The Bermuda Police Service Crime Statistics 2008: A Review

Although to review the crime statistics is not a difficult task, I just did not dedicate any time to do so until last week, when I review the criminal statistics of the criminal offences that were reported to the police for the year 2008, as was released from the Bermuda Police Service. My scrutinizing search led me to some very interesting anomalies in the statistics and other reports. I will endeavor to spend a little time, to go over the statistics and give you a brief but honest analytical prospective of my findings. I will also infused my personal opinion, however I will endeavor to identify my opinion, less anyone treat my opinion as if they are fact.

First of all let me take this opportunity to make it clear, that the crime statistics that is provided by the police, in no way reflects the amount of crimes that was committed within a particular location between particular periods. However it is a reflection of the amount of crimes which was reported to the police between particular periods. For example rape and other sexual offences very often go unreported by the victims, for some or more of the following reasons.

1. The victims may blame themselves for the action of the perpetrators.
   
2. They do not want to be a victim of the stigma that is associated with such offences
   
3. They are afraid that their partner (husband, boyfriends etc.) will blame them for causing their sexual victimization and thus end the relationship (marriage etc).
   
4. they don’t want to go through the trouble of becoming a victim a second, a third or even a forth time (as in the case of the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines who was accuse of raping a female police officer)
   
5. No one will believe me (the victim).
   
6. No one will believe that a particular individual (the Perpetrator) will do such a thing etc.
   
7. There is the fear of retribution.

It is also important to understand that a large percentage of the crimes that are committed in any given locations are never reported for various reasons, most of which are personal to the victims of crimes who chooses not to report the matter to the police. So the crime statistics is only a reflection of the pale reality. Like the moon light is just a poor reflection of the sun’s illumination.

If it is true, that the crime statistics is only a pale reflection of the reality what happens when the power that be, fail to present the statistics transparently?

Let us now take a good look at the crime statistics as was make public by the Bermuda Police Service; but first, we must lay a basic foundation that will give the average man an understanding of this discourse.

A crime is any offence that is committed by an individual or a group against and individual or group and or their properties, which may result in:

• damage,
• lost,
• destruction,
• injuries,
• hurt,
• death
• pain ect.

Such offences must be legislated under the criminal code, act or other legislation enacted for that purpose.

With this in mind the people of Bermuda will like to know:

• Why aren’t the criminal offence of Assault Bodily Harm (the most frequently committed offence) not apart of the Bermuda Police Service public statistics.
  

• Due to the fact that Bermuda has such a large portion of its population addicted to one substance or the other; Why aren’t drugs and drug related crimes not a part of the Bermuda Police Service public statistics; and the same for:
  
• Offensive weapons
  
• And the sophisticated theft crimes like embezzlement, money laundering, fraud etc.
  

After all, there are departments that are set up with trained staff to deal with such offences. There is the Commercial Crime Unit which deals with crime such as embezzlement etc. the Fraud Squad that deal with the various crimes of fraud and the Narcotic Department that deal with the trafficking, supply, sale and or the use of illegal mode altering substances (drugs). If there were no such crimes committed in the pass why spend good money to equip and staff such departments. If the Bermuda Police Service is going to devote a whole department to deal with such crimes, there must be a problem that needs specialized attention.

Now on May 12th 2008, the Bermuda Police Service became so alarmed over the amount of violent crime that has been committed in the first quarter that they call a press conference to alert the community of the mounting problem.

Was there a need to be concern, or was it just a case where the management of the Bermuda Police Service were calling wolf, wolf. What is troubling is the fact that the violent crime statistics from 2004-2008 (with the exception of 2006 which revealed a decline in violent crime) there were a steady increase; so in reality there was nothing to be alarm about. What was the big fuss about. Was It because the management of the Bermuda Police service do not understand trend as it relates to crimes? Did the crime analysis take an analytical look at the trends per quarter as it relate to different years? If they did that, they would have known that there was no need for alarm due to the fact that certain crime spike at certain time of the year for definite reasons.

OF the thirty three criminal offences listed, in the six categories, the Bermuda Police Service reported on, there were minimal increases in ten offences listed. This means that there was a reduction in commission in twenty three criminal offences.

Conclusion:

Take into consideration that there was a drastic deduction of commission in the number (23) of criminal offences with slight increase in ten offences, the fact that the management of the Bermuda Police Service, felt the need to raise the red flag in the first quarter as it related to violent crimes, however we saw a measly increase of only 19 more violent crimes in relation to 2007, also the fact that the Bermuda Police Service management conveniently omitted so many criminal offence from its statistics among other abnormality, I am therefore forced to reveal my opinionated conclusion that the statistics was intentionally doctored to reflect a technical reduction (general reduction in commission in 23 criminal offences) yet an over all increase in the crime rate, for to cause the overall crime rate to have reflected a decrease, would have raise the eye brows of the community and reveal a perpetration of a fraud ( a criminal offence) that was committed by the Bermuda Police Service management.

If the boys in the management position of the Bermuda Police Service are not man enough to do what is right, in such trivial issues (such as releasing the true criminal statistics), I hope the community will not expect them to do what is right in matter that has grave consequences attached.

Michael Jackson: "The King of Pop" Is No More

By now, the entire world had heard the sad news, the legend that was the King of Pop: Michael Jackson is no more; Michael who made a name for himself in the world of entrainment and who was considered the best performer ever, is now dead. But what made Michael Jackson such a big successful as a performer was his work ethics, his desire to be love and his perfectionist character.

Michael began as the lead singer of the first ever boy band: the Jackson Five, he was only five years when he began and he topped the charts at age eleven. The band was consisted of his four older siblings. Unfortunately none of his talented siblings that was apart of the boy band ever achieved the recognition or acclaim they had a group but Michael rocketed to mega-stardom.

Michael’s solo career began in 1972 with his first hit: Ben, which was followed by his first solo album “Off the Wall.” But he hit his peek as a performer in 1982, when he dethrone the legendary recording artist and performer Barry Manilow as the highest selling artist of all times, when he sold 27 million copies of the albums Thriller which owned him seven Grammy awards. Michael Jackson’s Thriller sold 16 Million more albums than Barry Manilow brst seller who held that record for quite a while.

The Thriller sensation revolutionized pop music in many ways. The Thriller album represented the marrying of many genre of music. Michael also revolutionized the way in which music were marketed; in that, he produced some of the most amazing, eye catching music videos which is considered cinematic work of art. These cinematic master pieces showcased his tremendous dance style and ability. Then came the albums: bad, dangerous and invincible unfortunately none of his later albums were as successful as Thriller.

Michael Jackson was not without his trouble, in 1993 and in 2004 there were allegations and child molestation charges brought against the music icon. One of which he settled out of court on the advise of his counsel, publicist and other advisors. However he pleased not guilty to the second allegation, which he fought, and was acquitted of in a court of law by a jury of his peers.

Although we may never know the truth about the allegations that was brought against Michael Jackson; I personally never believed they were true. I am of the opinion that Michael was a victim of imposed greed, a phenomenon that is widely spread today.

As a result of all of the nasty things that were said about this extraordinary and talented man, I wrote two articles in his defense, articles which were published in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines news papers; it was around this time that I penned this song.

Some say that I’m pathetic; some say I’m just a fool,
Some say that I’m eccentric, how could they be so cruel?
For all my faults and differences are what made me who I am.
I give you all the love I had, I though you will understand.

Cor. I give you my love; my all, I give the best I can.

........I give you my heart, my soul; I thought you’ll understand;
........With a broken heart, I give my love to you,
........With a broken heart I give my love to you.

You said, that I am troubled; you called me nasty names,
The lies you told about me, caused me agony and pain,
You forgot that I’m not perfect; I’ve got feeling just like you
Although you think I’m special, I hurt the way you do.

