Bermuda Online E-Mail Guest Book Years 2005 to 2003

They are sought and valued. When they meet internationally-accepted standards we publish them below with the flag of your country (where you live) and show by date of receipt. Send them in plain text please, using subject "Bermuda Online Guest Book" - to https://www.royalgazette.com/contact-us/ Please give your name, email address and name of town or city or its zip or postal code, where you live (a standard online request). We reserve the right to modify or shorten comments and cannot use any deemed offensive. (Please do not send photographs without asking us first as our system automatically blocks all unauthorized attachments). We comply with international data regulations and will not hold or show or retain or use your email address or pass it on to any third party.

Comments for 2005

What a wonderful Bermuda Online website. Thank you!! Is there a reason why the Rosedon Hotel in City of Hamilton does not have a star rating. It sounds like a place where I may want to stay in August. Sincerely, Jane Gould, Toronto, Canada, 4th December 2005.

Thank you for adding me on your wonderful US Military Personnel in Bermuda to 1995 website. My next door neighbor, (actually directly across the street from me), is a Bermuda native. Carmen is her name, and she grew up in a Parish south of Hamilton, and she ended up marrying Woody, a Navy guy. They have Bermuda everything in their home, and just last week I had a ginger beer made in Bermuda while visiting with them. They traveled to Bermuda this past June and stocked up on stuff. They stay with her relatives though. I landed in Bermuda for my first time, for a 2 year hitch on 22 November 1982, which was 23 years ago today. I ended up staying for an extra year which made my full stay from 22 November 1982 through 5 December 1985. I was stationed as an Aviation Anti-Submarine Warfare Technician 2nd Class at NAS Bermuda's AIMD, Avionics Division. The island was beautiful and the diving was spectacular. I've been yearning to go back for a visit for the past couple of years. I would love to take my wife Nancy, and my son Bryan for a week long tour of the island and relive some of my past. After I left Bermuda, I was stationed at NAF Mayport, FL, and then NAS Cecil Field, and finally I retired from the Navy out of NAS Jacksonville back in November of 1997. I currently work as a Database Administrator for Fidelity National Financial. Bernie Beaulieu, Orange Park, Jacksonville, Florida, USA, 22 November 2005.

I write from Washington DC, with the active support of many other fellow Americans who are also being rapidly disillusioned with your Bermuda. Why? Because so many from Bermuda, from your Premier down, are engaging in so much anti-British rhetoric. Don't you guys know that the British cachet of your island is the main - if not the only - reason why we visit from the USA? It is the one thing that makes up for your hugely expensive cost of living. It just does not make any economic sense for senior politicians, columnists and more on a tiny, remote, island 700 miles from the nearest mainland, that cannot feed or clothe or sustain itself, has no substantial industries and is totally reliant on imported tourism, international business, imported oil and gas, to rant in so unseemly a public fashion about political independence. When far bigger and less vulnerable places like Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Quebec, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales - to name but few - are not calling for independence, why are disaffected Bermudans (sic) doing so? This points to a serious defect in your national character and a tourism flaw that needs to be urgently addressed. Logically, if you don't want to be British anymore, petition for Bermuda to become American or Canadian. It is the only thing that makes economic and political sense. It would also bring your cost of living down hugely. You would no longer have 47 politicians in 20 square miles. You could afford to be a whole lot more generous to locals and visitors in fares, food, import duties and much else. Put your affluence to better use to benefit those who give you your bread, butter and jam. Larry Mansell, Connecticut Avenue, Washington DC, USA, November 6, 2005.

Great web pages. Just an update, Perot's Island (which was listed as for sale) on your Bermuda Islands page has been sold. Thanks. Kendra Mello, CRB, Corporate Services Manager, Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty, Atlantic House, 11 Par-la-Ville Road P O Box HM 1886, Tel: (441) 292-1793 x 217. Fax: (441) 292-7918, Hamilton HM HX, Bermuda, 13 October 2005.

Your web site for the Physically Handicapped and Disabled visiting or resident in Bermuda and concern for disabled individuals is commendable and greatly appreciated. I know personally how hard and discriminating it can be to have a disability, even in the USA. I know we have laws now about accessibility and non-discrimination of the disabled, but it is not always heeded, although I will say that we have come quite far. I believe the more the government and businesses of Bermuda see that assisting and catering to the disabled means money to their economy and in their pockets, the more reform may move ahead. If you can make the plight of the disabled relate to $$$$ money, they will listen. We are finally getting the cruise ships to listen and provide greater accessibility thanks to individuals who brought law suits against them and they did not want to lose the tourist trade or get a bad name in the US. It gets very political. If there is someone (government or association) you would like me to write to about my experience as a disabled individual/family visiting your island, I would be happy to do so. Forward info to me. One final question for you...PLEASE!! We have decided to hire a taxi to take us on a personal tour of the island and I would like to know if there are any in particular that you would recommend. I dislike hiring someone blindly and would appreciate your input! Thank you for everything and best of luck in your endeavors for greater access and empowerment of the disabled!! Stay strong! Peggy Neske, USA, October 8, 2005.

I write to commend you on your Bermuda Citizenship file. It does what no other Bermuda website does, it states the position for all professional newcomers in employment and retirees to see. My son from London went to live and work in Bermuda as a non-citizen and wished he had seen it earlier. He had no idea he would be so restricted. What really concerns me are that persons in Bermuda don't get citizenship after 3 years of marriage to a local girl, as they can in the UK or USA or Canada or beyond, but must wait for 10 years in Bermuda; that persons born there are not automatically citizens; and that some persons of good standing have been there for 20 to 40 years yet have not been given citizenship. I would have thought Great Britain, the United Nations, Americans, Canadians, Portuguese and more would have objected strongly to this. I think my son and others should go where they are more welcomed; can have security of tenure and can be given citizenship if they wish after 5 years residence. In Grenada, and I believe other Caribbean islands too - and in places such as Australia - I understand citizenship is after 3 years with no need to marry a local first. Regards, Kate Brown, Mayfair, London, England, 5 October 2005.

As long time visitors to Bermuda, my wife and I continue to return - and as an Architect, I continue to be fascinated by the Islands' Architecture. We expect in June 2006 to return once again for a week at The St. Georges Club. Complimentary to our trip down I am also attempting to find further information on The Island Theater in Hamilton (built in 1948, now long gone). Would you know of any individual who might know of this theater that I could contact relative to this? I do have some old photos from a US architectural book - but I remain interested in a little more. Thanks for your help on this. As always, looking forward already to next summer's visit. Bob & Ellie DiSaia, 41 Canario Drive, Warren, RI 02885, USA, September 29, 2005.

"Engaged, but not married" - What about Common Law? I've read every section of your website, and have found it most informative. It has answered most of my questions about Bermuda and about living in Bermuda. Would you please clarify the following section, with respect to Bermuda Immigration requirements for couples who are not married, but are spouses living in Canada under Common Law? "Engaged - but not married - men or women who are not Bermudian will be regarded as temporary stay visitors for three weeks only. They will not be able to move to Bermuda to live if they are merely engaged - not legally married in a respectable jurisdiction. Before they can stay longer, they must apply for and get, from overseas, not while they are in Bermuda purely for a visit - jobs ahead of time like all other expatriates." Would we need to be legally married in a respectable jurisdiction to be allowed entry into Bermuda with a work permit? Or, is married in Canada under Common Law for over 10 years accepted as legally married for Bermuda Immigration? Thank you in advance for your help and your time, and for your excellent website. Pauline Shaw, Canada, 28 September 2005

Subject: Bermuda Parishes. I have been studying your website with interest. I own a full set of crest prints of the nine parishes and one on them is signed by Bill Harrington the originator. Is there any interest in the coats of arms and in particular the one of Pembroke)? I look forward to hearing from you in due course. Peter Lee, Wilcox and Cook - Overseas Office, Swanage, Dorset, UK, 22 September 2005

Editor: Copyright to all the crests of the parishes of Bermuda belongs to the ancient British families from which they originated.

Portuguese Consulate in Bermuda. I was looking on your website for a phone number/address to the Portuguese consulate in BDA and it wasn't posted. Is there any way you could give it to me via e-mail? I am a US Citizen, whose mother was born in Bermuda, of Portuguese parents, and I have a question for the consulate there. I have had a very difficult time finding their information and phone numbers I've taken from the internet in the past have been incorrect. Your Bermuda Online site is the most up-to-date of all those I've seen thus far. If you can help in any way I would be most grateful. Monica Abernathy, New York, USA, 5 September 2005.

Fabulous Bermuda Online website! On the basis of this website alone, I was armed with all the information I needed to make the decision to accept a job offer before I even went for my interview. Everything I could possibly want to know and more is right here, exceptionally well organized and thorough - truly one of the best websites I can think of for its comprehensive nature and the interesting articles. The articles on work permits are far more informative than what can be found on the Bermuda government website and basic information like knowing that we will have to take our drivers test all over again was certainly nice to know in advance. My only suggestion would be with respect to purchasing vehicles and providing information on whether its acceptable to haggle over the sticker price or if the asking price what is paid. Not knowing the customs in this regard and knowing how polite and well mannered everyone is, we don't want to look crass by haggling if its not acceptable practice. Other than that I can't think of one thing that could be done to improve this site! Prices are certainly higher than in Canada for many things like rent and gas, although we are paying 1.10 CA a litre for gas these days, however on my exploratory visit to the island I found that basic groceries (not junk food) prices really are similar to what we pay in Calgary. ( with the exception of the twenty percent difference in foreign exchange, but seeing as how we will be paid in the local currency, I consider them to be pretty close.) Toiletries are outrageously expensive so we intend to stock up before we make our move, pay the 22% duty and still come in at less than half price on things like deodorant, shampoo and feminine hygiene products. Things like the telephone, cable and gas are cheaper than what we pay where I am from in Canada and cigarettes are about half the price in Bermuda that they are here. I have also used this site almost exclusively to help find reasonably priced (for Bermuda) accommodation and have determined that we will be at least as well off financially in Bermuda as we are here in Canada and we will be living in PARADISE. We are very well traveled and without a doubt Bermuda is hands down the most beautiful island I have ever seen with the friendliest people I have ever encountered. We are counting the days until my work permit is approved and we can stop looking at the pictures and enjoy the real deal. Bev & Clive Wilson, Canada, 31st August 2005.

I enjoy reading the messages in your Bermuda Online Guestbook. I had the greatest pleasure of visiting Bermuda in 1967 courtesy of Furness Withy on the QTEV Queen of Bermuda as a junior engineer, for 12 glorious months. I have not been back since but hope to do so before I pop my clogs. Is there an association for ex Queen of Bermuda engineers who stayed on the island after she went to be scrapped in 1966? If so, I'd love to have details or an introduction. Michael Bedrock, 15 Conston Way, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 2QA, England, 31st August 2005.

I recently found your web pages on Bermuda and its aviation history. I enjoyed them immensely and thought them an excellent presentation. If you are interested in adding to the same, my brother, Geoff Osborn, was awarded the George Medal. A description of his activities can be found in the Mid-Ocean News of January 22, 1972. Another Bermudian, Eldon Williams, older brother of Billy and Charley Williams, served as a fighter pilot in the RCAF, was shot down by friendly fire during D-day operations. I saw him in hospital in New Westminster, BC in 1945. I served in Coastal Command of the RCAF in the North Atlantic and the North Pacific (post Jap invasion of the Aleutians). Geoff continued his career in aviation in ATC postwar in Dusseldorf, Germany, Lusaka, Northern Rhodesia (during the Comet runs to Capetown), then at Speke, Stanstead and Heathrow before returning to the Bermuda Airport. He now lives in Poole, in southern England. If you would like more details, let me know. Jack Osborn, Lumberton, NJ 08408, 28 August 2005, USA.

Thank you so much for your detailed report on Bermuda beaches! Members of my family dream of Mermaid Beach as it was long before the hurricanes mostly decimated it! What wonderful memories we have of that beach. We were in Bermuda 6 times...the last being about 1999. Even then we could see the changes in Bermuda in general, the economy, the constant political chatter about how disappointed the residents were with their leaders (it is the same world wide). We noticed the lack of cleanliness. And I am not talking about gum wrappers! It was at Church Bay where people had disposed of old furniture and other trash. We also saw trash in other places. There were other tell-tale signs that Bermuda was changing. Thank heaven for Johnny Barnes....he never changes! (Hope he is still with you, I know he is elderly now). Re the periodic sewage problem Bermuda has, reported here, it is crucial that there be no contamination of waters where people swim/play! I will grant you that I do not understand what problems the government might have in controlling this problem. However, I offer that it is imperative that they STOP the problem. I have alerted my extended family who vacation there. People can get very sick and could die from such contamination! How can the powers that be allow this to continue? I am so sad for Bermuda. There is no more beautiful place on earth! Nancy Bayko, Chambersburg, PA, USA, August 28, 2005.

