Culture From Around The World Part 2

What is culture? Culture is the way of life of a people and it includes all of the habits, rituals, celebration, and rights. It also includes the food they eat, the clothes they wear, the method and means of preparing such and their reason for doing what they do; in other words culture include the entire way of life of the people. An understanding of ones culture and the culture of another aids to make us cultured, which is: the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social conduct. So in my effort to contribute to and transform my friend in Bermuda into even more cultured citizens I will take the time to share with you exhibits as is displayed at the Brooklyn Museum. I hope you will share in my experience and quest to be even more cultured.

Napal

Decorative Plate dated 10th century

Napal exhibits of the Gods of Fertility and they are from the 10th Century

Indian artifacts:

 Decorative Temple Braces from the 12th and 13th Century

Indian Celestial Dancers 12th and 13th Century

Indian Celestial Dancers 12th and 13th Century

These pieces repersents the Indian Celestial Dancers from 12th and 13th Century Era

An Indian Head Piece or Crown 12th/13th Century

Culture From Around The World Part 1

What is culture? Culture is the way of life of a people and it includes all of the habits, rituals, celebration, and rights. It also includes the food they eat, the clothes they wear, the method and means of preparing such and their reason for doing what they do; in other words culture include the entire way of life of the people. An understanding of ones culture and the culture of another aids to make us cultured, which is: the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social conduct. So in my effort to contribute to and transform my friend in Bermuda into even more cultured citizens I will take the time to share with you exhibits as is displayed at the Brooklyn Museum. I hope you will share in my experience and quest to be even more cultured.

Ethiopian Karo Damcer

The Ethiopian Karo Dancers still exist today and they still practice their craft. The Karo dancer paint his body as a means of Visual artistic expression. Body art is unique and reflects the personality of the dancer. Karo Dancers sees their body as a Canvas on which to express themselves.

Ethiopian Cross 19th and 20th Century with with the Stars of David

The Bochio, Power Figer from Benin 

The Bochiois a mytical or power figer, Bochios are believed to be very powerful Figers and they are personal tool. It is believed to be used for protection, to harm enemies and to ensure personal success. It is made and kept in secret and only the owner knows of its existance, composition and purpose.

This piece is a 19th Century stool from the Cook Island (Lene) this stool was delicately carved from a single piece of wood and belong to the chief. It is important to note that only the chief sat on an elevated level, the other member of the tribe sat on the ground.

This work of art is from Maracco and it is from the 19th Century it is made from Silver, Coral, Carnelian.

Power Figer from the Republic of Benin

Ancestor Figer from the South Moluccas

Letter To The Bermuda Press.

14th January 2009


To Editor

Dear madam/Sir,

I am taking this opportunity to inform you of my efforts to find answers to a very troubling series of events that have been impacting a cross section of the Bermudian community.

Over the years, there have been reasons for concerns as it relates to the sudden and serious illness along with the untimely and unexplained death that have been plaguing members of the Bermuda Police Service. As you will know over the last year the Bermuda Police Service had another three serving officers dying. These high rates of sudden illnesses and passive death (death not in the line of duty) have been growing problems that needs urgent attention.

We all know that in 1989, there were reports that give rise to concerns of ex-police officers becoming ill with and dying from cancer. This concern was so great that in 1990, the then Chief Medical Officer of Bermuda; Dr. Can, ordered and allegedly conduct an inconclusive, unscientific study of the problem.

In February of 2004, there were reports that workers at police administration came down with headaches and blurred vision; the cause which was attributed to the poor working condition of the poor structural environment of the condemn building they are forced to work in.

In May 14th 2007 a subsidiary of the Bermuda Police Service was closed after scientific test revealed, the presence of a high mold concentration in that building, was at a dangerous level, to facilitate prolong human presence. There was also the 2008 blog revelation of a similar situation at the Hamilton Police Station.

There is also the issue of the multi-satellite reception facility and the health problem that is associated with the radiation that is linked with such facility.

With the death of my good friend Andrew Thomas, I have commit to use my voice and energy to call for those responsible, to ensure that answer to the question are found and action is taken to reduce the health risk the members of the Bermuda Police Service is now facing and in the process promote longevity among the BPS members.

In order to achieve this objective, I have embarked on a 5 phase campaign; after a period of planning I put the first phase into effect 4th February 2009. This phase consist of writing letters to several key institution and individual in the Bermuda society to use their personal influence and office to bring about some meaningful change. I have written to the Governor and his deputy, the Commissioner of Police, Bermuda Police Association, the Premier, Minister of Health, Bar Association, Human Rights Commission, BDA Cancer Association, The Speaker of the House of Assemble, the leaders of the trade unions and many others. The second phase of this campaign is to bring this campaign and the action of the first phase to the press.

Unfortunately, in order to avoid stumbling blocks and sabotage I am unable to inform you of the up coming three phase of this concern, however I can assure you that each stage this campaign is more intense then the previous stage.

It is my hope that those who are responsible and are invested with the authority to ensure that the appropriate action is taken thus avoiding the prolong suffering of the people who protect the nation.

O, that I may die and feat not death

I will not be afraid when I breathe my last, that death not holds me in its grasps.

Should I be afraid of the great unknown, to revere death like an emperor on his throne?
To fare what man through out the age to fear, a powerless myth an emotionless cheer.
Death has no power, no swag, no say, no power to hurt, no debt to repay.
No chance to defeat the life within but lingers in lonesome path to that must end.
In a peculiar shade where nothing exist, but a jaded longing for a nameless bliss;
A name by which to call, it is only a name that describes a state where the breath has broken free,
leaving a solitary word that describes the absence of life: death

This Police Illness is nothing New: Royal Gazette Article By Stephen Breen Written in 2000

Crushing Fools Blog is celebrating one hundred (100) article and counting.

One in five overseas officers who lived in Henderson Barracks in the late 1950s and early 1960s and who stayed on the Island, either died of cancer or were battling against the disease, a local survey found in 1998.

Around 15 were either dead or diagnosed as having the disease in 1998, but the figure is now thought to be nearer 20.

The unexplained cluster includes at least eight ex-officers who are known to have died of the disease.

Other ex-Policemen who left the Island for Canada and the United Kingdom after living in the barracks have also died of cancer.

