Opinion: Colonel Burch On The Economy

September 16, 2011

senator_the_hon__lt__col_david_a__burch__obe__jp__ed_1[Written by Lt.Col. David Burch] Somerset lost. Truth. The fan in me is disappointed in that – but the bigger picture thinker I hope I am – is pleased that Cup Match provided a result. After all, that’s what matters most, results. So, unlike St. George’s victory this year, my op-ed “thing” isn’t a fluke. I’m back. This time it’s the economy. Like last time this piece is designed to stimulate debate.

Let’s declare a few things up front: I am not an economist. That hardly seems a drawback in the current climate because the “experts” are in the main self-appointed, don’t seem to be doing all that well and so I’m game to try my hand too at prescribing for what ails us. Secondly, I’ve thought about this. That’s important because some of the reactionary stuff that’s masquerading as economic opinion is clearly (to borrow from Dr. Gibbons) “not thought through…”

So, where are we? The picture is pretty grim; everyone knows that. Most sectors are trying to tough it out, with some doing better than others but everyone’s either suffering or guarding against getting to that point. To a large extent things have stalled; most importantly confidence. Confidence is important because that’s the intangible factor that encourages risk and investment. Without that in this system we have a problem. Reality.

Only one paragraph devoted to the problem. It’s so well documented now that even the rumors have the ring of truth. I’m in Cup Match mode: we want a result. So, what can we do?

Freed from the constitutional yoke of Cabinet service and the political fiction of collective responsibility – I can say a little more now; not that it ever stopped me before. Stop nodding your heads. That minor introspection is my point though. The first thing my Government must do is to remember who we are. In between Progressive and Party is the word Labour. The “L” could easily stand for “left” or these days perhaps “left of centre”. Either will do. We are a progressive labour group. That means we spend it when the other guys save it. That’s simplistic but accurate. Our responsibility is to spend it wisely but spend it we must. Why? Because our core belief is that in good times and bad, if we don’t spend it on the poor, the elderly, the vulnerable, those in need at all levels, they won’t. That’s a fundamental difference between us; or it used to be. Now I’m not so sure.

This defensive posture we’ve adopted over our spending is not right. I would never defend waste. Where we’ve been guilty of waste we rightly must be held to account and challenged to do better. But not every penny has been misspent. You can mentally travel from Dockyard to St. George’s and record where most of that money was spent – new cruise piers, FutureCare and an Urgent Care Centre – just to name three. We have done an awful lot of good and we need not be ashamed of nor apologise for it.

I fully expect that Government’s revenues are down. The question is what will be the response to that? To all of those people carping from the sidelines (wait, does that now include me?!) we cannot save or cut ourselves out of this recession. Stop calling for Government to shrink. That’s just unrealistic. Cuts to achieve greater efficiencies is one thing; cutting, arbitrarily to meet some target plucked from the sky is quite another. That will fail every time because you’ll be trying to deliver what you promised and can’t. My Government needs to stand firm, continue to deliver for its people, target sectors of the existing economy that can be stimulated and do so – Right now.

My successor is obviously clearing his throat to stimulate the real estate market. More power to him. At least he’s thinking about it and seems prepared to take the fight to Cabinet. Whatever my private views may be about those policies, look at the response he received by simply announcing that he was looking at them ……. confidence was expressed

A funny thing happened during one of my last sessions in the Senate. It was politically entertaining but instructive. It confirmed for me that we had lost our labour credentials. The Junior Minister of Finance went beyond his boss’ script and spoke the forbidden language of privatization of public services. I’m certain his woodshed experience will form part of his memoirs and I’ll happily read them when I’m at Lefroy House. A Labour Party Senator spoke such and it got a day’s play in the media, page 2 if I recall, and then silence. Even that standing on its head of core labour movement stuff didn’t cause a march or a real shellacking for him at Alaska Hall. But I digress – back to the economy.

What can we do? Let’s tinker first. The Quangos are a source of creative economics if ever there was one. With power to borrow and lend money they provide the ideal vehicle by which to do some immediate things that accord with our core principals and can stimulate depressed sectors of this economy. Three possibles:

Home improvement loans – for families who want to keep a senior at home in their golden years but need to modify the residence to do so; saves on financial assistance for rest home fees, stimulates some construction work and promotes some dignity for the senior population who do not need rest home care.

Reverse mortgages – research has already been done into how this could be introduced to Bermuda with safeguards and proper regulation; property rich/cash poor folk could use their main asset to their benefit saving families from meeting all sorts of costs of senior living and again, there’s dignity in paying your own way.

Interest free loans for first time homeowners – home ownership is still the measure of success in our country so helping hardworking young families with a hand up promotes economic and social stability, potentially stimulates the real estate market at that level and trickles down into banking success, construction activity and so on.

I mentioned the reaction to Government’s revenues being down. The reaction to that has to include identifying new revenue streams, and that means we must publicly engage on the topic of diversifying the economy and thereby the revenue base. Vehicle licenses and customs duties alone ain’t cutting it anymore. So, what can we do? Fortune favours the brave:

Establish ourselves as a premier arbitration/dispute resolution centre. Partner with the lawyers (I did not say that!) and market ourselves for this…..the possibilities are endless; room nights at hotels, taxis, restaurants, catering, legal fees (ouch!)

Establish ourselves as a jurisdiction for international shipwreck recovery….this one’s ticklish. The British and the Spanish still can’t agree on some 16th century issues but if we get the rules right we can set ourselves up as a jurisdiction to handle “finds” and the duties, fees and taxes we could charge could run a small country (us) for a fair while.

While we’re at it, ask some intelligent people just what is out there on our ocean floor. If it’s worth something (and I hear it is), assert our territorial rights, mine it and sell it to some willing entity.

Court foreign investment…….. not in the US or the UK where like issues abound, but have some respect for buoyant economies and other nations’ success. Although the Bahamas has a vote in the UN to leverage, China is there in a big way for a reason: the Bahamians probably went to Beijing and asked them nicely. Prime Minister Ingraham’s famous smile is even wider as he welcomes US$2.6 billion in Chinese infrastructure investment. He knows his limited tax base and tax system can never achieve what he needs to deliver for his people… ah hello?

Just before you “nuke” your coffee, don’t think this is the end. Too often my Government thinks they have to do everything themselves. Discussions often centre on how we’ll break a “no” to some group who has historically gotten a “yes”. This is not our sole burden to bear. We have partners … that’s right; our friends in international business have to play a part too.

To be fair, that sector gives and the country is the better for it. However, I’m not convinced that the giving matches the profits and benefits realized by being here. I’m not sure it matches the part we need them to play in the community and I’m not sure it’s well targeted. Philanthropic giving is an art. I use that term deliberately because it’s more than “sponsorship”, “donations” or “support”. Philanthropic giving is the kind that says “we care; we’re in this with you and oh by the way, put our name in with your name so the world knows…..” That’s what we need from our partners. Of course, as my mother used to say “fair exchange, no robbery”. We’ll roll out the welcome mat and the grapevine tells me that the colour is red and the carpet will be laid soon.

So there it is. It bears repeating: I am not an economist and I don’t even play one on TV. But this debate needed a swift kick in the derriere and at least this will get some tongues wagging. Let’s not talk too much though; let’s stay in Cup Match mode: we need a result.

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Comments (167)

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  1. Justin says:

    What about term limits, Burch?

    • sandgrownan says:

      Or discrimination against Bermudians who marry non-Bermudians?

      • Family Man says:

        That’s all part of his ‘courting foreign investment’. You see, he can’t possibly imagine you’d actually court a woman – especially from those two nations he mentioned. You should only be ‘courting’ the investment they can bring, not the people.

        He’s really not from this world. How’s the air on Uranus, Col.?

      • Black Soil says:

        Burch is coming back. And don’t assume that Dr. Brown isn’t also waiting in the wings. They are a tight partnership.

        • Rob says:

          Unfortunately Burch is not going anywhere. He is either in desperate need of attention or he is testing the waters, either way he is very unpopular and very dishonest. every time i hear his name i see him on a plane with 4 Chinese Prisoners leaving Cuba bound for Bermuda under the cover of darkness deceiving the Bermudian people and the Governor, will he stay out of things and retire? i doubt it.

