“Budget Puts Everyone But Bermudians First”
The 2013/14 Budget gave non-Bermudians and employers tax relief, while everyday Bermudians and seniors will see their cost of living go up, Shadow Finance Minister David Burt said today [Feb 22].
Budget highlights include raising the debt ceiling from $1.45 billion to $2.5 billion, reducing the fees for non-Bermudians to purchase property, commencing negotiations with the unions about reducing staff compensation, a two year payroll tax break for new Bermudian hiring, a 3% increase in vehicle licence fees, additional funding to increase police manpower and raising the duty on cigarettes & liquor.
Mr Burt said, “Today the OBA presented a budget that gave non-Bermudians and employers tax relief, while everyday Bermudians and seniors will see their cost of living go up.
Mr Burt speaking at the House of Assembly earlier today:
“OBA’s plan to increase the cost of bus passes and increase vehicle licensing fees for all Bermudians while leaving Bermudian employees out of the payroll tax holiday is symptomatic of a government that believes Bermudians must bear the burden while their corporate supporters reap the benefits; all this with no guarantee that job opportunities will trickle down to Bermudians.
“The budget’s proposed tax breaks for PRC holders while the OBA cuts Government Scholarships, Mature Student Awards and Further Education Awards shows that this government’s priorities are in the wrong place.
“Today’s budget lacked bold action, where bold action is needed. Today’s budget lacked relief for Bermudians, where relief is needed. Today’s Budget lacked vision, when vision is needed.
“Next week the country will hear our Party’s view of what a budget for today’s times should look like. We will present a vision for the future of this country’s finances that puts the interests of Bermudians first,” concluded Mr Burt.
View all our coverage of the 2013 Budget here.
The PLP did not put Bermudians first either! Only themselves.
He does not have to believe what he is saying (how could he?)…as long as the wall-sitters hear what he is saying then that is all that matters to the PLP.
Due to the woeful lack of education many are not capable of reading further or of critical thought – so it is just the soundbites that matter. This is Politics.
Mr Burt is half American. After his Saltus Grammar School education he moved to the US to study and live because he can. He then bartended for many years at the xpat establishment Hog Penny and made a good income servicing the group he now says this budget solely benefits.
Not only is Mr Burt from privilege and disconnected from the true working class of Bermuda, he also fails to understand the basic concept of trickle down economics that he has surely benefitted from.
Look into the eyes of Minister Burt, look closely, Look at the position of his top eye lid, look at his pupils, have you seen those eyes before, look closely, anything look familiar? anyone come to mind?
After Paula Cox lost the election that was the first time i had ever seen her face and eyes in an honest light, just see the photos for yourself.
cleancut, I do not see anything wrong with minister Burt’s top eye lid…. am I missing something ?
I also, see nothing wrong with minister Burt’s top eye lid, but yes, you are missing something.
Good Reply MR Burt,
This is a government that cares little for the average Bermudian, it looks like more was done for the non-Bermudian in this budget than the Born-Bermudian.
This is a government that promised me it would cut our debt level, but has actually increased it, two-folded. This government has borrowed more than it needed to, and this is not good. Mr Richards told me had something up his sleeve to avoid such large borrowing, but funny he did not reveal it today.
This is a government who told me they had real solutions, just give them a chance. But failed to provide an outline of ideas of their solutions
This is a government who promised me they would ensure that spenting would be cut to reduce our debt, but failed to do either. I was not impressed with this dull budget. It lacked any solutions as to how jobs will be created, and how they will actually bring the economy back online.
THis government keeps attempting to use the PLP as a reason for not having any solutions. But it seems as if the OBA forget they are now the government of the day, and they must provide solutions, this blame game is merely a lame excuse that will no longer work. You promised me solutions, and I have yet to see or hear any.
Today was a wasted opportunity to provide solutions to address Bermuda’s concerns. I expected so much from the OBA, based upon all what they promised me on the doorstep. OBA fans you need to get real, and stop defending a government that promised so much, but so far has delivered nothing. Regardless of party affiliation, MR Burt was indeed correct. The OBA promised me on the door step much more, and I have to agree with Burt, this was not it, by a long shot.
