Richards: Government’s ‘Anti Business’ Attitude

December 9, 2012

[Updated w/PLP response] The “anti-business attitudes that characterized this Government’s years in office have served no one well,” Shadow Finance Minister Bob Richards said this evening.

Mr Richards said: “The only hope to get thousands of out-of-work Bermudians back to work is through private businesses, large and small. The Government can’t do it, having destroyed its ability to grow jobs in tough times by racking up a billion dollar debt that has tied its hands.

“What the Government can do is to foster an environment that gives business the confidence to expand their activities. So, we are amazed its candidates have been doing just the opposite, by attacking the business community.

“The simple fact is this: If we are to end mass unemployment, we have to grow jobs. But the reckless rhetoric we heard last week is what makes people lose confidence in Bermuda, driving business away. It serves no purpose but to divide people needlessly and undermine the Island’s ability to recover economically.

“The One Bermuda Alliance will be responsible in its approach to managing the economy. At the end of the day, the anti-business attitudes that characterized this Government’s years in office have served no one well, particularly the thousands who now find themselves out of a job or under-employed.

“A One Bermuda Alliance Government will grow 2,000 jobs. That’s a solid commitment. Our Jobs & Economic Turnaround Plan has strategies to help both large and small businesses expand. We have specific practical strategies to help small business. We need all businesses involved – ‘all hands on deck’ – when it comes to the creation of jobs for Bermudians.

Mr Richards continued: “One of the ways a One Bermuda Alliance Government will control wasteful government spending is through the formation of a Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission.

“Families Minister Mr. Glenn Blakeney on the weekend attacked the SAGE Commission saying it will result in ‘radical and destructive’ cuts. Perhaps he should have checked with the Premier before making those utterances. In a ministerial statement to Parliament last December, the Premier stated:

“The Government will establish an efficiency team, comprising staff from the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Finance and the private sector. The efficiency review that will take place throughout all Government ministries will ensure that we are delivering our services in the most efficient manner.”

“It seems electioneering has caused Mr. Blakeney to suffer amnesia, because the Premier’s plan – did it ever happen? – sounds exactly like a SAGE Commission,” continued Mr Richards.

“The Government is speaking out of both sides of its mouth on this issue – hoping people won’t remember what it says from one day to the next. It appears to be all for an ‘efficiency team’, but now, in the heat of an election, it is against an efficiency team going by the name of a SAGE Commission. What’s the truth?”

The OBA also noted a recent statement by PLP candidate Vince Ingham at a Town Hall saying that Bermuda’s business community “has no social conscience” and are “acting for their own interests.”

“Mr. Ingham’s remarks serve no real purpose other than to divide people unnecessarily. Let’s use this election to bring about change for a better Bermuda, including an end to the politics of division,” the OBA said.

Update 8.16pm: In response a PLP spokesperson said: “The OBA is finally showing it’s true colours – as the party that puts business before people. They began with a risky tax plan which is little more than a giveaway to business, putting the tax burden on workers while employers alone, reap the benefits.”

“The PLP believes in a balanced approach that is fair to both workers and business owners alike. Fairness is at the cornerstone of our vision for our country’s future. We believe in a balanced approach with policies like the Incentives for Job Makers Act that both create opportunities for Bermudians and help businesses. That’s what building a fairer economy that works for all our people is all about.”

Responding to Mr Richards comments about the SAGE Commission, the PLP spokesperson said: “If the Cuts & Pain Commission is no different than what the PLP has already put forward in terms of belt tightening, what’s the use in pretending it’s something new? Mr. Richards should instead be giving credit to the PLP for already taking the very action that he recommended!

“It is time for Bob Richards to come clean. If they are indeed going to claim that they can increase spending and cut taxes to the tune of $500 million while simultaneously reducing the debt, then, rapid and radical cuts will have to be made.

“If the Cuts & Pain Commission is going to be something different than what we’ve already implemented, then, major cuts will have to be on the table. It is time for the OBA to come clean and tell us exactly what they plan to cut.”

Read More About

Category: All, News, Politics

Comments (70)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

Articles that link to this one:

  1. Bernews Bermuda Weekend News, Photos, Videos, Links & More | Bernews.com | December 10, 2012
  1. Soooooo says:

    Well stated …..

    Vince should probably look at the Millions that business both local and exempt donate to the island’s charities every year…. Just look at this week where Capital G donated to Meals on Wheels…. Business, both local and exempt make huge contributations to the island, not all of which is visible to the general public…

    Vince is talking out of his rear…..