    • YES MATE! says:

      Speaking of limits, Beeurch said “Prime Minister Ingraham’s famous smile is even wider as he welcomes US$2.6 billion in Chinese infrastructure investment. He knows his limited tax base and tax system can never achieve what he needs to deliver for his people… ah hello?”
      Ah hello Kernel Sanders this is called living above your means! Given that you are are to-the-death Pee el Pee man, it doesn’t surprise me that you think this is a good economic sense, after all you and your crew put us all $1.2b in debt, but luckily you gave yourself an easy out by admitting more than once that you are not an economist, and boy does it show! By the way Col NotAnEconomist, that Chinese money ain’t free, Bahamas now has to import all the low quality goods from China that falls apart, poisons your dog and makes your children sick. Ah hello the Chinese consider it an investment!
      So Mr Beeurch your work permit term limits and racist remarks have succeeded in starting the exodus of international business from our shores (imports down, exports up), taking along with it the money these expats used to put into our economy and your plan to replace it is donning a dive mask and search for gold on the ocean floor? You’re joking, right? Obviously you have no idea how much it costs to look for stuff on the ocean floor. You’ve already said you’re not an economist, now you are showing you have not a clue about salvage. What do you know about, except how to help ruin a country? Don’t say you know about things military because your first move as colonel of the Bermuda Regiment was to make the soldiers tuck their shirts in so they look all pretty and neat. Give me a break Kernel Sanders!
      You speak of misspent money as if it was just a couple hundred thousand when your aceboy De Docta made government overpay him for his house, paid Beyonce a cool million for a couple hours work, tried to pay off Andre under the thin veil of tourism for church going people and your government still hasn’t addressed the grossly over budget Heritage Wharf that is already literally falling apart. Why didn’t you mention this in your misspent money list? Oh, you didn’t make one, did you? I won’t be surprised that you don’t respond to any of the comments in this thread, after all you only speak TO the little people, not WITH them. Will the always entertaining and well informed and eloquently spoken LaWerne be your mouthpiece?

  2. joe says:

    I thought he had retired……

  3. SMH says:

    We start by restructure of the Ministry of tourism, Ministry of transport, Ministry of education. Three of the most wasteful Ministries with huge budgets and little accountability and zero ROI (return on investment). I’m willing to eat banana bread and tea for breakfast lunch and dinner for the remaining years of the recession. Can you encourage these Ministries with bloated budgets to go on a slim fast diet. So many ‘employees’ and managers simply feeding at the trough when they can be a lean mean fighting machine.

  4. Really? says:

    We dont care what you think BURCH!!!!

    • Dunkey Dunk says:

      sounds like a Michael Dunkley statement? can you imagine if OBA wins how this arrogant milk man will be?

  5. pebblebeach says:

    Burch…kindly go away…

  6. Goodintentions says:

    What I find so funny is that if this exact column had been penned by Bob Richards or Craig Cannonier, the 6 commenters above would be hailing it as the answer to all Bermuda’s problems.

    • Justin says:

      What I find so funny is that Burch is continuing to mask the PLP’s failed policies. Gosh, even the church tells you that you must repent and the first step is to ask the person who you’ve wronged for forgiveness. I would have a lot more respect for him if he would have started off by apologizing for some of the failed poicies of the PLP (i.e. term limits and raising payroll tax during the middle of the worst recession in memory). Moreover, he lists very few “achievements” which hardly add up to $1b in debt. Now he wants to look like the white knight, but it’s impossible when he is one of the people who were directly responsible for the mess Bermuda is currently in.

    • Skeptical says:

      That would be because the writer above has zero credibility with many people :)

      • Hmmmmm says:

        “The other lesson learned from the recession is that there is risk on being too dependent on one sector of the economy” – Editorial, Royal Gazette, 16th September 2011. Is he wrong too ? You all have messenger and message issues.

        • sandgrownan says:

          On tonight’s Mastermind, Cybil Fawlty, specialised subject “The bleedin’ obvious”

          Jesus Christ. Burch is defending failed policy.

    • pebblebeach says:

      You are dead wrong…

  7. astounded says:

    Views like this have changed our nation from being a visionary leader in the world to a lost follower in the Caribbean.

    We followed Cayman on term limits and will follow them removing them. We follow others on Real Estate policies and we will follow them being reversed. Our politicians (including Burch) follow the examples of leaders in creating lavish (private parties and private jets) lifestyles and we will hopefully revert back to respect for ordinary people and quality of life values.

    Mr. Burch’s opinion on the economy is irrelevant or a contrarian indicator at best.

  8. star man says:

    “The picture is pretty grim; everyone knows that. Most sectors are trying to tough it out, with some doing better than others but everyone’s either suffering or guarding against getting to that point.

    Not everyone is suffering… PLP MPs and PLP Cabinet Ministers have been asked to take a small 15% cut in salary as a token of their good faith in us – which they have steadfastly refused to do, much to the chagrin of the thousands of Bermudians out of work. I guess the power elite are “guarding against getting to that point.”

    To a large extent things have stalled; most importantly confidence. Confidence is important because that’s the intangible factor that encourages risk and investment. Without that in this system we have a problem.”

    Confidence in the economy is down because confidence in the PLP Government’s ability to fix it (or anything else for that matter) remains at zero. So “we have a problem.”

  9. The Fact says:

    What is wrong with you people. The man is simply stating his opinion. I am not defending him nor do i like him, but he does have a point, “we need results”. Bash him for his personality and his comments, as i did many times, but the man did produce results.

    • Wondering says:

      Agreed…

      • UBP supporter says:

        like him or not he produced… what did John Barritt produce to get all the accolades he is receiving? He mastermind the shut down of UBP for his own gain to be a defunt leader…now God don’t like ugly…he open mouth inserted foot and now have to find another safe seat.

        • sandgrownan says:

          Biggest myth in Bermuda politics is that Burch “got things done”

          • Hmmmmm says:

            Loughlands, Perimeter Lane, Butterfield Lane, Harbourview Village, cleaned up Bermuda Housing Corporation, settled the Police pay issue……hate is fine but don’t rewrite history. He got a lot done.

            • GoodIntentions says:

              thank you! u can hate or dislike whoever you want, but let’s not rewrite history.

              • sandgrownan says:

                He destroyed the value of my property and made me buy a license for the honour. His idiot government made my company move jobs away from Bermuda due to term limits.

                • Emeka47 says:

                  @sandgrownan. Pls nobody makes you do anything, either live by the rules or get out. Blame yourself for doing what you obviously did not want to do. The value of property has decreased globally not just in BDA or do you not read world news! Wherever you worked, your company moved jobs away as a cost saving factor. The reprecussions of saying yes is a hard pill to follow if the results is not what you expect!

                  • Hudson says:

                    Emeka47 – get your head out of the sand. Burch’s policies, hatred, and actions scared international business away and don’t believe any different. Even in his opinion above, he is critical of IB for what they haven’t done to help Bermuda. Wait, it is not IB who should be educating our kids; it is not IB who should be looking after our seniors and our disadvataged – it is US not THEM! It would be REALLY nice for one, any one politian from teh PLP fold to say THANK YOU to IB. We need you, we WANT you and thank you for being so supportive our Bermuda. We want to stay and grow in our partnerships. That’s what we need, not defensive, divisive rhetoric which i’m sick and tired of listening to and reading about.

            • Really? says:

              Rewrite History?? what like the renaming of every public building in Bermuda or service vehicle to be named after past prominent black memebers of the population. Hmmmm rewrite history?? or just iradicate white history from the Island?
              Why cant Bermuda airport just be Bermuda Airport not like we have 2? if the PLP built another one call it WTF they want. No need for it just another attempted dig at the white population…

              • wondering says:

                the race card…we will never fix slavery and its ills but recognition of the other unrecognized majority of this population was never done and now it is a problem…..we are just so used to as u put it white history we forgot that we forgot about black history. Heck we only teach about a year of Bda history in any case. don’t be jealous. thesame lame a** argument wouldn’t be stated by you if they named it after a prominent white figure. some ppl just get mad that they are being left out. it isn’t tit for tat but i can assure you that black forefathers’ feelings wouldn’t even begin to be repaired by renaming a few buildings. there are hundreds of other buildings with (God forgive me) WHITE names, Vallis Bldg, Vera P Card Bldg, to name but a few. your statement implies you are against black history being pronounced. it is 2011 after all…we are so institutionalized it isn’t funny and you would be stunned to know that i was white but does it matter- i am a Bermudian FIRST!!!

