PLP Poses Questions, OBA Responds

July 26, 2011

Following Shadow Finance Minister Bob Richards statement last week on steps the OBA would take to improve the economy, the PLP posed questions to Mr Richards saying with the OBA’s “stated commitment to transparency,” they should have have no problem answering the questions.

Last week Mr Richards spoke on the economy saying, “We can turn this situation around. It will not happen overnight, but we can start today doing things that will strengthen our ability to attract and hold business.”

He listed off a number of ideas and expanded on each one: become a more welcoming society, reform immigration, cut red tape, welcome the very wealthy, repeal discriminatory regulations, and help small business.

The PLP statement said, “The OBA often exercises their opposition right to table questions for the Government that the government duly answers.”

“Unfortunately, the opposition is not held to the same requirement – to answer questions posed by Government. But, I’m sure that given Bob Richards and the UBP’s, aka the OBA’s, stated commitment to transparency, they will have no problem answering a few questions regarding his recent statement.”

The PLP then went on to pose five questions to the OBA about regulations surrounding guest workers and work permits.

OBA Chairman Michael Fahy replied to the PLP’s statement saying the OBA is “fully prepared to explain our policies to the public as we see fit, according to the timetable we decide.”

Mr Fahy went on to explain that the OBA will hold Town Halls in weeks to come, and said the PLP’s statement today is a “schoolyard play to distract attention from their terrible economic record. They are desperate to get people thinking about anything but the crushing deficit that now costs us $190,000 a day in interest payment, thousands of unemployed…”

The full statement from the PLP is below:

The UBP, aka the OBA, often exercises their opposition right to table questions for the Government that the government duly answers.

Unfortunately, the opposition is not held to the same requirement – to answer questions posed by Government. But, I’m sure that given Bob Richards and the UBP’s, aka the OBA’s, stated commitment to transparency, they will have no problem answering a few questions regarding his recent statement in Bernews.

In that statement, MP Richards made some vague comments regarding his party’s immigration stance. Unfortunately, they just weren’t detailed enough. The Bermudian public deserves to know where the opposition stands on key immigration matters.

After reading the article, we came away with several questions regarding his party’s policies regarding Bermudian status, land ownership and work permits. As such, we humbly table the following comments that we trust that Mr. Richards will promptly answer.

  • 1. Under what conditions would you and your party grant Bermudian status to guest workers?
  • 2. What would a work permit policy look like under your party’s government? Would you place any limitations on work permits? If so, what limits would you place? Be specific.
  • 3. Do you agree with your party’s plank from their 2007 manifesto that would grant Bermudian status and land ownership rights for 8,000 guest workers?
  • 4. Would you place any preconditions on granting guest work permits? If so, what are those preconditions? Be specific.
  • 5. Would you allow guest workers to purchase land and property in Bermuda for personal use? If so, how much? What specific limits would you place on land ownership?

Bermuda wants the answers to these questions. We look forward to Mr. Richards’ prompt reply.

The full statement from OBA Chairman Michael Fahy is below:

The One Bermuda Alliance is fully prepared to explain our policies to the public as we see fit, according to the timetable we decide.

Mr. Richards and his economic team have been laying out their plans to revive and grow the Island’s economy through regular communications with the public – in speeches, radio talk shows, living room gatherings, newspaper articles and TV reports. In weeks to come, they will hold town hall meetings where they will answer and any all questions put to us by the Bermuda public.

We invite the PLP operatives to attend, particularly its ministers.

The PLP’s release today is a schoolyard play to distract attention from their terrible economic record. They are desperate to get people thinking about anything but the crushing deficit that now costs us $190,000 a day in interest payment, thousands of unemployed and under-employed, the Premier’s role in massive debt-inducing capital project overruns and growing awareness that the Government really has no plan to rescue the economy.

The PLP are out of gas and today’s release just reinforces the need for change.

We will have more to say on this in the days ahead. In the meantime, we wish all of Bermuda a happy and pleasant Cup match.

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Comments (139)

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  1. Translation says:

    The PLP’s ideas have all crashed and burned so now they are trying to trick the OBA into doing the PLP’s job for them. Call an election Cog and then you can go platform against platform.

    • Black Soil says:

      The OBA should agree to answer the questions when Paula Cox agrees to a live Debate to discuss the issues. Seems fair given that Paula Cox refuses to take a pay cut unless the civil service takes one too.

  2. Christian says:

    The real story here is why are the PLP knowingly recycling the 2007 election lie about status and land ownership for 8,000. It’s a flat out lie. The PLP know it because in 2007 on the eve of the election their now Deputy Premier admitted the total number of PRCs in Bermud ais 1,700.

    Are the PLP so morally bankrupt and desperate to cling to power that they’ll shamelessly peddle 4 year old debunked lies?

    • Vote for me says:

      @ Christian
      If we accept that 8,000 was not correct and should have been 1,700, what is the answer to the substantive question? Would they grant Bermudian status and land ownership rights for the guest workers?

      • Christian says:

        The substantive question is why are the PLP soft-launching their campaign on a recycled 2007 election debunked campaign lie? The ‘questions’ don’t deserve a response after that. They’re not questions. They’re redirects to try and get the heat off the PLP’s failed economic and social policies.

        • Kudos says:

          I beg to differ. I think the questions deserve answers. Avoidance is not the correct answer by the way.

          • Christian says:

            If the PLP lied in the formulation of their questions then they are not to be dignified with a response because they’ll lie in their reframing of the answers. The PLP don’t dictate how other parties present their plans. It’s a classic redirect tactic to try and shift the conversation.

            Why do the PLP need to make dishonesty the core of their media strategy? I’d like an answer to that.

            • Vote for me says:

              @ Christian
              I certainly can not speak for the PLP, but help me to understand your logic about the PLP lying in the formulation of the questions. The questions are the questions! As a voter, I think I am intelligent enough to read any responses provided by the OBA so any fear of the PLP lying ‘in their reframing of the answers’ seems to be an odd conclusion or excuse for not providing answers.

              As I have posted before, we need to stop the inherent assumption that the voters are ignorant (lack understanding). Remember we are the intelligent ones you want to vote for the OBA. It follows that we will make our own detrmination about the answers. To effectively say the OBA should not answer because they are afraid of how the PLP will interpret their answers seems to be short sighted in the extreme.

              As a middle class swing voter, I am genuinely interested in the answers since they will give an indication about how the OBA will effectively provide for the Bermuda of today whilst preserving the Bermuda of tomorrow.

              • Christian says:

                I never said the voters are ignorant. I said the OBA don’t need to let the PLP set the agenda. These ‘questions’ were not designed to illuminate but to create noise. A classic scare tactic. The OBA can present their platforms on their own timeframe as they see fit. The PLP have proved themselves as disingenuous so they should be dismissed as insincere and unserious. Which they are.

                • Agreed! says:

                  Christian, one question- are you the OBA spokesman? You seem to be defending them vehemently…

                  • Christian says:

                    Nope. I’m not defending them either. I understand why they didn’t take the bait.