Your Bermuda Online website has been very, very helpful - so many of the hotel websites read as though they were crafted by American sales executives. I am sitting at my home pc on a cold, wet Monday evening in Geneva (our summer has been unusually brief and grey) thinking about Bermuda - we plan to visit for a week starting 17 September. I don't know if you are allowed to give me a helpful nod but hope you can : I made online reservations at the 9 Beaches (I remember seeing a write-up in a glossy magazine) but may be able to stay at the Mid Ocean Club via a friend. Which one would you choose? My wife and I are in our mid 50's. I look forward to hearing from you if you can. Sincerely, Christopher Hart, 5 rue Toepffer, Geneva 1206, Switzerland, 22 August 2005.

Thank you so much for your rich, compelling, and unique presentation of Bermuda in your Bermuda Online. Your Tourism people should employ you for the knowledge and honesty you have on your website that no other Bermuda website has. Years ago, I used to visit Bermuda every year as a travel agent but the cost of getting, staying and eating there is now, sadly, far too expensive for most who are not on travel agent invitations and free stays. In my Daily Telegraph a few weeks ago I saw a travel story on Bermuda, but written with little enthusiasm. Which brings me to my point. Once - but a long while ago - Bermuda was one of the top 10 destinations of British holiday makers. On 17th July 2005, in another story, the Daily Telegraph reported that their Top 10 on package trips are now # 1 Spain, # 2 Greece, # 3 France, # 4 USA, # 5 Cyprus, # 6 Italy, # 7, Portugal, Madeira, # 8 Turkey, # 9 Barbados or St. Lucia or Antigua and # 10 Other European countries. And Top 10 destinations for British holidaymakers on independent trips abroad were # 1 Spain, # 2 France, # 3 USA, # 4 Italy, # 5 Ireland, # 6 Greece, # 7 Other European countries, # 8 Australia and/or New Zealand/ #9 Portugal/Madeira and # 10 Cyprus. Bermuda, wake up to this and restore your once-unique popularity with price consciousness, competitiveness and value for money! Helen Grayston, Mayfair, London, 12 August 2005.

My memories of Bermuda were richly refreshed by your 128 websites portal Bermuda Online! They began in 1957 when I was then Ken Ludwig, 24 years old from Vancouver, Canada. MA Gibbons met me from my plane and I was then about to represent Manufacture's Life Insurance at his real estate office on Front street. I lasted but a month or so selling life insurance, I had been in radio in Vancouver and all I did was hang around the radio station ZBM and the guys there. During my first week or so I was on the beach of the Coral Beach Club where I met the beautiful young 18 year old Marcia McMartin and from that point on through her very wealthy & connected parents (Duncan McMartin was the owner of the Hollinger Gold Mines in Timmins, Ontario) I met many famous people and later got a job at ZBM, thanks to Jack Dodge and Walt Staskow and alongside Quinton Edness, who was just starting his role as a DJ with Willy Smith, Jack Dodge, Bruce Morrow, Jay Lloyd and other wonderful, ambitious young men. I was involved with the opening of ZBM TV with Walt Staskow and I believe I was the first to sing "live" on ZBM with the Don Wallace band from the Bermudiana Hotel, with Don Wallace's band, and then I was hooked on singing. I worked with Lance Hayward who helped me with my love of singing. I was proud to know Quinton Edness, Hubert Smith, Gandhi Burgess, Tootsy and so many others, Joe Wylie at the Hamilton Princess too where I sang in 1974. Thanks again, Bermuda. Hope anyone from Bermuda and ZBM who remembers me. Kenny Colman, Vancouver, Canada, 23 July 2005.

I have made four glorious trips to your Bermuda so far. On one of them, I met Stuart Outerbridge. He asked me what I thought of his island, and I told him I thought it was an island run by ladies and gentlemen for the pleasure of ladies and gentlemen. I haven't been back in years but I know I would describe it exactly the same way if I were to make the trip. I plan on doing so one day soon. Then I want to stay longer and bring my lady with me so she can catch the sweet scent of your oleander and other flowers, swoon in sheer pleasure and give me fair measure. In the meantime, thanks again. Dan K Loveland, Charleston, South Carolina, 23 July 2005.

I went through your Bermuda Online website last night and have found out so much. I currently have a job offer from a Bermudian company and I think that the recruitment agency in South Africa had no idea of what they were doing as you correct, complement and supplement them so effectively. Also. you have so much more information about Bermuda than your government tourism website has. It really ought to link to your site for that reason alone. For people like me, going from one country to another, the more information we can get about the new location the better. Your site alone in Bermuda provides it. Thanks for all the great info and again you have a superbly informative web site. Paul Miles, South Africa, 20 July 2005.

For love of Bermuda. First let me thank you for continuing to have such an informative Bermuda Online web site, a wealth of education and information. I have been visiting Bermuda since the late 1960's and rental of the "put-puts.". That Bermuda does not really exist anymore. As a tourist, and I believe I speak for many, it is such a delight to get away from the hustle and bustle of where we live. To come to another place where beauty and vista's feed the soul. Unfortunately, some of the changes in Bermuda have not been for the better. Bermudians were never known to be a violent people but some have brought this kind of change to your island. I shall never forget a radio announcer back in the 1960's asking people to please pick up any pieces of glass that could hurt the paws of your dogs and cats. That day will stay with me forever and a reminder of the Bermuda that I fell in love with way back then. I am hurt to the bottom of my soul to find that Bermuda dumps untreated waste & radio active material into the ocean. It is a very unconscionable act and is not only a crime towards the delicate ecosystem but a disgrace upon Bermudians. I am not a scientist or a biologist - just an everyday mom that cares. I do know that if Disney world can drink the water that comes out of the toilets after it is treated through a self contained system, there are answers to the problem. Yes, I still love Bermuda and will be visiting again within two weeks. I know I will enjoy my visit as I always do, but this time when I look out to sea I know I will cry. Marie Tramontano, New York State, 18 June, 2005.

Re the US Military in Bermuda 1941-95. I heard from a Navy buddy of mine the other day and we were both stationed in Bermuda at about the same time, so I thought I'd forward my information to you. It might be of interest to know how some of us in the service then have progressed. From 9 December 1948-1950, I, Dan Murr, YN3, arrived in Bermuda, attached to VP-45. I spent my 1st Christmas Eve and Christmas Day away from home. Dan Lynch and I played one-on-one basketball in the base gym. We threw our first liberty together in Hamilton. We loved it in Bermuda. I remained with the squadron until April 1951. Bermuda was my most favorite place. I left the service in 1952 and became a sportswriter for 40 years in the southeast and mid west. I retired to Florida in 1992. I was back there in Bermuda a few years ago, very disappointed to see that the Navy base has been dismantled and is no longer there. I'm an author and historian, with my books including "A Need to Know" (Military and Espionage/Romance adventure, FWA first place fiction award); "We Never Said Goodbye" (and other stories, a variety of 7 short stories); "The Medjugorje Encounter" (Nonfiction, about 4 pilgrimages to this Bosnia-Herzegovina city and apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary); "The Milk Wagon" (Military fiction adventure about a covert mission to Manchuria/North Korea in 1946). Dan Murr, Florida, USA, 16th June 2005/

Bermuda airport accessibility. First, let me thank you for the great stuff. Very helpful in planning trips. Your honest reporting, photos and complete information help counteract the hype and missing information on some web pages for Bermuda. My son and I will be vacationing in Bermuda July 8-17. His 1st trip to Bermuda and my 2nd. Matthew is 19 and multi-handicapped. Walks with lower leg braces and a helmet in case of falls. Uses an adaptive stroller for distances and rough ground. Nonverbal and functions at about the 2-year-old level. I have a few questions I hope you can help me with. We'll arrive Friday night after 10pm (US Airways 386). Our B & B is arranging our airport transfer from airport to The Old Rectory. Will we need to tell the airline and/or airport ahead of time that Matthew needs to leave the plane via the lift device instead of down the steps? Can I stay with Matthew in the lift? He can do steps (slowly) where someone can walk on one side of him and another person spots from below, but half asleep on strange steps I don't want to risk it. Better to put him in his adaptive stroller to disembark. Same thing for when we leave - I think it will be safer to have Matthew board the plane using the lift. Another question I have is about buses. I think Matthew will be able to step up to board a regular bus. However, it is still helpful if we can take his stroller along on outings. It folds lengthwise to about 5 feet long by about 1 foot in circumference. It will go under the seats of a standard US school bus here. Can we take Matthew's folded stroller on the bus? We'll be staying in St. George, so we will want to take the bus in addition to the ferry sometimes. One last question. Matthew has a gastrostomy tube for supplemental liquids. I know food is expensive in Bermuda. Can I bring in 18 cans of commercial feeding formula for Matthew's use when we come? If I do, will I need any special paperwork from Matthew's doctor? What about diapers? Bring or buy? Thanks again for the great web site, Susan Bianchi, Hershey PA, 14 June 2005.

Bermuda land development company. What a great site. I recently applied for a VP facilities and engineering position with the BLDC. Waiting to see what, if anything, happens, but on the basis of 'be prepared' I wanted to find out, more than anything else, what it costs to live in Bermuda. I think you answered it very well - A hell of a lot ! If compared to Canada costs are 280% higher then I cannot see how BLDC can offer a commensurate package to someone in my position in the $100,000 p.a (Canadian) bracket. Thanks again. I don't feel so 'green' now if an interview comes along. John Wordley M.Sc., P.Eng, Little Britain, Ontario, Canada, 12 June 2005.

Import tax question/Newcomers section. Thank you for the excellent Bermuda Online website. It has been very helpful to us in our plans to move to Bermuda for the next year. I am wondering what to expect in my import taxes as I am mainly taking clothing and my basic toiletries. I have only my hairdryer for electronics. Should I limit my clothing that I take? Is it subject to the same taxation or are clothes basic goods? Thank you again for your help! Lori Starodub & John Morris, Canada, 12 June 2005.

II maintain a database of Royal Navy warships which principally details the basic parameters of all vessels that have served (currently standing at over 13,000 records). In amongst them are the shore bases which have also borne those names. A book called 'Shore Establishments of the Royal Navy' provides some confusing (at least to me) information about HMS Malabar. So when I happened across your excellent papers on the RN Dockyard at Bermuda whilst searching the web, I thought my prayers would be answered. Unfortunately, it seems to have raised more questions than it answered. I am therefore hoping you can clarify some issues for me. If not, perhaps you know someone who can. As you state in part 2, the name MALABAR was not used until 1939 when part of the dockyard was transferred to the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) and named HMS MALABAR. Unfortunately, the previously mentioned book suggests, among other things, that the name MALABAR existed from 1919, was already in use at Jamaica in 1939 and that the name was transferred to Bermuda when the Jamaican base was re-named HMS BUZZARD. To confuse me further, you indicate HMS Malabar became the signal station in front of the Commissioner's house (was that after the FAA base closed?), and that in 1965 HMS MALABAR re-commissioned as MALABAR VII (what happened to IV, V and VI?) So, the bottom line is, can anyone provide a chronological list showing the dates when each variant of the establishment called "HMS MALABAR" (I through VII) commissioned and paid off and what was the location of each (e.g. Ireland Island, Boaz Island, Trinidad, Jamaica etc.). The text below is a copy of the listing for MALABAR taken from ' Shore Establishments of the Royal Navy' (i.e. that which I find confusing). MALABAR Bermuda / Palisadoes, Jamaica, Base Cd 09.02.1919-31.03.1951 Re Cd 01.06.1965 at Ireland Island, extant 1992 Included RAF Bermuda, tx to RN 24.05.1939, and Palisadoes, Jamaica 1940 (see BUZZARD) . Work Up Base SOMERS ISLES absorbed 04.1943 (qv) Nominal DS-Steam Pinnace 1921- - Steam Lch/Pinnace 211 1932- Steam Lch/Pinnace 211 12.10. 1945-26.01.1946 (no longer suitable) -MB 44781 26.01.1946- - Motor M/S 1723 06.1947-12.1947- ML 3510 1950 MALABAR II Bermuda Name used by pre-WW2 seaplane sta, discontinued 1940. MALABAR II Port of Spain, Base Cd 01.08.1940. RNAS at Trinidad became GOSHAWK vice MALABAR II 26.09.1940 (qv), ML Base Trinidad closed 24.07.1945 MALABAR III Bermuda Name used by pre-WW2 seaplane sta, discontinued 1940 MALABAR III Jamaica, RNAS New RNAS at Jamaica called BUZZARD in lieu of MALABAR III 09.1940(qv). Thank you in anticipation and once again, congratulations on a most interesting article. Mike Clarke, United Kingdom, 3rd June 2005

You deserve much thanks for your comprehensive web site -- the most amazing site I've ever seen for any part of the world, especially useful for a part of the world that is so distinctive, even idiosyncratic. I found it immensely useful when I was planning to be in Bermuda last fall to teach on behalf of your Centre on Philanthropy. My workshops are for civic leaders, board members and the leaders of "non-profit" organizations -- people who seek to make a difference in society. I see my coming to Bermuda as an investment in the future of the country since most of the participants live in Bermuda. Btw, I share your respect for Sir W. Churchill, once of Harrow School. One of Harrow's leaders attended my workshop at Cambridge U. years ago. At the risk of imposing on your good nature, I would like to pose a question. After a couple of hours on your site, I still wonder if there is a link or a direction that I might go to locate a possible venue for our workshops? I am seeking one that is a retreat centre (sometimes a faith-oriented venue) or even a camp that has lodging -- or even a school. Last time, I convened at the Fairmont, the one which has the beach. They provided an arrangement that was much less costly than their usual charges for meetings and lodgings. Still, to be able to return on a regular basis, I would like to locate a site that has a lower cost basis. It would have a small meeting room (for 8 persons), and could have just a few sleeping rooms -- on none if there are some nearby. I would like it to have a view of the water. And here's a real "killer" - to have a bit of fairly flat land around it so that I can ride my bicycle. Last time, I also stayed at "Drybrow," a cottage I found through one of your links, to write for a couple of weeks. The owners sold the property, and it was ideal. I think it was the rail tracks that were paved and provided a flat bike trail. I would consider any response from you to be a person favor. Sincerely, Jim Lord, Cleveland, Ohio, May 19, 2005.