                • really? says:

                  Were these buildings not named upon completion of being built?? its one thing to write history, its a next one to go around trying to erase, eradicate and wipe out someone elses? why dont we just change the name of hamilton cause thats a prominent white colonial name. wait lets go one step further lets change the name of the island from Bermuda? cause Juan de Bermudez was a prominent aristocratic White Spanish ship owner, cant have Somers isles same arguement comes up there? Why not split history 50 – 50 name public buildings after half influential black people and half after influential white people?? i mean after all there must be a few white people out there who you think have done some good for this island??

              • Hmmmmm says:

                I get it. Your history has to be my history. Well guess what, I read enough white centric text books growing up to know your history well. If Reid Street (after Governor Reid) and Lefroy House (after Governor Lefroy) and Victoria Street and Park (after Queen Victoria) are ok, then LF Wade International instead of Sir Henry Tucker International is just fine by me. Your history has been THE history for so long that you’ve managed to fool my people into having a Black History Month just to be sure we’re not forgotten. So in spite of the fact that we’re the majority we have to have our own short little month for our history. Well guess what, not me brother. I wish they’d change some more damn names.

                • wondering says:

                  glad to hear a non-hate filled response to the rhetoric put forth above….nonsense. Bermuda is one of the worst segregated little islands in the world….every other country i have been to honours all of their history and very few people start off by saying “oh that white man” or oh the black man. oh that Jamaican, oh that African, oh that West indian.

              • outkasted says:

                lol….scared are we?

          • Black Soil says:

            He did get things done. The wrong things.

    • Talk2mestr8 says:

      yup…i agree

  10. Clare says:

    Col. Burch, I am an economist by trade, and I enthusiastically agree with you on many of your points. And economists only know one little slice of the puzzle; we need teams with diverse skillsets to launch new economic initiatives. A particularly good thought is to “ask some intelligent people” to pitch in on the huge efforts needed to diversify and fortify our economy.
    As another Bermudian economist said to me, “I’m regularly amazed at what our people are doing around the world.” There are Bermudians with experience in everything from aquaculture to satellites, from film production to economic development, from intellectual property to arbitration, and from complex derivatives to Chinese casinos. But they are rarely invited to get involved in new initiatives, even in their area of expertise.
    At the public Tourism Board meeting the other night, I was utterly impressed with the level of knowledge shared from the public side of the room, on topics like marketing, destination strategy, economics, and good implementation. As one audience member said, “Next time, you should include a bus operator on your Board.” Absolutely right. Our bus and taxi operators know the logistics of tourism like nobody else.
    Why not openly invite the public, Bermudian and expat, local and overseas, to brainstorm and develop economic initiatives, and then give them the authority to implement them? The government doesn’t need to fund them, as good ideas usually can find private funding – just clear the way for them by clearing up issues such as licensing and permitting for new ventures that fall into grey areas in current policy and procedures.
    The honourable and dedicated people who serve on many of these task forces are, as they have pointed out themselves, mostly over 50, or 60 years, have served on countless boards, and have built the status quo over their hardworking careers. That perspective and experience is important, but let’s mix it up with people who are new to public initiatives but have the energy and knowledge to bring new ideas to the table and then get them done.
    And if the government would be willing to lower the barriers that prevent good ideas from being implemented, then we could see some real action in our little economy.

    • star man says:

      If the PLP Gov’t had done that from the get-go our Country would be in much better shape today.

      Unfortunately the PLP Government rarely asks for input, or takes sound advice from the public sector. Or acts upon new ideas. If they had listened to the advice a few years ago, and saved a few of their Capital Projects for the down times (now), we would not be suffering as much as we are today.

      That is very basic economics – which the PLP Government obviously didn’t understand at the time.

      The PLP Government didn’t save for a rainy day.

      The PLP Government spent more money than it took in.

      Both BIG no-nos!!

      And He Whose Name Shall Not Be Mentioned and his friends & family looted us to Kingdom Come.

      Now we are in debt up to our eyebrows, which I understand is costing us taxpayers $200 Grand A DAY just to service.

      It is definitely time for a BIG change.

      • Let's Think About This... says:

        This phrase repeats itself like a broken record: “the PLP Government…the PLP Government…” over and over. Well, you helped to keep them in. You allowed them to go unchecked. (And no, I didn’t put them there nor keep them as I wasn’t old enough to vote at that time.) It is now your, my (as I’ve inherited it), and the rest of Bermuda’s problem. I think it’s past time to stop trying to lay the blame somewhere, and fix things. Next board meeting, you go. Make constructive suggestions as to how things can be done to fix this situation. Write papers such as this one the Colonel’s done, and share ideas of things that might help. We all know it’s time for a BIG change. Quit stating the obvious. Now any suggestions of what we change to?

      • specialgirl4 says:

        This government has held more Townhall/sub-committees meetings than any other government in Bermuda, so it is not true that government never sort the input from the public. Be honest and review the number of townhall meetings held by this PLP government in your judgement to gain votes for the UBP/BDA/OBA

    • LOL (original) says:

      Government Boards have been and are still used to push and give exposure to those with in political parties to boost their profile. Not trying to disrespect Senator Lavern F. but after she was “place” on the human rights board a guy I know slapped his forehead and stated “there goes human rights”…………….

      LOL

  11. People:

    Can you please read his comments and try to eliminate your dislike for the “man”? He is taking the Government (HIS GOVERNMENT) to task on the economy and you still attack him? Get your heads out of your collective a@@es and understand that we are in this mess TOGETHER.

    If you don’t agree with his ideas, then say that . . .and suggest some of your own. I only hope that we understand that collectively Bermuda is in trouble and we all need to work to get her back on track.

    Yng Black Mind (those who know understand)

    • UBP supporter says:

      They will never change young Black Mind – Swan tried to change them from within. A man with a heart and Soul, trying to get Whites and Blacks on the same page regardless of financial standings but what did they do – kick his arse and then talk about him like a dog. Now I agree, I’m no Burch fan nor PLP fan but can’t stand silient when attacks are make personal and not toward the content nor suggestive steps to improve the entire country for all Bermudians.

    • LOL (original) says:

      Guess the real question is why when he was in a place to suggest these things why didn’t he? Even more to the point if he did why has the government not taken them seriously then or will they now?

      LOL

    • Really? says:

      TOGETHER??? When did Burch or Brown ever signify togetherness or unification all i heard in those years was ignore the needs of the white man, lets focus on us. Togetherness? think you need to check the definition of that my friend!

  12. andre says:

    A man who thinks out of the box!

  13. ooops... says:

    Laverne and Burch for Premier!

    • Hudson says:

      yep – and that’ll be me out. Guess that will be the final nail.

  14. navin Johnson says:

    a bunch of gibberish from a person not qualified to speak on such matters…..He is thinking of running for office and floating trial balloons only to find out he is unelectable for public office….he was only in government because he was appointed. International Shipwreck Recovery? We are already a source of arbitration and dispute resolution….If Burch were ever elected to anything he would start singing the party line right away….Court foreign investment? like the foreign you drove away? work permits and term limits? Burch sent more people out of Bermuda with his big mouth both directly and indirectly….I must say I miss his amusing and often childish rants but do not miss his misguided policies……how about that marrige of Bermudians to non bermudians? that did wonders for the Real Estate market correct “Colonel” now that you got it out of your system would you please just go away again? thank you…and yes I do agree that the man did produce results……bad results to be sure but results all the same….

    • Hmmmmm says:

      The one economist to comment agrees with most of what he says. Are you qualified to disagree with them ?

      • sandgrownan says:

        I think the economist is worng. Burch is wrong.

        Clearly, look at the economy.

  15. Time! says:

    Bermudians! Grow up, mature from dislikes of personality and see issues. Mr. Burch makes points that cause us to think

  16. Winnie says:

    Like it or not the Col has offered some solutions, unlike a lot of other people who will highlight everything thats wrong but never offer a solution. Of course I am not always in agreement with all he says, however I respect them and the way they are delivered,lol.