After the story broke in the Mid-Ocean News in 1998, the Daily Telegraph in London reported there were fears that 130 officers who did a three-year tour in Bermuda may have contracted cancer but did not realise it.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Cann launched an inquiry into the deaths in 1998, but so far no details of the investigation have been released. At the time, Dr. Cann said an overseas expert would need to be brought in to look at the information collected.

Many of the officers contracted cancer of the oesophagus. Statistics from the United Kingdom show the likelihood of contracting the disease is one in 7,000.

A Police spokeswomen said yesterday: "The matter is in the hands of the Health Department''.

Dr. Cann was off the Island yesterday, and Dr. Brenda Davidson, who was supervising the investigation, was on leave.

A Department spokeswoman said no one else would be able to comment. Former Police officer Neville Spalding, who has intenstinal cancer and had 80 percent of his stomach taken out, said he had been visited by Dr. Davidson in connection with the cancer cluster.

"I believe she and (chief Medical Officer Dr. John Cann) care, but they are Government employees and I don't know how far they want them to take this.

Cancer mystery deepens "I don't know if they really want to do this or not.

"Brenda did tell me there is nothing conclusive and it probably doesn't point anywhere because there is such a broad spectrum of illness.

"They probably need an epidemiologist or a good insurance inspector to find out what happened.'' Friends and former colleagues yesterday paid tribute to 57-year-old Mr.

Instone. Cable and Wireless general manager Eddie Saints said: "John did recognise that a group of former Police officers who stayed at the barracks had got cancer and he took his health very seriously.

"He said he was lucky he was as healthy as he was and he was very conscious of it.

"He was highly regarded within the Cable and Wireless family and I have recieved messages of condolence from around the Caribbean. He touched a lot of people, and we just wish we could have done more for him.'' Sadly missed: John Instone, the latest former Bermuda Policeman to die from cancer.

The Search for Answer and solution: The Andrew Thomas Campaigne

When I posted the last article on this blog, on 3rd of January 2010; I ended that article with a promise, to venture on a quest, to search for answer to ensure that Andrew Thomas' sudden, untimely and tragic death will not be in vane and to prevent others from suffering a similar fate. I take on this assignment because of the tragic nature of the problem that confronts the members of the Bermuda Police Service. One will ask, why the Bermuda Police Service immidiately declared that fowl play was not suspected in Andrew Thomas' death, he being a young healthy male; and even before a postmortem was preformed and such report was available. Do they know something that the average citizen do not know.

Bermuda is a small island with a history and a tradition of keeping many dirty secrets, secrets that are well guarded; secrets that certain people will go to extreme Length to protect all in an effort to maintain the status quo.

Something is terrible wrong, for it is highly unlikely and surely out of the normal for such institution to experience so many unexplained illness and death without something being extremely wrong. Although I cannot say for sure, what is responsible for high volume of unexplained illnesses and sudden passive (death outside the line of duty by a serving officer) death among police personnel of the Bermuda Police Service; there are many suspected conditions that may account fot these.

I know that many of my former colleagues are wondering what form this campaign is going to take. Unfortunately, I cannot publicly discuss my intended stragady with anyone at this time; however, I will bring to the attention of anyone who has a personal or professional interest in this matter; the actions taken and the results such action yield if any. For now, I have embarked on a three (3) phase campaign, which I hope to develop and be altered depends of the results the action yields.

I will like to remind all, that I have only one thing of value, and that is: my words. I have never backed out on my words. If I say that I am going to do a particular thing, You can be guarantee, that against all odds and against adverse circumstances I will ensure that I live up to my words.

So' be assure, that I am going to get to the bottom of the concerns that have been a worry for the serving members of the Bermuda Police Service, the friends and family of serving officers who have been affected, those who have not yet been affected.

To Commissioner Da Silva, This is not an attempt to undermine your commissionership as some are hoping I would use this blog to do. Let me assure you that I am of the opinion that you deserves every opportunity to be the best commissioner you can be. for several reason which I will not go into. Let it be known, the author of this blog Mr. Allan H. F Palmer has vow to support your commissionership, and as a result I will refrain from publishing any information or to make any public declaration on this blog that can affect commissioner Dasilva's ability to effectively manage the Bermuda Police Service and get a grip on crime.

I may have reason to call upon pass and serving members of the Bermuda Police Service to take certain action to aid in obtaining the answers and action in a timely manner. So until your participation is required follow this blog and keep the discussion alive.

Should Andrew Thomas' Death Be In Vane?

When I learn of the death of another member of the Bermuda Police Service, I was dishearten, for I know it was possible that I may have worked with that person. When I learnt that the person who met their sudden demised was Andrew Thomas, I searched the corridors of my mind to understand who Andrew Thomas was; however, no matter how hard I tried I could not match a face to the name.

Without bothering to make any inquiries, I concluded I did not know Andrew Thomas. Even after I wrote the article titled Three More BPS Police Officer Die In 2009.. What Is Responsible For The High Passive Mortality Rate In The Bermuda Police Service? something about Andrew Thomas worried me immensely; unfortunately, I just could not put my finger on it. However, on Saturday 2nd January 2010, I was aroused from my sleep with a picture in my head. A picture of Andrew Thomas was washed from the halls of my memory into my conscious. I put that picture out of my head and went back to bed, for Andrew was a young healthy male, who was one year my junior; how was it possible for him to drop dead without any warning. Once again I was awoken and it was the same scene that was responsible for my sleeplessness.

Thanks for modern technology I got onto my computer and I opened my face book page as well as my MSN page to look for anyone who could have provided the information I was looking for. Fortunately I saw Miss Simons on line and I made my inquiries. Unfortunately and to my dismay, I was informed that my friend Andrew Thomas was the one who died. Denial can do that to a person. Because of my relationship with Andrew I presumable block his picture from my mind and thus failed to make the connection; associating the name with the face.

Like each of us Andrew Thomas was not perfect but from my experience with this young man I can conclude that Andrew Thomas was a decent and a humble man. You may ask how I can conclude that. It is said that first impression means a lot, but when a person first impression, becomes a reoccurring theme in your experience with them, then you know that person is genuine.