                    I’m just fed up with the PLP’s games which have put Bermuda squarely in a mess. We need honesty and realism not these sideshows. Bermuda has serious problems and needs serious people addressing them. The PLP are not offering that.

                    • haha says:

                      and by not answering the questions, and by not taking a stance on pretty much every issue, the OBA doesnt seem to be offering anything either.

          • sandgrownan says:

            Bit rich coming from the PLP don’t you think?

        • Vote for me says:

          Even if we eliminate question #3, what are the answers to the other questions?

          • Christian says:

            They’re scare tactics not questions. They should be ignored. No-one has ever suggested giving our status as suggested except the PLP. The PLP don’t set the agenda. Now, why are they lying so early in a campaign? And such an easily provable lie? Are they that lacking in confidence, ethics and ideas?

            • sandgrownan says:

              We know they are self admitted liars and are unethical.

            • Vote for me says:

              @ Christian
              May be its me. I just do not get the assertion about lying, especially if it is so easily provable.

              My request… please answer the questions. From my perspective, it seems the PLP have hit a raw nerve and exposed the fact that the OBA do not have a clear immigration and work permit policy. Again – it is easy to criticize but far more difficult to pose constructive and alternative solutions.

              • Riley B King says:

                VFM,
                Again, Why question 3? The OBA didn’t even exist in 2007.

                • haha says:

                  But yes they did…a rose by any other name is still a rose.

              • Christian says:

                The PLP tried to set a trap. I’d be more concerned if the OBA walked into it. The undeniable fact is that the PLP are moving their policies ever so carefully and quietly toward Opposition positions of the past decade. The PLP got it horribly wrong and the Opposition parties right. Hence the PLP trying to shift the focus of of them.

              • Warrior 1 says:

                why are these questions being asked of the OBA..? maybe PLP dont have the answers so they are fishing for resolve then want the credit for it …? Its a competiton , OBA keep your hand closely guarded….coz your got a winning hand …and they Know it , plenty of bluffin we will see from those that “made it happen”

                • welldone says:

                  the PLP has stated what their plans are. All you have to do is refer to the statements from the Premier and Cabinet. As a political entity the OBA should have a stance on immigration and it shouldnt need an election to be called for them to identify their stance.

                  • LOL (original) says:

                    Please provide a link to said platform for the PLP for the 2011 -12 elecetion.

                    • LOL (original) says:

                      In that case please provide a link to the OBA platform 2011- 2012

      • Shaking the Head says:

        As an aside, and since the PLP is keen on Independence, anyone who has been here for at least 10 years would, by International Human Rights, have to be offered full Bermudian citizenship. That would include PRC holders and people on work permits It was this reason that Term Limits were implemented by the PLP.

        • Vote for me says:

          @ Shaking the Head,
          I thought the same thing about International Human Rights but have been assured that is not the case. Can anyone shed some definitive light on this?

          • Young Observer says:

            It is the case. I mean international laws do not have to be followed, but I mean seriously if we were to go independent do you really think they first thing we would want to do is break international law, its mandated by the UN. Can you justimagine the problems that could unfold if all the Canadians, Americans and British who have been here for 10years appealed to governments about how unfair we were being if we didnt honor this law, can you imagine the consequences. Furthermore Bermuda would have to honor it because unlike the big countries that seem to run rampant over international law all the time Bermuda is a small fish, scratch that bermuda would be the smallest fish in a big ocean. Trade could be cut off in the blink of an eye and governments wouldnt even lose sleep over it. I believe that its also a requirement for joining the UN, but then again we could always choose to be the ONLY country in the world thats not a member fo the UN, i mean we tend to think of ourselves as another world. So @Vote for me you can inform whoever told you that, that they are dearly mistaken.

            • Shaking the Head says:

              In the early 1990′s a delegation went to London to seek advice on this issue of residency. One issue raised was could the Government require a work permit holder sign a Declaration that they would not seek residency. The advice received was that this would not hold up in law. Too many other ramifications such as tying any family to such a Declaration. This then precipated Term Limits and shortly after the implementation it became a rallying cry as a “protect jobs for Bermudians” move. Rather than protect jobs, it did the opposite and started the move of jobs away from Bermuda. Now with its U turn, the Government is removing Term Limits and proposing to grant PRC to certain holders and families.

              • Vote for me says:

                Thanks
                I was given the same general information at the time. I have recently been advised that the previous decisions were not in fact based on any Internation Law. It was an iterpreation of a likely set of circumstances. This would be the basis for the PLP being able to change the existing policy. I wil continue to press for a defnitive answer on this (i.e. which International Law governs the 10 yer guideline.

  3. soooo says:

    soooo now the government say they are “legally bound” to answer questions. Well, can we actually get the answers to all those questions that have been ignored over the past 12 or so years!

    What a load of …

  4. Simple Questions says:

    One thing the OBA has inherited from the UBP is ARROGANCE! Wow. These are simple, policy questions. And, Fahy says they are CHILDISH?!?! That’s insulting. The PLP answers the OBA’s questions all the time in the House. Why won’t the OBA answer these simple questions?

    • Hmmm says:

      “The PLP answers the OBA’s questions all the time in the House” are you kidding me???

    • sandgrownan says:

      They are obliged to, but they don’t.

    • Riley B King says:

      Simple Question,
      A how about question for the PLP prior to the election.

      What are you planning to do about independance, which has been a plp platform and talking point for decades and yet remains very unpopular with the Bermudian voters? Be Specific.

  5. YES MATE! says:

    Looks like the Pee el Pee are out of ideas on how to run the country and are now asking the OBA for ideas. The OBA should demand a consultancy fee for their services, after all the Pee el Pee pay out the ass for ideas from their other consultants.

  6. Observer says:

    Ironic that the ruling party for the last 12 years have lost their nerve. They have nothing to point to with pride. Our schools and infrastructure are falling apart, our finances are in overdraft, our education turns out gangstaas, our tourists are bike-jacked on the streets, our people are turning to their pensions to pay the rent, our people are out of work, our tourists are stranded on the streets and treated like sh!t.

    • It is what it is says:

      @ Observer
      If we look at the substance of the questions, we will see that they are quite fundamental. What limits on work permits and land holding will the UBP/OBA use as they seek to stimulate the economy. We can not ‘throw out the baby with the bath water’.

      • sandgrownan says:

        Until an election is called the OBA are not obliged to answer anything. The PLP, however, are obliged to answer quesitons on their legacy of failure.

        • Vote for me says:

          @ sandgrownan
          Good morning to you. I accept that the OBA are not be obliged to answer the questions. My dilemma as a middle class swing voter is that I am looking for reasons to support them.

          They say silence is golden but in this instance the silence is deafening!! Surely you understand that the electorate wants to know some of the substantive policies of the OBA!!

          Some of the pundits anticipate an election as early as November – not much time for the OBA to convince me to vote for them!