Could the Bermuda Government please say why there is such an archaic system at the airport? Plus a duty-free allowance for visitors and returning residents so low compared to Canada, USA, Europe and the entire Caribbean it is an insult? And why, to make matters even worse, do you in Bermuda now have bureaucracy gone mad in the Customs Declaration form that no other country in the world would dare issue passengers? Or are you, as an island, trying to discourage, not encourage visitors? The airline gave me and my friends an extra copy, we have circulated them around to our circle at home and our friends are angry. Already, your airfares are more expensive than to places twice or three times further away. You have got to compensate in other ways, such as reducing costs and bureaucracy and making theft against visitors a mandatory prison sentence, not making travel costs even more and putting Bermuda's reputation for safety even more at risk. When Bermuda does so, not before, my friends and I may consider returning. It is no longer a value-for-money destination. My friends were robbed and beaten and our newspapers have carried the stories. Kate Morgan, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, May 10, 2005.

I truly enjoy your Bermuda Online website. I was in Bermuda briefly, and your lovely photos bring it back. We have a contact interested in knowing how one would obtain a list of the 788 heritage properties you mention. Can you help, or say from where one can be obtained? Thanks so much. Michelle D. Weaver, Reinsurance Marketing Coordinator & Case Manager, Chadbourne & Parke LLP, 1200 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, April 25, 2005.

I read with interest your article on the status of the hospitals in Bermuda. Do you know how many ventilators the ICU owns? I was also wondering from your article you mentioned the lack of a cardio pulmonary rehab program. Does the hospital do any Cardio Pulmonary testing for COPD? Cheers, Randy Clare, Area Sales Manager, VIASYS Healthcare, Canada, 62 Jarlan Terrace, Kanata, Ontario, Canada K2L 3L3, 25th April 2005.

I greatly appreciate the help and the Bermuda Online website is great! I love your photos!! Hope to meet you in the future! Thanks for helping me find information regarding reasonably priced accommodations in the St George's Dinghy and Sports Club vicinity or not far away. I am a school teacher in Massachusetts and a single mom with a son entering college in the fall. A friend is in the Caribe 1500 race that will dock at the St George's Dinghy club between June 28 and July 3. I would like to surprise him at the docks! Any help and suggestions you can offer in this regard would be most helpful. Diane Paradis, Massachusetts, USA, April 23, 2005.

I write to thank your Bermuda Online for its in-depth and carefully updated focus on Bermuda generally - and particularly for showing in your Airlines Serving Bermuda file that Detroit and Bermuda are now linked by Northwest Airlines. As at this date, you are the only Bermuda website to do so. Perhaps Bermuda Tourism and the Bermuda International Airport will catch up with you in due course. All of us here hope the service will be popular enough to go daily, instead of Saturdays only - and become all-year instead of April through August 20. Also, it is entirely sensible you stress all Americans traveling abroad to Bermuda should bring passports as official proof of citizenship. No other document does so. You are our nearest foreign country and your acknowledgement of the link now existing between us is much appreciated. Put please, let it be two-way! In return for the tourism business you will get from us here in Detroit, please come to Detroit to shop, do business, be educated and go on vacation. In all these respects and much more, we have at least as much to offer as New York and Massachusetts! I know our Chamber of Commerce wants this to be said. Sincerely, Jack Young, Detroit, MI, USA, April 13, 2005.

My fiancé and I were hoping to be able to afford a trip to Bermuda sometime, but the fares are outrageous, even for economy class. Obviously, it makes much more sense financially to go to USA instead, for far less. But we read in the Business section of our Daily Telegraph newspaper on 2nd April on page 23 that the only airline that flies to Bermuda directly from here in the UK is keeping as profit the airline passenger duty - about £40 - that need not be paid by airlines to the British Government if customers miss their flights. The newspaper claims airlines are not telling their passengers of this, the British Government is not requiring them to and British Airways will apply a £30 "administrative charge" following any such request for a refund. To make matters worse, we have friends in Philadelphia, USA, who will be flying to see us in May for the same price in US$ that we would pay in £ sterling to go see them by air. It is about half the price we would pay. And their airline tells them their airport departure tax is refundable if they don't fly. Is your Bermuda Government as indifferent to the plight of airline passengers as our British Government? Or as consumer-conscious as the American government in airline fares and passenger taxes? Are your airline passenger taxes refundable to passengers who miss their flights? Jayne Morris, Islington, London, April 4, 2005.

Your Bermuda Online is remarkable, thank you, a model surely for others to follow. You make Bermuda sound so alluring. My only criticism is that you Americanize too much. Isn't Bermuda still at least nominally a British Overseas Territory destination? For all your careful writing, it's such a shame going from UK to Bermuda has completely disappeared from all the Travel Guides in not just the UK newspapers of the calibre of the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Times but all the UK newspapers. It's far cheaper now for UK-based people to go to the Bahamas or Barbados or Australia or New Zealand or Thailand or Middle East or South Africa or USA than it is to go to Bermuda. A UK travel feature I read recently in an interesting independent UK newspaper by a hugely respected and knowledgeable travel writer said the combination of the Bermuda Government's hugely inflated costs by world cost-of-government standards and the whopping fees it imposes on its airport in only 21 square miles make Bermuda the single most expensive journey by far anywhere in the world, a 1 out of 12, and with its $100 travel allowance per returning resident compared to $800 in USA and £145 (about $275) now for UK residents returning from Europe and an almost blind eye at London airports for UK residents returning from the USA providing they don't have parcels galore. Soon, if our Chancellor of the Exchequer has his way, the allowance will be raised to £1,000 (about $1,900). All this creates an overall MINUS 5 for meanness in Bermuda. I wish your Bermuda Government would listen, take note and be proactive. Bermuda has virtually priced itself out of business and it has to take a major U-turn to recapture the interest and excitement it once had, such as when I was younger. Jeremy Saunders, Regent's Park, London, England, 17th March 2005.

Editor's note: Excellent e-mail. Yes, these files are more American than British, but there is a reason for it. More than 85% of American tourists visit annually, compared to less than 5% from the UK. So we tend to write more for the American market.

I am fascinated by your mention of the plight of OAPs - or, as you call them, senior citizens - in Bermuda. Bravo for going far beyond the typical tourist-type information on Bermuda and commenting on matters, such as Social Security pensions and benefits, and a comparison with other countries, other sites will not. I write as an Age Concern member here in England. We think our state pensions are too small and that they should be topped up to Pension Credit level automatically. In fact, some of us will be voting at the UK's forthcoming General Election expected in May 2005 very much in mind about what our political parties have promised all of us who are pensioners. But compared to what your Government's payouts are and Bermuda's huge cost of living compared to UK, ours in UK are positively generous in comparison! I urge your Government to at least bring all social security pensions up to the UK level, plus a compensatory cost-of-living increase. After all, Bermuda is rated as the richest country in the world! It should be something to be proud about, to reflect well on your government, not badly as it surely does now. Yours truly, Joyce Adams, Maidstone, Kent, England, March 8, 2005.

I really enjoy reading your Bermuda Online articles. I want to apply for a position now open in the government of Bermuda for a person from overseas. You have mentioned the Bermuda dollar is not exchangeable overseas. Does that mean that if I work for the Bermuda government and they pay me in Bermuda dollars, I can't exchange that money for other foreign currency such as Canadian or American dollars. That would mean that I can't make payments for a house that I have in Canada while I am working in Bermuda !!! I will greatly appreciate if you could clarify this for me. Thanks a lot in advance. Pierre Gionet, 23rd February 2005, Canada.

Editor's note: While the Bermuda Dollar is not a recognized international currency overseas and cannot be traded like recognized international foreign currencies, any non-Bermudian working legally in Bermuda and paid in Bermuda dollars can easily use them to buy US dollars, £ sterling and possibly Canadian dollars too, at prevailing rates of exchange, to send home.

Your Accommodation and other files on Bermuda Online are the most comprehensive yet impartial of any website on Bermuda. Congratulations! My family had been looking for advertising-free facts on Bermuda and we certainly found them shown galore on your site. You present your facts in a uniformly reader-friendly way. We came away clear in our minds that we infinitely prefer your emphasis on facts and information on so many aspects of Bermuda presented in such a nice, easy to sift through way, compared to the computer-nerd way so much less complete information is shown on other sites. You make Bermuda a wonderful place to want to visit when given all the facts and we look forward to our mini vacation over Easter 2005 and a longer stay in summer 2005. We are most grateful and are referring your site all over the place. John MacArthur and family, Wilmington, Delaware, USA , February 12, 2005.

Hello there, I'm hoping to ask you a couple specific questions about Bermuda because your Bermuda Online website is the most informative I've found yet on the beaches there. I will be living there for 2 months starting in March of this year for a university program at the Biological Station. I also happen to be a surfer and amateur fisherman and diver so I was wondering about the normal surfing conditions. Your site said only when the wind blows hard from the south is there any surf - I didn't know how often that might occur and if there are any spots on the north shore. I saw on a surfing forum that the person posting had only seen good surf on North Rock, I assume on the North side, but that it had only been once while they lived there. Anyway, I hope you have time to respond to this and I hope the outlook is good for a few waves at least. Otherwise I will simply be stuck enjoying the gorgeous water from underneath - what an terrible punishment, woe is me. Thank you for anything you can tell me. Sincerely, Trey Sherard III, Duke University, USA, January 30, 2005

Editor's note: There is much that is wonderful about Bermuda's beaches. But there very little good surfing usually, because of the reefs' calming influence on the waves. When gales and hurricanes occur, of the type that bring surfing conditions, surfing could be dangerous.

Re Seat Belt Law in the Automobiles section of your Bermuda Transportation for Residents. Your Bermuda Online site is just fantastic and I congratulate you. Small correction in the seat belt law section: Children from birth to one year and up to 20 lbs in weight must be in a rear facing seat. Children from 30 lbs to 40 lbs must be in a forward-facing child seat. Should read: Children from birth to one year and 20 lbs in weight must be in a rear facing seat. Children from one year and 20 lbs to 40 lbs must be in a forward-facing child seat. The wording "one year" and "20lbs" may sound awkward but is used in all jurisdictions to emphasize that the child must meet both the age and weight minimum to progress to the next seat. I don't think the seat belt offence is $2,100 any longer. Cheers, Dr. Joseph Froncioni, Pembroke Parish, Bermuda, January 29, 2005.

I have found your Bermuda Online web site to be particularly informative in bringing my knowledge of Bermuda up to date. It has been 20 years since I have visited and am planning a trip to Bermuda this summer. Your comments, including concerning accommodations, have been very helpful. Sincerely, John R. Hicks, North Carolina, USA, 20 January 2005.

I was amazed and pleased by your Bermuda Online mention in your Public Holidays file about Bermuda-based wartime pensioners of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force - that if born on or before 2nd September 1929, they may also be eligible for a free ten-year passport from the UK Passport Service. You obviously keep well in touch with good consumer UK news. My husband and I are both in this category, did not know about this as it was not in our local newspaper nor on the BBC or ITN or Channel Four or Channel Five News. It was nice to know this information from your site, subsequently confirmed by the Passport Service. My husband and I have been helped a lot by this. We have also passed this on to friends of ours who are living in Bermuda and members of the Bermuda War Veterans Association. Violet Graham, York, England, January 20, 2005.