Reply
I suggest you learn to read. They did not increase the debt – they increased the maximum amount they can borrow. That’s no different than you increasing the limit on your credit card “just in case” but not actually using the increased limit.
good reply? you’ve got to be joking. The budget reply should have been “for whatever reason the new Government of Bermuda has inherited a huge task, and I wish them well in their attempts to stop Bermuda going the way of so many other countries in Europe and the Caribbean”
A hugely bloated and overpaid government and enormous debt payments are the reason we are in this mess.
Someone had to make the tough decisions that the PLP never were willing to.
The road to recovery is not an easy one. How about we stick together and not continue with the “us vs them” rhetoric.
“hugely bloated and overpaid government”…….. What has the OBA done to change this, the government is still the same, there is no reduction there. Please be real, the OBA has fail to present a budget with real solutions, I am just outraged by this, as they promised me so much more, and yet there was nothing in it. The OBA budget is weak at best and most disappionting. So in that regard, Mr Burt is correct and we must be honest as well!!
You are full of hot air, what would the PLP do and the real party behind them the BIU? Should the OBA fire half the civil service? Probably. Is this what you are suggesting?
They cannot just lay off half the Government.
The PLP made promises to people and their families that they were not able to keep. Now these people have loans, and tuition and bills to pay so they cannot be sacrificed for the terrible decision-making of the PLP. Yet, we cannot afford to pay everyone and I question how efficient and productive so many people are.
Many youth were hired simply to stop them from breaking into our homes at night. This was an actual mandate from the PLP to employ the unemployable. You have gang-members working for Parks who hide in the trucks for they will be shot if they show their faces in certain areas. So we are paying people not to steal or rob from us essentially?
Now to get back to topic – the transition will have to be a gradual one. People need to come to terms with shared sacrifice. The unions always seem ready to unite behind a drunk driver, why not rally together and take a cut so that all can stay on the job? Isnt that a better display of unity?
OBA Reversed is ABO, short for A** Bent Over, which is exactly wha they are doing for IB. i just hope it pays off.
How long have you waited to use that stupida$$ accronym?
Love how your so quick to comment whens there has only been one session in the house. Obviously only one track minded and uneducated. Maybe you got ABO from one of your daily websites?
You a$$
Spread Em,
Here’s my take on the real meaning of the initials of OBA: One Bad A$$ government!
PLP backward is…….PLP. Got you coming and going.
Econ 101 questions for our Shadow Finance Minister:
1. Don’t non-Bermudians ALSO smoke cigarettes, drink booze, register vehicles, and ride the bus?
2. If it’s a zero-sum game (that is, when non-Bermudians benefit, Bermudians do not), why isn’t right now the most properous time for Bermudians (given how many non-Bermudians have left the island in recent years)?
3. We already know what a PLP budget looks like. Exaggerate the revenue, understate the expenses. Repeat again next year. What about a PLP budget is so “bold” aside from the lie?
What a pathetic, almost embarrassing response! Does the PLP not think that there are no Bermudian employers? Do they foolishly assume that *all* employers are swimming in wealth and thus deserve no tax breaks?
I agree, the budget was basic, predictable, and, in many senses, liberal; but these complaints are inherent of a party grasping at straws, and a Shadow Finance Minister with absolutely no grip or cognizant understanding of basic economics.
It’s sad.
Give it a break PLP, we are in this mess because of YOU!!now i must let go two more of my drivers now as i have no work for them and once again my licence fees are going up?? Yes i know as oppostion it’s your job to object, but it all comes back to E.B and the cog!!
And the PLP put Bermudian’s futures LAST!!!!!!!!!
A question for Mr. Burt: “Who got us into this financial mess in the first place?”
Robbie, I wonder how the cog must be feeling today ? I hope Moreno has her as a guest on his show .
You will not hear from the “COG” for some time to come. She probably has her head in the sand relaxing somewhere. But the day will EVENTUALLY come when she will be unable to take it anymore, and like Ewart Brown she will come out of her kingdom with GUNS blazing!
Rest in peace?
A question to you Robbie you need to go back and read your history about the UBP/OBA! They done a lot just like the PLP did! Craig said the first thing he is going to do is create jobs and tell me how is he going to do that? Just anyone if his lies! But you are just like them so continue!
Which party created this awful mess?……….PLP
Which party continually made the mess smellier?……PLP and the Brown stain.
Which party had no idea how to clean up the mess?……PLP
…and now they are in opposition they are going to give the Government their advice?!!!!