It is with a heavy heart that I take this opportunity to extend to Michael’s family, friends, and the entire world community my deepest sympathy. But most of all it is my hope that Michael’s was prepare to meet Jehovah.

St. Vincent Constitution Review: A Closer Look

The Constitution or the supreme law of any nation is a body of laws that should be instituted by the people to meet specific needs. Some of the more pertinent requirement is to safeguard the needs and rights of the people of that generation and future generations from certain ills, and to ensure that an acceptable way of life is preserved while securing the following:

• 
  
  Guard against injustice in its widest from.
• 
  
  protect societal values, morals and norms
• 
  
  Guard against Anarchy of all kind.
• 
  
  to ensure the rule of law prevails and it is actually blind,
• 
  
  Provide a justice system that is free from corruption, as well as ensure that justice is free, fair and available to all.
• 
  
  And to ensure that the systems are in place to preserved peace, foster goodwill and ensure the well being of those that dwell in that land.

The enacting or the revision of a nation’s constitution is not an assignment that should be taken lightly; neither is it a task that should be undertaken by selfish men, with egoistic personalities, who lack strength and wisdom. For such a critical endeavor can have far-reaching consequences on the people of the day and on future generation if prudence, wisdom and good judgment are not exercised.

It is no secret that I do not trust Ralph Gonsalves: the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines or any of his actions. So when I heard that he was going to undertake the awesome responsibility of overseeing a constitutional review, I took that news with a pinch of salt, tremendous worry, apprehension and fear. This along with the fact that everyone knows that anyone Ralph Gonsalves hand pick and who later receives the rubber stamp of approval from his cabinet is either a stooge or a puppet. One who is willing to Jump, hop or skip at his command.

We have seen this in the behavior and example of the following:

• 
  
  Colin Williams the Director of Public Prosecution in St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Colin was a young man with lot of positive potential who had failed to realize his potential.
• 
  
  We also have the example of Keith Miller the Commissioner of Police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Keith is a young man who unfortunately lived up to his true potential.
• 
  
  And there is the elder statesman: Mr. Parnell R Campbell QC, who was made to resign his N.D.P held political portfolio, by Ralph Gonsalves when he leader of the opposition. By this incident we can conclude that Mr. Campbell integrity can be questioned. In my opinion he is one who should have been wiser; but unfortunately he is one who has become giddy from going full political circle on to many occasion, one whose inconsistency have caused him to become so intoxicated that he cannot serve no objective purpose.
• 
  
  It is for these reasons that I have been going through the document that is titled "The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Constitution act 2009." As a result, my scrutinizing eyes have picked up the following discrepancies.

I was of the opinion that the constitutional review and the Commission that was to undertake that review had an objective of ensuring that the Constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines kept up with the changing times, legal changes, and international advancements. However section 14 (1) of the preamble makes provision to replace the Governor General with a president. This section had therefore convinced me that; the constitution review which was ordered by Ralph Gonsalves Government was not only to bring the nation’s supreme law up to date with local, legal and international changes; but it was and is intended to equip St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the transition from an independent State to a republic. Am I the only person who was not aware that, this was the expressed intention of the constitution review or is Ralph Gonsalves and his government trying to put one over on us (Vincentian)?

I also find it strange that according to the preamble, section 6 (2) of the soon to be instituted President will have a tree years grace period to change "any" existing law that he sees fit, by publishing such in the official gazette. What is unfortunate is this part of the constitution did not specify which type of laws the president has the power to change, alter or amend. Here we have a situation where one man has the power and authority to bypass parliamentary procedures and amend any portion or body of laws he feels like; depriving the people who were elected for that purpose the opportunity to function in their capacity to draft, prepare and present amendments to bad laws to the house. This is the perfect way of sneaking a piece of no-good law onto the people, (selling them into slavery) and thus creating an unstable political and social environment. Such Wily Nelly method of changing, and or amending any portion or body of law, presents the perfect opportunity for unscrupulous men to act in their own interest or in the interest of a group etc. and sell the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the highest bidder. In such cases the highest bidder is often the head of government who is obsessed with power; or some multimillionaire from a distance shore.

Another issue I am going to address in this discourse is one which aroused my suspicions. I am very suspicious of the reason why Chapter 6, section 69 (1) (a) is so wide. This section opens up the opportunity for people with duel or more citizenship to hold elected office in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Now let us for argument sake conclude that such a person is elected or appointed to one of the political offices in the St. Vincent House of Parliament and after taking such office, that individual mess with our country’s finances and steal the little money we don’t have. Then that individual can run off to anyone of the countries they are citizen of and enjoy the good life.

In my opinion this is the Prime Minister’s way of ensuring that his son Camillo Gonsalves who is a citizen of three countries, St. Vincent the country he is least loyal to, has a secured political career in S.VG; and so this part of our constitution is dedicated to Camillo Gonsalves. I cannot see the sense in embedding such into the constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; this can and will have serious implication in the present as well as the future. It is a sad thing that we are not mature enough to think of the future; unfortunately we can only see in the now and how it is going to benefit me.

Today we are living in an era of sophisticated technological advancement, an era where there has been unbelievable advancement in teaching and teaching aids. Now people with disabilities after they have received the correct training to offset their disability; they have been attending IV league schools, attaining note worthy education advancements, have excelled in various fields, (holders of degrees) functions in many capacities and in many instances they have even excel beyond their able body colleagues. Yet we see Chapter 6, section 68 of the new and soon to be enacted constitution discriminates against people with disabilities.

Isn’t it a shameful that in such an era like this one, the new Constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has discriminatory clauses? And isn’t it embarrassing that the blind, the hearing impaired and the physical disable are the ones who are subject to such discrimination.

Sec. 68 (1) "A person shall be qualify to be elected or selected to be a representative if, and shall not be so qualify to be so elected or selective unless he (the term "he" here is sexist and therefore automatically disqualifies females)

(d) is able to speak (this disqualify the person who is unable to speak no matter their academic qualification and competences there are so many intellectuals that cannot speak) and, unless incapacitated by blindness (people with the learning and ability of New York City Governor David Paterson is excluded) or other physical cause (this automatically disqualify People with the ability and tenacity of four term US president Franklin Delano Roosevelt FDR and would have automatically disqualify Larry Bascombe if he was alive), to read the English language with a degree of proficiency sufficient to allow him to take an active part in the proceedings of the national assemble.

This in its-self is indeed a primitive step which will take St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the wrong direction. Can you believe the audacity of the government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to discriminate against people with physical or other impediment? Not only in though and actions; but such evil, discriminatory and insensitive biases will soon be legally enforced; as such are embedded into the supreme law of St. Vincent, are you kidding me?

In my opinion there are too many ambiguities in the constitution as it stands. I am of the opinion that cobweb has taken over the legal minds that was entrusted with such an important responsibility. I cannot wait to read the final draft.

Abuse Occures When Weak Men holds Powerful Positions.

It is a sad thing when irresponsible and immature people are put in position of great responsibility; in other words when weak men are place in position of power. Such situations give rise to the misuse of resources and an increase in corruption and other unethical practices. I can say with a great deal of certainty, that this is so in the Bermuda Police Service.

All that’s glitters is not gold, and in the Bermuda Police Service, all who appear to be adult are not mature men and women. I can remember when I was a serving member of that institution; I became a target/victim of particular individuals for some very petty reasons. You see when I came to Bermuda; I left an active social, community and political life in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I always take the opportunity to share with the public whether by submitting articles for the news papers and or in my vocal expression whenever I was invited to the radio

station to speak or when I call into the live interactive radio programs). As it also is in Bermuda, I have mashed and irritated the social, political and other corns of many people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and there were a great number of them who wanted and could not wait to get their revenge.