Firstly, may I say that Bermuda Online is fantastic! I have been busy reading it all afternoon. Although it is making me very depressed, as I sit here in wet and cold Ireland! Secondly, I was wondering if you could be of any assistance to me. I am an experienced Corporate Flight Attendant, who has flown many Private Jets ranging from GIV's to BBJ's. Presently I am looking for a new job, either with a company or a private owner. I know that a lot of Private Jets are registered in Bermuda and I was wondering would you know of any companies or owners I could contact in Bermuda regarding employment with them. If you are unable to assist me, I completely understand. Warmest wishes from cold Dublin. Susan Murray, Dublin, Ireland, 17th January 2005.

How very nice - but not surprising, given the unique quality, depth and accuracy of Bermuda Online - that it alone has been mentioned and linked to as a "Useful site" in the Travel Advice by Country file of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. I note how the FCO rates Bermuda as a medium crime area and advises travelers to take sensible precautions. Years ago, Bermuda was a low-crime area. Can I assume that illegal drugs are mostly to blame? It is such a shame that the reputation of such a lovely little island should be blemished by crime. People deserve freedom from crime when they go thousands of miles for a holiday. I hope sincerely that the penalties are high. Doris Harris, Southgate, London N14, England, 4 January 2005.

Comments for 2004

I write as a fairly frequent winter visitor - in the style of Mark Twain - to say how much I enjoy your Bermuda Online website and in particular at this time of the year your detailed description of the Yuletide and Christmas British habits you show in your "Christmas Day" section of Bermuda Public Holidays. It is these that make Bermuda special at this time to American tourists. Sadly, it seems some locals don't feel British at all. It is the one aspect of Bermuda that makes it far more attractive to most Americans like me than the once-British Caribbean islands and those still French and Dutch. If you ever forsake the British aspect of Bermuda, you will lose hundreds of thousands of American tourists a year. Please don't ever go this foolish path, you are far too small. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! John Smart, Towson, Maryland, December 21, 2004.

I'm really impressed with the quality and quantity of your Bermuda Online website. It contains so much information not found on any other Bermuda website and your work to keep it up-to-date is amazing. As one with an interest in all things military, in a BBC news report today here in London I heard that Switzerland is one of the very few countries in the world still with National Service; that failure to serve will lead to imprisonment; and that Swiss Army members are allowed to take their guns and ammunition home with them. I gather from your information that your Bermuda Regiment also has selective National Service. Does failure to serve also lead to imprisonment? Are Bermuda soldiers allowed to take their guns and ammunition home with them, like the Swiss? Looking forward to your answers, John Woodward, Swiss Cottage, London, United Kingdom, 6th December 2004

Thank you for your Bermuda Online site. It brought back many a good memories. My ex-husband Joseph and I met in Bermuda when we were both stationed there, Joseph Magiera as a UT2 from 1983 - 1988, I as an MS3 from 1984-1988. Our daughter Jessica was born in Hamilton in January 1988. My ex-husband and I fell in love in and with Bermuda. We have many fond memories of the island, especially the friends we made there. We'll never forget bartender Goodie, a Bermudian of whom we grew very fond, and Fire 1, in the slot room at the EM club. My ex-husband was a Seabee and I was a cook at the galley. We would love to revisit Bermuda one day to show our daughter the beautiful, mystical island on which she was born. Heather Magiera, Ten Mile, TN 37880, USA (with my ex-husband living in Sterling Heights, MI 48312), 20th November 2004.

Excellent site on Bermuda Homes. I find your web site to be an extremely good wealth of resources. If only other countries took a cue from your approach. Thank you, E. K. Torkornoo, BS, MS, CCP, Realtor / Licensed Real Estate Agent, Principal / Owner, E. K. Torkornoo & Associates Real Estate Investment, Acquisition and Sales, (Helping Real Estate Investors, Buyers and Sellers Worldwide). Member: National Association of Realtors, Maryland Association of Realtors, Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors, Metropolitan Regional Information System (Multiple Listing Service - Exclusive Database for Realtors with comprehensive data, photos, taxes, public records, statistics, etc., on Properties sold or for sale in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, etc.). Long & Foster, Realtors, 14405 Laurel Place Laurel, MD 20707-9700. 17 November 2004.

I find it difficult to express, in appropriate terms to show my admiration, my appreciation for the sheer quality and quantity of your Bermuda Online site, the in-depth information you give that other Bermuda sites do not, research you undertake and the speed of your site management, obviously daily, holiday or weekend. You have a wonderful sense of what is meaningful and important to the discerning tourist, educator and professional newcomer. I wish other sites, in Bermuda and other countries, would follow your example. Bermuda Online is a model to the world of what a website should be in honesty, integrity, accuracy and reliability. It is truly the Bible of Bermuda as I know my own travel agent calls it. Dennis Simpson, Toronto, Canada, Thursday, 11th November 2004.

Re the US Military in Bermuda. I think it is great to keep in contact with buddies (local and military) from the past. From 1975 to 1978, I was at USNAS, Bermuda, as an ABH-3 / ABH-2. Divisions: Security and Transit Line. I remember the beautiful water and the most wonderful Bermudian people. Places like the Swizzle Inn, Black Horse, Grotto Bay disco in the caves and the St George Dingy Club all made my tour there the best. I'm still in search of local friends there such as Jimmy Furbert who worked at the EM Club, Jimmy O'Connor and Dennis Fox who played with the Happening BDA Band, Seal Lindo who tended bar at the Swizzle, and numerous others. I've been back once in the mid 80's on a cruise ship and look to return in the very near future. I listen to the islands "internet" radio station each day--just wish 106.1 would hurry back on line after the hurricane. I feel very proud to have been in the company of such gracious people such as the Bermudians. You taught me how to enjoy life-- and I thank you"! James (Bill) Byrd, Dallas, Texas, USA. October 29, 2004.

Congratulations on Bermuda Online - excellent. Am most appreciative of your suggestions for trying to research the background of my great grandfather who was born in Bermuda. John Archer, Northampton, England, 25 October 2004.

Re your US Military in Bermuda, I was with the security police unit at Kindley Air Force Base from April 1969 to June 1970. I lived off-base, on Lighthouse Road approximately 200 yards under the lighthouse in St. David's. My neighbor was a family who last name was Minors. there were many families named Fox, Lambe, etc. I loved Bermuda. It was a very wonderful place for a black family with 3 sons. We enjoyed it very much. As a policeman, I got to know many Bermuda policemen who were from other places. I hope to visit Bermuda in the near future. I have now retired from the Air Force. Cornelius Brown, 3034 Carson St,. Aurora, CO 80011, USA, October 24, 2004.

I was stationed at Kindley AFB, as an Air Policeman. I worked with Jim Dowling who I have not heard from in all these years. I would like to get his address (not known here in Bermuda) or have him given my address. I also have a picture of myself and Colonel Jones in 1963. I had wonderful friends in the local community who made my tour a memorable experience. Pat Branigan, 3418 Frontier Street, Cheyenne Wyoming 82001, October 24, 2004.

Re your US Military in Bermuda and Aviation in Bermuda files, I was in Bermuda from early 1962 to 1963 on orders to VP-49, one of the two seaplane squadrons based at what is now Morgan's Point. A Lieutenant Commander at the time. My flying assignment was as Patrol Plane Commander of a P5M-2 aircraft known as Woodpecker 8. A photograph of my plane taken in February 1962 along with WP-9 is included on page 190 in the Colin A. Pomeroy book "The Flying Boats of Bermuda". I gave a copy of it to Neal Stephens of The Reefs while visiting there last week. The Reefs can be seen just below the hull break on WP-9. During my tour with VP-49, we experienced the Cuban Crises and I was the initial O-in-C of the detachment sent to Guantanamo Bay to operate surveillance flights around Cuba. My family thoroughly enjoyed their stay on your beautiful island. We lived at the Lantana Colony Club for several months upon arrival - regrettably we could not get into the area to see it or possibly John Young or Paul Leseur who were our wonderful hosts at the time. We look forward to seeing Bermuda again on our 55th anniversary (2007). Capt. Robert E. Jacob, USN (ret), 613 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street, PA 17584. October 12, 2004.

From 1955 - 1957 I served at Kindley Air Force Base with 1934th AACS/AFCS. I was a Teletype operator at the Base Communications Center and 1934th Air to Ground Radio Station. Teletype operations of the day required around 30 personnel to operate Air Force Communications around the clock. I hope to contact Herbert Schlecht and his wife Hazel. Herb was from Pennsylvania and his wife Hazel was from Cheltenham England. I enjoyed reading the exploits of others in your files. I have many memories of pleasant times I experienced while on the island. Thanks to TSgt Howard NCOIC base communications center and SSgt Bean, Shift supervisor at the comm center for helping with my development in early Air Force training. I also remember ZBM1 and 2 Radio stations which always played Wake-E-Wakey every morning. Some day I hope to return for a holiday. Fred L. Browne, 113 Clemwood Parkway, Hampton, Virginia 23669, 10 October 2004.

I was stationed at the Naval Facility, Bermuda, from 82-85. I was in the generator shop LPO. My two oldest sons were both born over there. (See under "Citizenship" in Bermuda Laws). I wonder if anyone remembers old Mr. Zuill who was the groundskeeper then, he was in his 90's when I was there. Gary Wommack (ENC retired), USA, 26th September 2004.

I have thoroughly enjoyed your Bermuda Online website. You have done a fabulous job !!!! My father, Thomas Austin Morgan (who retired as a Master Sergeant in the US Air Force) was stationed in Bermuda at Kindley AFB from September, 1949 until April, 1952. He worked in the communications department. My mother's name is Helene Marie Morgan (maiden name Mueller). She was a German war bride. They met when my Dad was stationed in Germany after WWII. I was born July, 1950 while they were stationed at Kindley AFB. My mother said the islands were known as "The Isles of Rest", "The Isles of Beauty", "The Isles of Dreams". They first lived on Pond Hill, Pembroke East, highest house on the hill. Their neighbors, the Matthews, had kids and grandkids. My mother mentions the "Gombeys" at New Year's - enjoyed them. Also Guy Fawkes night on November 5 - firecrackers, etc. The landlord came back from the US and wanted the house to live in, so my parents moved in February 1950 to Cox's Hill, Pembroke West, to a house owned by Mr. Dunkley, a dairyman. At Kindley, Captain Calvert, Capt. Kenna, Lt. Lebherz and 2 nurses took care of my Mom at the time I was born. She mentioned the beautiful beaches, pink houses, wonderful people, etc. I am trying to get the family slides taken during their time in Bermuda from my sister - she thinks she has them stored somewhere. Shirley Kelley, USA, 13th September 2004.

Re Bermuda Insurers.. Many thanks for your timely response. Your Bermuda Online web-site is very informative and I used it to locate information about Rosedon, where my wife and I stayed during our visit this week to your fair island. Harbor Night was most enjoyable as well. Cheers! Regards, Pete Burness, USA, 11th September 2004.

Many thanks for your wonderfully informative articles about Bermuda in your Bermuda Online. I am due to relocate to work in the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in October, and I have a query that I wonder if you can answer. In the UK I have a Vodafone 3G data card that enables me to have mobile internet connection to my laptop. I pay a line rental of £20 per month, and call costs are on top of that, with monthly bills averaging a total of £80. Will it be possible from a legal point of view to continue with this service once in Bermuda, as it sounds far cheaper than any Bermudian alternative? Also, I have a cell phone that I am thinking of bringing with me. Again, is it possible to keep my UK provider? Regards, Amanda Shaw, United Kingdom, 10th September 2004

Editor's note: wrote saying UK telecommunications - and laws - do not extend to Bermuda and giving her other relevant information.

I was a S/SGT in Det. #10, 9th Weather Group at Kindley AFB under Col. Beatty, from November 1951 to November 1954. I had the privilege of seeing a newly crowned Queen Elizabeth and her husband as they made their first visit to Bermuda. While I was NCO in charge of the Rawinsonde Section of the weather group, Col. Beatty and I made the first weather balloon observation in the eye of a hurricane done by an Air Force station, I think in 1953. Elsewhere on your Bermuda Online website - in Aviation - you mention the crash of a Cubana plane in 1952. I was there. On that particular MORNING I was waiting for the plane to take off so I could release a weather balloon. The control tower always gave us a "GREEN LIGHT" after take-off so I was waiting for that. The plane took off almost directly over my head and I saw an engine on fire. I watched as the plane banked left around the point and then saw the bright light from the explosion. I immediately called the tower to report what I had seen. They were aware of the crash because they had lost contact with the plane. I would like to correspond with any one who was at KAFB during the time period I was there. Johnny L. Nolen, 904 Garden St, Rossville, GA 30741, USA, 6 September 2004.