  17. Bermyman says:

    Allow Hotel Casino’s = New Hotel investment = New Tax revenue + More Jobs = Better and more balanced economy.

    So simple if done right.

    • longtail says:

      I too used to think this was the easy answer to Bermuda’s economy, until someone pointed out that Vegas, Atlantic City, etc work on the principle that a lot of people – on average – all loose a little money at gambling. Given Bermuda’s limitations we cannot accommodate the crowds of Vegas and the like, and would need a few people loosing a lot of money for gambling to be “successful” in Bermuda!

      • Bermyman says:

        small casino’s also make money as well as large ones, it is all relative. Just like insurance companies, small ones and big ones turn a profit. Not so much about the income, but about entertainment and what the modern tourist expects and goes for, that also fills hotel beds. We in Bermuda offer very little in that category. Be as sceptic as you want but not taking the risk to change will lead us falling further behind in terms of a global tourism product, we are well over 10 years behind already.

    • Bermudian Abroad says:

      While I’m not against Hotel Casino’s outright, not enough attention is paid to the adverse effects that they have on a society. More often then not, with casino’s comes a dramatic and direct upswing in crime – particularly drug related crime, fraud, prostitution and assault (as evidenced in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Niagara Falls, Richmond BC, etc, etc, etc). In the cases of many of the casino destinations previously mentioned, crime rates rose by as much as 400% within 10 years of opening. While I agree that the construction and running of casinos in Bermuda have potential to create jobs, inject untold millions of dollars into the economy, and bolster the floundering Tourism economy, such an undertaking cannot begin without a sound legal framework specifically geared towards this undertaking, a solid and thoughtful policy implementation strategy, and a strong social conscience (a la` Bahamas).

      Also keep in mind that more likely than not, the casinos present in Bermuda (if they are eventually allowed) will most likely be beholden to a group of investors that are not entirely (if at all) beholden to Bermuda. This creates a huge risk of capital flight. In essence, they’d get they money, and we’d get all the problems.

      Again, I’m not anti-casino, I’m just pro-caution.

      • Bermyman says:

        AS I said, if done properly!

      • YES MATE! says:

        I wonder what tourist can afford $400 per night in our hotels and still have money left to lose in the casino and buy a t-shirt? The ones that can will go to the hyper-exotic gambling mecca of Monte Carlo.

    • OMG says:

      Simple yes but it will require changing of the work permit policy that Birch set up!!! His B?S policy has offshore business reconsider using Bda. Let alone the Real Estate policy that now Govt would love the income from.

  18. When I see a former Government Senator who helped create the recession in Bermuda writing in the the media suggesting things his Government might do, I am now more than ever, convinced that it is time for a change….. Electionerring & spin nothing more, nothing less…

    • Terry says:

      Twenty bucks he runs for Parliament. $5 on Devonshire……….

      Spin in a run up too an erection………

  19. Sean Soares says:

    While I’ve never been a huge fan of Colonel Burch, mostly due to his rhetoric (And of course I don’t know him personally so my dislike is not to be taken on a personal level, more political and yes we should all make that difference), I have always noted and appreciated his willingness to sort things out or at least try, which at the very least I do respect.

    I am dismayed at some of the petty comments above……Colonel Burch took time to put “pen to paper” and come up with his own opinions, something we all have a right to. At the very least you can respond in a somewhat intellegent matter, agree or disagree, but lets get our minds working here. Those of you who choose not to engage yours, there is a sandbox missing it child somewhere….

    Colonel Burch does raise some interesting avenues which I don’t think have been explored, and at a time where I think all avenues of revenue should be investigated. I will say now that I am not an economist and have not explored these possibilities.

    Where I think is folly, and I also believe is what is fundamentally wrong with Politics is when he says that a Progressive party spends, it’s what they do, it’s their core belief. I have never been one for labels and I think that the solution to most of Bermuda’s woes tie into expelling the rigid mindset based on these labels (Progressive, Labour, Conservative, Etc.). Where I think that the current Government went wrong is that while committing to some spending, during the economic boon they should have saved a reserve and when the recession hit they should have then used those reserves to fund capital projects to help stimulate the economy. Now we don’t even have enough funds to finish a roundabout (I refer to the one at Cox’s Hill which ran out of funding for the materials and now sits incomplete). This is the PLP’s folly and is mostly due to that rigid mindset stated above in the Colonel’s writings.

    • joonya says:

      His arrogance still rings through loud and clear, just as his party’s arrogance did in 1998 which led to “Its our time now” mentality of spending, which has got us where we are now. Nobody wants to read or hear his ‘creative’ spin language anymore.

      • GoodIntentions says:

        I’m sorry, but I see a whole HEAP of arrogance in the OBA by negating every positive thing that has been done by the government and implying that they will do everything right as government.

        • Pure intentions says:

          This isn’t about the OBA , but seeing you brought it up , all the sheep dip drinkers thought that pre-98 they knew what arrogance was.
          Turns out they didn’t have a clue.. Now they ought to really know beyond a shadow of a doubt .
          And the very man this article is about said it first , in our faces , ‘You still don’t get it ,do you ? We don’t care what you think.’
          Had any member of the UBP made that remark the island would have burnt to the waterline.

          No , go back under your rock.

  20. PDB says:

    Two things here and it’s more about reading between the lines:
    1. “Freed from the constitutional yoke of Cabinet service and the political fiction of collective responsibility” – the country is run by the collective will of the caucus who operate privately and have little accountability to the public. It stops individual MPs from acting on their conscience or on behalf of their constiutents. The people are poorly represented in this system.
    2. “Where we’ve been guilty of waste we rightly must be held to account and challenged to do better.” So Colonel Burch where exactly has the Gov’t been guilty of waste and have they been held accountable? My guess is the yoke is still on in terms of sharing that information with us. There is a tacit acceptance that money was wasted but no effort to hold anyone accountable or address any specific areas of waste. This is poor leadership. It’s very easy for the Colonel to ‘admit’ this now, but this waste is a big hinderance to his ‘labour’ arguement that Gov’t should spend its way out of the recession. Imagine if we had a $200m+ cushion to buffer the economy. But we don’t because the Gov’t spent it and then some.
    I’ve actually never heard the ideology of ‘labour’ explained for the PLP in the sense of public spending. It mirrors the argument going on the US right now about Gov’t spending its way out of a recession vs. taking the tax burden off business to make it more viable and therefore create jobs. I wonder what the OBA’s stance on this would be ‘big’ gov’t or ‘big’ business? Probably something vague and non-commital.
    Other than that he has some interesting ideas that should be explored.
    I would be interested in hearing his defense of term limits and “discrimination against Bermudians who marry non-Bermudians” now that he has been “freed from the constitutional yoke…”.

  21. not an economist says:

    one question, from one “not economist” to another – don’t private workers have the same right to unionize as government workers? The argument for privatisation only suggests that the private sector can more efficiently manage the delivery of services than the government. Not sure if it is the answer for Bermuda, but it merits consideration during these tough economic times as it could reinvigorate Bermudian businesses and stimulate private sector job growth.

    this won’t be much of a debate if we reject ideas out of hand just because they’re not traditionally “labour”. if you always do what you’ve always done…

  22. star man says:

    If the PLP ever seriously consider ‘privatization,’ whom do you think is gonna get first dibs?

    Exactly.

  23. Spikes says:

    The people who are complaining don’t have shxt to offer. They are just so anxious to get the UBP (OBA) back in power. They are in for a rude awakening.

    • joonya says:

      You sound like one of the voters who had a week long party after the 1998 election victory, who now realise the party is over…

  24. navin Johnson says:

    Dear PLP Economists…to all on this thread who cheer on the Colonels wonderful ideas I submit its nothing more than campaign rhetoric to appeal to the poor and out of work….ask yourself where does the money come from for interest free loans, reverse mortgages,home improvement loans…where does the money come from? Your Government spent it all and you can never,repeat never borrow your way out of debt!!! He was a huge part of the problem and his swarmy comment about his successor clearing his throat about non-bermudian spouses shows that he is still the same smart mouthed would be politican. He has no credentials other than he was a mouth piece for the former Premier…There is no money for social services and children are going without an education thanks to you colonel and your policies….give me a break….try casinos with only Bermudian trained staff and maybe you can put back to work some of the people that your so called “Labor” party put out of work…….interest free loans? didn’t you guys learn with transportation, tuition and day care that there is no such thing as FREE!!!!