There was the case where ex-superintendent Randy Liverpool, a man who befriended me, who was at the time chairman of the Bermuda Police Service Promotion Board; and one who was solicited by a politician in St. Vincent to ensure that I failed. In this particular case a few Police Sergeants (PS) were solicited for his initial campaign against me; it was their task to frustrate me. There was a particular PS who will go into my incident updates and change the content, alter spelling, or just infused error into my updates, after which he will call me in the presence of the other officer and in a loud tone of annoyance, speak of the errors I was suppose to have made. This was done in order to infuse within my psyche a sense of insecurity and thus replacing the confidence I had.

After a few such incidents, I began to first write my updates in Microsoft word Document, ensure that the content of the updates were spell check then I will paste it onto the AS400 (the program that is used by the Bermuda Police Service to log offences). Yet the same things occurred.

So I decided to print my update immediately after I finish typing, spell checking and pasting it onto the AS400. I can remember the shock this PS had, when he called me into the office, the door wide open; as he began to humiliate me; fortunately for me, this time I was prepared for him. When he began to speak I took out the printout for the particular update, (this caught him by surprised) I look at the errors he pointed out, I compared them to the content of print out; it was then I noticed that the content of the updates on the AS400 and the content of my printed out were different. So I confidently handed the copy of my printout to the Police Sergeant and I told him, “I do not know who wrote or tampered with that update but that is not the update I did. After which, I exited the PS office with a sense of relief, victory and pride in my demonstration of good deductive investigation. That was the last time I had any such experience.

Later the acting PS who after about seven attempt at the police exams and always seems to fail the interview due to his inability to articulate ideas was declared to have passed the exams even after men who are more knowledgeable, efficient and eloquent than him failed. This was the reward of the deal Randy Liverpool made with this particular Sergeant of Police for his efforts against me. He recruited many others who ensure that I was not given the opportunity to make overtime, to be come a certified, police trained SCUBA diver etc. But there were and are more important things than money.

Now to the main point of my discourse: everyone know that the Bermuda Police Service has a technology department that is highly trained and their technical ability far surpasses those regular commercial or other governmental information technology (IT) personnel. Unfortunately there are many senior police officers who often call upon members of the technology staff to bend the law for their personal, selfish, and egoistic gratification.

These guys are often called upon to remotely access people’s private email accounts, their private computers, other site and their personal account of social network (especially when they are set on private).

They also take liberty to listen into your private phone calls, be it land line or your cell. I know victims of this practice and I also know the individual who order such illegal surveillance. I can recall one such case where a senior officer after living a life of infidelity became suspicious that his wife was unfaithful to him. This man delegated police officers under his supervision to follow his wife, he also employed the other resources of the Bermuda Police Service to listen into and make a record of her cell phone calls. I truly envied these officers for they made lots of overtime when overtime was scarce.

It is a difficult task to prevent individuals from abusing such technology, but the Government of any country has an obligation to ensure that its citizen are protected from such unscrupulous men; they must also do all in their power to make sure the community privacy is protected. The government is also obligated to ensure that public funds and resources are not employed for the petty gratification of weak, selfish men who were entrusted with position of trust and power.

Bermuda's Day 2009

Bermuda's national holiday is rapidly approaching, as a matter of fact, the Island premier holiday is just a few days away; and thousands of Bermudians are winding up their preparation for the premier festival.

Although officially the big day is: Sunday May 24th 2009, the government and people are looking forward to Monday the 25th day of May 2009, to indulge in the pageantry that is a welcome relief from the routine of daily living.

The band masters and musicians of the various bands (the Bermuda Regiment band, the various majorette drum lines, the Gombey bands etc) are busy fine tuning their techniques, skills and instruments to ensure the ears of their audience are blessed and their musical arrangement and performances out class that of their silent opponent.

The dancers are working on their dance steps, the majorettes are ensuring that their twirling routines are perfected, the other artisans are busy putting the final touches on their works of art and the die hard Bermuda's day fan are waiting for the right away to go out and stake their claim to their annual family plot along the parade rout, thus ensure their families are afforded the best spot to enjoy the pageantry that is the Bermuda day celebration.

The Bermuda day festival is beautiful in its simplicity (do not have the chaos that is associated with carnival) and creative in its artistry (a display of the nation's artistic and other culture and talents).

Bermuda's day 2008 was my last Bermuda's day as a member of the Bermuda Police Service; I will like to put Bermuda on notice that I will be participating in many more Bermuda day in the near future. Although Bermuda's day 2008 went well, it was soiled by an incident of violence that could have easily been prevented; this incident could have been prevented if the management of the Bermuda Police Service had the foresight to ensure there was a visible police presence, patrolling the grounds of Bernard's Park. I hope my good friend George Jackson will ensure that there is adequate police presence and the designated areas will be properly patrol and not the congregation of pockets of officers in secluded areas.

It is troubling, for just days before the islands premier festival, two individuals were shoot; one of whom later succumbed to his injuries, while the other is nursing his bullet wounds at the King Edward Memorial Hospital; under armed police protection. This new development is troubling because I have the presence of mind to recognize the spirit of revenge that nurtures the egos of the residence of this twenty two square miles island. There are other unfortunately qualities that are also common among the youths and members of the gang culture of Bermuda; a culture of which the two victims are a part, a culture out of which this barefaced daylight shooting germinated. Another of the sad qualities of which I speak is the lack restraint among the groups in question. This lack of restraint is the main factor that prevent them from choosing a time and place appropriate (if there is such) to indulge in their uncivilized violent attack on each other. The Bermuda Police Service has their work cut out for them this weekend.

It is after laying aside the unfortunate incident that threatens the spirit of Bermuda’s Day 2009; that I wish all Bermudian a happy and incident free Bermuda day celebration. Let the love move you Bermuda.

Job Well-done Larry Dennis

The news that the Auditor General of Bermuda Mr. Larry Dennis will be calling it quits at the end of August 2009 is sad news for Bermuda. For this man had valiantly and singly handed kept Bermuda's public officers honest. Those who disregarded his presence, the office he held and Mishandle public funds, were kept on the run: Larry Dennis did all in his power to ensure the offenders were made accountable. People with Larry Dennis' determination and fearless personality is need to be the watch dog in the "culture" that is the "Bermuda government."

I had two opportunities to pick Mr. Dennis’ brain at length when I was his Jailer. This was when Dennis was detained in police custody at the Hamilton Police Station for allegedly having in his possession copies of the stolen Bermuda Housing Corporation dossier (document the Police never recover from Dennis), documents that had information the powers that be wanted to keep private.

Mr. Dennis like the true solider (not literal) he is, suffered the consequence of being confidential, which was, detention in the Jail at the Hamilton police Station. He slept, ate and was treated like anyone who was so detained, yet without complaint. The efforts of the authority to break Larry Dennis and have him squeal like a snitching pig failed, for he knew that he was being prosecuted for a lawful and upright cause and though such treatment may have been humiliating he dealt with it like a man, never losing his respect and or his dignity.

Unfortunately I do not know about the professional ability of Dennis’ successor: Mrs. Heather Jacobs Matthews, however I could remember seeing her unassumingly going about her business in the City of Hamilton, doing her banking with the Bank Of Butterfield on Reid and Burnaby Street. I remembered her for she was the dignified looking senior lady, with the physique and agility of an eighteen year old. I trust that this Soon to be dame (lady receiving the Queens honor) will be as determine as Larry was and she will serve the country and the people of Bermuda with new vigor. I trust that there will be manifested within her the intent to set new levels of integrity; ensuring that all public officer are afraid to mess with the public money.