          • Black Soil says:

            Blows my mind that you will vote back into power a Party that has demonstrated it only stands for the betterment of PLP supporters. Clearly you are one. You doubt the sh!t that went down at Berkeley, the Bda Housing Corp, the dockyard warf, the Bda Cement Co., the new TCD, dragging the Auditor General through the streets in hand-cuffs, the rise in gang violence, the fact that the BIU is years and years behind in financial reporting, the 2-3 thousand out-of-work, the sh!t going down at Lefroy House, our mounting debt………and I could go on and on (help me out where I missed something Bermuda!!). Voting the same old Party back to power will be rewarding very bad behaviour.

            • Vote for me says:

              @ Black Soil
              Children do read the posts and i respectfully request you to refrain from profanity. I will try to think of a method for us to debate each of the matters you raised above. They are all not relevant to the PLP and it remains to be seen whethe scrutiny of teh PLP record or the OBA non record (or UBP record) results in victory at the polls. Remember… government of the people by the people. Who do we want to govern us?

          • sandgrownan says:

            An election hasn’t been called (yet)..why would you show your hand until that is done? Plus, it’s quite clear that PLP electioneering will be “business as usual” and about fear.

            Any critical look at the PLP record will result in electoral disaster for them. The only tactic they have is to whip up the same old hysteria. Sadly, the idiot electorate will fall for it again.

            • Vote for me says:

              @ Sandgrownan
              ..oops. There you go calling the electorate idiots. Or was that a slip up!

              • sandgrownan says:

                It’s not an accident. And I make no apologies.

                The fundamental issue I have is the the electorate has, twice, voted in the PLP on emotion rather than on rational thought or critical analysis. The first time, I could understand altough i didn’t like it, the second (last) time indicated a level of intelligence akin to pond life.

                The only concession i would make is whether the alternative is viable.

                • Vote for me says:

                  @ Sandgrownan
                  Now this is a problem and demoonstrates a fundamental lack of respect for the voters. My rationale…

                  The UBP won several elections in a row, prior to 1998 and the PLP have won 3 since 1998. It is logical (and a statistical fact) to conclude that many who voted for UBP at prior elections switched to the PLP over the past 12 years (this assertion can be supported by various statistical reports about Bermuda’s election results).

                  Are you therefore asserting that the same people who voted ‘intelligently and without emotion’ for sucessive UBP victories are suddenly ‘emotional and idiotic’ becasue they now vote for PLP? Worse still, you now want these ‘idiotic and emotional’ voters to vote for OBA!! Thus you are prepared to accept victory on the backs of idots!! This logic (oops lack of logic) is more than astounding. It also speaks to the substance of the OBA campaign strategy… say and do anything… the voters are emotional and idiotic, they will believe anything we say or do!!

                  In case you are not aware, many have said that past successive victories by the UBP were based on the emotional psyche of middle class black voters (and most white voters), who had an irrational fear that Bermuda could not be run by the PLP (read Black people). These thoughts were increased by comments that ‘I am leaving the country if they win – by some prominent residents and certain editorial comments).

                  Whilst there is a huge amount more to be said on this topic, I will simply summarise by saying this.

                  One of the continued advantages of the PLP is its focus on social equity. On this basis, they have a better focus on the whole electorate – Mr. and Mrs. Avarage Bermudian, the business community, the downtrodden, blue collar workers and white collar workers.

                  I accept that you may not appreciate the point but there is a more intrinsic attraction to the PLP ideals than those of the UBP or OBA.

                  When we address the curent mantra of the debt, the real question is ‘what was the money spent on?’ The answer is the people of Bermuda and infrastructure. Until we understand that point, the argument that Bermuda has ‘bad debt’ will not have any sustainable traction.

                  • Shaking the Head says:

                    Re your point about Bermuda’s debt. Without any fugures from Government we’ll not know the split as to how much can be attributed to infrastructure and how much elsewhere. However the portion attributable to the people is bad debt, free this and the other, and akin to borrowing to pay for a vacation. There is nothing tangible to show for it. The problem is that revenue overall is falling, and unlikely to stop falling for several years. This means less for infrastructure such as repairs to the Causeway, now 8 years after Fabian, and less for the people. This means more borrowing which is a recipe for disaster. Solution? No easy solution. Government is way overstaffed which is a large part of the problem/solution, but unless the people can be employed in the productive private sector they will be unemployed. That’s why I have no interest in being a politician!

                  • Bewildered says:

                    All this just sounds like the UBP with a different name….but calling Bermudians idiots means you will never, again I’ll say that, never get my vote, so you can forget it!! To say the OBA is any different than the UBP is a joke!!

          • Warrior 1 says:

            why are you concerned about the OBA…?look at what is in plain sight …geesh go vote whatever

        • You got me says:

          And that would be good governance? whats with all the hostility,we are talking about solutions to move Bermuda ahead by Government,which is both ruling and oppossing partys…so why all the stubborness?

  7. smh says:

    - this government understands our country’s need for guest workers and
    appreciates the guest workers, but we also appreciate the need to
    ensure Bermudians are given the opportunity to prosper and develop in
    their own country. The OBA/UBP, by choosing not to answer is not just
    disrespecting the PLP but by extension is disrespecting the electorate

  8. Makai Dickerson says:

    Truth be told, what is childish is the oppositions response to the questions. What your saying is you don’t have the answers and have to think about it. If you put forward a question to the house the PLP Minister has to answer and should. If you have a better plan moving forward then put it out there. Don’t keep it to yourself and only speak about it to win votes. All you have to do is talk for the money you earn as opposition and you can’t even speak of your plans when asked.

    Answer the questions

    • sandgrownan says:

      The hypocrisy is staggering.

    • Warrior 1 says:

      You jus dont get it do you….? Did ST.Georges give away there strategy for winning the Game to Somerset ..? NOOOOO but you will wait and see when the time is right….

      • Makai Dickerson says:

        @ Warrior 1…You just don’t get it this in not a game and if you think comparing Cup match with Governing Bermuda holds any weight it shows why you party should not even remain in opposition. Your party appears to be a waste of tax payers dollars (The same dollars you complain about the PlP government spending) because as an opposition their job is to hold the Government accountable for running this Island. The fact that they often complain about decisions made but offer no alternative solution shows that they are unable to do the job that they make judgement on.

        Why should Bermuda have to wait until an election is called for those who are paid to shadow Ministries to put forward their plan? This is not about votes it is all about putting things on the table to move Bermuda forward and your party has shown by making every attempt to avoid the questions and cry foul that they are unprepared to lead us. To sum it up the OBA and UBP (one and the same) are faker then a plastic Gucci Bag. You want to look genuine but lack the materials needed to make up a quality product.

        Answer The Questions

        • Pastor Syl says:

          I only wish you all had been this vocal when the PLP over the last few years refused to answer legitimate questions (or gave answers that were unrelated to the questions) relating to the people’s business that were asked in the House, where they are SUPPOSED to answer. In fact, didn’t Dr. Brown actually state on one occasion that he was NOT going to answer a question?!

        • Geza Wolf says:

          Uh it sure is a Game, thats why there are winners and losers.