      • Blurt says:

        Who is this PLP spokesperson, seem to be saying an awful lot in the media on so many articles. Too ashamed to put their name to their pathetic divisive lies probably. Show your face PLP, we are not going to vote for what we can’t see…..or perhaps this is part of your secret Markham, Hitler quoting strategy. Have no name , take no blame, say what you want and get away with it..Not good enough if you want votes.

        • Argosy says:

          I’d guess it’s Burt….judging by how pathetically weak and empty these pronouncements are.

    • Luis Suarez says:

      Absolutely, the PLP doesn’t support IB, so in effect it doesn’t support most of us. Anyone who thinks IB isn’t the key economic determinant is a fool, it dominates. Drive more away, watch restaurants, schools, shops, golf clubs, charities, sports clubs, events etc close.

      The PLP are so misguided.

      • Soooooo says:

        “The OBA is finally showing it’s true colours”. Can the PLP stat a response with a new line? This is getting real boarding!!!!

        • Black boi says:

          Nope they can’t, they’ve obviously run out of everything to say. Theyre fighting what I, and many others hope is a losing battle! If PLP get back in power, it’ll ONLY be because of ppl’s loyalty to those 3 letters, and NOT because of the ppl that are representing them. The very same ppl that the govt is saying “businesses will get breaks while the small man takes the burden” are the same ppl that are unemployed right now!! How are they being taken advantage of if they’re given a job?? They didn’t have a job before and now they do! So will somebody pleeeeease explain that to me?

        • Blurt says:

          So what te PLP are now saying is that THE PLP HAVE A CUTS AND PAIN COMMISSION, so the PLP are all about austerity!!! The OBA are all about doing things effectively, efficiently and right for Bermudians and Bermuda via the SAGE Commission, which is something the PLP have never been able to do.

          Grand Atlantic condos on south shore…..how many millions and one family live there!!!!
          How much did Berkley cost v original budget?
          How much over budget was the Wharf at Dockyard… And it may no longer be suitable for 2014 ships.
          LED Lights
          Dame LB Evans building, who are the beneficiaries of that trust.
          Inability to secure cruise ships fir Hamilton or Dockyard….yes there are plenty of suitable cruise ships out there.

          But lets get back on topic…… The OBA are committed to create jobs through their jobsan economic recovery plan. That is a solid commitment and the plan genuinely reads and plays as achievable.

          The PLP document smells of the usual fluff and plan to consider to think about planning a proposal….i.e. The PLP will achieve and do NOTHING.

    • Webster says:

      Vince, now we know why you are no longer the CEO of Belco.

  2. Winnie Dred says:

    Ok Vince Ingham says Bermuda’s business community has no social conscience WOW, all that coming from a former Belco CEO. I need not explain Belco’s business model here, which is simply take it or take it. Talking about social conscience when fuel price adjustment is always greater that the actual charges regardless if fuel is 1 dollar or 100 dollars per barrel.Sorry Sir you have no moral grounds to complain about any business owner in Bermuda, oops I forgot a election is dawning.

  3. Y-Gurl says:

    The PLP have gone out of their way to send a strong your not welcome message and get out of “our country” we have seen a massive departure of people and business in Bermuda with financial impacts to all of us, now they want to change the flow? Bullish!t they are grasping at broken straws in another attempt to fool the uninformed voters, the destruction of Bermudas economy and the massive debt we now have is the one and only job the PLP have been successful at.

  4. GOD 1st says:

    Bermuda needs to know information about the accountant general who is on adminisrative leave. PLP is keeping this quite

    • rock says:

      Thank you! Other people notice this is extremely suspicious!

      • Blurt says:

        PLP are going for the they are not like us Markham strategy approach…they are trying to make people think they are not worthy of the OBA or that the OBA are different. Every Bermudian is part of the OBA, Every Bermudian has an equal place in the OBA. Every Bermudian will be worked for by the OBA. The OBA are not Mega Town Hall Rally, Rock Stars or Moon walkers, and thank God, because, Rock Stars and moonwlkers are there for attention, their ego and cost the watchers and fans their money. Rockstars deliver a show for a couple of hours and then dissapear into the night. Much like our never there when a problem ocurrs leader of the PLP.

        Vote with your brain, not with what the PLP or gossipers ORDER you to do. Please read the full OBA jobs and economic recovery plan, the go read the PLP plans in their FULL platform for jobs and the economy and then make your own mind up on who to Vote For. Please don’t let the vile hate divisive Markham strategy in the opening of the PLP platform make you feel the way they are trying to program and control you to feel. Rise above that PLP CHEAP trickery. You are better than that.

        • rock says:

          Oh trust me I am waaaay above it. Well said.

