Appalling reaction

January 6, 2010

Dear Sir,

Another shooting, another killing (this time of Mr. Perry Puckerin) another mindless act of gang violence. And the reaction of Bermuda's fearless "leader" (I use that word hugely advisedly) a.k.a. Premier? No comment. Referred to his Press Secretary, who refers it to Public Safety Minister[Senator David] Burch who declines to comment. Leadership? This Premier — and his Government wouldn't know the meaning of leadership if it jumped up and bit them on their collective gluteus maximus. Which is exactly what the BDA and UBP should be doing now to show how furious they are, on behalf of the people of Bermuda, with this incompetent, irresponsible and inglorious bunch of cowpollies that, to their shame, dare to presume to be "leaders" of the Bermuda community.

GWELLY ON FIRE

London, UK

Thanks for the help

January 5, 2010

Dear Sir,

Despite of all this turmoil which Bermuda has seen recently, I would like to shed some light and send my gratitude to a young Bermudian male who went out of his way to help me. The other night I was riding home on my scooter when it broke down. I was stranded in the parking lot of White's Supermarket, when he stopped and asked me if I need assistance to which I replied that my bike wouldn't start. He proceeded to park his tow truck, and began fixing my bike. While I am sure this man had better things to be doing on a chilly Monday evening, he stayed with me in the parking lot, and fixed my bike.

While he was busy fixing my bike, and trying to figure out the problem, he told me about how he started his towing company himself, and how his goal was to excel in customer service. To hear that, was a breathe of fresh air, as we don't tend to see to many young people going out of their way to ensure good customer service these days. I would personally like to thank this man, and let everyone know, that if you need a reliable towing service, make sure they call Lowe's Towing. Thank you Mr. Lowe for getting me back on the road again!

STRANDED

Smith's

We are at a crossroads

January 5, 2010

Dear Sir,

I wonder if there is anyone in this Government who listens. Bermuda is surely at a crossroads. We are losing hotel after hotel and no one appears to care or, indeed, knows what to do to stop the closures. We have upset our International Business partners, to the point that they may well leave Bermuda as well. Now we read that the Cayman Islands Government is actively offering incentives to International Business Companies, to ensure they (l) remain in the Cayman Islands and/or (2) move to the Cayman Islands. And what is the Bermuda Government doing to ensure that we can (1) keep our International Business Companies here and/or (2) encourage new International Business Companies to our shores. I think the answer to that is nothing.

Are there any Ministers in the PLP Government who understands that Bermuda has absolutely nothing to export to bring in revenue: that our tourist business is basically dying and that we have managed to upset our International Business to the point where they will go to more welcoming destinations. The incredible rise in crime here will have an enormous effect on both our tourist business and our International Business and yet thugs are allowed to run around with guns. How did the guns get here in the first place? If this Government was really serious about stopping these shootings, they could. They just don't want to upset the people who voted for them, so nothing will be done. Don't blame the Governor as he has nothing to do with the day to day operation of the police. If all MPs, PLP, UBP, and the new third party could only get together and decide how this gun crime can be eradicated, then perhaps there is some hope. Otherwise, I believe we will all be lost.

LONGTAIL

Smith's

Don't give them credit

January 6, 2010

Dear Sir,

Isn't naming the gangs adding to their "notoriety" and giving them kudos? I would have thought just calling them gang members in a nondescript way would be more appropriate. Don't give these criminals (for that is what they are) any credit or kudos, please.

KAREN HOPWOOD

UK

A note of thanks

January 6, 2010

Dear Sir,

Every day at The Salvation Army we see and hear from caring and generous people who have a concern for the disadvantaged in our community. They bring everything from toys to food to clothing to financial donations, wanting to make sure no one goes without over the Christmas Season. This year we have been overwhelmed with the support and concern that has been expressed in a tangible way which has allowed us to give Hope in these difficult times. Due to your generosity we were able to meet the needs of over 1200 families at Christmas by providing food and toys. The names of those individuals, corporations, and foundations that supported us are too extensive to list, but each and every one of you is appreciated. No gift was too great or too small to be ignored and so I want to thank each of you in this public fashion. Thank you for having the confidence in The Salvation Army to entrust us with your gifts. We really couldn't have done it without you. So, on behalf of all of those who benefited from your gifts, thank you.

MAJOR DOUG LEWIS

Divisional Commander

Bermuda Division

The Salvation Army

Speak up before it's too late

January 4, 2010

Dear Sir,

On Monday, January 4, you published two really excellent letters to the Editor. I honestly believe that each of these thought provoking letters deserves to be placed under the noses of our sitting MPs, prospective MPs and other Community Leaders. Since it appears that our Premier does not read The Royal Gazette, one fears that possibly some of his closer associates don't either. All the more reason why I would like to suggest that all those members of your readership who were in agreement with those two letters should cut them out of the paper and mail them to the MP for their constituency, with a note asking for action! This could be a mini-referendum! I earnestly hope that the Governor reads The Royal Gazette daily!

The letters were entitled "How Much Has Changed" penned by a teacher and "Stop The Bleeding" penned by a parent. It is possibly a sad sign of our times that they neither of them felt inclined to sign their names on their excellent letters. Finally, here is a thought! Why not, any time you find a letter of the above type, with which you strongly agree, cut it out of the paper, put it in an envelope and mail it your preferred MP? This is a democracy, but too many of us are silent when a small effort could remind our MPs of why we voted them into office to represent us and to steer our Island on a successful course. Hoping for the voices of reason to be raised in 2010. This is a tiny community, speak up before it is too late to make change!

MARGARET DYER FORSTER

Paget

A Saltus student speaks

January 7, 2010

Dear Sir,

When Ted Staunton was quoted in Tuesday's Royal Gazette as saying "Saltus has been disappointed with its GCSEs and I am here to try and improve all of that", I along with many other readers assumed he was talking about improving the quality of the education at the school so that students would be better equipped to handle the exams. Instead it was made clear to the students on Wednesday that their ability to even sit for these exams would be based upon mock test performance and in at least one case teacher discretion. I'm the majority of classes mock exams would be administered months before the real GCSEs and if the student does not achieve at least a C grade he or she will not be allowed to take the exam at all. In other classes the student's ability to sit for an exam is discretionary based upon teacher opinions, and the same goes for the AP tests administered to students in the SGY programme.

Now I am all for providing standards that must be met in order for students to move forward, however that is not what is being done. Instead Mr. Staunton, in a clear attempt to appease the public's disapproval of previous GCSE results, is effectively telling students they are not smart enough to even try and take the exam. By doing this Mr. Staunton is ensuring he will be able to tell the public at the end of the year that he has as close to a 100 percent pass rate for students who took the exams, as is possible.

The purpose of a school is to prepare a person for the next stage in life. How is a person to succeed when they are being told at 15 and 16 that they are so stupid it is better not to even try. It was also made clear to the students that Mr. Staunton plans to cut enrolment by 101 students next year. I understand the need to expel students on disciplinary bases or even if they are not meeting the standards the school sets forth academically. However, there should by no means be a quota placed on how many students are kicked out. Along these same lines students were told by a teacher that as many as 50 percent of the teachers next year will be new teachers.

A CONCERNED STUDENT

Smith's