I was assigned to the Naval Air Station Bermuda from 1985 to 1989. I was the original station manager and later the Officer-in-Charge of the U.S. Navy Broadcasting Service Detachment on the island. This was a closed-circuit radio and television station that operated aboard the air station in St. George's Parish and was micro-waved from there across the island to the Naval Annex in Southampton Parish, where it was again sent to US military homes and offices via cable. At the air station we had a satellite downlink from the Armed Forces Radio & Television Service in Los Angeles, CA. We operated three different channels: one that we programmed locally with video tape shipments from AFRTS, satellite downloads and locally produced news and information programs; one that was character generated messages about base news and activities with audio provided by taped AFRTS radio programs; and a satellite feed of all the AFRTS satellite fed programs broadcast around the world to other similar U.S. military facilities. The station came to exist at a time when the Bermuda Broadcasting Company was out on strike. The Naval Chief of Information was visiting the island and asked the base commanding officer if there was anything he could do for the base. The CO reportedly said, "Yes, build me a TV station here...my doctors at the base clinic are being overworked with too many pregnancies." Apparently with no television as a nightly diversion, attention was placed elsewhere. I don't know how much of that is accurate, but I do believe there is some truth to the story. My stay in Bermuda was wonderful and I hope to someday return. When I first moved there I lived just down the road from Crystal Caves across from an AME Church in a downstairs apartment of a home owned by the De Silva family. He was a commercial fisherman and she worked at the Perfume Factory. They were wonderful people and very gracious. During my time there, I saw the might of Hurricane Emily and my detachment provided the video footage of the Soviet Yankee Class Submarine that sank in the Atlantic Ocean north (I believe) of the island. That footage was seen worldwide on U.S. television networks. I was part of the press entourage that covered the meeting of U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz and Premier Swan and was fortunate to have met and interviewed Premier Swan on several occasions. I was also there when the U.S. Space Shuttle Challenger exploded on take-off. In fact, our news team was covering the launch at the NASA Tracking Station at the time of the unfortunate disaster. Bermuda is a beautiful island with a beautiful people. I hope to return again soon and visit some of my favorite places and rediscover the wonderful flavor of a "Dark and Stormy" at the "Swizzle Inn" if it's still there. Due to driving on the "other side of the road," my time there prepared me for my following Navy tour -- in London, England as the assistant public affairs officer for U.S. Naval Forces Europe. I supposed Bermuda is also where I developed the taste for fish 'n chips as well. I'd love to hear from anyone who was there during the time I was. I retired from the Navy in 1995. I now work for CBL & Associates Management as the Marketing Director for RiverGate Mall. Bob Jenkins, Nashville, TN, 6 September 2004.

THANK YOU! for all of the help you have given and also for the great Bermuda Online and The Royal Gazette sites. So far, I have downloaded and printed a lot of the information you have posted and I am really enjoying it as well as my wife. I have picked up on a lot of information I never dreamed was available on your site about Bermuda and a lot of it will help us when we visit there. Bill Satterwhite, USA, 6 September 2004.

Editor's note: Bill was once stationed at Kindley Air Force Base, Bermuda and his name is shown in US Military Personnel Stationed in Bermuda.

Have been reading your nice site on Bermuda. I was stationed with the 1934th AACS Squadron at Kindley from May, 1960 until May, 1962. Lived in the barracks across from the commissary. I was a radio operator on the base, providing support for military and commercial aircraft inbound and outbound. Had many good times there, on the beaches, at the hotels, etc. Lots of great memories. My wife and I went back to Bermuda for vacation in 1978 and stayed in St. George at the Holiday Inn there. I understand it was damaged badly later in a hurricane. We had a wonderful time. An employee of the hotel made arrangements for us to have a riding tour of the base with another couple. It was a U.S. Navy base by that time. Have been looking for people that were there at the same time, without much success though. It's been too many years I guess. Thanks. Peter Balk, 1270 Lavender Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162, USA. 2 September 2004.

Subject: Mid-air Collision Near Bermuda. I enjoyed visiting your Aviation in Bermuda website. I am trying to find the date and details of a mid-air collision between two U.S. Air Force airplanes "near Bermuda," apparently in June or perhaps July 1964. A Boeing HC-97 and a Douglas HC-54 (they may also be listed as SC-97 and SC-54) were photographed moments after colliding during a para-rescue drop as part of training associated with the newly formed NASA Gemini Recovery School. This photo appears in the August 1964 issue of Air Force Magazine. Aside from the date, I am trying to find the serial number of the C-97 involved in support of a book I am writing on behalf of Aerofax as a sequel to my earlier Boeing KC-135 book and a similar B-47 book to be published in late 2005. Robert Hopkins, Director, Strategic Development, Institute for Health Care Research and Improvement, Baylor Health Care System, 8080 N. Central Expressway, Suite 1050, Dallas, TX 75206, 27 August 2004.

Can any reader help? All USAF local records were transferred from Bermuda to USA in 1970 when the US military bases switched from USAF to USN.

Congratulations! Your Bermuda Online web files are very informative and interesting. My spouse and I plan to visit Bermuda in the near future. As French nationals, will we need a visa to enter the country? We are currently residing in UK - Birmingham. Is there an embassy or consulate that we can contact to establish the visas if necessary? Yours sincerely, Heather D. Finn-David, Birmingham, UK. 26 August 2004.

I read your Bermuda Online files and was most impressed at how comprehensive they all were. I just spent 5 days in Bermuda (first time ever) at a business convention (Fairmont Southampton). Besides the rain (4 of the 5 days!) and the delicious fish soup (I brought home a bottle of sherry pepper - I love spices & fish & hate rum), I noticed several things during a tour of your Island. If I wanted to open a small business of any type (food or sale of mechanical goods), the way I understand it, I'd need to find a Bermudian willing to go partners; willing to put up 60% of the money needed to get the business going; willing to find a building to rent in his name? I'd put up the other 40%. Since my name is NOT Bill Gates, and I don't have that much money, putting up only 40% sounds good to me. We'd hire based on CURE and pay import tax on anything we brought into the country to sell. IS THAT CORRECT? I had some ideas about things that your country could use (not McD! No one "needs" that!). Do they have "ads" in your newspaper by folks like me looking for Bermudians with capital to invest as partners? I'm self employed, but a second business where I'm only a 40% owner would work (& give me an excuse to visit your island for golf & scuba vacations frequently). H. Richard Adelman, 526 Sinclair Ave Staten Island, NY 10312, 22 August 2004.

First, I would like to compliment The Royal Gazette on their wonderful, helpful and informative web page "Bermuda Onine." I have been visiting Bermuda since 1969, and I hold her in the highest regard and always close to my heart. I am very thankful that Bermuda does not allow tourists to rent autos. When I ride my rented moped I feel better knowing that the drivers are familiar with unskilled tourists on mopeds. I am sure it can be frustrating for the drivers. Tourists who want to rent autos are fools. They are only into themselves and having a good time. They do not care about what is best for Bermuda and her residents. I know that tourism is a tremendous financial boost for your island, but keep to your old rules - they will still keep visiting. Marie Tramontano, Middletown, NY, USA, August 18, 2004.

Subject: Bermuda and the EU. Today I visited your very informative Bermuda Online website. It contains all of the information on Bermuda that I was looking for, except for one small detail: Bermuda's status in relation to the European Union. I was wondering why Bermuda has chosen not to be treated as one of the Overseas Countries and Territories of the European Union. According to my information, Bermuda is an OCT because it is placed on Annex II of the EC Treaty (and will be on a similar annex to the EU Constitution), but does not fall under the scope of the OCT Decisions that the Council takes every 10 years, at its own request. Do you know why and when Bermuda has made this decision? Did the UK have anything to do with it? I am writing a PhD dissertation on the right to self-determination of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands. I am interested in Bermuda's choice because it could be seen as an exercise of the right to self-determination. I would be very grateful if you could direct me to some information on this subject or perhaps forward this mail to someone who might answer my question. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Yours sincerely, Steven Hillebrink, The Netherlands, 13th August 2004.

Most interesting question but as the only people qualified to answer this are the Bermuda Government, Deputy Governor's Office and Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Very informative Bermuda Online website. I would be grateful for any help on this question; do you know of any Scandinavian/Nordic offshore banks in the Hamilton, Bermuda area? Thank you. Cordialement/ Met vriendelijke groet/ Best Regards. Viv Lee, BA (Hons) BSc (Hons) MA, Head of ERP Division, Contracts Development- International, Orion Group, 20 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, London W1J 8EE. Tel: ++44 (0) 20 7318 7700. Dir: +44 (0) 20 7318 7703. Mob: +44 (0) 7970 417889. Fax: +44 (0)20 7629 2465. 12th August 2004. London.

Subject: Wyndham Resort. The swiftness of your Bermuda Online site management is amazing - I wish we could work with more publishers like you. Many thanks. I very much enjoyed browsing your website. You have some great information. Have an amazing week. Best of luck. One quick question. Do you run placement ads on the online version of the Royal Gazette or is Bermuda-Online the only outlet. We are about to start pushing this particular property and if possible, I would love to run extended creative on your online newspaper. Price Glomski, Range Online Media, (817) 625-4157, USA, August 3, 2004.

I read your Bermuda Online site with great interest, foremost concerning the visitors' statistics. It was impressive to see a decrease in the number of visitor on one side and the increase of the total amount spent per year on the other, which is due in my opinion to the general increase of costs in the western countries. A question to which I still could not find an answer is where do Bermudian citizens travel to (for both business or leisure)? Maybe you can help me to find this information, I would really be thankful. Sincerely yours, Guendalina Rossi, Germany, 1 August 2004.

85% of all Bermudians go to the USA for vacations and shopping, or on cruises to USA and Caribbean (1,000 miles south).

Just read your comprehensive articles Bermuda in Music and Dance - and Getting Married in Bermuda - great information. My fiancée and I will be getting married soon in Bermuda and we'd love to have some friends of ours from here in the U.S. perform. I promised to do some advance work for them. Any recommendations as to who locally rents music equipment? Thanks in advance for your help. Ted Madara, USA, July 28, 2004.

Hello Keith, I've just re-visited the Bermuda Online site. Thanks once again for all the time, energy and effort you pour into this website. It's the greatest source of real information by far about things in Bermuda. I'm always referring this site to overseas friends, who want to know things. Kind regards, Carol-Anne Stines, Pembroke, Bermuda, July 24, 2004.

Many thanks for a wonderful web site. We appreciated the extensive amount of information and even more, your directness. Also was pleased to learn more about tourist do's and don'ts. Wish more travel sites followed your example. This was our second trip to Bermuda (the Norwegian Majesty); the first was our honeymoon at Castle Harbour Hotel in 1963. Hate to think what the cultural shock would have been like without your site. Did run into a couple of problems: a taxi strike and two boat excursion cancellations due to bad weather but still had a wonderful time as those problems were offset by great accommodations on the ship. My wife uses a folding wheelchair and we were able to catch a couple of rides from a cab that specialized in disabled riders. This may not be practical to do, but a list of those taxis that can accommodate both would be a helpful addition to your taxi dispatch list. Rick and Denise Donovan, July 16, 2004, USA.

Re Marriages in Bermuda and Bermuda Online generally. Many thanks for your responses to my enquiry on a Wedding in Bermuda and for your suggestions under Marriage Music. There is lots of good information here to work with...what a great website! Only wish there was more time available in order to really explore the list of wedding music you have suggested! Kindest regards, Denise Machado, Westfield, Massachusetts, USA, June 23, 2004.

I was doing some research for my wedding in Bermuda on September 25, 2004 and came across your very informative Bermuda Online website. We are getting married at the Fairmount Southampton hotel. You have been very helpful with your suggestions and comments. Sorry to hear that each adult guest coming to the wedding is able to bring only 1 liter, not 2, of alcohol duty free into Bermuda. We have about 20-25 guests coming with us. Soon-to-be Mrs. Haub, Melissa DiCamillo, Executive Recruiter, ExecuPharm, Inc. 610-292-8382, USA, June 21, 2004.