This should be fun (but oh soooo sad)
You should be sad to if you think this party is going to do any better!
Bermudians got the relief they needed when you jokers were kicked to the curb.
laughable comments coming from a party who put us IN this mess to begin with. sad, and unbelievably arrogant, AS USUAL.
Um, this was a budget envisioned in late 2012 by the former government with minor tweaks made to it. The OBA stated there first truly OBA budget won’t come out till this time next year so what’s the issue?
so why the f$^%k did you not ” present a vision for the future of this country’s finances that puts the interests of Bermudians first” for the last couple of years while you were in power there mr burt?
oh, right, i forgot that the PLPs vision for the future of the country’s finances are what we are living today… no money for anything
It is more about US getting on our feet than it was when the PLP was in power – it was all about someone else’s vision for Bermuda, One against their own, and Premier Cox had no idea except to follow orders – frikkin weasel that he is.
Unfortunately we have been experiencing the vision of what a PLP Budget is like for too long. The picture is not pretty. We have been given budgets for the past few years that represented a Government in denial. At least Bob Richards is telling it straight to Bermuda. David Burt is nothing but a windbag.
The former Govt put us in this economic mess. Make no mistake about it. The former Govt failed to reform education. How many young Bermudians are disconnected to the future. I do feel for the younger opposition members , but they need to talk to their elders. I suggest we watch the Kenya election unfold and see where “identity’ politics leads them this time. Last time was not pretty.
.
“Next week the country will hear our Party’s view of what a budget for today’s times should look like. We will present a vision for the future of this country’s finances…”
They just don’t get it. We had your vision for 14 years and look where it got us – up a creek!
The hard truth is that on December 17th, the OBA was not handed the keys to palace of government. They were handed a mop. Now the clean-up begins, but we will be paying for the PLP’s folly for many many years to come.
A mop is right O’Brian. The PLP are so lost in space… I truly do not think any of their MP’s have a clue about economics and finance.
I’m sure their response will be similar to their pie in the sky/fairy tale Reply to the Throne Speech.
When they were in power the PLP had absolutely no idea how to increase employment. Premier Cox was delusional, telling us that the economy was on the cusp of rebounding any minute now. They were full of fantasy stories about Islamic Finance, $1bn invetments in the Hamilton Waterfront, offshore cruise ship docks in St Georges, and how satellite business would become “another leg of the economy”, new hotels in Hamilton. Promises promises. Amd what were they actually doing? Giving insider deals to their friends. Lucrative contracts to the Pastor in St George’s. Approving each other’s planning applications on the quiet. Lying to us about how bad things were.
And the PLP is annoyed about foreigners? Nothing new there. But what about the foreign consultants that were made rich by Ewart Brown, with his numerous $30m+ contracts for nothing for “friends of his wife”? What good did they do for us? Nothing. They’re a big part of the reason we’re in this position.
If Mr. Burt cannot understand how lower tax on the purchase of homes by foreigners would stimulate the economy and create jobs (if it is successful) simply shows how incapable he and possibly his party are of understanding economics. Any investment in Bermuda brings money and jobs whether you are a realtor, painter, retail sales person or other.
Employers who are able will employ more people as business demands.
I find this response disappointing. I can’t say I am looking forward to the opposition’s response unless, this was a smokescreen to hide an enlightened response next week.
Would that be a surprise?
I look forward to seeing the PLP’s “view of what a budget for today’s times should look like. We will present a vision for the future of this country’s finances that puts the interests of Bermudians first.”
To the everlasting shame of the PLP, the interests of Bermudians weren’t even in the picture when they put us in this hole with their over-spending. They called it spending on “the infrastructure” but the roads have never been so bad, the Causeway bridge is still in a ‘temporary’ state, there are a myriad buildings belonging to the Government that have been left to mold and rot…I have asked before for a definition of “infrastructure” that would account for that vast amount of money spent.
Please, puh-leeese, OBA, give the Auditor General full powers ASAP so we can find out where all that money went to, and figure out some way to get at least some of it back!
OBA is now the government, where are the brillant ideas that they promised me? A weak budget that lacked any ideas to address our concerns in BErmuda. I am more outraged that the current government whom promised so much fell down flat today. The PLP are not the government, as a result it is key the OBA do what they need to do,and stop hiding behind the coat tail of the PLP, it will not help them. This kind of response tells me and others that the OBA are void of any meaningful ways to deal with the debt. Disappionting at Best !!