    • Hmmmmm says:

      You need to find a couch somewhere and get all of that out with someone paid to listen. Then maybe you can start to have some rational thought. Children “going without an education” has NOTHING to do with money and everything to do with the quality (or lack thereof) of teaching.

      • star man says:

        BWAA-HA-HA-Ha-Ha-Ha!!

        I believe it’s you who needs to find a couch somewhere, because education has EVERYTHING to do with money and the quality of teaching. How many teachers you can hire, how much you can pay your teachers, how many teaching assistants you need, and the condition of our schools, ALL depend on the PLP Education Budget (money) that has been drastically cut at the expense of our most important assets, our children. This budget cut should have been applied against the unwieldy self-defeating bureaucracy that is called the Bda Dept of Education, where there are more staff than teachers!! Not one layoff there, yet our schools continue suffer.

      • navin Johnson says:

        half of the young black males in Bermuda do not graduate and many suffer from reading and math skills…look at the recent police and fire examinations and the less than 10% pass rate…Also go and talk to the teachers at Cedarbridge and see how they are “doing more with less” as the resetting the dial premier requests…also speak to the laid off social workers and those who do not know if they are being laid off next week and hey while you are at it go to Sunshine League to see how the children are doing there…oops your Government ran out of money to help them so off they go…Yes children are going without an education and will join the ranks of the unemployed and on the wall…but your leaders all have free cars and big pay and benefits and where are they now…in hiding while the good Colonel comes out with his first stab at testing the campaign waters to see if he can have another slice at the pie….I dont need to pay someone to listen as I have you and I feel much better for it…now what was I sayin? Ah yes rational thought….

        • Hmmmmm says:

          I’m not sure how old you are, but when the budget for education was less in this country the system produced children who could read. Since it started to increase the results have gotten worse. There’s a dirt floor, corrugated tin roof, single room school in every parish in every Caribbean country that has produced a Prime Minister, an economist, lawyers, doctors and engineers. Money has nothing to do with education…..quality teaching matters. Where can I send you my bill for this truth therapy ?

          • sandgrownan says:

            At least the kids get some exercise by having to walk to work.

    • Rob says:

      Maybe Burch is not getting his way in his constituency so now he is trying to brown-nose his party with these internet search editorials.

  25. Talk2mestr8 says:

    Ok….Burch has stated his opinion! It’s just that….his opinion!!!

    • Terry says:

      T2me8….We all know it’s opinion because he stated it. Whether written by him or not. He is accountable for his words but did he really pen them?

      It’s an old tactic, and works well with ill informed minds.

      Hell, they could have hired a Canadian to say that. Damn…..I bet they did…………….

  26. Not complaining, just asking – How are you going to attract new forms of business to the Island when you treat those already here so poorly? Rude awakening says it all..

    • joonya says:

      Exactly. And he needs to show more respect and humility than he shows above towards IB. It gives many of us jobs you blank, and lets face it, is our bread and butter. People working does (guess what….) keep the economy going!
      Recognize that IB doesnt owe Bermuda anything. They pay their incorporation fees, annual fees, payroll tax, ect. and do so much for society and charity.
      So your “to be fair” comment…..yeah no sh*t.

  27. bermy says:

    Bernews, would you please give his correct rank in the title. He is a Lieutenant Colonel, not a full colonel.

    • YES MATE! says:

      He is not. He retired from the regiment so he holds no rank there.

      • bermy says:

        That’s what I thought too…but considering people always state his rank, they could at least get the rank he did have right

      • Retired says:

        Correction. Any person leaving the Regiment above the rank of Captain is entitled to have their last rank attached to their name.

    • Rob says:

      Lieutenant Colonel ( THE BERMUDA REGIMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

  28. Truth (Original) says:

    Ignorance is a disease. Bermuda needs to mature to the point where we can have a reasonsed discussion and debate on the ISSUES and not attack the person speaking the obvious. This is not only for the posters on this site but for our politicians as well who set a terrible example in full view of the public. I am not hopeful that we will see that day anytime soon but in the interim I am appreciative to the Colonel for making a public stand and putting his thoughts out there for public scrutiny. That said. I am no longer a supporter of the PLP but the Truth is the Truth and nothing should stand in the way of that. Col Burch is speaking a lot of truth here and his ideas a sound. What we should be doing is critiquing the IDEAS and discussing whether or not they have any validity and discussing what can be moved forward. Small thinking from scared little men will forever hold us back. Its is easy to be tough behind a keyboard and the shield of anonymity but let us elevate our thinking and offer something constructive and something that moves the discussion forward. Please.

    • Terry says:

      Truth….Your original all right. Your also a hippcite……”a keyboard and the shield of anonymity”………………………..

      I dropped my needle…..

      I’ll get back…..eye tink…….

      • Truth (Original) says:

        As usual Terry, you have nothing useful or meaningful to offer AND you missed the point. I’ll spell it out plainly for you. Constructive criticism using a pen name is a world apart from inflicting venomous personal attacks on an individual from behind a veil of anonymity. Pen names serve a very real and useful purpose. I’ll give you a real-time example. If Col Burch hadn’t signed his name on his suggestions perhaps the majority of people on this website (including yourself) would not be distracted by the individual presenting the ideas and just focus on the ideas themself.

        Two questions-

        1. What is a “hippcite”?

        2. Given that your chosen pen name “Terry” is no more revealing than mines does that make you a “hippcite” as well?

        Elevate.

        • star man says:

          Terry is his real name. He has been banned from virtually every blog & forum in Bermuda for his trolling. He appropriately used to use the pen name,’Rummy.’

        • Terry says:

          Spelling mistake but you got it. Hippocrite.

          As for nothing useful, once again you try to fill a void of denial. Your spin is good.

          My name is Terry.

          If Col. Burch had not signed his name we would not be having this discussion. Get real dood. Nor would it have been subject to print in a such a short time.

          • Truth (Original) says:

            Terr, you really are ignorant. This will be my last post to you. I stand by my remark that for the most part you add nothing useful.

            The fact that your name is Terry (out of many Terry’s) still gets me closer to knowing who you actually are. The anonymity principle still applies.

            If Col Burch hadn’t signed his name, we would in fact, still be having the discussion “dood”, we would just be having it less the personal attacks against him ….which is what I stated earlier.

            You comment about it going to print in a “short time” is nonsensical since you don’t know when he submitted it for “printing”.

            Ignorance is a disease.

    • joonya says:

      Yeah right. So you’re telling that you weren’t one of the PLP supporters who criticised the UBP on every decision (good or bad) made pre 1998?
      Now because your beloved PLP/Col Burch are having to be accountable, everyone who makes a criticism is a “small thinking little man”. Growup and get a life.

      • Truth (Original) says:

        My beloved PLP? What are you even talking about? Re-read my post.

    • star man says:

      “Small thinking from scared little men will forever hold us back.”

      Mmmmm… that reminds me of a certain political party that’s rapidly moving us backwards as the Premier leads from behind.

  29. Yeah but wait... says:

    I never really cared much for the man myself but looking at his opinion piece objectively; I have to say that I think he came up with some pretty valid ideas. Out-of-the-box thinking is needed right now and if a feasible plan to economic survival can be found, I really don’t care who drafts it. We need to look at the big picture people and leave the pettiness in the sidelines where it belongs. we have been held back by it enough.

  30. navin Johnson says:

    spare us please Truth….just answer the question where does the money come from for interest free loans? The government? no they are broke….we already are an arbitration venue so sorry Colonel thats an old one.. Reverse Mortgages? where does that money come from? Interest free loans for first time homeowners? who lends money for free? The Government? no as they are broke…just ask all of the laid off teachers and socail workers…..Government has ZERO money Mr or Mrs. Truth…some on this thread have said his ideas are sound…please explain in light of the fact that there is NO MONEY left to be giving things away for free…..Colonel Burch’s overzealous implementation of his Governments policies and his public comments regarding them have caused the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars to the local real estate market and rental market…His steadfast and cintinued diatribe about term limits only appealed to the party faithful and drove away the engine of the Bermuda economy so face it that we are where we are in no small measure to HIM in my very humble opinion..and if you are reading this Mr. Burch please accept that the only thing that is free are people’s opinions and nothing else…jobs would be nice…..