In order for you to understand the relationship I built with Andrew Thomas, you will have to understand my experience with him. When I left My home land to work in Bermuda, I Left all I knew behind (Family, friends, acquaintances, familiar faces, places practice and customs) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for a place I knew nothing about except for the little I read about the people and country. I had a hard time adjusting, this along with some problem that was created for me by Ralph Gonsalves’ avenging angel: Randolph (Randy) Liverpool (who were ensuring that I pay for foiling many of Ralph Gonsalves’ ploy to discredit some good people and institution in St. Vincent) were responsible for the mild bout with depression I experienced. This was the frame of mind I was in when I met Andrew.

I can remember about four or so years ago, while assigned to the Hamilton Police Station and attached to C-watch, the same watch Andrew was attached to also but he work at the Somerset Police Station. On this particular date, the Somerset Police Station were short staffed, and they needed help. On this occasion I was assigned to work at the Somerset Police Station and my partner for that evening was Police Constable Andrew Thomas.

After a brief introduction, Thomas used the experience he gained in dealing with foreign police officers in such predicament to put me at ease. He inquired of how I was dealing with my new environment and he offered some suggestion that may help me through my term in the Bermuda Police Service. Thomas took the opportunity to gave me a brief of the dos and the don’ts, the who is and the who is not, vital information that was design to help me adjust to life in Bermuda and in the Bermuda Police Service. We made a stop at Ice Queen and he offered to buy me dinner. Thomas drove for hours teaching me Bermuda’s Western Police District. We hit the trouble spot, the scenic site and the hangout location. After which we drove to his home; he invited me into his home and offered me of the abundance of his pantry. This was the beginning of my friendship with Andrew. It was always a pleasure to meet up with Andrew, for he always had a smile on his face, concern for my well being and a jovial conversation.

The quality of a person and the value of their friendship is not measure by the quality of the fun you had in the good times; however, the quality of a person and the value of their friendship is measured by the impact that person has on you in your time of need and the support they provided to you, in your time of distress.

Andrew was one who many people called upon when they need a friend; he always had a listening ear, a supportive view, words of wisdom and or an honest reply to offer.

According to the report Andrew die suddenly and to date there is no plausible medical explanation for his death. It will be interesting if Andrew traveled out of Bermuda recently. If he did, or even if he did not this reminds me of another young police officer’s sudden, unexplained and traumatic death. I speak of the death of no one but Paul Marsden: the events are the same.

Bermuda, member of the Bermuda Police Service, friends and family of Andrew Thomas, friends and relatives of the countless other who had their love ones became unexplainable ill or die suddenly and unexplainable: are you going to allow Andrew Thomas’ death, to become just another statistic; another dot or number on a page, a means of calculating mortality rate?

Andrew Thomas was there for me in my time of need and I owe it to his family, his memory and his legacy to ensure that Andrews’ death, like the hundreds of other officers who have die suddenly and/or who had undergone unexplained illness, to put pressure on the authorities to bring to the public and the serving men attention, the cause of such illnesses and or their deaths and if they don’t know what is responsible for the sudden and unexplained illness that lead to death in so many case. It is also a campaign for the relevant authorities to take the necessary steps to rectify the problems that is affecting the officers health. If the don't already know (which I have a sneaking suspicion they do) what the problem are, that they take the necessary steps to find out what is responsible for these occurrence. This article marks the beginning of my campaign for information and closer for my colleagues whom I knew and don’t know.

You know what the sad thing is? It is the fact that if any authority, be it police management, politician, or any other person with or in authority; who has information of what is killing or making members of the Bermuda Police Service sick; and that person or persons refuse to inform anyone who will be so exposed of the danger of such danger to life and health, and thus induced anyone to ignorantly work in an environment that can induced or cause their health to deteriorate or which may cause any such person who were expose to die may be guilty of of an offence; namely: murder or attempted murder; by reason of neglect.

Three More BPS Police Officer Die In 2009.. What Is Responsible For The High Passive Mortality Rate In The Bermuda Police Service?

The newly appointed Commissioner of Police Mike Da Silva

It have been a year and five months, since I brought to the attention of the Bermuda Police Association as well as to the attention of the public (which also got the attention of some international health agency) the unhealthy condition of the many facilities that is occupied by the Bermuda Police Service. These buildings includes and are not limited to the building that house the Hamilton Police Station, which was condemned over three decades ago; all of the buildings at Headquarters Hill, Devonshire, which houses: The Police Recreation Club, Police Administration, Narcotic Department, Intelligence Unit, The Telecommunication Unit, The Police Training School etc. Buildings which were deemed unfit, to be used by their previous occupants, who for obvious reasons had to vacated the buildings that were subsequently condemned. Unfortunately, the Government of Bermuda saw It fit to make these unhealthy, condemned building, the places of daily operation of the Bermuda Police Service.

Yet another year has come and pass and it is business as usual, three more police officers were diagnosed with and die from terminal illnesses yer it is still business as usual. I am speaking of three more officers, who participated in or supported the public demonstration (protest march) for more money, while neglecting the health issues that have been affecting and affected hundreds of their colleagues; yet they did not live long enough to enjoy the money they choose over their health. When you consider the whole scenario, it is such a sad occurrence, that could have been avoided with a little foresight and a little innovative thinking.

Carl Nedlet and the Bermuda Police Association, have failed to look out for the welfare of their members. The failure of the Bermuda Police Association not only kill their members but was responsible for their illnesses. Unfortunately it is the family of the decease and the ill who really suffer.

I hope that the Bermuda Police Association is not waiting on the incoming Commissioner of Police; Mike Da Silva to solve this ongoing problem. It is important that they understand, as much as Commissioner Da Silva will like to address the on going issue of the unhealthy working environment The Bermuda Police Service is confronted with, there is not much he can do. Although he is responsible for the B.P.S members, he is not really accountable to them. Commissioner Of Police is accountable to the Government and people of Bermuda. Unfortunately Mike Da Silva has to work with the time table of the Government. The harsh reality is; he has no say as to how the Government of Bermuda allocates and spend their funds. His core responsibilities are to ensure that crime and criminal activities are kept at a manageable rate.

So while the members of the Bermuda Police Association are collecting the dues from their members, they turn the attention of the membership to unimportant issues, while praying on the gratitude of the healthy members who are only to happy that they are not the one lying on the bed of the terminally ill, or on a slab in the morgue. But the big question that members of the Bermuda Police Service must ask themselves is: am I the next person to become unexplainable ill, or die from an avoidable terminal illness?