Thank you for responding to my inquiry. Your Bermuda Online site is certainly interesting and uniquely comprehensive. The photos of the gardens and more are wonderful. I may have overlooked it, but I didn't find a mailing address for the Bermuda Historical Society. If you have it or can tell me where to find it, I'd be much obliged. I have a bit of memorabilia from 1926 I'd like to contribute to their collection, if they'd like to have it. They list their telephone number only, I believe, on your site. Thanks again for your trouble. Sincerely, Barbara Cole, USA, June 12, 2004

I am from the UK. I found your article on Employment in Bermuda very interesting, factual and honest. I really appreciate your help & advice. I'm glad I read it - it made me more aware of certain things, but did not put me off still looking. I was wondering if you have any ideas where I can find advertised vacancies? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks, Ann Davies, United Kingdom, 24 May 2004.

We recommend a 3-month subscription to the Royal Gazette daily newspaper. Hope this works for her.

I believe Bermuda Online is the first site to ask whether the traveling public believes Bermuda should allow rental automobiles, and why. I believe strongly that it should. It is standard procedure now even in those very few countries smaller and more densely populated than Bermuda, such as Monaco. It provides much greater freedom of movement, to places buses don't go, by day and by night when buses stop operating. Bermuda markets itself as appealing most to the affluent. In North America, the affluent don't use buses. When Bermuda allows rental automobiles, I'll be back. I found the buses in Bermuda crowded, noisy, stopping at virtually every stop and uncomfortable. I think mopeds are too dangerous. Bermuda needs to open its doors more to tourists and take their traveling comfort into consideration. Hope this gives you the feedback you seek. Kevin Williams, Hackensack, NJ, USA, May 18, 2004.

I was just reading your Bermuda Online website. Fantastic job. But I need help. I'm seventeen and living in America. But I was born in Bermuda--and I have a Bermuda birth certificate. But then again, I also have a state department certificate from the United States. And I was wondering, since there's a law in the United States that said that if one was born here then one becomes a citizen, does Bermuda have that same piece of dogma? I was looking under the Bermuda laws and couldn't find the answer anywhere. I'm sorry if it was staring me in the face and I missed it, or if you don't know either. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Caitlin Allen, USA, May 17, 2004

We understand that only persons born in Bermuda who have a Bermudian parent are Bermudian too. Bermuda does not follow the American or Canadian or British or European system of giving citizenship automatically to all persons born in Bermuda, unless a parent is Bermudian. It seems the US State Department routinely issues American parents of a child born in Bermuda with a form for US citizenship purposes.

Liked your website on Bermuda Disabled/handicapped. We are coming back to visit in 2004 - with a handicapped daughter. Please help me find the greatest taxi driver, Hadley Edwards! The address I have is P.O. Box SB 92, Somerset Bridge SB BX, B73 (Radio Cabs), Telephone (441) 234-2768. He made our trip so incredible because he was always available to us, ready to take his ramp out and wheel Sheryl into the cab so that we can all enjoy ourselves. I hope he will be willing to help me, my wife, and Sheryl once again. I really want to get in touch with him, but I do not know how. In August of 2001, my wife and daughter came to Bermuda via the Celebrity Zenith Cruise line. My daughter Sheryl is permanently in a wheelchair. We had such an incredibly wonderful experience that we are returning this July 17-24 2004 on the very same ship - this time, with all 5 of our children, old enough to get around on their own. One of the things that made our last trip so wonderful was that even though Bermuda is not the most handicapped accessible location - as you point out -, everyone helped us get around the island with minimal difficulties. Thank you, and we can't wait to see Bermuda again!!! Very sincerely, Ben Laskowitz, 3 Hartshorne Road, Ocean, New Jersey 07712, USA, 2 May 2004.

Hello, Keith. I want to thank you for listing my book, Excursions on Galer Way, in your Books of Bermuda. Also I want to take time to tell you your Bermuda Online site is wonderful. I used to live in Bermuda - 1956-1970 - and attended Kindley High (at one-time Kindley Air Force Base, Bermuda) and made many lifelong friends there. Consider yourself one. All the best, Oscar A Carrasquillo, Canada, 27 April 2004.

Thank you for the fine informative Bermuda Online web site you operate. We are from Canada and considering application with a Bank in Bermuda in response to an ad in the Globe and Mail of Toronto. Your site is extremely practical and has many useful links as well. Thanks again. June Furtney, Canada, April 17, 2004.

I look at websites a lot but none in Bermuda compare to the honesty, candor, comprehensiveness, overall quality and accuracy of Bermuda Online. It provides an example other country websites should follow. I rely on it completely and it never lets me down in all my visits to Bermuda on business or pleasure. It there was ever a competition in Bermuda for best website by a Bermuda organization, you would win hands-down. Congratulations and keep up the excellent work! Sincerely, Raymond Gabler, Dallas, Texas, April 12, 2004.

Hello, Bermuda Online! I had been in Bermuda for less than a day when I thought to myself what is a 7 letter word for paradise.....Bermuda!! My family and I have just returned from our first visit. We swam with the dolphins, drank swizzles at the Swizzle Inn, stayed and partied at The Reefs, listened too the group Tempo, walked the beaches, ate gourmet food and pub fare, went on the ferry to Hamilton, visited the Caves, Aquarium and Zoo and just thoroughly enjoyed the weather. Most of all, we loved Bermudians. You made our stay so outstandingly wonderful, all the staff at The Reefs, taxi drivers, waiters, waitress's, bar staff, tour guides, shop assistants and the Bermudian everywhere. Thank you for such a wonderful time! We will be back again and again. Best wishes to all we met and to all in general. Have a Bermudaful day (we will, even in our absence). Guy Christian, VP , Design Group Staffing Inc and DAD, 4104 Wheelwright Crescent, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5L, 2X5, 27 March 2004.

Re Bermuda Aviation. Is there a Aviation History museum in Bermuda? Your Bermuda Online website is excellent - we would like to see more. Thank you, Peggy Bowen, Margaret C. Bowen, Director, Database Management Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Health and Nutrition Survey, USA. March 25, 2004.

Sadly, no. The logical place for this would be at Darrell's Island, site of the flying boats from the late 1930s to late 1940s.

I love Bermuda and your Bermuda Online. I have been there many times but would like to see her change a bit as she has now become far too expensive. I'm hoping your Tourism Minister Renee Webb will take steps to put Bermuda into the value for money category once again. She is just too expensive now to visit, compared to the cost of getting to and staying in competing destinations much further away from Eastern USA.. Most of us now, even when affluent, won't travel to places any more that are no longer good value for money. Please Bermuda, wake up before it is too late! The declining dollar in the USA ought to make Bermuda as attractive to Europeans as the USA is, but your prices have risen far too much. Beverly Librizzi, Partridge Drive, Blairstown, NJ 07825, February 5, 2004.

My wife and I recently took a one-week vacation in Bermuda, and as a first time visitor from Canada I wanted to say that I found the information on your website to be extremely useful, up to date and accurate. It was particularly helpful in terms of assisting me to locate suitable accommodation and to plan activities to suit our requirements. We stayed at the Clearview Suites and Villas which was ideally situated on bus routes, close to a supermarket, and right on the Railway Trail. (The beaches are not so interesting at that time of year anyway.) We were particularly impressed with the very reliable bus service which, with its polite and friendly operators, seemed to serve all parts of the island on a frequent basis W. Keith Snelson, Canada, 29th January 2004.

I'm from the United Kingdom and interested in finding out much more about Bermuda. Your Bermuda Online site has given me the information I've been looking for and is of great value. Thanks. Clare Hall. UK, January 19, 2004.

As a former serving member of the Royal Navy stationed at HMS Malabar (Signal Station in front of the Commissioner's House) I read your Bermuda Online Dockyard articles with some fascination. Had I known more about the Dockyard and the Base whilst I was there, I would have delved further into the passageways and tunnels which I used to just walk by. To say that I learned more from your article than when I was there, would be an understatement. I often wondered why acclimatization lectures were not more forthcoming, it wasn't as though we were overly busy in those days 1948-1951. Anyway my time there was most enjoyable, but the reason for this e-mail is that I have yet to see a reproduction of the 'Malabar' crest in any photograph from Bermuda, nor can I seem to find a copy in any of the books I peruse. If there is a painting of it on the 'crest' wall does anyone have a photograph of it, or would you know if there is a photograph of that crest available? The crest itself is of a flaming sun with " Our Guide" underneath in English. Sincerely, Rick Adams, ex. Signalman, HMS Malabar AWI Station Bermuda. Canada, 19th January 2004.

I found your Bermuda Online website very useful - especially the part on the Internet, which, as I feared, is difficult to connect to in Bermuda for anyone not a resident. I lived there with my husband - a Bermudian - for five years. Every time we return, to spend time with his mother, I have a problem. I'm hoping in future to find a Bermuda place with a WiFi connection visitors can use. It seems the Hamilton Princess has WiFi now, presumably for guests only. I'd appreciate any ideas you have on how a visitor staying in a private home or guest house or cottage colony or efficiency unit can get online in Bermuda, without inconveniencing friends with Internet access. Linda Williams, Ph. D, Director of Research, Stone Centre, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA USA. January 7, 2004

Getting online in any country - not just Bermuda - can be a problem for visitors. Wireless connectivity or 56K or Broadband services are not cross-border unless you use a subscription system based in and are connecting from a particular country. It is not yet normal for most hotels or cottage colonies or guest houses or efficiency units in Bermuda and elsewhere to offer 2-way connectivity - if they have it at all - to their paying guests only, not the general public. But visitors can ask a local ISP if it is willing to make a temporary connection. Bermuda (like other countries) has a number of Internet Cafes that some visitors will find useful, when staying at places without Internet access. Bermuda does not follow the USA, Canadian, UK and European methodology of free Internet access at libraries, Tourist Board offices and Visitor Service Centers.

Comments for 2003

You have an excellent Bermuda Online site. I commend you on your thoroughness of all the topics you have researched. Thanks for helping me get to understand the complex methodology to find an employer and let it find or recommend a source for local housing for my wife and I who are looking to move to Bermuda and work locally for a firm that wants to sponsor me. Gene Lukomski, Calgary, AB, December 8, 2003.

This may be the only question your wonderful Bermuda Online website does not answer about Bermuda. I will be visiting Bermuda in a week or so and I do not know if the local dress code (for proper situations) permits the wearing of linen and white in the winter months. In Canada this is not done between Labour Day in September and Victoria Day in May. I have a couple of proper events to attend and want to be dressed appropriately. I hope you do not find this to be an odd question. Anything you can tell me would be very helpful. With thanks, Mary Jane Braide, Canada, December 5, 2003.

Bermuda Online is a superb site. We write together in saying we don't think there is anything in the world quite like it. What you don't have in glitz and commercialism you more than make up for in quantity and quality of good, reliable consumer information about Bermuda. With so much about so many things not found on any other Bermuda website, in depth and in great accuracy. Perhaps other sites will take a lesson from yours. We recommend they link to it. Keep up the excellent work. Richard and Mary Johnson, Buffalo, New York, November 18, 2003.

My wife and I really like the refreshing honesty of Bermuda Online. It is so nice it is written to international consumer standards. We had a reasonably good time overall in Bermuda in October but in terms of value for money it is not good. Several other things disturbed us very much. The prices for everything were appalling. As environmentalists, we really liked reading your Environmental Concerns website and the thoughts you expressed. We know what is referred to locally as the "Airport Dump" would not be allowed so close to airports in USA or Canada or Europe. Bermuda's lack of a bottle bill is another liability for tourists. It shows, alarmingly, along places such as the Railroad Trail. We recommend it be shut until cleaned up properly. We understand from friends here in the USA who were unfortunate enough to witness it for themselves in August when they visited that the sale of illegal narcotics at a place called Spittal Pond is rife. Isn't it your leading environmental site? If true, why, can't it be policed? We wanted to visit, to record and report it ourselves to our local friends in the newspapers, but the place was closed following a hurricane. We wish there was a forum in Bermuda where environmentalists from other countries could express their views and perhaps help to get far more effective legislation enacted, to make your island a better place to visit in the future. Can you use your influence? Hope so! Sincerely, James and Nancy Davis, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, November 6, 2003.

Your warnings in your disabled in Bermuda site about inadequate access for handicapped shoppers in the stores in Bermuda were certainly appropriate. My wife, in a wheelchair, and I recently spent several hours in Hamilton trying to shop along Front Street. Only two of the stores we entered had elevators to provide access for her to upper levels although most stores we entered had upper levels accessible only by stairs. Some stores didn't have ramps up to the front door so we couldn't even get into the ground level to shop. In several stores that we were able to enter the displays were spaced in such a way as to block wheelchair access through the aisles. Also, in several stores the mold and mildew odors were so strong that they resulted in immediate and severe asthma attacks in my wife. What we had hoped would be a full day of shopping for cashmere and other items turned into a great disappointment. It is sad that so few merchants see the virtue of providing full access to all of their merchandise to the handicapped shopper. I should also comment that the supermarket on Front Street where we shopped for a few food items to take back to our cruise ship and for the New York Times was readily accessible for the wheelchair. Thomas Broussard, New York, NY 10022, October 23, 2003.