    • This too says:

      + 1

    • Hmmmmm says:

      Wow. Just because you don’t know doesn’t mean it can’t happen. The Bermuda Housing Corporation, WedCo and BLDC all have the ability to borrow money for their purposes and do so. Why couldn’t they borrow the money for the interest free loans, provide them to the people who can pay them back but who the Banks won’t help with their 20 – 25% downpayment rules these days.Reverse mortgages come from the Banks too. A jurisdiction that is a real arbitration centre would have a physical site for it; not run them out of hotel boardrooms or the boardrooms of law firms. You made your shrink appointment yet ?

      • navin Johnson says:

        yes and we can have island construction build the arbitration center and we dont even have to put it out to tender….got any money for that?

        • Hmmmmm says:

          Careful now, that cuts both ways…..no tender from the Bermuda Hospitals Board to build the Urgent Care Centre….done by D&J. Is that corruption or just sound management because they did work for the BHB and were known to do it well? Don’t play with fire lest you get burnt…..

          • sandgrownan says:

            Ah, but the problem is, since it’s my money they are spending, it’s not done in the glare of public scrutiny is it?

          • navin Johnson says:

            Sound management…D&J I trust…

    • Truth (Original) says:

      @Navin. Spare you from what exactly? What is it that I have written that you are in disagreement with? With respect to the questions that you have asked, I am not the author of the article but I will try and flesh it out a little for you, if that would be helpful.

      With respect to our standing as the domicile of choice for International Arbitrations, there is much more advertising work to be done in the Interational Markets to put Bermuda out there. The reality is that whilst there are already arbitrations taking place in Bermuda we have a really small Market Share. The point he was making is that increasing that market share is a good thing that translates into money into our economy. Surely you don’t disagree..

      Interest free loans- He simply doesn’t state who the lenders are. Full stop. Ask him about it.

      Reverse Mortgages are a money making business if executed properly. Banking institutions offer reverse mortgages. Plenty of them, in fact. It is a good idea that wouldn’t cost the government a thing but a little well thought out legislation.

      Your other points about the dilution of the real estate markets and the term limits issue, I agree with you.

      • navin johnson says:

        Truth I would ask to be spared the comments about hiding behind the anonymity of a pseudonym while you are doing the same….bit hypocritical don’t you think Truth? nothing against you personally at all but do not see how people borrowing in these times ( and I submit the majority of people do not know how bad it is thanks to the government and it witholding of the facts)with or without interest does anything for the state we find ourselves in…Read any literature regarding reverse mortgages and you would know they are used sparingly…Nothing is free and the PLP government of all should no this….Job stimulation can come from Capital investment and this Government has no money to do it so it must come from private sector….IB? forget it thanks to the Colonel, the Premier and her predecessor……Maybe Casino’s that employed Bermudians’s while not a panacea would encourage hotel spending and give tourist something to do year round……I would also respectfully submit that this Government has difficulty with your suggestion of well thought out legislation for they always fall back on what their base would think and it turns into garbage……part of the difficulty with arbitrations here is that people are always concerned about a “hometown” decision if the case involves a Bermuda domiciled company similar to the difficulty of convincing a Bermuda jury that their nephew is guilty although that seems to be getting better…..and if I have not said it before…”This Government is broker” just ask a school teacher or social worker just dont ask Hhmmmm who seems to no understand that with a 50% graduation rate you will produce a Prime Minister or a Doctor or an Astronaut but they will be from the 50% who graduate not the 50% who are lost without hope……peace…

        • Truth (Original) says:

          Navin, you (as well as Terry) misunderstood my point my friend,so again, I will provide the context for you. There is no shame in using a pen name (see my post above)EXCEPT when you are hiding behind it to launch malicious personal attacks, which I am not doing. No hypocrisy there.

          With respect to you points that you outlined there is some I agree with and some I think you are being overly pessimistic about. Borrowing is a good thing in these times because people borrow, for the purpose of spending in the economy. Part of any Government stimulus involves public spending (that’s us), whether iot be spending our own cash or borrowed cash, it all helps the economy. People are out of work for many reasons, not the least of which is a fall in spending.

          Reverse mortgages aren’t for everyone but those those whom it suits they get to borrow from the equity in their home for the purpose of ..spending, which helps the economy. The number who part take in this is irrelavant really, as long as some do and spend as a result of it. It’s good for the ecomony.

          As far as your comment about IB not being engaged in Capital spending, that simply is not true. Spending has slowed down every where but there are still companies incorporating on the island (albeit a lot less and I agree with your point about the damaging anti expat rhetoric from the PLP) and thereby providing jobs for Bermudians who are still buying, renting and renovating homes. Are things slow? Yes. Have they stopped completely? No.

          To you point about the concern about “hometown” decisions, I don’t think that a major issue at all. I have been involved in a Major arbitration and that wasn’t a consideration at all. Granted, Bermuda is not going to work for everyone but we don’t need it to. We just need it to be considered at a viable alternative amongst a significant portion. The marketing can’t hurt us.

          Blessings.

          • Terry says:

            Didn’t miss shite truth….you just spinning……..thats all. Don’t blame it on us-me……..your gone onto something else…

            Dr. Brown is doing a great job here……

  31. LostinFlatts says:

    So as an economist, I can help Col. Burch out a little.

    Labour governments do indeed spend their way through recessions. By stimulating the economy when the private sector is weak, the idea is that you minimise the ‘lows’ in the economic cycle. So if private spend is down due to whatever reason, public sector spend should go up. Great, simple, good.

    Problem is that there is another side to this story, and that is the one that the PLP have royally screwed up. When the private sector is going well, public sector spend should be reduced or at least minimalised. For the same reasons. By doing so the government should create a fund during the good years with which to pay for the increased public sector spend in the bad years. It’s really not complicated.

    However, like most things the PLP have done since coming into power, they’ve only been good at the fun things. So while the economy was doing great, they kept spending, in fact at a greater rate than the economy was growing. And now that the economy is doing badly, they have no fund or savings with which to smooth out the recession. It was so predictable, but the PLP supporters would not be deterred. So what if the PLP were trebling the budget – it’s all good cause everything is rosy and money grows on trees that look suspiciously like international business.

    Now that the PLP are being forced – for the first time – to govern in reality, they are realising what a mistake the last 8 years of out of control spending have been.

    • Truth (Original) says:

      @ lostinFlatts- Agreed. Compounding that situation is the fact that during the period that Government was actively overheating the economy by starting all of those capital projects, most Bermudians were employed. This is pertinent because there was too much work going around (from the large projects) than the Bermudians available to do them. The solution? Contracted workers from all over the world. So, a great deal of the excess spending that took place didn’t even benefit Bermudians because they were already employed. The majority of those monies have left our economy for other shores.

  32. Cordell W. Riley says:

    Bar none, if you wish to be entertained, this has to be the Number 1 site!

    • possibly says:

      Disappointed maybe because your favourite subject of ‘economic disparity’ hasn’t come up yet ? ?

    • What? says:

      You can always start harping on about how evil whites are if you wanted to change the subject. You are pretty well versed in that arena…

  33. navin Johnson says:

    it’s fun right? shall we start on your column in today’s Sun? Want to make the tourist season 12 months a year? allow casinos staffed by bermudians as people can gamble 12 months a year and even in the rain…in fact you won’t even know its raining……stuck here because of a storm? good go into the casino and have a blast….

  34. Stonewall says:

    Burchy, just hurry up and go away – you and your decadent, debauched Brownite cronies are to blame for our shipwrecked economy. New money, ignorant trash the lot of you.

    • Really? says:

      Agreed!!!!

    • specialgirl4 says:

      You must be afraid of the “Powerful Burch”, he will stand up and tell you what you which others would not say. Why not review his position for the ideas he presents, rather than engage in name calling. How can the OBA/UPB suggest they want the country to come together when so many of the comments are filled with hate….haters

  35. Jim Bean says:

    The Pathetic Lying Party is so desperate they are bringing back Burch?!? Pathetic!! Cup Match theme? It was seven weeks ago!! Burch – you are done

    • Jus' Askin' says:

      OBA – Opposition By Artifice ;-)

    • specialgirl4 says:

      Jim Bean you describe it correctly, that The Pathetic Lying Party are the combinded UBP/BDA/OBA movement from one to another, not sure what or who they really represent, except a thirst and greed to gain power and position.

