TCI thanks the Queen

April 26, 2009

Dear Sir,

Your article on Dr. Brown's feelings towards his good mate Michael Misick is not surprising. However, I can tell you that we are delighted at the British intervention as we have a crisis in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Not only do I believe that Misick, some of his Ministers and friends enriched themselves illegally with tens of millions of dollars, they have bankrupted the TCI.

There is no money left to pay for the civil service salaries, for health care, for education. Crime has jumped to alarming levels as a result of the situation created by the incompetent politicians including the new Premier G. Williams who is still being dictated to by M. Misick.

If it was not for the British, it would be an absolute disaster and we can only be thankful to them. Can you imagine for one moment what would have happened if Misick had managed to take the TCI to Independence? The TCI would have become like Haiti.

God bless the Queen!

ALEXANDER WATTS

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

Visitor sees gambling boon

April 28, 2009

Dear Sir,

We are Newstead owners and have travelled to Bermuda every year for over 40 years. In the past decade, our visits have ranged from two to four weeks annually. Our recent purchase of a Newstead unit confirms our commitment to travel to Bermuda for years to come. We have witnessed many changes to Bermuda, many of which we embrace and some that concern us.

The decline in tourism greatly troubles us because of the effect it has had on Bermuda and it's people. While much of this doesn't affect us – particularly the decline in hotel beds because of our Newstead ownership – other aspects do. One is the decline in flights to the Island during the off season. We now have to travel from Washington to Bermuda via Philadelphia during the winter months.

There are several recurring themes in the complaints we hear from friends and associates regarding travel to Bermuda. Most common are: it's too expensive and there is little or no nightlife. As far as expensive is concerned – we all know you get what you pay for. As far as night life is concerned – they are right. We fortunately are perfectly satisfied with a nice dinner out and a reasonably early trip to our cribs but – there is an age thing going on here. After a day playing golf, or shopping or travelling around the Island – energy levels are considerably lower than they were ten, 20 and 30 years ago for us so it's dinner and night, night. But we still remember those great nights out listening to the Talbots or the Esso Steel Band, etc. when we were younger. But for today's younger and/or more energetic travellers, this doesn't necessarily fly.

That's why we think a well thought out and controlled gambling policy will help bring wealthy and sophisticated visitors to Bermuda. This can be accomplished without the risk of creating a monster for locals. By restricting hours, going to a club environment and carefully choosing the games available – few or no slots – you can protect locals from the excesses of gambling.

This is done in many other places and I'm sure that Bermuda can come up with a formula that is suitable and meets your high standards.

As far as the risk of gambling – don't forget that anyone can gamble to their heart's content and their wallet's discontent online. It's free, has no real restrictions, is private and available to anyone.

WILLIAM HUESTIS

Waynesboro, Virginia