      • Vote for me says:

        @ Warrior I
        Whilst I believe your example does not directly relate, the team coaches did stress their strategies on radio interviews. Clay Smith clearly stated that the team had studied each Somerset player’s strengths and weaknesses and intended to exploit their weaknesses to retain the cup. Somerset will use a superior allround team (in their opinion) to have a good first innings total and to then concentrate on bowling out St. George’s twice (an unlikely event).

        The better analogy is that 2 parties are on a boat together and for whatever reason, do not like each other (PLP and OBA). Nevertheless, they are facing stormy seas. The first (PLP) one is setting the direction etc to get back to shore and has shown the second (OBA) their plan. The second (OBA)is relently criticising the first (PLP) one’s plan and saying I have a better plan.

        The first (PLP) then says – ok, I hear your criticism. What do you suggest as a better solution. The second (OBA) replies – I have a plan but I am not going to share the details because you might get the credit when we get back to shore.

        The families of both (the electorate) are able to keep track of the conversation (using Bernews of course!) and are completely disappointed. Whilst they are hoping for the safe return of their loved ones (PLP and OBA), the OBA is worrying about who will get credit for the safe return. How’s that for an analogy of where we find ourselves with these questions?

        • 04foxache says:

          Superb analogy. But after they get back to shore and get ready for the next expedition; having won passenger confidence in their maritime expertise only because they heeded advice during adverse weather conditions, they are free to run us aground again at Spanish Point when the helm should have been handed over to the one that showed better judgement in the crisis.

  9. Justin says:

    This is the funniest thing im ever seen them do. The government of the day is saying things like “UBP, aka the OBA” in a press release… wow lol (Laverne Fubert must have written this one). When you become the government you dont ask the question you answer and resolve them. For the Government to come out and do this petty press release that makes them sound like 12 year olds is the funniest thing that ive ever seen come from such a sophisticated Dame such as The Hon. Premier Cox….. FOR THIS GOVERNMENT TO BE SO COCKY AS TO ASK WHY ARE THE OPPOSITION ASKING QUESTIONS AND ALWAYS CRITICIZING THIS GOVERNMENTS JOB!!!!! WAKE UP CALL IT IS THERE JOB!!! IF WE DIDNT HAVE A OPPOSITION THIS COUNTRY WOULD BE A DICTATORSHIP!! And to be completely honest how bout the government actually address the actual questions they are asking. Are they asking these questions cause they really dont know what the hell theyre doing?!?

  10. You got me says:

    SAD…..what a lolligagger,and you want me to vote for you.Why not just answer the question plain and simple?

  11. NO WAY OBA says:

    Don’t believe anything the OBA has to say, they are making packs with the devil just to regain power. Michael Fahy took taxpayers monies when acted as UBP senator and behind the scenes started a new political party BDA, then behind the BDA founders had talks with UBP hierarchy to for yet another political party OBA – People wake up, now he’s trying to gain votes by going after the Union. United we stand, divided we fall, don’t let the devils get into your space.

    • It is what it is says:

      @ no way OBA
      It goes to show how strong the attraction of political power is

    • Vote for me says:

      @ No way OBA
      The comment about ‘pacts with the devil’ may be too strong but Fahy’s actions are an indication of how strong the attraction to political power may be.

      They say that politics makes strange bedfellows… they also say you should be careful who you lie down with – you may wake up with fleas.

    • Sean says:

      Wow, do you actually write this crap yourself? No money was taken from the UBP when the BDA was formed….As a matter of fact Michael actually gave up a senatorship and a $35k per year position to do help start the BDA. Go peddle your lies elsewhere.

  12. Jim Bean says:

    Wtf? Look at how pathetic the PLP are!! They keep trying to say the OBA is UBP. I thought the UBP still live on with Kim and Charlie Swan? The PLP is desperate. They demand respect and then make statements like this!! Losers.

    • Vote for me says:

      @ Jim Bean
      UBP in name – the Swan duo… UBP in person, thought and history… Fahy, Richards, Gibbons, Moniz, Crockwell, Hunt, Pettingill, Jackson, Pamplin-Gordon, Dunkley, Simons, Barritt, Atherden… (add Sr. David Gibbons and Sir John Swan to the list based on recent comments).

  13. Big D says:

    The ruling party obviously don’t understand our system of Government. They are in charge and must explain their actions not the opposition based on what if questions. We need to get serious about governance in this country and face reality. I smell election, those are platform questions.

    • You got me says:

      Our system of government….what happenend to good government? meaning opposition and ruling party,working together?

      If the opposition has a plan like they have already spoken of,than why for the best interest of the community they do not speak of it immediately?Is it in the best interest for BERMUDA?…I would think, so why not respond ,why wait.

      • Vote for me says:

        Interesting to also note the frequnecy with which the current OBA Leader is constantly pusing for joint select committees. If you believe in Bermuda and your own logic for the urgency of solutions, how can you push for waiting? The time to act is now – lets go with some answers OBA – the enquiring electorate want to hear from you.

      • Onion says:

        Bc by definition they are opposed lol. They are there to try and hold government to account for it’s actions. Why if the government is talking about calling an election would the opposition who want to get into power tell the government what they should do. These plans and platforms are what both the government and the opposition are going to try and use to convince voters to vote for them. It’s almost like having two speakers at an event and the one who is speaking first what to know what the second one is going to say. Why would you do that, to steal the good ideas the other person has. If the government knows what the opposition plans to do all they have to do is start an idea and claim it’s theirs. They will just point to it and say that an initiative has already been implemented.

        • Vote for me says:

          @ Onion
          If the OBA are able to state their positions and policies, the electorate will surely give them credit for providing solutions. To use your example, it is very short sighted if the OBA has such great answers and solutions but hold them back because they want to be given credit. Sounds sort of like the playground problem… if I can not play I wil take my marbles and go home.

          I am also reminded of the saying… what we can accomplish has no limit if we do not mind who gets the credit!! Let us all put Bermuda first.

          • sandgrownan says:

            This is the part that makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit – “Let us all put bermuda first”. It’s becoming increasingly the PLP “line” and it is nauseatingly cynical. They have spent 13 years on self improvement while sadlding our children with a 1 billion dollar debt. Now they want to work together?

            I’m sorry, but what a bunch of twats.

            • Vote for me says:

              @ sandgrownan
              Here we go again. What is the refernce to ‘self improvement’. At the moment everyone is complaining about their personal status – who are you referring to?

              As an aside, your illustration is good… throwing up in your mouth a little bit??? This sometimes results in death and often relates to a drunken stupor.

              On a more serious note, the money was spent on Berkeley, Dockyard pier, TCD, fast ferries, social programs (bus fares, daycare, Bda College fees, inheritance fees, payrol tax) etc. It will be interesting for the OBA to say which items they would not have spent money on. Remember your assertion that voters are idiots – we will see how they react when OBA says they would not have spent money on them.

              • LOL (original) says:

                You plpers constantly say every one else is calling the voters idiots, is this your way of trying to keep them on your side or trying to make it so you identify with them. This line in PLP rhetoric has been present since I started really following politics. It like your subliminal messages aka brain fixing.