Don’t forget Wayne Gaskin who escaped death only by the grace of God, let us not forget Detective Donald, who has two progressively failing kidneys, and the countless others who are still suffering. When will you have the Wayne Gaskin, Stevie Darrell, Grant Yard, Paul Marsden, Gary Young or the Andrew Thomas' experience. If you are sure that you are invincible and immune from any such medical condition, then you can continue life, business as usual. Don’t forget, there were three healthy police officers who experienced sudden illness and die from malignant terminal illnesses in 2009. Who will it be in 2010?

Let us examine the other government departments, social institution, financial institution, places of work and/or organization that operate in Bermuda and compare the amount of unexplained illnesses and or death they experienced over the pass year, five years, ten, fifteen or twenty years with that with the Bermuda Police Service. These are easy research to conduct and should be done. But the Big question is; will it be done? It is every one's wish that this problem will go away, just evaporate into thin air. Since it will not just go away, like the hundred of other solvable problems that no one cares about, it will be swept under the rug as always. I hope that no one else trip over the bulged in the rug and die the way complacent police officers had been dying; for they to were also responsible for creating the bulge in the rug.

The Bermuda Police Service has the highest passive mortality rate in the history of police organization in the world. Is this unfortunate event important enough to find out why?

Yes, Yes I know, the truth hurts and offends many, but the truth must be spoken. If the truth is not spoken by me, who will?

An Abuse of Power: Is Bermudian Getting The Justice They Ought To?

From my stint in Bermuda, I have interacted with many Bermudian who were detained in police custody on various drug smuggling offences. In most cases the alleged offenders would have had a package apprehended by the police from one of the three renowned international courier services that operate on the Island of Bermuda: DHL UPS or FedEx.

Then I had an experienced that caused me to question the methods used by and the integrity of the Bermuda Police Service when dealing with the citizen of Bermuda; more specifically in the area of drug related offences. The questions I am trying to get an answer to are as follows:

Have the Bermuda Police Service been honest and forthright in dealing with the thousands of individuals who have had their packaged searched, seized, were arrested, their activities investigated, their phone tapped, their homes searched, their friends and family inconvenience with questioning and in some case detained, the subject charged, prosecuted and in most cases the accused person went to court and plead guilty: in order to avoid the inconvenience and the negative attention of a long trial? Have they been honest in their dealings?

From my experience most Black Bermudian are of the opinion that the court system is tailored to deny them justice and as a result they refuse to fight for their rights. These are occurrences the presiding Jurist, the police, the defense lawyers and the prosecutor appreciates very much, for these court officers it is an opportunity to reduce the excess cases load but most of all, they get out of court early. This come at the expense of Justice and too often resulted in the conviction of innocent citizen, which is not good for justice. I often wonder what happened to the philosophy that it is better for ten guilty men to go free than for one innocent man to be convicted.

In April 2009, after speaking to my sister via telephone to arranged the shipment of my new passport which she was in possession of after collecting it from the passport office in Kingstown, St. Vincent. The phone calls between us were to make arrangement to ensure that we were on the same page with the shipping of my travel Document (passports) to me. The arrangement was made for my passports to be shipped to me via Federal Express (FedEx) which I should have received on the 7th April 2008. The FedEx agent in St. Vincent who is my good friend, ensure she properly label the package detailing the content of the package on the place provided for such.

Sensing that something was terrible wrong I constantly tract the movement of my package using FedEx on line tracking. When the package arrived in Bermuda, I immediately called FedEx office to make arrangement to collect the package. However I was informed that the package was in the possession of the delivery agent. Later that morning the delivery agent contacted me and informed me that he has a package for me. I made my way to his location where I signed the necessary document and collected the package. When I collected the package, I was in the company of one adult female and two children.

On receipt of the package I noticed the package was tampered with and the damage was repaired with and clear tape. I opened the package in the presence of the FedEx delivery person who informed me that was the condition the package was in, when it was given to him.

Isn’t it the procedure of any legitimate shipping company FedEx including; to inform their customers if a package was damaged and its content missing? FedEx workers could not claim they did not know that the content of the package was missing, because there is a manifest (airway bill) that outlines the content of the package and its value. Isn’t it procedure for any legitimate company FedEx included to inform their customers if their package or part of the shipment were seized by the police if doing so will not interfere with an on going investigation? And aren’t they (legitimate shipping company including FedEx) professionally and legally obligated to inform the customers if such seizure was affected if the shipment or the content of the shipment did not contravene any law?

Isn’t it the procedure for any well structured police service or force, if the seized a package or the content of or part of the content of a package to first inform the owners and initiate an arrest if any law was violated.

While conducting my inquiries, the behavior of the senior customs officer who was assigned to clear FedEx consignments and the Manager of FedEx Bermuda Ltd. had the dirty hand print of Bermuda Police Service all over my missing passport. So I made a formal report to the police documenting the theft of two St. Vincent passports, then I wrote a letter to the Manager of FedEx Bermuda Ltd. Below is the content of the letter I submitted to the Manager of FedEx Bermuda Ltd.

12 Headquarters Hill
Prospect
Devonshire
Bermuda
DV-02

To:
Christopher P. Heslop
Manager Federal Express Bermuda
Serpentine Road
Bermuda

th April 2008

Dear Mr. Heslop,

On Wednesday 9th April 2008, I duly brought to your attention and I have also taken the timeout to show you a package I received from your delivery service, which was tampered with and part of the contents namely two St. Vincent and the Grenadines Pass Port (one that was canceled with an American Visa in it, and a new Pass Port that is in compliance with the USA standards) in the name of Allan H. F. Palmer was missing form the package; a package your delivery person admitted he received from the warehouse as he delivered it.

And as you have informed me on recognizing the tape on the package that the tape used is that which is used by custom official to reseal a package after a package was examined by the Bermuda Customs, and as was confirmed by the customs officer who states that the person who use the tape should not have use the said tape on the package as they are making a transition from that tape to a new tape.

I do not have to inform you, of the importance of someone in my position having a Pass Port.

In my effort to get a speedy replacement pass port I am requesting a letter from your company verifying that a passport was shipped from St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Bermuda via Federal Express and that package was tampered with and the Pass Port removed from the package.

Such a letter will aid in me getting a speedy replacement. Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your speedy cooperation in this urgent matter. Thank you.