Ralph Gonsalves Vs Lady Justice

When Barrack Obama the current president of the United States of America speaks; his peers, colleagues, supporters and his detractors are left in awe, holding onto every word that falls from his lips. Barrack Obama does not possess any exceptional quality or qualities that make his hearers float on his words, he does not use a conglomeration of sophisticated words in order to impress his hearers, he do not try to appear as one who is learnt and he does not have the alluring voice of an angel: a voice that is laced with a mesmerizing sensation that enthrall the undivided attention of his hearers.

Many people have been studding the content of Barrack Obama’s speeches. They have been studding his speech pattern and all of the other intricacy of his presentation; however they are still unable to detect what give him the ability to captivate his audience the way he does. Unfortunately what they are looking for cannot be found in his speeches, his words or his mannerism. For Barrack Obama’s alluring power is not in what he says or how he says it, as fate would have it, it is found in the integrity that makes up his character. There is something about a strong character that lends power to a person’s appearance, their word (spoken and written) and their actions; such characteristics that cannot be replicated or imitated.

Lately, many people with mess up character have been trying to create their own Obama moment, one such person is Prime Minister Ralph Gonslaves. He goes about making speeches, not because such speeches are needed but in order to fluff his ego, to gain recognition and respect within the region. His objectives as transparent as they are, drives him to address topics he is not qualify to deal with; in doing so he try to speaks on matters of human ills, he fruitlessly try to lend words of motivations to people who need to be inspired and he often fail to bring light of hope to the hopeless. Unfortunately Gonsalves is a man whose character has been so defiled that he would better serve the members of his species by maintaining an eternal silence. This is so for reason I will develop as I continue in this discourse.

Each time Gonsalves opens his mouth to speak, instead of blessing he blights and weary the ears of his hearers, his words are perfect representation of a paradox: his lifestyle are in total disharmony with his words, words which he (Ralph) is unable to trust.

Recently I was exposed to a speech Ralph Gonsalves made on the Isle of spice: Grenada. In his effort to create an Obama moment he created yet another paradoxical moment. He caution his hearers not to be come entrapped by learn helplessness, however he neglect to careful examine his words, for we all know that for every instance where an individual is afforded an opportunity to learn, such lesson must be taught by a teacher, although many lesson are though by the traditional teachers (human); very often our teachers are nature and or even circumstances which create learning moments or experiences.

He also asked his hearers not to adopting a defeatist attitude or personality or as he called it adopting the principal doctrine of “it cannot be done.” The question that must be answered and is on everyone’s mind is: Does Ralph Gonsalves qualify to use such words or to make such speeches? These are questions each person must answer for them self. I challenge Ralph to justifiable answer these question publicly.

Daily Ralph imposed such lessons and he persuasively taught Vincentian the most binding lesson in helplessness; while also teaching the populace that it cannot be done. He was instrumental in creating the circumstances that cause each of us to learn from our experiences, how to be helpless. Ralph Gonslaves was/is the ideal teacher on helplessness and hopelessness. He not only taught it, he ensures that such lessons were superimposed on the psyche of Vincentian. Such imposed teaching may very well leave a mental impression on the people and cause them to develop mental complexes that may very well affect member of that community for generations to come.

He made the masses helpless when he promoted incompetent people into post they are incapable of handling, causing them to exist in an environment of mental helplessness. He is responsible for the state of bewilderment Vincentian now exist in, as they helplessly and hopelessly wait for service promised, and for their life to improve; regrettably there is no visible or imaginary means of such improvement. This can be seen in the poor health care system that exists in the country, the lack of employment that existed even before the global recession. There is also the poor personal example he set for the people as a role model: he taught decent citizen that it is OK to disregard their decency to get what they want; but more so the rapid increase in reported police brutality only aids in compounding such helplessness.

Ralph Gonsalves is the principal instigator and the perfect teacher of the principal doctrine of learnt helplessness which is: “It cannot be done.” He even went as far as to teach his parliamentary colleagues and those whom he surround himself with, that they are incapable of doing anything: this is exhibited in the way he allows his ego to micro manage every aspect of the government and the lives of those around him. He encourages people not to believe and to develop the mind set that their dreams can and will come through; he used his office to propagated that there is no place in his government, his life and his world for integrity, hard work and honorable motive, which are the driving force of success. Helplessness is what happens when the driving force of success is taken away. Unfortunately individuals who exhibit such independent, ethic and are hard workers are victimized.

We have seen so-called honorable men who were once champions of Justice and truth, when caught in the grasp of Ralph’s, they broke under his pressure, as a result they trade the virtues that characterizes a strong character for life of ease, (I will not unmask such by making a public record of their names) while the real men whose values, principles and ethics are far above that which can be traded like a common commodity, are made to undergo hardship. Such virtue and valiant actions must have something more than intrinsic value.

“It cannot be done:” in the courts of Ralph Gonsalves victims are beaten into submission, just like the female police officer and the Canadian human rights lawyers whose allegation of rape and sexual assault were hurriedly swept under the rug by weak men in powerful positions; but an un-normal bulge in the rug still remain, revealing the hidden mess that is yet to be properly taken care of. I must say that all of the wheeling and dealing will not detour Lady Justice, for she will not be deprived of her opportunity to present her public performance in poetic wonderment, a performance she uncomplainingly await to deliver: poetic Justice.

It was only a matter of days after Ralph Gonsalves try to create his Obama Moment by admonishing the people of the Caribbean not to embrace “learnt helplessness,” and not to buy into its principal doctrine which is “It cannot be done.” Here is a case where the great counselor Ralph Gonsalves, forget that example is still the greatest teacher, he fail to follow his own counsel and use the opportunity to teach his student (including himself) a valuable lesson. Instead, in a display of self taught helplessness, he burst into a tangent of childish rage pointing his finger at his CARICOM neighbor: Barbados, threatened not to play with the other members of CARICOM if Barbados do not confirm to his code of conducting the affairs of their nation. Did Vincentian elected a spoilt child to be their political leader?

This is what was meant when Ralph speak of learn helplessness and buying into its principal doctrine of “it cannot be done. Couldn't’t Ralph Gonsalves the nation’s lead statesman and chief diplomat find some diplomatic avenue of addressing the concerns of Vincentian as it relates to the immigration differences between both countries? Or is he frustrated that he no longer holds the influence and respect he once held among his CARICOM colleagues.

Cheri-Ann Smith Congratulation

Yesterday Tuesday 5th May 2009, I received some very important news about a friend in Bermuda. This news made me very proud to know that I had a hand in this young person professional career.

It was just over three years ago, so I remember it like it was only yesterday, when young Cherri-Anne Smith, fresh out of the Bermuda Police Training School was assigned to the team or watch as it is called in the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) where I was also assigned. At this stage of her police career the beautiful lass still not quite sure of herself but was eager to learn.

I was so blessed that I was afforded the privilege of mentoring her older sister in the same capacity about two years earlier. As most police officers fresh out of training school are; Cheri-Ann was eager to show me what she had learnt. She wanted to be on the streets enforced the law.

I could remember our very first meaningful assignment as a team. A vice president in a popular insurance company had violated a restraining order. Because I was entrusted with the responsibility of teaching this very impressionable young person the practicality of policing I had to be careful. I wanted to ensure I taught her how to do things the correct way, give her a sense of why it should be done in a particular way, but most of all not to personalize other people’s problems. It is common for individuals making a report very often expect you (the police officer) to react as if the offender had violated our (the investigating officer) rights, or commit an offence against us. Unfortunately too many officers are guilty of this.

I saw this opportunity to teach my new partner and later friend this valuable lesson; so we began our investigation. Our first mission was to prove that the offence actually happened, so we went in search of the proof (evidence) that the allegation was not a malicious one.

