A blatant contradiction

February 16, 2009

Dear Sir,

In January 21 issue of The Royal Gazette, there was a story about the Premier, Dr. Ewart Brown, and the leader of the Opposition, Mr. Kim Swan, both of whom attended the Inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States.

With the new President preaching a message of unity, Dr. Brown was asked how this compared to Bermuda's political scene. He responded as follows: "I did hear him talk of letting go of recriminations and pettiness and there's no question I heard that loud and clear and I look forward to that not being the order of the day. I think when events like this occur we have the opportunity to appeal to the best in us and take some of the tension off the table, and I will do what I can to do that."

In today's issue of The Royal Gazette Dr. Brown had the opportunity to reinforce his statement made in Washington, D.C. after the Inauguration.

Instead, he chose to play the race card yet again. Your reporter pointed out, quite clearly, that Dr. Brown was echoing the sentiments of his race relations adviser (and agitator) Rolfe Commissiong, who last week defended the use of racial rhetoric.

Mr. Commissiong argued that even if it makes them feel uncomfortable, whites should accept that race talk is the result of frustration from blacks following centuries of discrimination. It is a matter of fact that the Premier has previously publicly stated that whites should be made to feel uncomfortable.

This is a blatant contradiction of what Dr. Brown articulated in Washington. It also runs counter to numerous community leaders including members of his own Party, i.e. Alex Scott, Wayne Perinchief and others who feel strongly (and wisely) that the racial rhetoric and posture that Government has adopted will only result in further division between Blacks and Whites to the detriment of all of us — the people of Bermuda!

It would appear that Dr. Brown has reverted to his adopted impoverished persona of the black slave still suffering today at the hands of the white massa fighting prejudice whether real or imagined. No more "plantation questions" for him.

CONCERNED BERMUDIAN

Smith's

Farewell, Bermuda

February 21, 2009

Dear Sir,

I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to live and work in Bermuda for the past year and it's been an awesome experience. The Island itself is so beautiful with amazing scenery from one end to the other. You are a very special and unique people. It is so nice how you take the time to acknowledge and befriend strangers and make the effort to call out to friends, toot your horns if you're driving or just chat it up in the shops or on the street no matter how busy life is. Chivalry is not dead on this island! Men still rise to give ladies a seat on the bus. You won't find that in too many places, if any, in this world today. The youth here are to be praised for their manners and respect for others. It's great to know that this unique and wonderful island spirit will live on in the next generation.

In my time here I have met so many kind and caring people whom I shall never forget and as I leave your beautiful island I will take with me a new joy for having had this opportunity. It was such a pleasure to walk to work as I was always greeted by such lovely people along the way – especially my friends at the Double Dip and the gentlemen on the steps of the Supreme Court Registry – always such pleasant smiles and greetings for a nice day. I will miss my wonderful Bermudian Family (the staff) at the Supreme Court and my co-workers at MJM. Thank you to SOS Agency – you are very professional and gave me a positive experience. Thanks also to my two Guardian Angels, Diane and Brian! You gave so much of yourselves to make my time here wonderful. You will always be my friends. This island will live forever in my heart and I will miss it greatly. Bermudians – you are wonderful. Be proud of who you are because you have every right to be proud! Thank you for sharing your beautiful island with me.

IRENE HOWELL

Warwick

St. George's deserves better

February 19, 2009

Dear Sir,

After all the fuss, and politicking surrounding the restoration of the St. George Police Station it is still necessary on occasions to "Dial a COP" across the harbour by way of a direct phone outside the historical building in the olde town. Why is this when the townsfolk were promised a Police presence? Thousands spent on a building and equipment coupled with promises of additional people to police our streets, results in a part-time police station when it should be open twenty four/seven. In consequence, approximately nine crimes are committed every day in Bermuda and this may increase when the recession really hits home. St. George's residents deserve better ... Who is in charge?

TOPPY AND SAUNDRA COWEN

British Columbia

For constructive dialogue

February 22, 2009

Dear Sir,

In the US, we are nearing the end of Black History Month and the recent remarks by Attorney General Eric Holder highlight the persistence of racial tension.

I am a psychology researcher and his comments resonated with me and my professional observations both in the US and in Bermuda. I have visited Bermuda a number of times in the role of researcher and Bermuda Race Relations Initiative participant. Although Bermuda has made great strides to ameliorate the harmful effects of a history of racism, racial tension remains. Similar to the race relations described by Eric Holder, it seems that racial matters divide Bermuda. For example, while people interact in the workplace and in schools, weekends remain highly segregated; there is little opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue.

That is why I have been so impressed with the courage of Premier Ewart Brown in his efforts to foster dialogue among the races via initiatives like the BRRI and The Big Conversation. These efforts, while painful and difficult, are essential in the healing process and in moving forward. Talking about race and racism makes people feel uncomfortable, especially those that have been historically advantaged and have benefited from white privilege. In my research, I have found that even the mention of race(ism) makes some whites so uncomfortable and angry that it clouds their willingness to engage the issue, opting instead to retreat from most meaningful interracial contact. My hope is that Bermuda (all Bermudians) serve as a leader in modelling how nations can use constructive dialogue to foster the promotion of racial understanding and transformation.

HELEN NEVILLE

Champaign, Illinois

Think before you drink

February 20, 2009

Dear Sir,

I came across this poem and in these times of many road traffic accidents, I feel that this poem is extremely apt and brings home the tragedy that families suffer:

I went to a party,

And remembered what you said.

You told me not to drink, Mum

So I had a sprite instead.

I felt proud of myself,

The way you said I would,

That I didn't drink and drive,

Though some friends said I should.

I made a healthy choice,

And your advice to me was right,

The party finally ended,

And the kids drove out of sight.

I got into my car,

Sure to get home in one piece,

I never knew what was coming, Mum

Something I expected least.

Now I'm lying on the pavement,

And I hear the policeman say,

The kid that caused this wreck was drunk,

Mum, his voice seems far away.

My own blood's all around me,

As I try hard not to cry.

I can hear the paramedic say,

This girl is going to die.

I'm sure the guy had no idea,

While he was flying high,

Because he chose to drink and drive,

Now I would have to die.

So why do people do it, Mum

Knowing that it ruins lives?

And now the pain is cutting me,

Like a hundred stabbing knives.

Someone should have taught him,

That it's wrong to drink and drive.

Maybe if his parents had,

I'd still be alive.

My breath is getting shorter, Mum

I'm getting really scared.

These are my final moments,

As I lie here and die.

I wish that I could say: 'I love you, Mum!'

And I'm so unprepared.

I wish that you could hold me Mum,

So I love you and goodbye.

MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers)

People should take note and take care when driving on the roads and put themselves in the place of the grieving families. You may change your driving habits and become a selfless driver, considerate driver.

CAREFUL PEDESTRIAN

Warwick