Sig. Allan H. F Palmer

The big questions that must be answered are:

How did the Bermuda Police Service official know, that my passports were coming into Bermuda on that particular date?

The Bermuda Police Service was illegally listening into my phones conversations.

Did the Bermuda Police Service obtain lawful authority that instructed the FedEx management to hand over to them for the purpose of searching and to confiscate the content of the package?

Did the Bermuda Police Service get such lawful authority from a presiding Jurist or Justice of the Peace? If the answer to this question is yes; what was the information they provide to the Jurist to justify the issuing such authority?

Every moment of that day is fixed in my memory for two reasons the first reason: it was the day my passport was stolen by the institution I served faithfully and for the mere fact that although such a adverse occurrence it was also my best day in Bermuda.

Mike Jackman one of the B.P.S management and the proud face of unethical practice. (It Pays to be Dishonest)

I can clearly remember seeing the smug look of victory that was plastered on the faces of the main perpetrators Assistance Commissioner of Police: Mike Jackman and his accomplice Inspector Haynes.

Now if Mike Jackman and his accomplices were willing to break the law and possible knowingly provide fraudulent information to a presiding Jurist to obtain a lawful authority in order to stress an honest police officer only because he was strong enough to live his conscience and refused to fall in line with their dishonesty and to comply with their illegal instructions. To what lengths will they go to cause the arrest and potential imprisonment of a member of the community who the have an even more serious beef with.

Mike Jackman and the others are paid to uphold the law, if they can disrespect the authority with which they were entrusted, use fraudulent means to persuade a presiding Jurist to do their dirty biddings and to violate the law at will when it is in their egoist interest; then who is safe from these rough police officers. How many Bermudian were arrested and charge and prosecuted base on the dishonest actions of rough police officers. Now the big question is, who is going to police the police?

Who Is Responsible For The Action Of The Youths?

The youths of Bermuda have taken a hard hit over the recent pass and this is so because they have been doing what each of us has done in the pass, while growing up: they made some poor decision. While I resided in St. Vincent and the Grenadines: the land of my birth; without the prompting of anyone I took on the role of mentor many of the nation’s youths. I in several programs, more spacific: in a once a week program that was geared to provide activities for the youths of my neighborhood, this was done in order to provide these young people with an alternative to the negitive cycle (Both parental and community) they were expected to repeat.

Some Of The Hikers Taking A Rest On The Trail To St. Andrews Mountain

I presented to the youths of my neighborhood, a different way of living; The Adventurers Hiking program which attracted youths from all over the country was geared to provide the opportunity for young people to explore their adventurous side by participating in daring events in a controled environment and the Read and Have Fun a program that was instrumental in highlighting the importance of reading and was responsible in inspiring an interest in none reading children in reading. This program was also designed by me and was sponsored by the Vin-save Child Development Center, which was and still is under the Direction of Mrs. Janice Fraser, who was integrally involved in the program.

From my interaction with Bermuda’s Youths I can say that they are no different from the youths in other parts of the world. Like other youths they get involved in petty squabble that get out of hand from time to time, they also have tons of energy that is focus in the wrong direction, there is also the existence of rage and the feeling of invincibility, when these characteristics are properly directed, they can be converted into a productive force and be beneficial to the individual but is left unchecked and poorly directed, such can yield dangerous results.

Here is where the problem begins. The young person is very often unable to properly direct or redirect the surplus of energy, rage or utilize the spirit of invincibility that are common to this demographic of the society and the there is rarely anyone present who can and are willing to dedicate the time and knowledge to help the youths channel their energies and rage in to activities that can allow them to relief themselves of such in a control and productive manner; hence the reason for the problems.

PCs Ward, Hilton And Palmer With Their Littles.
My religious affiliation and my association with the Big Brother Big Sister of Bermuda have given me the opportunity to mentor many of Bermuda’s youths, a responsibility that I took seriously and one that I handled tenderly.


My First Little Brother: Donte and I at the South Side Bowl

I was connected to Donte by the Big Brother program a wonderful young man that has potential that cannot be measured; Donte is a shy young man who I expect a lot of. With the correct motivation and support there is nothing that he cannot accomplished, We enjoy many games of lawn tennis, when this awesome young man is excited he has such a loud infectious laugh that is a delight to hear.

Taj after exploring a cave in the Blue Hole Hill Area

Later I was given the opportunity by the Big Brother Big Sister to mentor another little. My new mentee’s name was Taj. Taj is a very talkative youngster, which was a sign that he possess an active, curious and inquiring mind. As such, his curiosity leads him to asked many probing questions, a quality that most people will find annoying but a quality that should be encourage and properly directed. If this young man is not discouraged from exercising and expanding his curiosity but encouraged to asked question and is taught how to satisfy such curiosity; by teaching him how to search for such answers; then is no telling what this young man can accomplish.

There is Javan: an intense, high energy and honest youth, who has an extraordinary capacity to love, even for one of so tender an age; he knows how to show appreciate. This young man is a delight to be around. With the correct mentoring, parental guidance and the correct peers Javan will excel in any field.

There are many of Bermuda’s youths that I have grown close to and have grown to love that are not mentioned here. However, the biggest problem with my mentees and every youth are; they are misunderstood. Adults are often not patience enough or they are not willing to dedicate the time needed to allow children to be children. The adult population (parent, teachers, mentors, guardians) must understand that members of this demographic are not adults and they should not expect the youths/children to behave, interact, and grasp concepts and instruction as adults do, for the simple fact they are not adults.

The fact that each adult were once a youth should afford us the understanding of what the youths are going through and thus make us the best parent, guardian and mentors; however, our impatience has made us a danger to our young people. We need to reform our mentality and lifestyle in such a manner that will allow us to be better, more responsible and active mentors, parents and guardian. It is only when we understand that to be a parent or to be given the opportunity to impact or influence the future of a child, or young person; is the most secret responsibility there is; it is then, we will reorganized our priorities and ensure that our children are placed at the top of the list.

We cannot blame the youths for their mal behavior for they are a product of their parents and to a wider extent the community. For the level and the quality of parenting each parent give to their children will in fact determine the quality of the young people and by a larger extent the quality of citizen the community is blessed or cursed with. In turn the parent will give to the community the type of citizen the community demands.

The question what type of citizen is the community demanding from its parents?

