as old as the hills.

Maybe one day the politicians that govern this Island will also take time to read Henry David Thoreau's essay "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience" and be inspired enough to make the necessary changes in their lives to be better examples for our young people to follow. The difference between today and back then is that today, for some reason, our youth are not standing up for what is right; they are remaining silent when they should be speaking out. Back then they took risks to fight for justice; they endured name-calling, fire hoses, and beatings. Children as young as six years old took a stand, for they were taught that you are never too young to stand up for what's right.

Instead of this Government dreaming forward, they appear to be taking us backwards and leading us down a path of destruction. How can we believe that we are 'free at last' with this Government implementing so many changes in our legislation to restrict us? They are, however, yet to update the antiquated anti-corruption legislation, or implement whistle blowers legislation or the Freedom of Information Act.

What about the Customs Department? Why is the focus always on giving the Police more powers when the Police and Customs are both considered law enforcement? If the proper Customs Officers were adequately trained at border control and had the necessary equipment to allow them to perform their jobs effectively, then there's a possibility that drugs and guns would be better intercepted at the borders. does this not make sense to those in charge? It doesn't assist when politicians are exceptions to the same rules they expect their ordinary citizens to follow. In my view, politicians who endeavour to be righteous shouldn't have a problem leading by example.

JENNIFER CAINES

Devonshire

It's no surprise

April 10, 2010

Dear Sir,

Guns! Shootings! Why are we surprised? For years young Bermudian males are being alienated by conscription into the Regiment then forced to spend the next three years being trained to shoot guns.

SADDENED

Southampton

Focus on the arts

April 8, 2010

Dear Sir,

I live abroad but to travel to Bermuda quite often. I read the article entitled "Breathing new life into our theatre scene" and felt compelled to comment. I think it is a wonderful idea to put a focus on the arts in Bermuda. Just as people travel from all over the world to visit Vegas to see Cirque De Soleil, why shouldn't Bermuda be added in that mix? You have the right ingredients already there- beautiful location, atmosphere and a welcoming people. Add in the local mix of talent which would equal more employment for Bermudians – no need to import, as I am sure you have many many talented people already there and you have the makings for something special and most of all lucrative for tourism. I say go for it Dr. Dill. I wish you much success with the rejuvenation of The Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts.

BEVERLY BATTERSBEE-TILLMAN

Willlingboro, New Jersey

Now that's postal service

April 8, 2010

Dear Sir,

I received a letter from Canada (albeit a junk mailing) which had the correct name, house number, street name, parish and postal code. It did not have the name of the country! A postal worker in Canada then hand wrote on the mail – TRY BERMUDA. The mail was duly delivered.

ST GEORGE'S

Expediting the process

April 19, 2010

Dear Sir,

I was asked to join the line behind a returning Bermudian for Customs inspection at the airport arrivals terminal last week. After five minutes or so of waiting and watching the sweat beading up on the brow of the lady with the large suitcases in front of me and with the Customs officers still busy checking every nook and cranny of the unfortunate passengers ahead of us, I was fascinated to note that a short call on the fretting lady's cell phone was quickly followed by a Customs Officer rushing out from a side door and very promptly escorting her and her luggage from the line to be inspected and out of the main door with no reaction from the Customs Officer who had instructed her to stand in the inspection line in the first place.

I was quite impressed at this telephonic short cut to the annoyingly slow inspection process and as I patiently watched the Customs Officer a few minutes later turn my suitcase inside out I realised that I would be really grateful if Customs could publish this special phone number in the Royal Gazette so that busy business people for example, can save it on their Blackberrys. This way we will, on future occasions, be able to call and ask for a Customs Officer to escort us quickly out of the Arrivals hall if we are unlucky enough to be sent over to stand in line for inspection.

C. BARNES

Southampton

Applying a band-aid

April 9, 2010

Dear Sir,

I would like to ask the powers that be: "Why spend more dollars (in the long run) on housing our "wanna be gangsters" in a foreign prison? I say that, to say this. First, we will be only applying a band-aid to the wound by sending these particular individuals overseas. On top of that, we will be adding to their egos. Yes, their egos … for they would come home after serving their time feeling tough and truly Real "Bad Boys". On top of that, the monies we would spend incarcerating an inmate overseas stays right there in that country's economy, and in no way shape or form ever returned to our economy.

RAYMOND RAY

St. George's