      • star man says:

        “… a thirst and greed to gain power and position.”

        You have just described the PLP to a T. So quit projecting PLP issues onto other Parties.

        It is sooooo funny how the Pot often calls the Kettle black.

  36. Concerned Citizen says:

    Free Market thking is what we need.

  37. Concerned Citizen says:

    *thinking

  38. Really? says:

    How can one live in a country where they attract so much hate from its population?? Must be tough Burch?

  39. Lion says:

    Burch if it does not go your way you go away. Will we have a repeat of this if you have another misunderstanding with our Hon. Premier or for that matter anyone.

  40. Down 'n' Dirty says:

    Hey Kernal , what ideas do you have to resucitate KFC ? If you can turn around a chicken place , than maybe we could talk about the rest of the economy .

  41. Just saying – some of Col. Burch’s “new business ideas” would hold some water if he had a track record of treating foreigners with some form of respect. It is very hard to respect public figures who show very little respect for others…

  42. Frank says:

    The economy is still in distress with most likely negative GDP. The insurance sector is hurting on the investment and claim side of the business. Retail is down 25% over the last three years and ready to bust completely.The private sector is highly indebted in real estate. Government revenues are shrinking at a faster rate than spending. Budget deficits will increase which will lead to higher sovereign debt levels. Balance of payment surpluses point to excess savings to support national debt levels and more. We need to stimulate to break the deflationary spiral. Talk of red carpet is good but is nowhere near what we need. We have the highest interest rates in the Western world- the most efficient non governmental way to stimulate now. Or else we do it with shovel ready projects. Get a grip,we need to spend to stop 200million successive budget deficits over the next 5 years. It wont be pretty either way but the path we are on now will end uglier if we keep feeding the current stagflationary/ deflationary. We need to fight the tipping point off.

  43. killarblaze says:

    I put forth no questions, nor offer any solutions.

    “This time it’s the economy. Like last time this piece is designed to stimulate debate.”

    “not thought through…”

    He hit the nails right on the head. 118+ posts = debate, “not thought through” has been the governments problem since the 1st PLP Premier fell from power via the coup her own members pulled on her. This from the man who considers letters to the editor and by extension posts on an on-line mag, not worth reading. I don’t see how he has a leg to stand on, as he was, and due to the policies he supported, is part of the reason Bermuda is were it is today. BROKE. Begging for money. Selling Bonds that may be impossible to pay off.

    My wife got the house she wanted this year because of the PLP and it’s not here. My opinion did not matter then and to me, yours does not matter now. After all you quit on the party you did so much for…

    • Rob says:

      50+ Posts = Anger @the person not the opinion.

      • killarblaze says:

        He got what he wanted, debate and a lot of posters prove that. His opinion was policy when he was a non voted in member of Parliament. His opinion is worthless now. The only opinion that matters is the Governments, we should all know that now. It was true when the UBP were in power and still a party and it’s true now.

        I’ll say this about him. If your not willing to fail, your not willing to try. He tried, successful in some things, and an failure in others and those failures cost BDA. I’m not agreeing and disagreeing with any posts, just saying, he should sleep in the bed he helped to make.

  44. killarblaze says:

    Are the icons next to each post random or assigned based on content? Mine make me look bitter, which I’m not.

    Preview before post?

    • bernews says:

      They are auto-generated by IP….

      However to get a custom one you can go to http://en.gravatar.com/ and register and upload your own, its free and takes like 30 seconds. That’s what we use to have a custom avatar —>

  45. killarblaze says:

    I changed my mind, I’ll put forth two solutions. Answer the following questions.

    Do you live in a condo complex?
    Do you have internet access?
    Do you have a wireless access point?

    Answer yes to these questions, and you are missing out on saving money, plus you and the person next door are paying for something you can all share and split the costs.

    Scan for wireless connections, I know you have, some of you already jump on someones network when yours is down. Why are you all in the same complex paying for the same thing? Share one or two connections and you all save money.

    You don’t need Colonel Burch or anyone else, just think about things, it’s that simple.

    Another one: Who is using hot water when your at work or out all day or on vacation? Better yet, who is paying to keep that water hot? Old school says reheating water costs more than keeping it hot. New school says, turn off your lights when not in use.

    Do you really need the government or some import to point these things out to you? Think about it for a minute, better yet try it for a month then compare your BELCO bills. BDA is a small place, Guess what? This is free, don’t cost you nothing. Not opinion, its fact. Try these two solutions for yourself, it won’t cost you a penny.

  46. Observing says:

    This is the longest thread I have seen. He was very successful in getting the debate started. The cup match mode was the best idea. How many responses discussed results? Not even this one.

    • killarblaze says:

      You funny….
      I don’t think many people can see beyond some of the policies the Colonel helped put into place, then quit on his team and is now putting forth solutions that may be good ideas but he knows his PLP is not going to listen.

      I drove a Mustang the other day for the first time because I don’t have to save up for a house/land here. That was fun even if it was only for a day. On my Christmas trip I think I’ll rent a Charger instead of buying something for the house.

  47. One Man One Vote Equal Value says:

    Result, country still divided, Those who claim a new day as OBA are just as hateful as when they were in other parties…..where is the acceptance of others and their opinions?

    • star man says:

      “OBA are just as hateful” Show me the hate. And quit projecting major, HUGE PLP problems onto the OBA. Give them a chance.

  48. Sad says:

    What about the amendments to the constitution two words and a comma,
    Discrimination is an aweful thing ya think?

  49. Disingenuous says:

    Burch, go down South to ya Mates and stop the antics on Bernews

  50. killarblaze says:

    Hey Observing, this thread just keeps going on. Yah know, I’m thinking about giving my yard guy a $100USD a month raise and a nice bonus for Christmas. He does a good job and I don’t need to check up on him. The Colonel retired/quit Disingenuous, he is entitled to his opinion. Discrimination only happens when white folks do it to black folk. I got to stop drinking…………………….this is the most fun I’ve had in a long time. Stupid, I know that, got nothing else to do.

  51. specialgirl4 says:

    Careful reviews of the comments suggest that we are no further than ’40′ years ago. There is still alot of work to be done !!!

    How can the OBA/BDA/UBP preach that they want the country to come together when most of their supporter’s comments are filled with such vile, contemptible, loathsome, hateful comments? Many do not address the issue, instead tend to focus on the “messenger rather than the message”, or engage in negative discourse, and down out right unpleasant behaviours that were one time reflected so clearly by the UBP. Many supporters also focus on or reflect on the grammar/spelling or call person’s names, when they are not able to address the content, or substance of the comments. Many do not hold their own supporters up to the same level of expectations. This is not moving forward, nor is different or a change. This will not convince someone to change their vote.

    How can one change their vote when this is the direction the party appears to be moving in? It really does reflect that the OBA/UBP do not practice what it preaches. It is difficult therefore, to see any difference between the UBP and OBA. This suggests that the behaviours are somewhat like to the old white political supporters of the UBP rearing their ‘ugly heads’ again. This suggests that racism is alive and kicking and people in Bermuda are not together. There appears to be dislike for individuals because they support one party or the other. Is the OBA/UBP political strategy is moving in the right direction to gain votes via the social media? This seems to be a ‘nasty approach’ to gain votes from the ‘Black Middle Squeeze Swing Voter’ By any means necessary!! This suggests that little has really changed, just a “name” change of the party. A ‘Rose is still a Rose”, by any other name.

    A fair movement towards change would be an honest deliberation of what the PLP has done, as well as bring forward suggestions. We must admit that the PLP have done some things very well, and like all governments they have also not done some things well. No government will do all things that will please everyone, as that is an extremely difficult undertaking. No matter who is the government this is true for all those in position of leadership. But to continuously be negative about everything is indeed, not honest. A government will always be in a position were by they must review and revise policies, as the world has changed significantly in the last decade, since most policies were first developed. This is common in every country.

    Col Burch has mentioned some good insightful ideas that should be discussed and even perhaps examined carefully to grow Bermuda’s economy. At least he is bringing forward suggestions, and not just wearing the hat of a fault-finder.