          • M.P.Mountbatten JP says:

            I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news … But the OBA simply doesn’t exist for many people . The only viable opposition is the UBP and they …. Well were the hell are they ?

            • media says:

              The OBA only has to attract the swing voters. Of course there will always be those that shut out anything that the other side says. That’s normal. It’s the people in the middle, you know, some of the ones that voted other than the PLP in previous elections.

  5. jt says:

    Let’s hear what Mr. Burch and Mr. Commissiong have to say on this topic now days. It seems they have been muzzled.

    • street wise says:

      Let’ not. M’kay?

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      Not only have Mr. Burch and Mr. Commissiong gone silent. Looks like they have been muzzled from the very announcement of their candidacy. Better to be silent & thought a fool etc.

      The blogs have gone eerily silent on the part of the green team too. Have they been silenced by their controllers or have the utterances from Alaska Hall been too over the top for them too? One can only hope that the light is finally shining through for some of them.

      • Come Correct says:

        Probably selling more bonds so they can pay the green team, you would have to pay me to write some of that BS.

    • Argosy says:

      Likewise the cog…..

  6. Watching says:

    Anyone care to shed light on this big announcement due soon?

    • Media says:

      Gone quiet. I guess we have to wait until Thursday…

      • Argosy says:

        What’s happening on Thursday?

        • media says:

          Here is the reference. Posted last week.

          Now you see it Now you don’t :: December 6, 2012 12:34 pm
          What goes around, comes around. The PLP has been punishing Bermudians for a long time now. Huge amounts of money missing. Corruption is rampant.

          Well, all of that is about to change. Bermudians will finally see for themselves, the INCONTROVERTIBLE, ABSOLUTE PROOF of what’s REALLY been going on all these years.

          Here’s the TIMETABLE.

          The BOMBSHELL (WHO took the money, when, and how.) Releases Thurs Dec 13.

          December 14 will be allocated to the PLP for their inevitable DENIALS, SPIN, LEGAL CHALLENGES (sorry, those WON’T work, in this instance) INDIGNANT BLUSTERING AND POSTURING.

          December 15 INCONTROVERTIBLE PROOF of the BOMBSHELL will be released on the INTERNET, FACEBOOK, and , if possible, on the local TV stations and in the local NEWSPAPERS.

          The Bermudian public will have the rest of the weekend to think about what they’ve just seen and heard. They’ll have the opportunity to re-consider how they vote on the 17th.

          I predict that the PLP won’t be able to lie and spin their way out of this.

          It’s high time the public was told the truth – and they will be..They’ll SEE and HEAR it for themselves.

          When this FULLY PROVED INFORMATION reaches the Bermudian voters, the PLP will LOSE the election by a LANDSLIDE

      • Verbal Kint says:

        Yes, please. What’s happening Thursday?

  7. A little wisdom says:

    I just listened to Mr Perinchief tslk sbout all the new companies that have registered in Bermuda this year. Do any of these companies do any business in Bermuda or are they just shingle businesses for the purpose off avoiding taxes? How many of them are hiring Bermudians to work in Bermuda and have a vibrant work force in Bermuda. If all or most of them do, how is it that the work force is dwindling and so many expats are leaving the country? Unless I am mistakened, and I hope that I am, to register a company in Bermuda does not mean that this is the place where all the business is done. So what is the truth? A registration fee does little to help our GDP if all the employees working are elswhere.

    • Luis Suarez says:

      Signs on walls, tax breaks for US companies (Europe doesn’t come here anymore – Ewart scared them all off). Zero support staff.

  8. Proud. says:

    and when you run a country like a business social classes will be neglected. funny how the OBA focus alot more on profit, and alot less on people…

    • Portia says:

      So, because the OBA want to help business, you assume that they are not focused on the welfare of Bermudians? That is simply not true. If you have a look at their plans they’re putting forward, you will see that they are focused on lots of things that affect average Bermudians, including education, crime, healthcare and controlling the cost of living for families. It’s all on their website. They are not all about “big business” as the PLP would have you believe.

      A lot of the problems that Bermuda is facing right now is because the country IS NOT being run like a business; with financial responsibility and accountability. Can you imagine if a company was run the way the PLP runs things? How long do you think their doors would stay open? The PLP has been cutting programs to the very social classes you mentioned who are most vulnerable and need it! They have run out of the means to help these people because they failed to keep Bermuda profitable. A healthy economy is the lifeblood of a country that helps everyone – and right now, we’re just bleeding out!

    • Codfish says:

      Pride is one thing that cannot be eaten.

    • Argosy says:

      OK, let’s make big losses which put people out of work. That’s “focusing on people, right?

      Dumb and dumber! The PLP & you, Proud!

