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Departure of Dubois is a loss for the province

The front page article in Saturday’s paper about the resignation of Alicia Dubois as CEO of Royal sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ Museum is misleading.

It states she came under intense criticism for the decision to close and dismantle Old Town as a first step in decolonizing the museum. This falsely implies that this may have been a factor in her resignation.

But in fact that decision was announced before she arrived This does her a grave disservice.

The reality is that Dubois is an extremely well-qualified, competent and highly regarded professional who was well on her way to re-establishing community trust in the museum by engaging in broad based consultations with all stakeholders, including First Nations and minority groups.

I attended one of the early engagement sessions and was very impressed with the process and by her presentation and willingness to listen to all points of view.

It is unfortunate that for whatever reason she felt the need to resign after such a brief period of time.

Her leaving is both an unfortunate loss for the museum and for our province as a whole. I thank her for her service and wish her well in the future.

John Amon

Victoria

Incorporate history, do not eradicate it

Victoria’s Centennial Fountain was always the meeting place for big groups of students I took to events at the McPherson Playhouse. There was no ambiguity about where to meet because of the attraction of the water and the unique mid-century obelisks.

This was so important when dealing with groups of children at night before and after a concert, and the parents picking up knew they could park in the city parking lot and find their children quickly and easily at that focal place, “meet at the fountain.”

I would always find the group seated in the crenellated surrounding of the water, and the more exuberant children were able to stretch their legs in the square close to the fountain.

It was a centennial gift from the ­surrounding municipalities. A gift is an important action involving goodwill and heart.

This particular gift offered ­unification, safety, and mid-century style.

I hope considerable thought goes into honouring that unifying intention when staff is looking to “modernize” the square.

How about incorporating rather than eradicating the parts of our history that work?

Marne St Claire

Victoria

Mourning the loss of the Centennial fountain

I guess the fountain in Centennial Square will be gone. Fountains in Europe are hundreds of years old but ours is not to be.

The splash park might be as welcome as the picnic tables at Clover Point on a windy day.

Will the name of the square that celebrated Victoria’s centennial also be relegated to old history books? If so it would be in keeping with council’s continuing plans to diminish our “Colonial” achievements.

Oh well, the homeless may enjoy the splash park area after dark.

Dave Caddell

Saanich

A big hole to fill after the fire at Ricky’s

The loss of Ricky’s restaurant leaves a big hole to fill; literally and figuratively for the community it served.

Originally it was an ABC Restaurant on Blanshard Street at Tolmie Avenue. That restaurant also burnt to the ground.

I have been meeting a friend bi-weekly for lunch for over 15 years at ABC or Ricky’s.

Ricky’s has been a reliable family restaurant for that part of our city.

The food was good, the staff were friendly, and they opened on days other restaurants would close, such as ­Christmas and New Year’s. I often saw family groups of five or six, including small children, who were warmly welcomed to enjoy a meal without breaking the bank!

I offer my profound condolences to the owner who managed this fine restaurant who, even through Covid, was able to stay open with careful procedures to keep staff and patrons safe.

I hope this isn’t the last we will see of Ricky’s in the city; a high quality, relatively inexpensive place to eat.

Peggy Palmer

Central Saanich

Great care at the ER; don’t be rude while there

I recently spent two days in the ER at the Royal Jubilee and I have three things to say.

Firstly, the care that I eventually received was great and we should be very grateful for the wonderful health care workers we have in sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½

Secondly, a very large number of the people in the ER didn’t need to be there and clogged up the system badly for the people that actually needed care.

Finally, far too many people were unbelievably rude to the staff and greatly magnified the stress that our ERs are under.

So, be grateful, take care of your health, and be patient and kind.

Jamie Alley

Saanich

Well-meaning adults speaking for others

There is nothing quite like the convoluted explanations of adults pretending they understand young people. And here is another one.

To paraphrase the Greater Victoria School Board: “Oh, be careful there’s a policeman. You must feel very traumatized. I have read about such things. Don’t worry, although the police are evil, we will protect you.”

Our children were brought up in Sooke, where the long-term commitment and presence of a police liaison officer seems to have had the opposite impact. The police officers are part of the community, know the kids, engage in work together, and help break down barriers.

But I am an adult, so please don’t believe me.

In September, members of the Victoria School Board should (individually, not as a mob or dragging along consultants) go to a community such as Sooke, wander the school during lunchtime, and casually talk with and listen to any Indigenous, immigrant, trans, or outsider or whatever kids that cross their path.

My assumption is that the general feeling towards the police is not the same as in Minneapolis, Damascus or San Salvador.

But I’m an adult, so please don’t trust my opinion.

Clive Jones

Victoria

Strangers came to rescue after nasty fall

I experienced a nasty fall in the Cook Street Village a few weeks ago. Good Samaritans came to my aid; they called my husband, provided a chair for me to sit on while awaiting an ambulance, a glass of water, and tissues to tamp the wounds. One kind lady went to the hairdresser where I had an appointment to let them know I would not be attending.

Kindness from strangers means so much at a time like that. As well, thank you to the ambulance attendants, nursing staff and doctors at Royal Jubilee Hospital for their prompt and excellent care during my hospital stay.

Barbara Lee

Victoria

Truth that is found beyond harmful rhetoric

Re: “Don’t assume Indigenous people don’t support police,” column, June 18.

Thanks to Charla Huber for speaking out and speaking her truth regarding the relationship that Indigenous people have with our police force.

Her viewpoint is much needed and her words are those that only an Indigenous person can offer. Her truth helps to unmask the dishonest, incorrect and harmful rhetoric which so many of our school trustees parrot and support.

It is very worrying to learn that so many involved in this decision have violated their oath to care for and act in the best interests of our children.

Mary Kelly

Victoria

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