Happy Thanksgiving

The United States of America is celebrating what I refer to as the holiday of reflection: Thanksgiving. Come Thursday 26th November 2009 (the day designate) many people in the USA and around the world will take timeout for honest reflection, for the many cause they have to be thankful.

Like the millions of American I am taking this opportunity this thanksgiving to give thanks for all of the wonderful things and the uplifting experiences that made up my recent and distance past; I am also taking this opportunity to give thanks for the all of the adversities and the misgivings I experienced over the period. For it is those adverse events that inspires character growth in sincere, honest and decent people who are wise enough to look for the teaching/learning moments such unfavorable experiences presents.

Although we avoid speaking of such because of the pain that is associated with awakening the bad memories, it is important to know that it is these moments that is responsible for shaping our character and what makes us the unique people that we are. It will do us good, to move towards healing, put away the bitterness and embrace such unfortunate events as just another of life’s adventure.

This thanksgiving, we must also bear in mind that before we can be truly thankful we must first learn to forgive those who have trespassed against us; for it is only by forgiving that we can truly be appreciative of life’s experiences good and/or bad. How can I be thankful for favor or blessings we did not deserved yet we allows the hate that manifests itself in our heart from allowing us to extend the same favor to another (the person I hate) in need.

I have so much to be thankful for, I am thankful that Jehovah have be store his favor upon me and for blessing me with the prayers of some of the most supportive, confidential, objective and loving family and friends a man could ever asked for. They may not be many but that are just what I need.

I am also thankful to Jehovah for blessing me with a clear mind, which allows me to function above that which is average; for a range of knowledge and the ability to grasp, understand and to apply new concepts with very little ease; for blessing me with wisdom to disown, analyze, and to put things into its proper prospective; but must of all; I am grateful for the ability to honestly, fearlessly, unselfishly clearly communicate my thoughts with others even in the face of possible adverse repercussion.

I am thankful for the fact that the promises of plenty did not caused me to turn a blind eye to the actions of dishonest men, that the love for and of money have never inspired my actions, that prestigious associations could not influences my honesty, and the hope of a handout have never interrupted the effective function of my conscience.

I also give thanks for the opportunity to legally exist in the greatest democracy on earth; where boundless opportunity awaits all: The United States of America. This mighty country where it is impossible for detractors, who dwell in the world of small insecure minds and are engulfed in their petty prejudices to block your path to success and doom you to failure. A place where the impossible dreams are realized and hard workout, talent and valiant efforts are rewarded; a place where redress is guaranteed and there is a place even for the weak. This is not to say that the USA is a perfect place but it is a place where Justice is treasured.

An as always, when the bad times come I will remind myself using the words of the great Vincentian Poet Michael John the Black Messenger:

"I am a winner, my will grows stronger every day. I am that victor; one thing they can never take away. I know the bottle is hard but the struggle is not in vain, each time I stumble and I fall: I WILL RISE AGAIN."

Finally, I must thank Jehovah for my tomorrow and all of the blessing tomorrow has secure for me. For the drive he had placed within me, the willpower I am going to need to persevere in the months ahead, for the strength to break down new barriers, the guts to scale the heights I am going to reach, the drive to attain my new accomplishment that awaits me but most of all I thank Jehovah for ensuring I remains humility, consistent and simple.

The Guiding Principles: What Are They?

it is unfortunate that some supporters of the Vote Yes Campaign are using aspects of the "Guiding Principles" as enforceable laws of the constitution. This is done in an effort to convinced members of the Vincentian community to support their cause and on the 25th November 2009 the community may join with then and vote Yes in the Referendum and thus enact the constitution act 2009 the Supreme law of S.V.G. apart from being unfortunate it is shameful that responsible men will act so immature and dishonest on a matter of national importance.

Although I heard many legal professional speak of the "Guiding Principles" that are apart of the Constitution act 2009; apart from referring to them and the way they are being used no one took the time to explain to the public in simple understandable language (English) what are the Guiding Principles? Why such are apart of the Constitution? And the relevance of such in the context of the body of law?

What are the Guiding Principles?

The Guiding principles are a group of principles that were taking into consideration by the drafters and others participant who were involved in the construction of the Constitution. The Constitution should be based on these principles and therefore they should be reflected within the document. the principles that are held dear and are widely practiced in and by the community. Every action, meeting, discussion, consultation and any other activities that took place as part of the construction process of the final document, in this case: the Constitution Act 2009. The Constitution should have evolved with these principled at the fore. In other words, the guiding principles should have been the light which lit the part that led to this document. Why do I get the impression that the guiding principles were thrown together along the way or even after the constitution was completed.

Every constitution is divided into two section the enforceable section (the law) and the none enforceable section (areas such as the guiding principles)

Why are the Guiding principles a part of the Constitution act 2009?

There are two important reasons why the Guiding Principles are apart of the Constitution act 2009 even though they are not laws. These reasons are:

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  The Guiding Principles give those who reads the constitution a better understanding of certain aspect of the enforceable part of the constitution as well as; it give others a clear understanding of the principles on which the law was founded.

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  The Guiding Principles also gives the ordinary individuals as well as those who are endowed with the powers to interpret and make ruling on such laws a guide line as to what objective the people were trying to meet or accomplish, what situation they were trying to address, what conditions they were trying to prevent and what aspect of their life they wanted to protect or what were they guarding against.

So although the Guiding Principles are not enforceable laws, they play a very important interpretive role that will provide a better understanding what was the intention of the of the people when they create this document. (the enforceable section of the constitution act 2009).

Let me give you a practical example of how the guiding principles work.

Let us use for a point of example the first of the Guiding Principles as recorded in the document at 5 (1) which deals with the sovereignty of the people (the people are responsibility for their own affairs). The enforcable section of the Constitution should seek to outline in detail, the means by which the people will be so empowered and how are they are going to excersise their sovereign rights as a people. Nothing in the enforceable laws should seek to erode the sovereignty of the people but to promote such.

lets take a look at the enforceable section of the Constitution to verify whether the body of this document seek to facilitate the empowerment of a sovereign people.

We can see structures such as the establishment of a government as, the establishment of a boundaries commission, the protocol that deals with the election of Representatives and senators, and the other checks and balances to ensures (to a certain extent) that the people remains sovereign and therefore exercise their sovereignty by democracy.

