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The following is an open

letter to the Premier, Dr. Ewart Brown.

Dear Sir,

In recent weeks, your government has made multiple pleas to the citizens of Bermuda; requesting a significant and suitable memorial, for our revered Dame Lois M. Browne-Evans.

Might I offer a suggestion? Shortly before Dame Browne-Evans passed away, she was forever immortalized in what has since become an extremely popular portrait, tastefully accomplished by the internationally renowned artist, 'Bernard A. Poulin'.

This admirable portrait, was eventually displayed on several occasions, within all of Bermuda's major newspapers; as well as being broadcasted repeatedly via both of our local television stations.

In fact, during most newscasts describing the Dame's unfortunate demise (as well as her then upcoming funeral arrangements) Mr. Poulin's official portrait was frequently shown, while the announcers gave detailed information as voice-overs.

The general public has already expressed their sincere pleasure concerning this image of our Grand Dame (during radio talk-shows, letters to the editor, and so on) so one knows they are intimately familiar with its social significance and appreciate its relevance within the continuum of our evolving Bermudian history. Therefore, what better way to remember our noble Dame Lois, than with a newly issued national stamp, utilizing this very same official portrait?

As the artist's local agent; I have recently contacted Mr. Poulin concerning this concept and he was overwhelmingly in support of creating a postage stamp using his creation, as the basis for it.

In fact; as the copyright holder of this image, he has generously offered the Government and people of Bermuda, free and unencumbered authorization to use it, for the timely purpose of making a memorial postage stamp.

This permission is irrevocably given as yet another of many contributions, currently being put forward, toward the perpetual memory of Dame Lois M. Browne-Evans.

Here's a list of Dame Browne-Evans' 'firsts':

* First female barrister in 1953;

* First female political leader in Bermuda;

* First female Opposition Leader in the British Commonwealth;

* First political Attorney General until her retirement in 2003.

Should you wish to contact me with reference to this new idea, I would be sincerely honoured to discuss it further, at your earliest convenience.

Arthur L. Ray[[In-content Ad]]

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