                LOL

          • Pastor Syl says:

            Funny how history repeats itself. I remember the PLP taking the same tack when they were the Opposition back in the 70′s and 80′s because the UBP of the day had stolen ideas from their (the PLP’s) platform and claimed credit for them.

  14. Vote for me says:

    What an interesting strategy by the PLP. It is clear that under our Westminster system, the government govern and the opposition oppose. In our ‘onionised version’ however, we have the UBP / OBA attempting to attract the middle class swing voters (which are statistically middle class black voters – I have previously explained the factual basis for this statement) and the PLP clearly attempting to retain their support. Thus the dilemma whereby the government is asking the questions and wanting the opposition to answer… do we have a lemon or lemon or lemonade!!
    The UBP/OBA is responding in typical fashion by refusing to answer (a position which is not entirely unexpected). It is debatable whether the refusal is a sign of disrespecting the electorate or a revelation that they do not have substantive answers. Using a cricketing analogy, the PLP have the UBP/OBA on the back foot! My observation/recommendation is for them to make what might be a lemon into lemonade and provide substantive responses to the swing voters to help us better evaluate their readiness as an alternative government. My rationale…
    Bermuda is clearly at a pivotal stage in its political history and these questions essentially relate to immigration and land policy. Both areas will have to be addressed by our politicians as we seek to stimulate the economy but balance the conflict of ‘opening up Bermuda’ without compromising the future opportunities for Bermudians. The UBP/OBA has been consistent in critcising the PLP and can now be proactive in their responses. I know many will comment that the PLP should have the answers. The fact is that the PLP have recently announced several initiatives to move Bermuda forward, to a barrage of criticism from the UBP/OBA and several posts in the media.
    If we focus on the electorate, the UBP/OBA can provide the answers and let us debate their merits. As I have posted before, we should be focusing on the message and not the messenger. On this basis a good recommendation is a good recommendation. If it benefits Bermuda it should be implemented. Full responses will also show the substance of the answers because they will be ‘open to the sunshine of day.’
    To Cannonier, Fahy, Richards et al – let’s hear your answers and enjoy the resulting discussions or debate amongst the electorate… your middle class swing voters since we really do want to know – me thinks it is clear that many of the MPs realize it is easier to criticize then to develop concrete, sustainable alternatives

    • Shaking the Head says:

      Good morning to you. Whilst I understand your approach, I see no reason for the OBA to respond, except to have their position to such matters set out in an election platform. What is interesting in the PLP’s questions, addressed to the UBP by the way, a party that apparently still exists, is that they can be traced back to the 2007 PLP election falsehoods. For example, free childcare for all. The UBP also proposed that but for it to be means tested. This was poo pooed by the PLP, but what has the PLP done – means tested it! Same falsehoods about free transport for all, tourism in the Platinum period. Regarding Tourism, do people realize that according to the Chamber of Commerce, two thirds of all air arrivals are directly related to International Business and work permit holders? So much for Platinum!
      The PLP has realised the damage the Term Limits has done; the damage the “Sven and Johnny” proposal has done and is now backtracking. Unfortunately the damage has been done as businesses plan years ahead, unlike this Government that operates on a day to day, say what their supporters want to hear approach.
      Personally I would like the PLP tpo provide a 5 year Plan for Bermuda. This won’t happen so the day to day knew jerk policy changes will continue.

      • Vote for me says:

        @ Shaking the Head
        I agree we need to see a forward looking plan for Bermuda, based on a 5 year and 10 year time horizon. Given our electoral system, 5 years is more reasonable (it would cover an election cycle) but a sound plan would definitely be attractive. Lets continue to push each party to develop, publish and debate a 5 year plan with Bermuda’s best interests at heart.

        We will have to accept that there may be some difficulty in the short term since the struggle for political control is in full swing and neither party may be prepared to publish such a plan. In that case we can use their election platforms as a surrogate for a plan.

        Whilst I may be a little utopic, a good plan for Bermuda will be a good plan – no matter who initiates the plan. I guess it is foolhardy for me to expect the political forces to come together for the good of Bermuda.

        Interestingly, we have to accept that many Bermudians have the majority of their wealth in their homes. Therfore most are tied to Bermuda for the longterm (thye certainly can not sell out at the moment given real estate prices). Thus the old adage is true – we are all in this boat together and will therefore sink or swim together.

        By the way, changes to the immigration policy are clearly needed and I applaud recent initiatives to make the process smoother and more attractive to potential guest workers.

        Kudos to Premier Cox with the recent announcement re 10 year PRCs for certain ‘job makers’. I trust we can all agree that it makes sense. If you come to Bermuda and create sustained jobs for Bermudians at all levels of the company, Bermuda will recognise your value and allow you to stay for a more indefinite period – again, we have to strike the right balance to ensure we do not compromise the long term economic interests of Bermudians.

        • Agreed! says:

          I agree totally.

        • sandgrownan says:

          The long term economic interests of Bermudians have been damaged by the PLP.

          • haha says:

            and the long term social and economic interests of Bermudians were damaged by the UBP for decades…and we are STILL paying for this damage.

            • sandgrownan says:

              That isn’t backed up by any sort of data.

              • You got me says:

                RIGHT…

              • Vote for me says:

                @ sandgrownan
                Actually, there is a lot of data to support the assertion that Bermuda’s longterm economic interests were not well served by the UBP.

                Many of the social challenges we face today can be traced back to our education system and a more effective strategy when IB was introduced at an accelerated pace in the 1980s. There are other issues about previous policies for granting status, institutional racism, granting of credit, general discrimination, our criminal justice system, policitcal attempts to keep the UBP in power etc etc.

                These points can be addressed at another time but I did not want your comment to go unanswered… sometimes a lie oft told is believed to be the truth. I do not want you to be settled in your unsubstantiated view.

  15. Jim Bean says:

    The comments on this blog which say UBP/OBA are CLEARLY PLP bloggers who have been given instructions to do this. As for Fahy – seems that the PLP through their paid online bloggers are now making personal attacks against him. When they do that that means a raw nerve has been touched. This is a typical shoot the messenger mentality by the PLP. The PLP’s statement asked about UBP policies – the OBA should totally ignore them. At least Fahy uses his name in statements! Oh and in defence of Fahy – he is the only one who gave something up when the BDA formed. he is not paid for anything he does unlike most of the PLP bloggers!!

    • You got me says:

      YOU ARE SAD….all you bring to the table is nothing,FOLLOWER.

      • You got me says:

        PAID BLOGGERS…what next? like I said bunch of LOLLIGAGGERS.

        • LOL (original) says:

          Actually Jim is right the PLP hired two US people to pose as Young Bermudians in the 2007 election as they took the name rocksolid on the PLP blog. You don’t think they are not using tactics like this any more?

          LOL

    • Vote for me says:

      @ Jim Bean
      I occassionally use UBP/OBA because in many instances the OBA reps reflect UBP and OBA have not espoused certain policies. In addition it is a fallacy not to make the connection. All of the current OBA MPs were elected under the UBP banner and comments by Sir John Swan and no less than Sir. David Gibbons show that the formere financial support base has moved from UBP to OBA. It is not a difficult stretch to conclude that the money is not moving without influence close behind (if not leading the way).