    • Rob says:

      40 YEARS AGO? Try 2 years ago. These posts are just the tip of the iceberg from the people of this country regarding the behavior of this individual while in public office.

    • navin johnson says:

      Dear Specialgirl4.. Respectfully his ideas IMHO are beyond foolish..home improvement loans are just that LOANS..interest free? where? how? from your Government? no as they are broke. Borrowing for free is a PLP dream to appeal to your voters…YOU CANNOT BORROW YOUR WAY OUT OF DEBT… his ideas are campaign fodder just like your apologists posts for the PLP. Specialgirl you rarely, if ever refer to the OBA as simply the OBA there is always a reference to the UBP/OBA/BDA never mentioned as the OBA as you continue to use the tactic of race with the hope that it wins an election…40 years ago?why not throw in the theater boycott, forty thieves or other buzz-words that your political advisor’s suggest that harp on so that the gravy train continues at Bermudas expense. I would love to hear a list of PLP accomplishments and ask for enlightenment rather than your constant “Rose is still a Rose” rhetoric which is only mentioned to appeal to your base.. mention something that was done well that did not come at a price….The good Colonel as his zealous stance on spouses of bermudians and homeownership was supposed to appeal to your base and it only caused the real estate market to tank and still they have no courage to end the policy because that would be admitting faulty which your government is incapable of doing for fear of losing the vote….term limits? The good Colonel certainly championed that and what did that do? right it caused the exodus of International Business….David Burch is a novelty act in my view ..talk about loathesome, hateful comments? come special girl David Burch was a waling talking example of that if you recall…unwashed Europeans, Dominican prostitutes, shall we go on? he is the most offensive politician in Bermuda and that is quite a feat. Ewart Brown took advantage of every opportunity to take Bermuda down and David Burch was his most eager henchman… He should just sink back into oblivion as he is unelectable and a danger to whatever hope Bermuda would have to recover from the disaster that is the PLP Government…PLP had it’s shot and failed miserably and when they are back in opposition you will find out just how badly they have damaged Bermuda for they are not honest enough to tell you how bad it is….and it is bad…wait until you see how much of a revenue shortfall there is at next budget…$250,000,000 would be a good guess..so what does your bloated government do? cut Sunshine League and Social workers…..double the cost of future care…..free tuition….photo ops for a few low income homes…..jobs? they have no clue….15% unemployment…

      • specialgirl4 says:

        One cannot omit stating the “UBP/BDA/OBA” as there is still persons out there that support either one, or both or all three. Some are not clear on the difference between the three, as the individuals are mostly the same. So why you may have a clear idea of who is who, there are some who do not see it that clearly. Mr. Craig has been a member of two within a short period of one year. I would be negligent and inconsistent in not mentioning all three parties, out of respect to the history that is often intertwining and prevailing.

        The Col, is straight forward thinker, and does not always present things with “pink flowers”, instead he may present it as a “Black rose”, but this does not suggest he does not care or is disrespectful. He loves Bermuda, and is passionate about his homeland. He is just candid and forthright in his presentation of ideas and political thoughts. This is difficult for some to understand or accept. Some would prefer he be softer in his approach. Seldom does he resort to name calling or extreme distasteful comments expressed by UBP/BAD/OBA bloggers.

        To dismiss that the PLP has not been successful, is your method to paint the party in negative light. In the short 13 years of rule the PLP has accomplished more than the UBP in 30 years of rule. The PLP has not failed miserably as you would like many to believe, they have achieved a great deal and still are on the path to do more. Many countries have not succeeded as Bermuda has, and continues to do. But, it is understood that your political affiliation would not allow you to see beyond the clouds. You have a goal that is to ‘preach’ to others that the PLP are not a good party, and you want and need the “Black Squeezed Swing Middle Class vote” by any means necessary!! Even if your bloggers are nasty in this attempt. This is part of the OBA/UBP’s political strategy, and that is okay, as all parties employ political strategies, but just be willing to accept it when you are called on it. The PLP are still a great party with a lot of work still to be done !!!

        • navin johnson says:

          13 short years? who writes your material? its outlandish…maybe you should refer to some of the plp mps’s as the former UBP/BDA/OBA/PLP candidate Wayne Furbert, Jamahl should add NLP to all of the above and UBP twice….your entire response says nothing that was actually achieved just your opinion that the PLP is great and have done great and will do great. I submit they have put Bermuda on the edge of doom and 5 more years of you, which would make 18 short years, and its over….do you actually believe what you write?

        • Rob says:

          Thankyou specialgirl4, A great new title for Burch, “The Black Rose” “A Black rose by any other name will still be disingenuous.

    • star man says:

      Burch is a lightening rod for criticism. It’s called karma. As he is one of the major culprits who put our Country in this impossible position – because of his ignorant, emotional words – what would you expect, specialgirl, FEEL THE LOVE! BWAA-HA-HA-Ha-Ha-Ha!!

  52. Terry says:

    Special girl # 4…..keep drinking that koolaide.

    Your words speak volumes.

    Then again, thatas what they pay you for.

    Sad.

  53. Donna with Meatballs says:

    Freaks on both sides!

  54. specialgirl4 says:

    @terry,

    You have just proven my point. You have provided an example which is evidents of the types of negative blogging that falls on the line of distasteful. Hopefully, you will work on this…..

    • Terry says:

      Read what you wrote. Your spinning and you want me to feel guilty?

      Keep drinking and spinning that wheel.

      When it stops……………………………

  55. world war says:

    Now that I have exhaled, can someone explain to me how a former Minister who was in charge of just about everything and had the ability to change just about everything has chosen to highlight what he feels hasn’t been done by a government he confesses can’t do everything. I may not know how all government works but I believe he had more say than most. I am not happy about a lot of things and the economy is one of them but I still believe the PLP can and are fixing things. The one silver lining in this cloud is that its obvious that after his comments, he has given up on the PLP as it is and plans on putting his support behind anyone but the PLP. Truth can be sobering at times but not from someone drunk on ego and unfounded self worth. The ‘A’ in team does not stand for arrogance. Do yourself and all of us in the real world a favour and go away.

    True colours.

  56. Rob says:

    Stay tuned folks! the Colonel is presently working on his next opinion, which should be posted around Christmas time!

  57. star man says:

    @ special girl: I know you are a paid political hack for the PLP/UBP/NLP, but you have been asked several times to provide us with all the great things the Party Lovin’ Party has done for our Country (which includes white people if you hadn’t already noticed). And, please stop calling the kettle black, it makes you look foolish.

    The PLP are simply the repackaged Ewart Brown Party. Same old-school people, different chairs; it’s called Musical Chairs. Because NOTHING has changed! NOTHING has changed! NOTHING has changed! NOTHING has changed! NOTHING has changed!

    Get it…?!

  58. navin Johnson says:

    Star Man I think we should refer to the PLP as you say the PLP/EBP since special girl somehow feels the need to refer to the OBA as the UBP/OBA or what ever acronym she feels will hit a racial nerve…her incessant use of buzz words or as Sarah Palin would say “gotcha” makes me realize that they know that the PLP, despite only 13 years in power,is done. Bring on the consultants and political hacks and turn up the racial rhetoric such as “Forty Theives” (whoever the hell they were) as its now expected…promise the hotels which have been promised for 10 years and all of the pre election freebies and move some voters around but it will be all for naught as the secret is out….you are not capable of Governing and you have bankrupted Bermuda so take your generous pensions(which you just boosted) and leave please….time to go and time for change….

  59. Noel Ashford says:

    Colonel Burch,

    It’s questionable at best that you have the audacity to comment on the current state of the economy… You may not realize this, but you caused much of the current climate and SERIOUS issues the Bermuda economy now has. What did you expect when you publically comment with intellectually questionable comments against english politicians, expats, term limits, “alien licenses?” comments against people who marry Bermudians… Hello my friend… you are part of the problem hence your opinion is moot!

    The smartest thing Paula did was to remove you. Your comments are dangerous to the rest of us who want a future for Bermuda. If you care about Bermuda, keep your comments to yourself please. You have nothing of use to offer us seemingly…

    -Noel Ashford

  60. Rob says:

    @Noel Ashford, Tip of the iceberg my friend. The list of his rude comments while in Public office are endless!