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      Money must fall from the sky in your world or you have a civil service job.

      Unlike Government, businesses must remain profitable in order to exist. A profitable business needs people. Those people get paid for their services. Yes, every one of them are ‘cogs’ in the wheel. Each of them spend their pay in other businesses.

      Can you see a pattern here Proud?

    • Verbal Kint says:

      I’m still waiting for someone like Proud to tell me how the PLP intend to help people without any money with which to do it. Talk about Magic Plans, that surely is one.

    • Black Bermy in IB says:

      Please tell me you’re not serious. Let me break it down and try to make it real simple.

      3000 unemployed = drag on the economy (eventually someone needs to pay for them to live)

      Government in debt cannot continue to spend more than it earns and therfore cannot create more jobs.

      Business both small and large = jobs

      People want jobs

      Therefore being for business is being for the people

  9. Ringmaster says:

    The faceless and nameless PLP spokesperson is flip flopping badly. So the PLP already has what they term a Cuts and Pain Commission. I beleieve that is commonly referred to as “Day to Day PLP Government”.
    The PLP still haven’t said what they will do to handle the debt crisis and create more real jobs. Real jobs are jobs that bring in foreign exchange and allow for more jobs to be created from those jobs, not jobs to have your nails painted.

    They really sound desperate having to use the same lies in each response. The classic propoganda message. Create a lie and say it over and over. Permanently Lying Party.

  10. Rick Rock says:

    So on Saturday Blakeney was telling us ‘the PLP is pro-business’. And on Sunday an un-named PLP spokesman said the OBA ‘puts business before people’?

    Typical PLP. They change their position every day, anything to whip up hate.

  11. Keturah says:

    @proud….don’t think the OBA are suggesting that the social classes should be neglected….there’s room for both. We still need to make money in order to fund things like social programs etc. as well as to provide an environment where all classes can make money.

  12. Mad Dawg says:

    Looking at the PLP announcement, it really is appalling how much they are prepared to lie. They are a bunch of liars, pure and simple. They will say anything at all to try to get re elected.

    The whole thing is straight out of their Markham report. . It’s a strategy based on lying to get elected, and they’re following it every day.

  13. de ja vodoo says:

    Socialism only works with someone elses money.

  14. Xman says:

    If the PLP understood business Bermuda would not be in the bad economic position that were in now.
    Bad vision, wild unconrolled spending,unfriendly business practices,
    customs buty on were they should not be, a violent society dos’nt work for real expendible business.
    lets face it my fellow Bermudians our ship is sinking and sinking fast.

  15. M.P.Mountbatten JP says:

    The most beautiful thing about living in a democracy is the freedom of choice .

    • Zombie Apocalypse says:

      Does that include freedom to lie and steal?

      • Argosy says:

        …..and act unethically and refuse to remove your shoes, and give untendered contracts to your “buddies”, and hide behind trasts involving taxpayers’ money, and do deals with the foriegn Gov’ts without consulting your own people, and….etc…etc.

      • M.P.Mountbatten JP says:

        For you that’s a given .

    • Hey says:

      and sadly the PLP are trying to fill people with hate and divisiveness ..they are desperate to make the OBA look like something the OBA are not, whilst all the time making them feel like they will be letting themselves down by not voting for the PLP. The PLP are trying to emotionally take away peoples freedom of choice. Didn’t Hitler do that? People should read both parties platforms and make their own choice and forget the emotional trickery.

      • M.P.Mountbatten JP says:

        I’m sorry Mr/Mrs.OBA’er if you don’t know who you are , how are we to know who you are . One day this concept of a new political break-off party of the UBP came on the scene and said ,” here you go Bermuda , we are the OBA , vote for us , we are brand new and we are the best thing since sliced bread .”

        Give me a friggin break you silly bums . Lets see how cohesive you are after the 17th , lets see if you’re intention or purpose is only to govern or do you have the foundation to be a real opposition .

        • Hey says:

          WOW call the Bermuda Voters silly bums, because they don’t agree with you, you are following the divisive strategy…..Run on your platform, stop making up plans to plan to consider a plan to propose, tell us the truth on The Beneficiaries of the Trust on the Dame LBEvans building, what happened to the Accountant General and why, where are the promised mid year financials? How many people and how many units sold at Grand Atlantic…something that the PLP told us we needed, when we didn’t want it, and told them … yet they continued.

          • Argosy says:

            He won’t reply because he’s too cohesive!!

          • Black Bermy in IB says:

            Weren’t we promised ground was to have been broken in St. Georges before year end????

            More empty promises to come.

  16. Triangle Drifter says:

    There is a choice on the 17th for some. Vote on emotion or vote on the wallet.