But there are also somethings in the Enforcable section of the constitution that create a threath, not to the soverignty of the country but to the country being a soverign demacracy, by the ease at which the constitution can be tampered with.

any aspect of a cultural, moral, ethical, social practice and belief that is included in a nation's constitution is a sign that these are aspect of their practice and belief that the people cherished and believe should be upheld and protected for the benefit of the current and future generations.

It is therefore dishonest and unconscionable for anyone to promote the guiding principles as enforceable law. I hope it is not a case of: "if you keep the people ignorant you will rule them better."

NEW TOPIC: The Challenge Issued.

It is important for all to understand with the exception for the Constitution parliament has the power to amend, nullify and or make new laws. Parliament also has the power to enforce such new laws, amendment and nullification of any piece of body of law with a majority vote in the house of Parliament. such laws includes any law that is currently enforced.

although it is my legal, and moral conviction that Homosexuality is an inexcusable and vile act; however, the precessing paragraph is the foundation I have laid to make a bold Claim base on the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I am not only making a bold claim I am also going to challenge any of the Superior legal minds in St. Vincent and the Grenadines or any where in the world to prove me wrong.

On the issue of same sex marriage: there is nothing in the current laws or the new Constitution Act 2009 of St. Vincent and the Grenadines that can prevent two people of the same biological sex or social gender from getting married in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. and those who use the argument of the Buggery laws of the criminal code and the gross Indecency law do not have a practical or legal argument that can convince a Judge that it is illegal for two people of the same sex who want to get married from getting married.

An Open Letter to Leader of the Opp: Arnhim Eustace

To
Rt. Hon. Arnhem Eustace (Leader of the Opposition& the N.D.P)
C/o N.D.P Headquarters
Kingstown
St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Dear Mr. Eustace,

It is with a tremendous level of humility, that I take this opportunity to write this letter to you; to address a situation that has the potential to escalate into a national catastrophe. One that can have a long lasting and devastating effect on your liberty and the liberty of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I speak of the referendum which will seek to enact the proposed St. Vincent and the Grenadines constitution act 2009, which was passed in the house of Assemble by default on 3rd of September 2009.

Recently I received and reviewed a copy of revised document and I was shock by the quality of the document, the Government of St. Vincent has invested so much time, talent and resources to produce. I am also shock that a man like Ralph Gonsalves who holds a PhD. In political science and a LLB in Law along with his cabinet could be so legally dumb to have sanctioned such a poorly prepared document and take such document to the house for the approval of intelligent men like you, the Major, Dr. Lewis among them.

This lead me to asked the following question, Have my friends Mike Brown and the other former educator in the ULP lost their ability to comprehend written English language? are they no longer interesting in educating the nation’s people? how can they actively participate in the miss-education of the people they say they love? Did Rene Baptiste the prolific lawyer, and a woman whom I like; take the time to review this document? Rene do not strike me as one to knowingly betray her country and her people. I know there is more to the efforts of the Unity Labor Party Government than that which meets the eyes or as members of the aged population (old people) will say: “there is more in the mortar than the pestle.”

I do not have to tell you that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is now the laughing stock of the every government and their people in the western hemisphere, even the ordinary man who was afforded the opportunity to examine this document are crying shame on us as a nation. Do you know that, associations such as the Netball, Basketball, Volleyball and other sporting association has stronger constitutions for the management of their affairs, when compare to the Constitution act 2009, which is to be used as the supreme law of a sovereign nation? This whole sorry affair is like a humorless joke and no one in their right senses is laughing.

Could Ralph and his cronies be so ignorant, that they will allow such a pathetic document to be put forward to the people, for our approval as the supreme law of this sovereign nation? Ralph Gonsalves is attempting to cause the realization of our greatest fears; which is, to trick us into allowing him to treat the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and their resources in the same manner he currently treats the office of the Director of Public Prosecution and the Police Force. Whatever his plans are, we cannot allow them to be realized; the price will be too high, even higher than the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines should be allowed to pay. Mr. Eustace this is the reason we are relying on you to ensure that such do not happen.

I know that you are the people’s voice and you and your team have been working tirelessly to educate the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines so that they could make an informed decision and vote against this snare (the constitution act 2009). I do not know your entire plans in accomplishing such an important task; however, at this late hour; I will like to make some suggestion which I hope you will give serious consideration to.

To lose an election due to fraudulent means to any political group, is one thing and although it is a serious infringement on honesty, democracy and the constitution; the stolen term will come to an end and the electoral process will come around once more, giving those who lose, the opportunity to take corrective measures thus ensure that such miscarriage of democracy not happen again. However to have the constitution act 2009 of St. Vincent and the Grenadines be approved in a referendum by fraudulent means carries with it, a far greater price and far more severe consequences.

I have taken the temperature of the situation on the ground and I have no doubt that the people will vote against enacting of the Constitution act 2009 in the referendum, and this will result in Ralph, and his evil intention (will) lawfully suffer a devastating defeated. However, I know for a fact, in this case the voice of the people will not be heard. I know that Ralph Gonsalves and his dishonest group have already put the machinery in place to secure a victory by fraud.

This is serious times, and a referendum victory even by fraudulent means only opens up the way for Ralph Gonsalves to ratify the necessary changes to the constitution to ensure that he enslave Vincentian in the same manner Hugo Chavez now enslaves his people using fear as his whip.

You have to understand that Ralph Gonsalves has too much to lose not to have the constitution act 2009 approved by the people he dislike and too often disrespect. There is no secret that the result in the referendum is an indicator of how the next general will go for the ULP Government. Ralph Gonsalves is fully aware that he cannot afford to have the reign of power pry from his fingers by the will of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He is fully aware that a new administration and a different Director of Public Prosecution, he could be made to stand trial for the rape and sexual assault of the police officer and the sexual assault of the Vincentian/Canadian human Rights lawyer. This is a chance he cannot afford and is not willing to take. I know that although Ralph’s victims are silent now, they are uncomplainingly awaiting their day in court.

Now, I will recommend that we call upon international observers, to over see the referendum; I will like to also suggest that you use your most trustworthy and vigilant of supporters to monitor the poles. These pole monitors must be very militant they should be outfitted with micro recorders and even mini video recorders to document any irregularity that may occur in the station before, during and after the voting. We do not want any ballot boxes to be discovered in any hiding places after the fact. In conclusion let me remind you of a fact I know you are aware that Ralph Gonsalves cannot be trusted; however I say again do not put anything pass him for Ralph Gonsalves is desperate and is willing to do anything to hold onto the reign of government at all cost.