After a lengthy discussion with PC Smith about the matter which required our attention and I was sure that she understood what was required we commenced our investigation, Officer Sherri-Anne Smith went about gathering the evidence that was needed to verify that an offence was actually committed.

• 
  
  First: Cheri-Anne obtained an authentic document from the court which verified that a presiding jurist reviewed evidence and issued a temporary restraining order which is normal.
• 
  
  Second: she lends validity to the report. Before any police officer can take any meaningful action on behalf of a complainant who is not incapacitated or one that is not deemed incompetent to make a report, the investigating officer should first obtain a valid statement from the complainant. In this statement Officer Smith made a detail record of the allegation.
• 
  
  Then she went about obtaining evidence to collaborate the allegation that was made. It is important that this aspect is done in such cases; this is so because the presiding Jurist (whether it is a magistrate or a Judge) depends on the information of the police officer to determine the suspect guilt.

After Officer Smith had put in all of the ground work I noticed that she was visible upset. The young officer entered into the emotions of the crying victim who was for obvious reasons traumatized. She began to internalized the ladies problem which is common with many seasoned police officers who personalized the case.

This spurred in my partner an eagerness to have the suspect arrested and taken before the court. I could not forfeit this opportunity to teach this intelligent lass who possessed such an excitement to learn her job, one of the most valuable lesson in policing.

So I delayed the arrest of the suspect for a few hours and once again began to speak of the case and the two people involved, I use my experience and training as a counselor to guide the conversation to a place where my new partner came to her own conclusion as it regards to her feelings for the suspect and the victim. It did not take long before she began to exhibit the desired attitude to the incident we were dealing with.

Now it was time to make the arrest, we went over our approach using role play; then we went to the third floor executive office to make the arrest. I stood by my young partner as she affected the arrest. When the time was right I removed my hand cuff from my holster and passed it to my partner. After she outfitted the suspect with the handcuffs, we were ready to convey the suspect to the Hamilton Police Station.

When we were about to leave the suspect speak; looking at the young lady, who was only old enough to be his daughter he said, "this is very embarrassing to be escorted out of my office in hand cuffs, by the police, in the presence of my staff." Then he asked if he can be allowed to leave the office without the hand cuffs. My young partner looked at me expecting me as the senior officer to step in and make this decision. I then reassured her that what ever she decided was quite ok with me; she made a decision and we escorted the suspect out of the building; then to the Hamilton police station where he spend the weekend. The following Monday he was taken to the Hamilton Magistrate Court where he was found guilty of violating the order from the court.

So when I learnt that Cherri-Anne Smith will be acting Sergeant of Police supervision her peers most of whom will be her senior in service and experience I was elated and proud to know that at lease I had the pleasure of working with and being apart of her policing education.

Cheri-Anne is not one to shy away from challenges and I know that she is going to tackle this new responsibility with the tact and tenacity that she exhibited while we worked together. Congratulation Acting Police Sergeant (PS) Cheri-Anne Smith.

Emerging Literacy Profile

The student that is the subject of this practicum is a fifteen years old Latino male. This young man is the oldest of two children and is of Mexican parentage. The subject was born in Veracruz Mexico. Veracruz is a deprived neighborhood and school is not a priority for people in this community.

For the purpose of this assignment, to protect the subject from becoming stigmatize and to avoid any legal repercussion we will call student Philip.

The subject came to the United States of America at ten (10) years old; however while in Mexico his elderly grand mother was entrusted with his care and responsibility since the subject was two years old. As a result the subject had a poor school attendance whilst he was living in Mexico. The subject currently resides in a Hispanic community and is required to live in an overcrowded, low income, extended family setting.

The subject has a younger brother, who was born in the USA. Both brothers attend the same school and are in the eighth grade but they are in different class. When the subject entered the United States of America school system, the general assessment placed the subject two grades below that of a child his age. The subject is withdrawn, rarely speaks and appears to be tired or low of energy.

Although there is a father present in the home, the mother takes the leading role as it relates to the care and nurturing of the children. She also takes a keen interest in the academic advancement of her children; unfortunately she lacks the kills necessary, the academic background and the finances to make any meaningful contribution to support her sons in improving their literacy skills.

Even though the family is required to exist in an English speaking society where English is the first language; Spanish is the primary language that is spoken in the household which Philip spend the last five years. This do not aid in facilitating the subject in gaining a full appreciation for the English language. The primary recreation factor and social pastime in the subject home is the television and although there is a presence of books every where in the home; reading for any reason (information, educations and entertainment) is none existent.

The children in this extended household spend a large amount of time unsupervised when they are at home; this is so because the adults in this family work very long hours performing laborious task in order to meat their primary financial obligation.

The subject in-school behavior:

I can report from a review of the student’s records; there are nothing adverse about his behavior no bad or poor conduct sheet follows him. Although the parent said the child is vocal when he is at home he appears to be very quiet when he is in the class. from my observation of the subject I have concluded that behaviorally he can be considered withdrawn he rarely interact with the other student but will participate in group activities only when it is required that he so do.

Although the subject has good oral command of the English language he has a deep Spanish accent and is teased by the other children about the way he speaks. The student has poor reading skills and this affect his ability to comprehend text that is required and expected from someone in his grade level. His reading and comprehension of the English language is very poor hence the reason he perform in these two key areas three grades below his current assigned grade.

Professional Observation:

Philip is a very intelligent student with the ability to progress academically, his ability to proficiently read and understand Spanish is a sign that he does not have a learning disability; when that is combined with the progress he made in the command he has in his vocal expression of the English language; this in itself a good indicator that the subject is capable of meeting and surpassing the requirements of his grade; However the student will have to develop a desire to do so.

The subject needs help in dealing with the effect of a Culture Shock: Culture Shock refers to the anxiety and feelings (of surprise, disorientation, uncertainty, confusion, etc.) felt when people have to operate within a different and unknown cultural or social environment, such as a foreign country. It grows out of the difficulties in assimilating the new culture, causing difficulty in knowing what is appropriate and what is not. This is often combined with a dislike for or even disgust (moral or aesthetical) with certain aspects of the new or different culture; which also includes attending new schools and have to go over the process of making friends again.

It is important to note that culture shock may not be totally avoided but the impact could have been limited if his parent had took the time to properly prepare the lad for his new environment and aid him in the adjustment period.

Philip is insecure and timid. Such insecurity and timidity may be the effects of the culture shock; he also needs the help of his parent and guardian. He needs help in building his self-esteem and an attitude that he can do anything he want to.

The Recommendation:

Although I feel inadequate to tackle such a task, my observation has lead me to come up with a few ideas that may aid the subject in improving his academic aspect of his life. In order to make Philip the subject of this study a stronger student; it will take the cohesive or the combined efforts of the two primary institutions in this student’s life which are the home: the parent, the guardian as well as the school system (the teachers).

1. 
   
   Philip teachers will have to ensure that particular attention is paid to Philip thus ensuring that he received a level of personalized attention.
2. 
   
   Philip needs to be supervised while at home, his parent and guardian need to get involved in Philip’s academic life. They need to ensure that Philip spend quality time doing homework.
3. 
   
   Philip’s family need to manage the television and encourage the children in the household to read. This should be done by designating reading times and the adults in the family must also participate in such events. This will give the children in the household including Philip an appreciation for reading.
   
   
4. 
   
   Both the family unite and the teachers has to help Philip in developing a healthy self-esteem.
   
   
5. 
   
   Philip’s family need to develop and teach the children an appreciation for the English language and this can be accomplished by making English the primary language of communication within the home setting.
6. 
   
   Philip is aware that he is not functioning as is expected, however he needs the help of the parents to instill within him and to motivate the lad to pursue as well as to gain a comprehensive reasons why he should pursue his academic.
   