    • M.P.Mountbatten JP says:

      Did the Americans vote on emotion or vote on the wallet ?

      • Come Correct says:

        Funily enough, Americans always vote for the wallet, its called the Federal Reserve. They don’t really have a choice, but its conforting when you think you do. Did you not think it looked like Romney was purposely trying to lose the election? I mean who really runs a campaign that basically says screw the majority and expects to win? You really think Obama is the be all and end all of decision making for the US? No, the President is a glorified personal assistant, a face for the people to see, while the real decisions are made and passed down to him. Look at Bush jr, President for 8 years and the guy could barely string a sentence together unless it invovled the words occupation/terrorists/Iraq/Afghanistan/terrorists/war/patriotism/terrorists/liberty. He was a presidential neanderthal, but who better to carry on Sr’s middle eastern relations lol. Ever sit and wonder why they started a decade(and counting) long war based on the destruction of 2 buildings designed to take the impact of a plane? Here’s a clue, it wasn’t Bush’s idea. We should never compare ourselves to America, I’d say we should distance ourselves as much as possible before their economy colapses but it looks like Syria is doing a pretty good job of helping them out with their plan. Only time will tell.

        • status! says:

          @come correct—-Americans voted for Barrack this time not on Romney who more represents the Federal Reserve!so where is your logic, Romney screwed up whether on purpose or not, Americans are tired of the old white mens club, that one percent who think they can rule from the wallet! I think Americans voted on emotion this time..Equality, fairness for all is more Obama.

          • Come Correct says:

            …How do you “more” represent the Federal Reserve? Do you even understand what it is? No matter who the President is, the orders come from the top. Bush jr sent troops to the middle east, Obama said he would bring them home…they’re still there. If black and white is the only thing you can use to compare America with Bermuda its no wonder we’re lost. Find someone else to BS I’m not that guy and I’m pretty tired of your racist posts. Now go back to your divisive strategy handbook.

      • Triangle Drifter says:

        Not being an American, I have no idea. The split is pretty much those who create jobs & business vote Republican. Those looking for a Government hand out or are employees not really answerable to anyone but themselves, vote Democrat.

        An American summed it up for me many years ago, before the US debt grew too. He said “The Republicans make the money. The Democrats spend it”

        Whatever! Us politics are far more complex than Bermuda.

    • Hey says:

      Vote to continue to pay for poverty and the showbiz PLP govenment, or recieve money under an OBA government that will graft hard for all.

      • M.P.Mountbatten JP says:

        @T.D ..Answer the question . Did the Americans vote on emotion or vote on the wallet ?

        • Come Correct says:

          Why are you trying to compare us to a nation that killed over 3000 foreigners and nationals on their own soil for an excuse to start a crusade for oil? We only have one thing in common with America, if they don’t get their oil, our dollar becomes worthless too.

        • Let me get this str8 says:

          Do you think that the fact that >90% of African-Americans vote for Democrats make them racist and is hindering progress?

        • Argosy says:

          At least we know they didn’t vote on race!

        • Pastor Syl Hayward says:

          @Mountbatten: Who cares how the Americans voted? But if you must know, I believe they voted on who was most plausible. Mitzie was promising major tax breaks for the richest, increased taxes for the middle class, cuts to essential social services, a total disrespect for the poor, and then couldn’t keep his stories straight – in fact at one point, he even asked the voters what they wanted him to say, because, as he said, he would say ‘whatever they wanted him to say if they would only vote for him’ – NOT a guy to inspire confidence!

          The government keeps trying to compare the OBA to the Republicans but even a glance at the OBA’s platform will clearly show the difference – well-thought out plans with workable steps and timelines for completion.

          • Verbal Kint says:

            Thanks, Pastor Syl. The Americans, unfortunately, voted as they normally do; for what is perceived to be the lesser of two evils. Not that the candidates are the evil, the platforms find little room for centrists and most American voters are centrists. The choice is thus based in large part on trust, and I don’t think the voters trusted Romney. I have always thought that the answer to Mountbatten’s question is both, heart and wallet. Same as it actually is here.

          • status! says:

            @pastorslyhayward—lots of things look good on paper, I voted for the PLP based on their wonderful platform, little did I realize that the people in the civil service and private sector had their own agendas that sometimes did not coincide with what was proposed by the party, hence we are in the present situation..even Obama can not be blamed for actions of the former Bush government and decision making policies that are sometimes usurped by congress.. So unless the OBA plan on getting rid of all civil servants, they will be working with the same bunch! Now what do we do?We work along with the US economy so its virtually impossible to run along timelines, unless there really is a crystal ball.