      As for payment.. I only wish but ideas are free.

  16. Confused says:

    First off I would like to point out that we only have status to give people as we are not an independent nation. 20 years is a fair timeframe for people to use as their basis for a PRC application and 10 yrs living together as husband and wife on Island for Status for a spouse of a Bermudian.
    Bermuda is to small of a nation to have additional status holders – and it’s not like they would have to give up their Citizenship from their country of origin.

    This is not the USA/Canada/UK – besides being exempt from Immigration regulations what is there to gain?

  17. Confused says:

    I am confused. Why wont the OBA answer the questions? I am neither a PLP UBP BDA OBA NLP Independent supporter. But I see nothing wrong with the questions posed by the PLP. If the OBA want to win over voters then they will have take a stance on issues and just not politic. The PLP as far as I recall have stated their plans, whether we agree with all of them or not. But for the OBA to blanketly dismiss the questions doesnt speak well for them in my opinion.

    • You got me says:

      This is how I feel…like whats really going on here? Its like we used to say when
      we where playing “Tricks are for kids”….so come to the crease and bat!!!

    • navin Johnson says:

      Perhaps that want to take a stance of issues that can be sustained…in other words dont promise free day care and then back off when elected,dont promise free tuition and then back off when elected, dont promise free transportation and then back off when elected, dont promise new hotels and then fail to deliver….the list goes on and on….dont listen to anything the government says they will do to get elected as the odds are they wont be able to deliver….return to prosperity and full employment with another government….

      • Makai Dickerson says:

        Free day care for those who need it …delivered…Free bus transport delivered (not for all but for those who need it most our children) …Free college tuition delivered….Its so funny how your party distracts from the truth. Stop trying to mislead people to get ahead.

        ANSWER THE QUESTIONS

        • LOL (original) says:

          Funny that was the UBP’s stance the PLP stated implicitly free for “ALL” not who need it come now Makai you still made you haven’t gotten any where yet look at your buddy at least he has a radio show.

          LOL

    • sandgrownan says:

      Because they don’t have to. Simple.

    • Rick Rock says:

      And because there is no election, yet. The opposition is not at the beck and call of the ruling party. Even when the party is as arrogant as the plp. The opposition has the option of stating its case or not. It doesn’t have to be done at a time selected by the governing party. Even the most naive plp mouthpiece can work that out.

      Now, if we’re asking questions, what about the things promised by the plp in the last election?
      Free public transport for all? Free Bermuda College? Free childcare for all preschoolers? They were outright lies, right? “They deceived us because they had to”. As usual.

  18. Jim Bean says:

    I bet the reason they wont is because the PLP has refused to answer most questions posed – but the questions were directed at the UBP – not OBA

  19. PDB says:

    At least the PLP is transparent in their politricks.
    Clearly their next campaign strategy is going to be link the OBA to the UBP and then scare their voters by making them think they’ll give all the jobs to the foreigners.
    Calling them the ‘UBP aka OBA’ is childish when done at a national level.
    The first question is not a question, it is an implication. Childish.
    The second question is OK.
    The third question is pure scare tactics. Grant 8000 foreigners status and land ownership rights, that’s just being stupid.
    Four and five look like they were just thrown in to make up the numbers.
    Look I’m no OBA fan, I think they failed when they let the UBP come over. But this government we have needs to go. If for no other reason than to realise they are not there by divine right.
    Bermuda would be a much better place if we had two political parties that knew the people would vote them if they don’t do their job.

    • Vote for me says:

      @ PDB

      Link UBP to OBA?? They are siamese twins already!!

      UBP in name – the Swan duo… UBP in person, thought and history… Fahy, Richards, Gibbons, Moniz, Crockwell, Hunt, Pettingill, Jackson, Pamplin-Gordon, Dunkley, Simons, Barritt, Atherden… (add Sr. David Gibbons and Sir John Swan to the list based on recent comments).

      As to the quetions – answers to 1, 2 and 5 would suiffice since they cover the fundamental issues – status, work permits and residential ownership by non Bermudians.

      • Riley B King says:

        VFM, do you want a list of the ex-UBP people in the PLP now? Does that mean the PLP is really the UBP?

        • Vote for me says:

          @ Riley B King
          Think about it. Please provide the list. PLP has some flavour from ex UBP MPs. OBA has no flavour without UBP MPs. Perhaps PLP has 14% but OBA has 100%.

          • Rick Rock says:

            You can’t have it both ways. If you infer that the OBA is no different than the UBP because it has some ex-UBP members, then the same can be levelled at the PLP. The PLP is no different than the UBP because it has ex-UBP members. There is no artificial % threshold that is acceptable or not acceptable. Each party has ex-UBP members.

            • Vote for me says:

              @ Rick Rock
              Your assertion is ridiculous!! ALL the OBA MPs were elected as UBP. Only 2 PLP MPs were elected as UBP. How can there be a comparison? In addition, how much influence do you think the 2 MPs that joined the PLP have compared to all that joined the OBA?? Please do not insult the intelligence of the electorate.

              • Rick Rock says:

                If you want to know who is ‘insulting the intelligence of the electorate’, how about this.

                Minister for Health announces that “hey, guess, what, I just came up with a great idea out of the blue. I changed the rules. We can now import generic drugs from all over the world, places like India. ”

                Then days later, a company started by the Ex-Premier, an Indian who met the Premier on a government trip there last July, and the current Premier’s sidekick, all announce they are starting a company to – you guessed it – import generic drugs from India.

                What remarkable foresight. What amazing ability to foretell the future. What a fortuitous way to make money.

                Is that what you mean when you talk about “insulting the intelligence of the electorate”?

                • Vote for Me says:

                  @ Rick Rock
                  And where did you get this info?? From the Bermuda Sun perhaps… and I believe they printed a retraction a few days later!! I guess some will accuse you of not letting the facts get in the way of your opinions!!

        • star man says:

          The PLP is simply a repackaged Ewart Brown Party. Who do you think is really pulling the strings in the PLP Central Committee?

          • Vote for Me says:

            @ Star man
            Fact or fiction re your comment about PLP Central Committee? Please provide any evidence that you may have.

      • PDB says:

        @VFM, you’re missing the point. The PLP will use the connection between OBA and UBP to distract from the real issues that face the country.
        They will do this by disguising implications about giving foreigners status and land rights as questions. It is childish and see through. It shows a lack of respect for the people who vote PLP because it relies on spin and fear mongering.
        The fundamental issue in Bermuda today is good governance, i.e capital spending, cronyism etc. All issues that the pervaded under the UBP and that the PLP have adopted to full effect.
        Look at what they have not accomplished. Look at the debt, ewart’s legacy, crime, education. They have not been effective and because of that they need to go. Learning that you can be voted out is the best medicine any political party can receive and it will benefit the country in the long haul.
        Stop being so scared of the big white bogeyman, his time has come and gone. it’s time for something new, it’s time for the voting public to say this is my country and if you lot don’t deliver then get cracking!