Sandy's Vacation

While residing and working on the island of Bermuda, I had many wonderful experiences. And for your pleasure I will take some time to share with you one such event that shivered my timbers with the ultimate in fun. So I introduced you to the short titled Sandy's Vacation.

Is Ralph Gonsalves and His Unity Labor Party Government Criminals?

Many people both within and without St. Vincent and the Grenadines are of the opinion; that the Ralph Gonsalves Unity Labor Party Government, its friends and supporters are involved in criminal activities, even murder. However, in some case a lack of evidence and a fear of becoming a victim have forced such people into a cocoon of silence. Notwithstanding the danger of becoming a victim, my inquisitive mind sent me probing and I have turned up some very disturbing facts. I will take my time and try to be as clear and concise as I possible can.

We have seen the untimely and violent death of Glen Jackson. It was no secret that Glen Jackson had an abrupt falling out with his political associates: Ralph Gonsalves and the Unity Labor Party; and in his disgust, Glen vowed to reveal to the public, certain information that would have been troubling to Ralph Gonsalves, his political party and his government. However, a few days after Glen Jackson made his intention known, and the day before he was to make his big revelation; Mr. Jackson was found dead in his vehicle. His murderers and their accomplices had taken the time to: ensure his body was clean, his place of death was never discovered, and no forensic evidence could be found: not on his clothes nor in his vehicle where his body was discovered; thus no trail was left linking the killers to Glen Jackson's murder.

I hope it did not surprised you that the police force, an institution that Ralph Gonsalves had turned into his personal poppet show, made an arrest; however, the arrest was not one that was based on the accumulation of evidence but one that was made only to quiet the fears and concerns of the population who had expressed outraged over Glen's death but most importantly, the arrest was designed to take the community’s attention away from the real killers. Although a young man was arrested, charged and stood trial for that crime, we all know that crime was way above the physical ability and financial capability of the defendant, in that; the physical strength that was required to move Jackson body to and from his vehicle to clean the carcass; the place and the cleaning material that was employed to clean Glen's body; all in an efforts to ensure no forensic or other evidence was found. The planning that went into concealing Glen’s place of death (the crime scene). All thses actions were far outside the suspect’s criminal intellect. This murder was one that involved a lot of planning and was masterfully executed. Therefore I must conclude that the individual who was arrested and tried for this matter was only a scape goat.

Then there was Peter Dennie: the Nice Radio staff who met his sudden, unexplained, violent death; another murder that was specific in its detail and execution. A crime and a crime scene that was void of any forensic or other evidence. There are other Vincentian who have met sudden arranged deaths; however, their names and the circumstances of their death will not be mentioned in this article for certain reasons.

There is Que Pasa, A man who is know to and in the drugs world; and a once friend and supporter of Ralph E. Gonsalves and his Unity Labor Party. A man who like Glen, had a falling out with his political associates: Ralph E. Gonsalves and his Unity Labor Party. Fortunately for Que Pasa, he has an ACE in the hole (information in strategic place which will be release if he is killed) hence the reason he is alive today.

Any time Que Pasa's menaces are able to chump, his ACE; he will be a dead man. I hope Que Pasa understand that every effort is being made to make his ACE in the hole null and void. Que Pasa is a marked man.

There was an incident, which occurred on the island of Dominica, that I always though was fishy, so after I left Bermuda in 2008, I journeyed to Dominica, where I did some snooping around (investigation). While there, I used my purposeful charming personality and I quickly became friends with the average man on the street, doctors, police officers, other professional and quite a few member of Dominica criminal community. When members of the criminal community discovered that I was from "Ganja Country:" St. Vincent and the Grenadines, many saw an opportunity to establish Marijuana connection etc. I spent two months on the Island of Dominica, all in an effort to uncover what was in my mind a mystery.

Everyone knows, that much attention is not paid to the violent death of a man or a woman with a colorful back ground; in other words, one who live a life of crime. Unfortunately such deaths are not given the level of attention they should be given and are often dismissed as the consequence of the life that individual lived.

Now that I have lay the foundation let me develop this discourse and get to the bottom of the matter at hand.

Recently the Press Secretary (PS) to Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves: Hans King was experiencing marital problems. Unfortunately the trauma of the experience troubled the young man tremendously and negatively impacted his personal and social life; as well as, destroyed his ability to function in his professional life. To make the matter worst, the man who wooed his way into the heart and world of the PM press secretary’s wife; was one with a criminal back ground; and he was wanted by the United States Federal Government. With the help of the PS wife, Cecil Boatswain the individual in question, evaded the St. Vincent and the US authorities, but not for long; sometime later Cecil Boatswain was founded murdered on the Island of Dominica.

Because of Boatswain’s pass, his murder went down as a drug deal that went bad. But was it? Was Cecil Boatswain’s Murder the results of a drug deal that went bad? I emphatically say NO! Cecil Boatswain’s murder was retaliation on behalf of Hans King. The knowledge that Boatswain’s had resurface once again affected the Prime Minister's Press secretary ability to function. The comfort he had from knowing that Boatswain was dead (he got what he deserved) disappeared with Boatswain's reemergence (This information was known only by certain police in the intelligence Department and key politician).

I cannot say with certain who was responsible for arranging the hit (contacting and paying for Cecil's death) or where the money for the hit on Cecil Boatswain came from, (It may have been the treasury of St. Vincent for all that I know) but I can say with a degree of certainty that Boatswain’s hit man was a Jamaican, who resides in St. Lucia: Andrew Kirkpatrick Michelle, who was also contracted by the same source in September 2008 to perform another hit, on another unsuspecting victim who was in Dominica in September 2008.

The question I am unable to answer is: who ordered the hit on Cecil Boatswain? Was it ordered by members within the Unity labor Party or members of the criminal drugs community that provides financial and other supports to Ralph Gonsalves and his Unity Labor Party? On whose request was the hit ordered? I guess we may never know. But what I know for a fact is, Cecil Boatswain was killed on an order that came from St. Vincent in an effort to secure Hans King Sanity.