Um are you debt free and if not, how do you intend to get out.. do you spend more or will you cut back or make smaller payments. Do you own a business, business is good, great, had better days – did you save for a rainy day or yo spent heavy so much so that now in order to get out of debt or to keep your head above water you have to make cut backs. Wellllll, the only thing the PLP saved was for their future – the MP’s pension fund is well packed, while we are being told that when we retire there won’t be any funds…. I think the OBA should take 14yrs worth of pension and pay off some of our debt – what you think of that
Give them 14 years of your pension! We all worked hard for ours!
Wow a tax or a relief that specifically seeks out non Bermudians. You had 14 years MP Burt 14 years.
“Next week the country will hear our Party’s view of what a budget for today’s times should look like. We will present a vision for the future of this country’s finances that puts the interests of Bermudians first,” concluded Mr Burt.
Ya, like you did for the past 14 years!
That’s why we booted you out, Mr. Burt. You messed it up royally and it’s now time for some honest, open, capable people to get on with the job and pick up the ball that you dropped.
Get out of the way already!!!
Honorable Mr Shadow Minister — are you not an employer? If the tax breaks are such an affront I suggest you refuse them and insist on paying your share.
Better yet – pay your employees’ share and pass the savings on to them.
Oh the drama of the PLPbiu! What a miserable existence you foist upon us all. In a way I feel very sorry for those who are following you.
You mean the BIUplp
I sadly can’t believe that David Burt is shadow minster of finance. I was shaking my head in disbelief. He may sit here and state what he thinks may be wrong or not right with the budget, but he is the most unqualified person to be shadow minister of finance. Sadly PLP personell will disagree, But if he was he actual Finance Minster, you would get the wrong figures publicly announced to you everday. Worse choice for the job.
before you all jump to conclusion of what i read. I met him only a few years ago, It makes me beleive that he was the soon to be downfall of the PLP! If the PLP had gotten in, and he was given the job. Lord Help us all! Run for the hills, and hide your US money.
Hog wash Mr Burt!, Move over and let experience and wisdom take over
Read through the OBA supporters comments. All they say is PLP did it, or 14 years, or the PLP got us into this mess. Wonder why they are not saying, “well the new budget will do this for Bermuda” or “We will prosper now as Bermudians because of this in the budget.” Know why they are not saying all of this? Because they know, just like the PLP supporters that what Bob Richards did is Bull $hit, but they have to keep their ego up…….
DarkSideofThe Moon-
The answer to your question is that the article isn’t about the budget, it’s about Shadow Minister Burt’s response.
Nice try. You almost looked clever. Very close.
What’s painfully obvious so far is that the PLP have no intention of being an effective, constructive opposition. Through Burt’s and others’ comments, it appears they believe the path forward lies in picayune criticism and meaningless grandstanding.
Maybe that will work for their support base. Maybe they believe their support base is stupid enough to fall for it. But it sure didn’t work last December, did it?
EW
You have a valid point. Someone always has to pay, been the same type of budget for the past 20 plus years, and it’s always us. It would have been nice to have seen a land tax break.
Bermuda won’t be prospering for a very long time, no matter who is in govt.. the priority at the moment is not to sink us completely.
Exactly
Arrogance, ignorance and narcissism is a dangerous combination Mr. Burt….unfortunately, you and your Party reek of it!
Lets play fair now, I think you meant to say Mr Fahy reek of arrogance, ignorance and more. Mr Richards also, that why he fell down on the Budget today. Weak Budget, yet he promised me a bag of apples and all. I am most disappionted.
Why did Mr Burt not have his budget ideas ready for today.
Lolllll i jus want a job i hope i dnt hav to go ROB a non Bermudian !!!!!!
UBP IS BACK IN FULL AFFECT,WHITE PPL AND NON BERMUDIANS WILL B VERY HAPPY
Do you actually feel as stuck in the past as you sound @ cant fool me?
Its OBA…and you left out BLACK PEOPLE…so WHITE PEOPLE, BLACK PEOPLE, BERMUDIANS, NON-BERMUDIANS…WIL BE VERY HAPPY…there you go…just trying to help…ya nearly got it right!