        • Vote for me says:

          @PDB
          We agree – to some extent. The next election will (and should be) fought on the basis of the respective platforms of each party.

          The ‘big white bogeyman’ is a distraction that has been purported by both parties. In order to resolve it, one thing the OBA MPs will have to do is admit that they were advised to effectively ‘pretend to disband and then regroup under a different name’. My reasoning for this is that such a move, as brilliant as a political strategy it may have been, shows the ultimate hypocrising and the playing of the so called race card.

          They will also have to admit that in the past, they have clearly used race related strategies to assure victory (one clear example is how they chose recent leaders). I think MP Barritt made a reference to acknowlegement in his ‘acceptance speech’ as the OBA leader.

          For the PLP, they will have to get away from refernces to what the UBP did in the past and simply stand on their record. Whilst some may disagree, there is a clear record to be proud of. One strategy is to simply look at their election platform and evaluate the extent to which they delivered.

          Briefly: 1 – the electoral process has been fundamentally changed for the good – one man, one vote each vote of equal value. This has been achieved by ensuring that each constituency has a relatively equal number of voters. 2 – a plethora of social and infrastructure investments (Bda. College, Inheritance tax, payroll tax, bus fares, day care, fast ferries, garbage collection, eldercare facility regulations, new hospital), 3 – a host of business directed reforms (BMA strengthening, OECD white list, PRCs, TIEAs, hosting the OECD forum, Companies Act reform, rescuing BNTB and Tuckers Point and 4 – a general increase in good governance (Ombudsman, Internal Audit, changes to Financial Instructions, New Procurement office).

          There have clearly been some mistakes but a sober reflection on the PLPs 12 years in government will demonstrate significant achievements. A full debate on the current debt and plans for repayment will demonstrate that recent comments have in fact been sensationalist when we put Bermuda’s debt status in the context of the world economy, changes in our local business economy and the plans for repayment of the debt. All in all, these are turbulent times but if discussion and debate is based on fact, the PLP should be in good stead.

          A real challenge for the OBA is the degree to which it ‘clings to its UBP heritage’. If they distance themselves too far, what can they point to as their ‘track record of fiscal prudence’? They can not have it both ways. They are either the former UBP or they are not – there is no such thing as being half pregnant!!

          Another strength for the PLP is its endurance as a party. It has the proud claim of being Bermuda’s first political party, built on the solid foundation of a constitution, consistent election platforms and the ability to reinvent itself with changing policies and procedures without imploding. The demise of the UBP is evidence that it was not a living organism and able to change and adapt as demanded by the times (thye were in fact drawn together by common economic interests rather than political ideals).

          This is s significant advantage for the PLP becasue it demonstartes that the PLP has proper mechanisms in place even at the Party level to ensure its continued existence, independent of the personality of its Leader or Party Officers.

          Let the debate begin…

  20. Young Observer says:

    For an official message from the PLP – the Government – to say “the UBP aka the OBA” is completely childish. You left highschool many moons ago so start acting like it.

  21. Mark says:

    If the OBA wants to say they have solutions then why can’t they answer a few simple questions? This is OUR COUNTRY we’re talking about here. If the OBA has solutions that can help our country move forward then they should quit playing politics and offer to help the whole island.

    It seems to me that they have some vague ideas but nothing substantive. If that’s the case then fine, don’t imply you have these great solutions. It seems to me that they want to have town hall meetings to find out what people think and to get some ideas. How about coming up with the policy first before playing politics? If you do have ideas that can help us move forward then be responsible and answer the questions!

    People say this is just a way for the PLP to deflect attention from other areas. Maybe it is, I don’t know. But the questions are out there now. If they believe they have substantive answers and policies that can help Bermuda this would seem the perfect opportunity to share them with the electorate.

    • sandgrownan says:

      Hypocrisy knows no bounds…

    • Rick Rock says:

      It was actually a PLP senator who said in the Senate a few years ago…
      “We don’t have to listen to you”

      And as Ewart said at one time ” we don’t have to answer plantation questions”.

      Is it all suddenly different now that the PLP wants to ask questions?

  22. S Brown says:

    Why do people act as if Term limits are a bad thing? If your company can prove you are a key asset in the company immigration does not give you any problems.

    • sandgrownan says:

      It’s a smokescreen.

      • S Brown says:

        Explain….

        • sandgrownan says:

          The practicalities of keeping key people (expats) from an immigration perspective have not changed too much. Extensions can be and are often granted.

          Some companies use term limit legislation as an excuse for “redundancy by stealth”. I’ve seen it happen first hand.

          The fundamental problem is that it sets the wrong tone. It says to overseas investors in Bermuda that WE will ultimately control your hiring and firing practices. WE are xenophobic, that WE know the way you should hire. Term limits are fundamentally a bad thing. They limit investment.

          • S Brown says:

            I completely understand where you are coming from, however, if we dont have term limits it sets the tone for locals that there is no room for them in International Business.

            Majority of jobs in IB in the paper are pretty much work permit renewals. Take away term limits and the employment section of the newspaper would be pretty empty. How does a qualified Bermudian find work?

            With term limits, at least the interests of Bermudians are protected. I do not agree with your statement that it shows that we are xenophobic or controls hiring practices. Im sure any company who would be interested in redomiciling here, would do intense research regarding Gov’t's policy before making such generalizations.

            Most developed countries around the world have regulations regarding foreign workers, are they considered xenophobic? I am sure companies understand the purpose, especially when they look at other IB companies who has thrived in Bermuda regardless of the policy.

            • sandgrownan says:

              Fair points. Cog’s “exemption” for “wealth builders” is interesting becasue it least admits there’s a problem. Handbag would never do such a thing. i have also been the victim of a permit renewal ad in the paper. But if I’m really honest with myself, did I really have exactly the skill set the company wanted? Who am I (or Dept of Immmigration) to dictate the exact requirments of that company?

              Plus what happens if that company then turns around and says “Screw you, I’m moving this job and the people that support it to Timbukto”?

              The problem with trying to control the market, is that it invariably fails. Look at land control/anti-fronting legislation which has been an unmitigated disaster.

              The problem I think with the current policy is that it’s a broad brush approach with no subtlety. Stupid part is that the process for renewal is already defined and has been for years.

              • navin Johnson says:

                Sandgrownan you should know that ads are put in so that only the permit holder can qualify…its like DNA matching only one in a million would fit the same qualities…and its not always done for “key” people and often for jobs that many Bermudians could fill…

                • sandgrownan says:

                  Correct, I don’t disagree. But the checks & balances to weed out those ads already exist without the “sledgehammer/nut” solution so favoured by the PLP.

                  Don’t force the intelectual capital off hte island.

            • alsys says:

              Work permit limits and term limits are two different things. Every single time a work permit is up for renewal that job is advertized. If the Immigration department policed that part of the transaction, ie, making sure that these jobs are advertized correctly and that bermudians were given a chance to apply for these jobs, as they should be doing, then there would really be no need for term limits. If a bermudian is qualified for the job, they are entitled to the job over a non-bermudian. If no such bermudian is available then yes, the IB position should go to a person who is qualified, whether they be expat or not.