   The teacher’s role:
   
   It is important that the people who are entrusted with this student on site (in-school) academic development to show him that he is capable of performing above his present skill level.
   
   The Conclusion: a teacher must always enter the class with the concept that there is no student that cannot learn but there are teacher that do not have the necessary skill set to reach a particular child or children. A good teacher will look beyond the surface and help the child to address the psychological and external variables that are creating a block and is preventing that child from learning. For the potential is endless.
   
   Reference: Wikipedia on line encyclopedia
   
   Culture Shock: Dr. Carmen Guanipa, Dept. of Counseling and School Psychology,San Diego State University.
   
   

Elder William Lester "Bill" Johnson R.I.P

............Elder William Lester "Bill" Johnson one of my adopted father

When I arrived in Bermuda some five years ago I came into contact with a wonderful group of people. Most who had taken on the difficult responsibility of making me feel at home, while on the island.

There were yet, within that group, an even smaller group that is very dear to my heart. These exceptionally special people surrounded me with their love and took on the awesome responsibility of providing me with parenting guidance; for which I will be eternally grateful.

Unfortunately, one of my fathers William Lester Johnson, who is affectionately known as Bill Johnson, the committed husband of Cynthia Johnson and the dedicated father of Tracy Johnson was laid to rest today.

For quite some time elder Bill Johnson was in a fierce bottle with a severe heart condition. I can assure everyone that Bill was not suffering from a broken heart; for in his time on earth, he was surrounded, by a wife who constantly cherished and cared for this stern yet soft spoken well mannered gentleman, a daughter who loved and did all in her power to make him proud of her, a church family (St. Georges Seventh Day Adventist Church) including Pastor Burton-Schnüll who often openly expressed their admiration him; but most of all, He has a heavenly father who loved him unconditionally and publicly demonstrated his love for him, with the numerous miracles he preformed in Elder Johnson's life. For on many occasions when the doctors had given up on Bill Johnson, and declare that there is no hope; Jehovah often defy the odds and ensure Elder Johnson’s make a full recovery: miracles which the St. Georges Seventh Day Adventist Church Elder were grateful for. After all Jehovah promises us that he will not allow us more than we can bear.

Bill Johnson, his wife Cynthia and his daughter Tracy had been good to me; they afforded me access to every thing they own. They showered me with love and appreciation, they also let me into their life, their heart and their home.

It is for this reason, that I take the pleasure to celebration Bill Johnson’s life, a man whom I love dearly. And it is with a heart of gratitude, that I solemnly bow my head and offer up a prayer to Jehovah, on behalf of Cynthia Bill’s wife and his daughter Tracy. I know they will miss him very much.

The only sorrow I feel, is for the people who had never had the opportunity to have been touched by bill’s life. Today I rejoice because all of my memory of Bill Johnson seems only to fill my heart with happiness and gratitude for the man who I will see on that bright and glorious morning when "the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall raise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Until then, my heart will go on singing, until them with joy I will carry on, until that day when I behold that city, until that day God calls me home.

Randolph Liverpool Your Time Has Come

...................................... Retired Superintendent of Police Randolph Liverpool

As Randy Liverpool prepare to make his exit from the Bermuda Police Service, he saw the loyalty of those he wheeled influence over and most of whose integrity he was instrumental in corrupting; when his countrymen and other loyalist in silent rebellion strongly exhibited their resentment for him when they smoothly allow his send-off celebration to fail.

All Randolph wanted, like the thousand before him was for his friends and the people of his paternity to show their respect, their love and their appreciation for him, his years of service, the contribution he made to the Bermuda Police Service (he did not really contribute to nothing else) and the beautiful island of Bermuda. Unfortunately the people he felt closest to, give him the reassurance he will be blessed with a wonderful send off; however in his own style (laced with hypocrisy) they reject his subtle influence to celebrate his departure. Some people refer to such events as poet Justice.

I know that after reading this post, some of his senior colleagues may feel incline to throw him a little pity party. Just to take shame out of his eyes and to send him off with a little self-respect. No matter how bad a person may be he or she should never be totally stripped of their self-respect.

But Liverpool should have known better! No one ever celebrate with the wicked their departure. They celebrate the departure of evil after it has gone. I can hear the remarks of his colleagues as they clearly ringing out in my ears, as if I am a part of the conversation; unfortunately not much good things are said about the Superintendent in his absence. Randolph, they are no longer afraid of what you can do to them; for in a few days you will be stripped of the influence that was bestowed upon you by the Bermuda Police Service. Don’t you know the weak man’s law of survival; (How do I come up with these things) it is: “I will kiss your ring in your presence but I will kick you in the A2S (A+2 s =) when your back is turn. Most people Randolph included, like weak men and women: weak people make even weaker and insecure people like Randy with a little influence feel strong and important. Not that they are.

Martin Paul Weekes an example of decency: an officer and a gentle man a scarce commodity

If you were wise you would have taken a page out of Superintendent to Be Martin Weekes’ book, then you would have left with a dignity that even you would have been proud of; knowing that you did all in your power to promote the elevation of human kind. The Bermuda Police Service are trying to retain its talent, we saw Inspector Haynes, Beckles etc. men who are older than you are; received contracts, why is it that the Big Superintendent Liverpool is not asked to remain on the job so he can pass on his knowledge to the young inexperience officers? I guess you are about to claim the promise Ralph made to you for doing his dirty work.

Randy, I am now concern about your children: for as father you have exposed and taught your children an overwhelming amount negative lessons. One can never measure the impact of subliminal communication which has a tremendous impacted their psyche and may affect them negatively. It is my hope that they do not now become caught up in a cycle that is the consequences of their father’s action and thus becoming victims of the institution their father was once apart of.

I am of the opinion if Randolph Liverpool did not have the uniform of the Bermuda Police Service to hide behind he may have been a victim of that institution. It is my hope that the integrity of Ethel Liverpool his ex-wife and the mother of his children were strong enough to sway them into the path of decency and clean ambition.

Randy, like I told the person who informed me of your retirement and failed send off, I wish you all the best and may the things you put your hands to in the future see only success. Let me welcome you to America when your retirement takes effect at the end of March 2009. My only hope is that you can make it and be happy as a civilian for the second time in your life without your authority and office. The two things that make you feel important. Farewell my "friend."

Who Is To Be Blamed For The Delinquency Of Our Children?

.........Who is to be blame for the delinquency of our children?

Proverbs 6:22 states “Train up a child in the way that he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it. Embedded in this statement is the weight of the responsibility parents are expected to bear. What are the words of Jehovah God actually saying in this scripture text? It is important that we examine this text carefully and pay attention to a particular key word in this text. The basic information that is transmitted in this text is clear; however we need to examine the key word that can change the meaning of the text.

The key word in this text is “will.” Will is definite; there is no uncertainty in will. If there were a chance that after we have train our children as Jehovah expected and prescribed they would go astray; then the all knowing, all powerful, omnipresence Jehovah would have replace the word will with may. Jehovah cannot lie and keep his supreme Godly status. If we train the child or children correctly they will not depart from the training when he, she or they reaches adulthood.

The best illustration there is to provide a practical explanation of this is as follows: When Jehovah blesses us with a child, that child’s mind can be compared to that of a pure empty piece of sponge. The parents are responsible for everything that sponge observes. It is therefore the parent responsibility to ensure that the sponge becomes saturated with only pure, wholesome, uplifting materials. They should also have knowledge of any negative that is observed into that sponge so they can take the necessary steps to limit the impact of such contaminate.