Congratulations on a wonderful, accurate, honest and candid description of the Bermuda Airport. I was also fascinated to read that it was your father whose radio direction finding expertise and hard work made it possible for the first commercial aircraft to fly into and out of Bermuda. I see how this got passed on to you in all your other superb articles on aviation and Bermuda, including those on your web portal. I agree with every one of your comments, especially about Customs and transportation. I and many others from the UK have noticed these, with increasing annoyance. You are so right in saying that when we leave the UK for a seven and a half hour Bermuda flight plus the time to get to Gatwick from say Inverness or Birmingham or Manchester or Europe, we fully expect on arrival in Bermuda in a state of exhaustion either Euro-type green zones as we have in the EC or efficient and fast Canadian or American systems and generous duty-free concessions instead of the double bureaucracy and poor duty-free concessions we have to endure in Bermuda - a miserably small amount (one eighth that of the USA, yet you are a far richer country!). It is making Bermuda less and less appealing to tourists and my ilk as business visitors. I believe IATA should see your website too, for its first-class honesty, total accuracy and candor, and compare it with what the Bermuda Government does not want to write about. Thank you also for mentioning my city of Inverness and nearby bridges. You've done your research! Certainly, our airport can teach yours a thing or two. Yours aye, ETF Gray, Station Square, Inverness IVI 1LD, Scotland, 19th October 2003.

I am scrolling through your Bermuda Online site and enjoying it very much. I and several others are coming on our second cruise to Bermuda next April and I do a newsletter up to give information to those who didn't come on the 1st cruise. My grandfather was James Clifton Astwood and I was born in Bermuda in Warwick on the South Road. I have been doing a lot of genealogical research which is why I am coming back for a second time. My mother came when she was 16 in 1946 -- stayed with my grandfather's cousin Freddy Frith and said she visited from one end of Bermuda to the other visiting "cousins." But my purpose of my e mail is not to ramble but to ask how Bermuda is recovering from Hurricane Fabian. I have tried to find out how badly damaged it was but basically the news reports mainly just told us that it was badly damaged. Again I am finding your site very exciting to read and hope things are getting back on track. Margaret Semple, September 30, 2003, USA.

My name is Vanessa Henderson and I am a Bermudian student studying at the United World College of the Atlantic in Wales doing the International Baccalaureate. I enjoy your Bermuda Online website with so much information and facts about Bermuda. I find it particularly helpful to refer to when writing papers about the economy and letting people know the little details about Bermuda. Currently, I am writing an extended essay titled: 'Bermuda: how can such a tiny island with little primary and secondary industry have one of the highest GDP per capita in the world?' Can you point me to where I can get data on the total amount of production or the total amount of income earned from each sector in the economy or direct me to the right people? I am trying to make a bar graph showing the total amount of money earned from each sector, to eventually show how much each sector contributes to the GDP. The GDP figure is the value of all goods and services produced in Bermuda. Thank you, Vanessa Henderson, Wales, UK, September 30, 2003.

Editor's note: She was referred to the Bermuda Government's Statistical Department, with the staff and research resources to answer her detailed questions, of which the above is a summary.

My wife and I have just returned from our 17th Bermuda cruise, the last one before Fabian paid you a visit, and just wanted to let you know that I review most of your Bermuda Online files, and read the Royal Gazette before coming to put us in the mood and to see what's going on and to read what's new, a practice I've been doing for the past number of years. I have to say after this past trip, you're the only source I have any faith in to have the newest information. I was surprised to read your file about the US increase of duty-free allowances from $400 to $800, a new fact that the Bermuda Department of Tourism didn't have on their web site, (and still don't) a source that is expected to have the newest and most accurate information available, especially considering who they represent and the abundance of their resources and budget. Several other less prominent sources also did not indicate the updated figures that were 10 months old, only you and the US government....well done. Your writing style says a lot more than the printed word and the thoughts they pass along are so much more accurate than what is found on other sites. Not that you're trying to mislead anyone, you're telling it like it is and combined with the facts, you say more about something as compared to, say the "official" web site. A style that I and others appreciate. I also like the listing of those caught with drugs. I also think a fine of $1000 is way too low. Considering all the information that is presented to the cruiser beforehand about the substances that are banned, it's impossible not to know what the consequences would be.....Bermuda is too lenient to those caught with any controlled substance. I just hope the effort you make is making a difference somewhere. It would also be nice to know that any fellow passengers aren't looking for the opportunity to help support their habit by seeing an open cabin door or anything left briefly unattended. Certainly the cruise experience is suffering from those few individuals who put the visitor in a bad light, both on the ship and on shore. Keep up the good work. I'll be reading your files and the Gazette in preparation for our next trip to your beautiful island. Paul E. Poleski, New York, USA, September 11, 2003.

Hurricane Fabian. I pray you and yours and all of your property came through Fabian intact. Words are insufficient to express my personal gratitude for the time and effort to which you have gone to produce Bermuda Online. Officials at Tourism and the Island, in general, should support your work enthusiastically, it is some of the best promotional work around. Lee L. Tedford, USA, September 10, 2003.

Hurricane Fabian. Hello Bermuda Online. How is everyone after it? My husband and I had a wonderful time, earlier, at the Sonesta Beach Hotel! We toured on the scooter every possible nook and cranny in six days. My husband thoroughly enjoyed swimming with the children at Clarence Cove, Admiralty House Park, Pembroke Parish. We have visited many Islands and Bermuda is certainly top of the list. We met several fine local people at different restaurants Salt Rock (Somerset) The pink house, Rustico's, and many others, we were particularly interested in Earl the Contractor. He must be very busy now trying to fix things from the Hurricane. God Bless all those who have suffered through the Hurricane and we are planning on coming back for the Jazz Festival. With much love and affection, April Marie Labanowski, April Marie Enterprises, Signature Jazz, Signature Style, Schenactady, New York, USA. September 9, 2003.

Hurricane Fabian. An American Visitor Sends Love and Support. Thank you for a wonderful Bermuda Online web site. I was on honeymoon there in 1996. I am so sorry to see what devastation Bermuda has just suffered! I have just read the articles in your Royal Gazette about Hurricane Fabian and seen the photos of the awful damage done to one of the most beautiful places in the world. I am deeply saddened to know that the wonderful people of Bermuda have had to suffer such horrible insults from Mother Nature. I have been to your lovely country several times and my parents used to go to Bermuda frequently in their youth. We know what a paradise your island is and how well you treat us American visitors. I have been to many of the gorgeous Caribbean Islands and I know personally why Bermuda still ranks at the top of the list of vacation destinations. Please accept the love and support from so many of us Americans who have enjoyed Bermuda's countless pleasures and beauty in the past and look forward to returning soon to experience her charms again. We know that rebuilding will take time and money and much devotion, but we also know what spirit the Bermudians have and how much love and pride they share for their unique home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Our sympathy goes to all those who lost loved ones to the storm's fury. I know that Bermuda will fully recover and shine once again, and I look forward to seeing the restored Bermuda soon. May God be with you all. Sincerely yours, Penny Maroldo, RN, BSN, 48209 Route 511 West, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA, September 7, 2003.

While the apparent lack of heritage interest on the BLDC's part is dispiriting - based on its unwillingness to date to respond to my enquiries - the content of your Bermuda Online website is a treasure trove. Your material has grown impressively since I accessed it a couple of years ago: doubly interesting for its expanded content and because it identifies you as the key contact person through whom US veterans' recollections are being gradually collected into a 'heritage portfolio' - maybe with the power to influence decisions on the preservation of those base (or pre-base) structures that still remain! Your photos also indicate the survival -or death, if no longer there - of some interesting structures. You are probably aware of the book ca.1988 by Fitzroy Baptiste of the University of the West Indies on the establishment of the US bases in Bermuda and the West Indies. If not I will send you the reference. I am finding that in most of the small ex-base territories with which I am dealing there is governmental diffidence about the colonial/base military history and it falls to an amateur enthusiast to take on the mantle and become the nationally-known authority, clearing house and/or conscience on the subject. Scanning your material suggests you fill this role for Bermuda. In Trinidad your 'opposite number' runs a military museum on the former naval base; in Malta he is president of the local heritage trust. I have their email addresses should you need them. Thanks again. I hope to be down in Bermuda next year to check out the ex-bases, and to pursue the points you gave me earlier on the Royal Naval Dockyard. Sincerely - Professor John Tunbridge, Canada, August 6, 2003.

I have been looking through your Bermuda Online website which is very interesting. It has helped us tremendously in trying to understand what the island is like so we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you. My wife and I will be moving out to Bermuda on 19th August as I have a job with BELCO. We'll be at 9 Lamas Close, Devonshire Drive, DV08. Thank you so much for your help. Kind regards, Dulcie and Robert Smith, USA, July 25, 2003, USA.

My family and I will be relocating to Bermuda this year for employment purposes and I'd just like to say that your website Bermuda Online has been an absolute life saver in finding information and links to things and people on the island. Your files are fabulous, full of candid, honest and valuable information on all the facts newcomers to your island need to know in advance of their arrival. Sincerely, Michael Murton, Boston, MA, USA, July 21, 2003.

Hello from South Carolina. As we are planning a visit to Bermuda in the fall, I am really enjoying your informative Bermuda Online website. I would like to make a request. There are about 5 or 6 of us who would like to purchase some real Bermuda Shorts to wear when there. The stores selling them are mentioned in your website but don't appear to have active websites so we can make contact with them. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanking you in advance for your assistance. Kay Lawrence, Volunteer Drive, Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29575, USA, July 18, 2003.

In our Bermuda Shorts file names and telephone numbers of stores are shown. Active links to websites are for locations that reciprocate the courtesy.

I am really impressed by your detailed work on Bermuda Online. I am a Bermudian living in San Diego, CA, but plan to come home in a few years, if I can find a reasonable (in price) place to stay. I am a psychotherapist, California state license, and would need to build a small practice to augment my retirement income. Any thoughts? I was born in Hamilton in 1935. My father was Rev. Victor Ford, pastor of St Andrews Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, for some 25 years or more. My mother is buried on the island. I attended Saltus Grammar School. School mates included Keith Davis, David Lines, Dr. Clarence Terceira. Dr. Victor McKenzie Ford, MFT, D.Min, NB. Not a medical doctor, a psychotherapist, a Marriage and Family Therapist. State license # CA 33843, Avena Place, suite 209, San Diego CA 92128. July 9, 2003.

My heart is still in Bermuda. You can imagine how pleased I was yesterday while browsing on the internet to see the reference to 2nd Lt. Stanley A. Cohan. I was an unsophisticated youngster right out of Air Force flying school headed for my first posting which was the 29th Air Rescue Squadron, Kindley AFB, Bermuda. What a wonderful three years it was. The work was exciting, the island most beautiful and the Bermudians were ever so gracious! I loved the island to the point that I returned with my wife for ten Xmas's in a row. I have lost contact with just about all of my colleagues except one, Col. Ken Wilbur, who resides with his wife Lucy in Greenville, S.C. I would be thrilled to learn of any of my squadron mates with whom you may have established contact. Stan Cohan, Major, USAF, (ret.), USA, June 5, 2003.

Your Bermuda Online website is excellent and I have learnt more background knowledge from it than I would have thought possible. At present I am trying to find out about electricity costs and also where the fuel comes from to supply the Belco generators. What I couldn't work out was whether this was oil or gas. The reason for my interest is that I am studying at Imperial College, London where I am doing an M.Sc in Environmental Technology. At present, I am writing a thesis on the feasibility of offshore wind power for Bermuda. Belco have been looking into it for the past couple of years and initially seemed quite keen to cooperate with me. However now, they have told me that they will not be assisting in any way so I am trying to get information from any other source possible. Basically, in order to prove wind power viable, I need to show that offshore wind turbines can generate electricity for less than the price of fuel used in the other methods. This is because due to the intermittency of wind power, the gas/diesel generators would need to be maintained to take over when the wind fails to blow. Therefore, the only real savings would be fuel savings. Anyway, as someone who knows Bermuda extremely well, I thought you might have some comments or advice which would aid me in my endeavors. Benjamin Cobbledick, Imperial College, University of London, England, June 3, 2003.

Referred to the Electricity & Gas in Bermuda file at www.bermuda-online.org/electgas.htm. It has all the answers to the questions.