              It becomes a moot point if the encouragement and education is there to have a bermudian that is actually capable of doing that job. Otherwise, all you are doing is training expats to do our business and recycling them to other more friendly jurisdictions.

  23. Hmmmmm says:

    Can’t resist getting into this one. The questions are good ones, politically. They’re designed to smoke out the UBP within the OBA. Its in there and it will eventually emerge. It has to or else the core/base of the UBP will not vote for them which means they will not vote at all. All of that aside, the OBA has to start talking policies and presenting alternatives soon. The reason the UBP died is because the one thing putting gas in their tanks (Ewart) disappeared. You cannot found a Party or a movement on personal hatred.Now that he has truly exited stage left, this strategy of conjuring him up at every turn through TCD, the cruise pier etc will backfire. People are sick of it. The OBA needs to be what the UBP never was: a political party. That means they need to stake out genuine positions on the issues not be “gotcha specialists” like Michael Dunkley. (a career founded solely on putting rumours into the public domain and making it sound like something real. Lastly, the PLP feels no pressure to meet the OBA head to head because the two teams as they are now have met in three elections and the result has been the same. The game-changer needed is for the OBA to ditch the dead, UBP weight in the House. Hopefully, that will prompt the PLP to do the same and the best and brightest will get a turn on both sides and we won’t have to hold our noses to vote like we have been since 2003.

    • Vote for me says:

      This ia an excellent comment worhty of further posts.

      Bernews, is there a possibility of running a political forum that does nto disappear from the screen. I think the first issue could in fact be immigration policy re work permits and term limits.

      • sandgrownan says:

        It is a good comment. While Ewart disappeared, his legacy of debt will be enjoyed by many Bermudians for years to come. And many of the current PLP government and were instrumental in letting it happen.

        Ewart continues to “put gas in the tank” of hte oppposition.

        • Hmmmmm says:

          “…..and that is why you fail…..” – Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back.(?)(said to a talented Jedi-wannabe who wants to do it his way).

          • my two cents says:

            With ALL the UBP did this and that we have heard over the last five years, you think that non-PLP supporters are suddenly supposed to forget about the atrocious leadership that was Ewart? Really, you REALLY think that is going to happen? People are STILL talking about what the UBP did and did not do 15 plus years ago and we are supposed to forget what happened in the last one-five years? I don’t think that is going to happen anytime soon. People will be talking and feeling the effects of doc for a long time to come.

    • Rick Rock says:

      You really are hilarious. You try to make a connection between different opposition parties, yet at the same time Paula Cox keeps talking about ‘resetting the dial’ and ‘doing things differently from now on’, trying to drive a distinction between pre Oct 2010 and post Oct 2010. It’s the same bunch of halfwit losers running the country, the same people that borrowed a billion dollars that we now owe, the same people that gave away a fortune to overseas useless consultants because they were ‘friends’. The same people that allowed crime to become a nightmare that is ruining the country. The same people that victimized the Auditor general when he found fraud. And then suggested ‘it would be better if the government picks the Auditor General’. The same people that have run international business off the island, a move that is almost irreversible, and which will put us back decades, financially. Paula Cox was there all through it, along with the latest Education Minister (having a second try at it). We all know it’s the same people. Why the pretence that it’s a ‘new reset dial’? It’s laughable.

      • Vote for me says:

        @ Rick Rock
        Big difference… Premier Cox is saying ‘same party but I am the new Leader. I will ensure we continue to progress the Party policies to benefit Bermuda but I will also ensure I make changes in those areas that are necessary.’

        The OBA – we are not the former UBP (although we were all elected under the UBP banner. We claim governing excellence and fiscal prudence but based on our (oops theBPs) record. When we were in government … oops the UBP. The clear solution is for the OBA to simply admit they are a reformed UBP and how their new policies are different from the UBP.

        What is obvious from an academic perspective is that the UBP should have simply changesd it name.

        I will send my consultants fee in the mail.

        • Rick Rock says:

          Again, Cox is trying to divorce herself from the past. But the problem is, she was the Finance Minister. Too late lady. You got us in this mess.

          As for your “consultants fee”, you have been spending too much time with your PLP buddies, who are the ones who think big fat consultants fees, paid for nonsense, are normal.

  24. rick olson says:

    I would be very surprised if the OBA does not answer these questions ASAP ?? I think you will see a policey forth coming that can stand the test of time . The PLP has not been consistant at all regarding immagration issues.

  25. The OBA/UBP will not answer these questions because it is clear that they do not have any real detail answers. It is great that PLP did put forwards such questions. As I will keep saying “It is easy to criticize but extremely difficult to put into place solutions that will be effective”. The OBA are playing a political game, as they are leaving the door open to swing their agenda back and forward based upon the election promises. WOW, brillant questions by the PLP, keep it up !! You will not get any answers, as they are not got any.

  26. Thad Hollis says:

    In fairness, I have some questions for the Party of Government, from my career in Labour and Employment, I am familiar with the policies and the legislation. I have seen the amendments and am curious for explanation to the following:
    1. Who qualifies for Bermudian Status now? How many Guest (Migrant) Workers have been given status in the last 20 years?
    2. Why does it take 6 to 9 months to get a full time work permit and the Migrant Worker is landed on a temporary, which is renewed at least twice and then informed that that time does not constitute to the time in Bermuda – only their full time permit – why is that?
    3. How many Migrant Workers are on Term limits? How many have been granted extensions?
    4. If a Migrant Worker is unfairly dismissed, why do they get told by their employer that they have to leave the island immediately?
    5. Why do Migrant Workers have to pay for their own tickets and work permits?
    6. Which Companies are “Good Corporate Citizens”? Are they exempt from the term limits?
    7. How many properties now qualify for purchase by Migrant Workers, based on the recent policy changes announced by the Minister for National Security?
    If you want answers, first let’s understand what we have. The Immigration and Protection Act is a Colonial Act. After 55 years it is now improper to appeal to Cabinet? I always thought that was fraught with stupidity – why would Cabinet overturn the decision of their own Colleague, unless they wanted to undermine him/her.
    Before the questions asked by the PLP can be answered, the current position/policy/law needs to be clarified – the Immigration policies have been a moving target, each successive Minister has brought their own tempo and policies for the granting of work permits. An example; I have asked for a copy of the policy of “Good Employment Practice”, which is on the website as a requirement for the practice in the hiring of certain categories of Migrant Workers – but no one seems to be able locate a copy… Anyone have one?

    • wiaruz says:

      I resent being referred to as a “migrant worker”; a term usually used to refer to people who move from job to job to job to make poverty line money. It is insulting to the many qualified expatriate people who keep this island afloat.

      • navin Johnson says:

        Migrant worker? how ignorant can you be…anyone in Bermuda brought in to harvest crops? Guest worker is bad enough..and some still wonder why people are leaving…9 months to get a permit? maybe 10 years ago but not now its 1 month 2 max as fewer people are on permits. Migrant worker?