Now if you if that sponge is left unattended and a stranger comes by and take your clean pure sponge and puke on that it. Who is to be blame for contaminating the sponge? And let us say once again, you neglect to pay attention to that which you are responsible for, and one of you jealous friend come by and urinate on your sponge and another defecate on your sponge. Now, who is responsible for the contamination of your sponge? Yes you are. It is as a result of your neglect and incompetence that resulted in such contamination.

In some cases, even though the sponge looks normal, whenever that sponge is squeezed it will results the emission of impurities. It is the same with a child. When through our neglect and laziness we creates (left alone with horrible people) an environment that allow negative influences to infiltrate the psyche of our children which eventually resulted in delinquent, antisocial and unacceptable behaviors. Who are to be blame?

Today’s parents are quick to take credit for the positive accomplishment of their children yet they disassociate themselves from their negatives and rebellious behaviors. It is a fact that each of us want to be associated with positive or good things; as truthful as that may be, we are not to deceitfully cast the blame for our parental short comings on others especially the victims.

The greatest gift and the most awesome responsibility an individual can take on is that of being a parent. However we dedicate more quality time to ensuring we are successful in our professional endeavors, the management of our finances and other assets than we put into the nurturing of our children: the most precious of all the valuables we will ever be responsible for.

In the same manner Jehovah entrusted us with wealth, our life and time etc. He also entrust us and make us custodian of the children he place in our care. Even more important than the money we are asked to manage for Jehovah, is the care of our children: the most priceless and precious gifts we will ever get. In the scriptures we are asked to return a faithful tithe and free will offering which, we willingly do with a level of seriousness, commitment and loyalty. Yet the nurturing and the protection of the children that are in our care are not treated with the same level of seriousness, commitment and loyalty.

We do not give any and every person access to our money; we do not lend our money to irresponsible people, we do not invest in companies unless we have perform due diligence, we do not give gifts to people who do not deserve such; we do not allow just anyone into our home and cars. In short we take very good care to ensure our assets are secure and properly utilized. Yet we expose and entrust our children to people of all strange beliefs, concepts, morality, training and behaviors. We secure our monies in gigantic impregnable fortresses but we entrust and leave our children in the destructive hands of pedophiles, rapist, homosexuals, thieves etc. who intentionally imposes themselves (rape) and their corrupt values (persuade them to do things that is against your and your children moral and belief) on our children.

Marriage and parenthood is not a responsibility we should get into without first going through some critical self examination, setting goals, and developing the will and habit to ensure that the family objectives are accomplished. It is also important that potential parents asked Jehovah for wisdom to make decisions, set goals, and take actions that will aid us to accomplish the goals.

As parents we are responsible to ensure that our children are protected, provided for, taught how to be responsible and in turn become good husband or wife and good parents. We must exhort such influence that our children are protected even in our absence: we owe that much to our children.

In the same way we will be called upon to give an account to Jehovah for our action, and our custodian of the thing our Creator has entrusted us with, we will be called upon to give an account to Jehovah for the children he has entrust us with. Fortunately for you, Jehovah knows every instant of neglect and parental hypocrisy and the impact such had on the child and the outcome of the child.

It is also important to note that parental hypocrisy is the most dangerous exemplified behavior a parent can give to his child or children. You may notice that I used the word give. Yes that is what we actually do to our child or children when we teach them with our life and the way we life and the life we live is a total contradiction to the life we expect our children to live. Remember action still speak louder then words; and example is still the greatest teacher. Can you explain how the cliché a picture is worth a thousand words applies in this case?

Independence, Is It A Good Idea Or An Effort of Ego?

In the 1900, but more so in the 1960s and the 70s, many of the British Caribbean colony, was encompass with a revival of black consciousness; this consciousness came rapped in many packages, know by different names and evoked a subtle disdain for the Country which held their sovereignty. The men and women in this era, who were fresh from academia, became impatient with the imperialist/monarchical system; which was viewed with contemptuous eyes. A system whose people manipulated the law to justify slavery and the other segregated system under which our Negro fore parent suffered the indignity of contemptuous treatment and the belief that foster an inferiority complex among the Negroes people.

Such treatments were carefully documented; such care that ensure the record was intentionally inked in err; omitting socially inhumane treatment for several reasons.

• To hide their wicked deeds from their neighbors and friends.
  
• To ensure that the conscience of history look of them favorable.
  
• And to quiet the conscience of their Christian beneficiary who did not care for the gruesome detail that accompanied the acquisition of their wealth.
  

This new conscious awakening inspired the intellectuals of that era, to inform and recruit the populace, later secure the mandate to pursue and break allegiance with the mother country: England.

It was the views that these countries (colonies) that they did not need the mother-country (England) from whom their economical growth and stability was embedded. The countries economic stability and safety were fixed in the protective economic loyalty that the mother country held for her estrange colonies. Many people argued that it was the least England could do for benefiting form and building a mighty empire on the blood, sweat and tears of our people.

Before Economic Globalization most of the countries that sought and gain independence such as Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago had their economies took off and subsequently collapsed as a results of poor administration, political corruption, and the exploitation of savvy, ruthless international businesses community; that out talked, out thought and out maneuvered the inexperience and naive politicians. Unfortunately this still occurs today.

After globalization and such proposals like the free trade initiative summon the collapse of the economies of the other Caribbean states. The estrange mother country had to revoke and pass legislations that provided a level plain field to accommodate international trade. This new situation forced the once protected former colonies to compete on the open market with companies that were capable of financing elaborate operation than they can; thus making it possible for the former colonies to effectively compete in such an environment. The financial viable companies out produced and out sell the smaller primitive operations of the independent countries.

These states never understood how dependent they were on the countries that held their sovereignty, until economic globalization and the international free trade agreement took away a protection they would have maintained if they remained colonies.

It is no secret that those countries that remained under the supervisory hand of Great Brittan are in a better economical position than all of the countries that chose to become independent states. It is important to note that England do not have a direct hand in the day to day economic affairs of these countries; yet they are able to sustain a healthy economy and thus in most case ensure a high standard of living for their people.

Today there are many of these territories with ambitious men who possess burning, inflated, testosterone compressed ego; that feed that fetish to be a part of positive history and are hell bent on trusting independence onto the people who they were elected to serve. I hope that these politicians take a look at the current state of their sister Caribbean independent countries. It is the wise that learn from the error of others. There is also a wise old adage that said if it is not broken don’t fix it.

Let us take a critical look of some of the plagues of independence and you may conclude which you want for future generations. In most oversea Territories are endowed with a governor that possesses the power to take certain decision that are in the interest of the member of the territory. These representative does not possess unquestionable powers. For if he or she acts inappropriately, that individual can be recalled and dealt with or can be made to face charges if his inappropriate actions was proven to be criminal.

Unlike that of a leader of a sovereign (independent) state like St. Vincent and the Grenadines who’s Prime Minister thinks and behaves like one with ultimate power. A man of very little integrity, one who use indecent gesture (Show the middle finger) at members of his community (his constituent) in public and fail to apologize, one who a female police officer brought allegations of Rape and Sexual Assault against, one whom a young Human Rights Lawyer brought allegations of Sexual Assault against. Unfortunately for these two valiant females Ralph Gonsalves Prime Minister of St. Vincent used his office of Prime Minister to manipulate the criminal justice system to evade prosecution. It was also unfortunate for there were other female within St. Vincent and the Grenadines who claimed they were victims of Ralph Gonsalves sexual exploits there were cases that were filed and later withdrawn due to the press conference that threaten to sue anyone who try to implicate him in any such allegations.

Let us say that the female police officer, the young lawyer and the other victims who became afraid of the intimidation of the Ralph E Gonsalves the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines were true, what does this mean?