I just visited and noticed an error. Major R. D. Nordquist was also one of the last at Kindley Air Force Base before it closed as a USAF base on July 1, 1970 and became a US Naval Air Station. He was reported in the Bermudian magazine of April 1970 as a hone-in-one winner at the Belmont Golf Club. He received an Omega watch and trophy from Thomas Dickinson of Astwood-Dickinson Ltd. He was my father and I remember the event well. His name was Richard Harry Nordquist (R. H. Nordquist). He kept the golf ball for years in the trophy he received from that day. Cordially, Kenneth Nordquist, USA, May 18, 2003.

Nice Bermuda Online. My family -- wife and 2 1/2 year-old son -- will be visiting Bermuda from May 20-28. We will be staying at the Fairmont and I simply want to know where the closest beaches are to the hotel. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated. Regards, David J. Klug, St. Charles, IL, USA, May 11, 2003.

Referred to our Hotels page which gives details of the nearest beach to each.

We are temporarily booked on the Celebrity cruise ship Horizon. It will be docked in St. George's on June 16th. We would really like to see the celebration in Hamilton for the Queen's Birthday. Would you suggest we change boats and go on the Celebrity Zenith, which would be in port in Hamilton on the 16th or would it possible to get from St. George's Parish to Hamilton easily on the 16th. Would you happen to know what time the parade starts? We will be first time visitors to Bermuda....but definitely anglophiles! Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Susan and John, USA, May 5, USA.

I came across your excellent Bermuda Online (BOL) while searching for a friend of mine who worked as the Retail Manager for the large retail supermarket at the former US Naval Air Station, Kindley, from 1987 onwards. I live in Scotland but have been thinking of returning to Bermuda to seek work and thought I would look up my friend for some help and assistance. Her name is Lauren Adair, from New York, USA. She bought a house on the island. From your website I note the base is no longer there. Looking forward to any help you can give me. Warm regards. Kelly Bredin, k.bredin@firstpress.dailyrecord.co.uk, Scotland, April 07, 2003.

My wife and I each have a Viza scooter. These are rather small scooters with 33cc two cycle engines. They are quite light, about 38lbs with folding handlebar and removable seat post. They are registered for road use in Massachusetts. We normally carry them in our airplane for local transportation at destinations. We would like to know if you think it might be permissible to use them on the roadways in Bermuda assuming, of course, that we wear approved helmets. Thank you, Tom Curl, Massachusetts, USA, April 4, 2003

He was told this is regretfully not possible and referred to the section on Mopeds and Scooters in Getting Around in Bermuda for the reasons.

Computer-less friends are going to Bermuda in a few weeks, so I accessed your Bermuda Online site and printed out several sections for them. My friend has found several points that made her wonder if Bermudans (sic, proper word is Bermudians) - are exquisitely honest, or if some files have been corrupted or "hacked" , because usually information from an official office tourist site are more bland, non salacious, skewed to the positive. She - and now me, noticed under Flora the near the bottom, the veggies are never identified ... and never really discussed in the text. Under "Beaches" - in addition to reasonable warnings about potential theft, a paragraph mentioning fecal balls occasionally on the beach seems somewhat excessively self-effacing. We felt we should say something ! Patricia Burke, Providence, RI, March 29, 2003.

In About Us, it stressed Bermuda Online is not an official tourist guide but something far more comprehensive - and much older than the official tourism website. All our information is original, researched carefully, not hacked from any other site. Vegetables are not noted because they are essentially the same as US vegetables. The beach info was a summary of what was reported by the daily newspaper.

Your Bermuda Online website is fantastic and up-to-date. Thanks also for responding to our restaurant enquiries and for saying the Half Way House restaurant in Flatts no longer exists, under another name now. (I had read about the Half Way House in " Insider's guide to Bermuda" of 1999). My husband and I will check out the places you mentioned. Karen Burke, New Brunswick, Canada, March 29, 2003

Many thanks.

A short note to let you know how much we appreciate your Bermuda Online website and its subsidiary Institute of North American & Atlantic Colonial History (INAACH) website. I also have your Municipal Item which you prepared on the design of The Hamilton City Hall. In short, we appreciate your input on the Bermudian milieu. As visitors to the Island, we have also developed a great esteem for the beauty and depth of Bermuda Architecture. We've discovered as well that many seem to miss its magic and its challenges - perhaps due to frequent descriptions elsewhere written in an anecdotal or typical tourist-like way. A large vote from us for those who continue to work hard to explain the depths of the Bermudian Architectural experience. Thanks again for all your input - I will continue to see you on your web site. With best regards, Robert O. DiSaia, Architect, Warren, RI, USA, 02885, March 27, 2003.

Dear Mr. Forbes, thank you for the help. You have a nice website. Keep up the good work with Bermuda Online. Sincerely, Greg Coxson in Moorestown, NJ, USA, 17 March, 2003.

Many thanks.

I love your Bermuda Online website - very well done. A question you may be able to answer - I'd appreciate it if you can settle this enigma. Where was the original Port Royal of the 1600's? My opinion it is another name for Somerset Village - another party says it is where the Port Royal Golf Course is today. HELP! Sincerely, Philip L. Mossman, M.D, USA, March 13, 2003.

I have enjoyed your Bermuda Online web site over the years. It certainly is the best site about Bermuda, bar none. My name is Patrick Brew and I taught at R. B. Chaffee High School from 1985 until the base closed in 1995. In 1987 I married an English girl, Susan Farnworth, who was working at Works and Engineering (then Publics Works Department, I think). Our three children were all born in Bermuda - Christopher (1989), Kathryn (1990), and Michael (1993). We lived at "Cedar Grove" on Manse Road in Paget from 1987 until 1990. We then moved to "Almurjan" on Loquat Lane, Smith's Parish, just behind Harrington Sound School. We currently live in North Yorkshire, England where I teach at an American base near Harrogate. We have been back to Bermuda three times to visit - in 1997, 2000, and 2002. We miss Bermuda very much and often dream that the base has reopened and they want me to teach there again! Oh well... Thank you again for your excellent web site - keep it up. It is appreciated. Do you know of any schools that need a good math teacher? Pat Brew, North Yorkshire, England, 10 March 2003.

I just looked at your extensive website on Education in Bermuda, and I wonder if you might be able to help me with a specific question. Can you possibly provide me with any information about educational provision for Deaf youngsters in Bermuda, particularly post 16? I have seen a job advert for a Teacher of the Deaf in Bermuda, and whilst this interests me (as a teacher) I need to research provision for my 16year old daughter who is profoundly deaf. I have made several searches on the Net, and found no reference as yet. If you could direct me to a source of information I would be very grateful. Maggie Loughran, United Kingdom, 10 March 2003.

I've read with great interest the two Web articles you authored about Bermuda's aviation history pioneers and the Bermuda International Airport & its Atlantic location. However, I find very little about the war period from late 1939 to early 1945 and, specifically, the building of the US Air Corps airfield by the Bermuda Base Contractors between 1941 and 1943. I clearly remember that the airfield functioned as a vital ferry stop for US planes going to England via the Azores. I saw all sorts of new planes in the air while en route and water-based planes such as the Catalina flying out of the Somerset end of the island on submarine spotting duty. But enough of my personal views. Do you know of any articles, books, etc. that I might access about the building of the airfield, created out of coral pumped to form a land link between St. David's and Longbird Islands? Thanks in advance for any input you might be able to provide. Tom Kent, resident of Flatts, 1941-43. USA. 04 March 2003

I am shocked to hear that they have torn down my house. I had the great privilege of being a guest of Bermuda from 1993-1995 at USNAS Bermuda. I remember only the fondest memories. Is it correct that Longbird House was a danger to air traffic and was demolished? Do you happen to have any pictures of the house prior to it being torn down? I had such a great childhood there and am deeply saddened to learn that I will never be able to see it again. Frank Bryan, USA, 28 February 2003

Confirmed. No pictures, suggested he might wish to ask others who served there at the time.

Professor Tunbridge was told of the new fast catamaran ferry to Dockyard and the visit there in June 2003 of Jose Carerras for a concert.

Hello there, I am presently writing a training manual for Bermuda Tourism (aimed at their specialist agents) and have found your site to be most helpful. One things that did make me smile (and which you might want to change!) is the item on British Airways. Although a pioneering airline, your statement "...It began services to Bermuda on May 18, 1837 with a survey flight on May 25..." makes them a pioneer whose efforts put those of the Wright brothers well into the shade! In spite of this obvious typo, though, I have suggested to the readers of my work that they use your Bermuda Online site as one of their prime sources of information, since it is, in truth, probably the most comprehensive site on Bermuda that there is. Richard English, 9 Hilltop Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7HL, England. 25 February 2003

Appreciated the compliment and with a thousand pardons for the typo, corrected immediately with gratitude to May 18, 1937 in the British Airways section of Airlines Serving Bermuda.

I have unsuccessfully searched your excellent Bermuda Online website for the Registrar's Office in Bermuda. We were married in Bermuda in 1965 and I require a copy of our mislaid wedding certificate for pension purposes! Can you assist me with the Office which would deal with this and any contact information? John McQuaid. United Kingdom, 24 February 2003

Thank you for such an incredibly informative and, frankly, entertaining Bermuda Online website. My husband and I visited Bermuda in late September last year. He had lived there as a child and insisted it was the most beautiful place on earth. He was right. Unfortunately, I'm now terribly depressed! Last night, during our Valentine's Day dinner, he admitted that it was his dream to move or retire there some day, but this would never occur as we could not afford it. I am less concerned now about the affordability, than I am that we would be "booted off" after six years. I am a registered nurse, he a Peugeot automobile mechanic. We had hoped that work might be a possibility, but I am not divorcing him so he can marry a Bermudian for ten years, get citizenship, divorce her and remarry me!! He lived in Quickswood as a child. Can you provide me with any information about that home? We saw it when we were there. Although the house looked the same, the surrounding land had been built on since he lived there in the 1960's. Still, I know he would be fascinated with any information I could give him.....when it was built, it's current worth, or any other items of interest. Thank you for your help and, again, it is a great website. Sincerely, Amie Brien-Slack, Bellflower Circle, Chattanooga, TN 37411, USA, 15 February 2003.

Referred to updates in this website's Work Permits for non-Bermudians and other useful data to help in her quest to relocate to Bermuda but regret was not able to help with Quickswood.

Re Honeymoon trip. Thanks for your very comprehensive Bermuda Online website it has helped me a great deal in many ways. My future wife and I are planning a cruise to Bermuda this May. Thanks too for answering my questions on all the quick facts that I should know to avoid common mistakes of first time visitors to Bermuda by way of a cruise ship; and also about taking a small boat to beaches, in your Cruise Ship website. Brandon Fleishour, USA, 11 February, 2003.

Many thanks for your exclusive website on the Disabled of Bermuda on Bermuda Online. I use a motorized wheelchair for mobility, and have done so most of my life. I've traveled many places, but no place or people ever touched me as deeply as Bermuda. Last June I made my 14th visit to Bermuda, but my first since Margaret Carter passed on. Most of my visits were in the 70's & 80's, though the Bermuda Government brought me in 1991 to talk about the ADA at a conference there. Last year I came by boat for the first time. The good I saw was that there were, not only more curb ramps than before, but BETTER ones. I rolled my wheelchair from the boat immediately to the Princess Hotel with very few problems. I always stayed at the Princess before and made that walk in reverse many times, often illegally in the street but determined to get into Town! I was so happy to be there. However, the sidewalks are the ONLY good I found.

Places that used to be accessible no longer are because steps have been added. All of the new places were inaccessible. I had difficulty finding a store I could shop in, or restaurant to eat in (except the Princess). Streets and businesses I knew better than here in the States were now foreign to me. St George was even worse. I sat like a pathetic bad puppy outside shop doors while my friend brought items to the doorway for me to see to purchase. Often I encountered others in wheelchairs being treated the same way. I never felt so unwelcome in my life. This was especially disturbing to me because Bermuda is in my heart, it's more my home than Connecticut. I'm always bragging about it, sending tourists there, and my house is Bermuda from one end to the other. I remember when the mall in St George first opened and Margaret proudly showed me where the ramps were incorporated so that I could get into the shops and restaurants. Those ramps are gone. I couldn't even get into the Tourist Bureau or Town Hall in St George. I was ashamed of 'my home' and felt unwanted. Was all the good Margaret did buried with her? There are more disabled and seniors traveling now then ever. Are we not good enough for Bermuda? Our money is worth the same! Bermuda is the only place I know that's moving backward in terms of access for the disabled, whether tourist or resident. That arrogance does not make friends, and doesn't represent the people I've met there. I'm going to give it one more try because I still love my Island and have friends to visit there, But if there's no move toward improvement, I'll have to regrettably look elsewhere - as in a painful divorce. Sincerely, Phyllis Zlotnick, Manchester, CT, USA. 7 January 2003.

There are at least three restaurants in Bermuda equipped for the disabled in a wheelchair, as the captioned website shows. But her other points are very valid.

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