If you don’t know what it meant and still mean, I will endeavor to impart with my clairvoyant intellect and bring you up to date. It means that the victims were not only stripped and raped of their sexual treasure, the sanctity of their body were violated, and each time they were deprived of Justice (the ability to get a lawful hearing according to the laws of the land and the legal system) they are raped anew, each time the boastful no moral Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines appear in public and erroneously exhibit his arrogance they are raped again.

Now think is this the type of country you want for your people, is this the system of unaccountability from a politician who has within his power the resources of the states (though scarce they may be) to illegally inject such into his political campaign to purchase constituent loyalty, rig election, intimidate constituent, etc.

It was as a result of the Canadian human Rights lawyer persistent and with her fearless fight that cause her to give this interview to the local press, (Click here to hear the interview)

Always remember when you beat a helpless dog one day he may just bite back and he may just have rabies. Lets see who is going to get angry because of this article and what action they are going to take.

Lt. Cornel David Burch May Have A Valid Point

Public Safety Minister Hon. Lt. Col. David Burch with Ex-Governor Sir. John Vereka

The earring wearing politician and ex-regiment officer: Lt. Col. David Burch came in for some heavy criticism as a result the remarks of the Public Safety Minister, who was calling for the police to become more aggressive or get tough with Bermuda’s criminals. This was due to the fact that the Col. used what can be considered an inappropriate word: violence. Unfortunately the Colonel is a portfolio holding Member of Parliament and was acting in an official governmental capacity, when he made the statement that offended some in Bermuda.

It is important to note that Minister Burch was only expressing the sentiments of the majority of law abiding Bermudians, and I must say that his message was not lost in the use of the word violence. However his message was lost in the political mêlée that followed. What was and is troubling is the fact that even the silliest of people understood what the Colonel meant. It is strange that the remarks of David Burch in his efforts to address the criminal situation of Bermuda: a tiny island that is experiencing a growing violent crime problem, that is daily becoming far beyond the capacity of the island residence to physically and emotionally deal with. Yet, his call for the police to become more aggressive in dealing with such violence would be met with such criticism, from the people who are also affected. What is unfortunate, was the manner in which such issue was dealt with by the opposition politician and representative/leaders of some social organization in the community. Instead of supporting the minister call on the police to be come more aggressive in the matter of deal with such acts of violence; whilst informing the public and the minister of his poor choice of words; but a big rocket was made and a premature call for the Colonel's resignation.

What was an opportunity to create a meeting of the minds (the politicians the police and community) was lost because supposedly responsible individuals chose to take a serious public concern and play politics with it. Yes Lt. Colonel Burch choice of words were poor, but even the least educated could have seen where he was going and understand his intent when he made his statement.

No one has the rights to play political and other games with the safety of the community; no one ought to be so selfish that he or she put his or her political aspiration above the needs and safety of his/her people and country.

Criminal activities affects everyone; and it is primarily the responsibility of the government to ensure that the machinery are in place, well oiled and operational, for which to stamp out or control crime and criminal activates within the community. It is therefore the responsibility of each member of the community (which also includes politicians) to ensure that such machinery is properly uses.

The good news is that the problems that Bermuda is currently facing are reversible or correctable. We have seen similar and graver problem were brought under control in many country and cities. Case and point are:

........ Reneto De Cordiva Valentino Adams a man of courage and valor

• Jamaica: Jamaica is a country that is overrun with vicious criminals, gruesome crimes and is rampant with criminal activities of all sought. Yet this island saw a short lived reformation under the very watchful eyes and helpful hands of Senior Superintendent Reneto 'DeCordiva' Valentino Adams (Superintendent Adams had to up the anti to quiet Jamaica criminals) for him and the law abiding citizens of Jamaica it was worth the time and effort, and what was most important was, Superintendant Adams and his team had the support of the law abiding community. It is avious the criminals and those who benefits from criminal (even some so call decent people) activities were against him and his methods. Lets hope that Bermuda do not reach to this state.

• New York City: most people will be familiar with Mayor Giuliani’s bout to restore order to the then violent New York City. The Mayor give the New York Police Service a mandate, was willing to show his respect for the law but most of all, he lend his full support to the police.

From these examples we see that the worst crime situation are reversible. However the big question is; are the politicians and people of Bermuda going to leave this situation until it get out of control before they find the guts, the wisdom and the willingness to do what has to be done? or are you all going to wait until it escalate into a situation like Jamaica before some meaningful action is taken? The Bermuda Police Service needs the support of the general public; as well as the government if they ought to be effective in the fight against crime.

If the Bermuda Police Service was to truly tackle the violence problems that is rapidly growing in Bermuda, the Bermuda Police Service would first have to honestly take certain steps to rectify some critical problems that affect the Service effectiveness. The most critical are:

The Divisions within the Service:

There are numerous divisions within the service that must first be addressed. I know there are many who will try to refute the fact (because it will reflect on their managerial ability) that the Bermuda Police Service has many critical differences that affects the effectiveness and the efficiency of the service. Most of which are discussed in the little groups of the affected.

The issues of Race:
One of the divisions that impact the effectiveness of the Bermuda police service is that of race. The Bermuda Police Service is divided racially and such divisions are reflective of the slave plantation of the soon to be forgotten pass. Take a look around and look at the ratio of the racial composition that patrols the streets of Bermuda in the day and in the night, look at who shows up to your house to deal with your burglary, theft, assaults and your domestic disputes.

Now, lets take an honest and objective look at the racial composition, of the police officers that works in the so call high profile offices and important departments such as Fraud Squad, Financial Crime, Marine Section, Public Order Stores etc. as well as the racial composition of the officers with cushy assignment that afford them to have every night and weekends off. It is important that you are not fooled by the quoter system.

When I entered the Bermuda Police Service, I quickly noticed the reverence with which the Caucasian officers were awarded. At that time I had the opportunity to speak to my supervisor about my observation as it relates to the disparity between the treatments that was awarded to the different races. I also took that opportunity to inform my supervisor that I will not be settling for any treatment less than the treatment that is afforded to the white counterparts.

• Issue of ethnicity:
  The other point of contention is that between the Bermudians and the West Indians. Who are called upon to work together daily. Unfortunately such divisiveness are fuel by known individuals who has nothing of importance to gain but are just agents of divisiveness.
  
  Such affects the attitude to work and thus it affects the quality of service that the community receives. It impact the speed at which incidents are attend, the quality of the action that are taken at the incidents, the number of offenders that are taken before the courts etc.

Training:
It is important that the Bermuda Service change the approach and the type of training that is awarded to the members of the institution. The Bermuda Police Service teaches its members how to be cowards , to run away from danger and how to avoid confrontation; hence the reason why the crime problem is spiraling out of control. Where I am from police officers are paid (though very little) to face danger and to confront the criminals.

If you understand the criminal mind, you will know that these people pray on fear. If they are aware (which they are) the police (the guardian of the community) are not courageous enough to confront them and take the correct course of action that is needed, not because they don't know but because they are afraid; the criminals are going to use that to their advantage. This is outlined in detail the document A Standard for Change: by Allan H. F Palmer.

These learnt behaviors (cowardice) do not only affect the quality of service the community receives it affects the speed at which officers get to certain incidents especially violent incidents. Do you think that it is by coincidence police shows up to most Violent incident in Bermuda after the fact. lol.

The Mark pettingill also speak of the budget cut that Bermuda Police Service received, however I am not convinced that such cut although a large sum, should have any impact of the service operational or training. most of the senior members of the Service are like women (sorry ladies) they compensate for their inability to actively perform in their promoted capacity by going shopping for expensive office furniture and other equipment for their offices. The funds that are waste for this purpose can now be directed to other use.

To Mark Pettingill and the others who pretend to love Bermuda. Your action are showing and will show, and such negative behaviors are not evidence of love.