You’re a retard
Non-Bermudians cant vote, so Im sorry to tell you but its your fellow Bermudians that voted the OBA in (not the UBP). Considering white people are a minority in Bermuda, I highly doubt also that it was just white people that voted them in. So many flaws in your ignorant statement.
keep posting like you are and the only people who will hire you are the ones who clean out cess pits.
What complete bollox from Burt.
blah, blah, blah, surprising, abadee, abbada, blah , blah,,,. Looking away from camera.
Must be embarrassing having to critique the new government’s first budget having been elected only 2 months ago after 14 years of _____ and ______ by his party. I almost felt sorry for him.l
been watching Paula to much – copy copy copy but I do like the fact that he doesn’t fill his bull with ‘ummm, ahhh ahhh ahhh ahhh’
Relief for Bermudians? There is no money left after 14 years of a PLP government in fact Bermudians will not see relief for maybe a decade or more thanks to the huge debt the OBA has inherited! Your comments Mr. Burt are nothing but laughable at best. Go back to school and take a course on economics and accounting.
Oh PLEASE, spare me! Who put us in such a position? The OBA now have the MONUMENTAL task of trying to solve a HUGE problem. Why the heck do you think that ALL of us are going to be paying, Sir??? MISMANAGEMENT of the public purse….and for how many years? AND certain tax breaks are needed for business, in order for many of them to survive….and to create new job opportunities.
Can we PLEASE teach economics 101 in schools?
OBA is now the government, where are the brillant ideas that they promised me? A weak budget that lacked any ideas to address our concerns in BErmuda. I am more outraged that the current government whom promised so much fell down flat today. The PLP are not the government, as a result it is key the OBA do what they need to do,and stop hiding behind the coat tail of the PLP, it will not help them. This kind of response tells me and others that the OBA are void of any meaningful ways to deal with the debt. Disappionting at Best !!
Personally I can’t wait to hear the PLP reply to the budget…probably with quotes from His Imperial Majesty…and David Burt, that icon of Economics , speaking on how he and the very shallow intellectual pool that sit around him could have possibly presented a better and more HONEST budget…can’t what…comedy Friday with the PLP…coming next week to the House of Parliament!
David Burt might want to have a look at Price Water House comments on the budget before saying anything further that is not based in economic reality!
There is ONLY one word for the plp response…
PATHETIC!
(as they are and always will be!).
David Burch’s comment – “we don’t care what you think” – seems very apt for the PLP response.
@ can’t fool me
Your right if you can’t see it – we can’t fool you! You should have finished school!
Just cannot believe the number of people who can’t see the writing on the wall!
Or maybe it is because they are sitting on it!
Nothing in that budget to give me as a non-bermudian any benefit at all.
Rich get taxed on high end property (possibly mainly whites – but not all)
Grannies can’t license big cars to grand kids!
Let’s have Bermuda go Independent – then everyone who has been here for 5yrs will get status!! Yey whoop whoop! That’s what the UN will say!!
The PLP put 3-4 thousand Bermudians out of work!
Poor Losers Party can not admit the damage they have done in the last 6 years. Mr Burt, The problem is you and your party speak out of both sides of your mouth. What did you and the BIU do for the average man when you were in power? The average man is suffering more now then ever!!! It is sad what you and your party have done to the people of Bermuda. please watch the ducumentory ” Life and Debt” which you should know very well, your encesters are from there and felt what a bad government can do to a country. That is probably why you now live here putting on ears!!
What the PLP don’t seem to get, although I think they do, but they are pandering to votes, is that a whole pile of people with no money will not generate more money.
We need people with money to join our economy. AND we should be nice to them. Then maybe they will spend and we will all share a little bit of the influx of money.
We should not resent them, and belittle them, and suck our teeth at them.
We should also not bend over and lick their boots as some like to say is the equivalent of being nice. Maybe Bermudians have forgotten how to be nice. They have certainly forgotten how to succeed. Honey catches more than vinegar.
It is also simply good to be nice to your fellow man.
I am Bermudian and ashamed of the “us vs them” garbage. Realise it can and should be symbiotic and respectful and happiness and prosperity will come.
Among other failures, it is this fundamental lack of understanding that led the PLP to put us in this postion in the first place.
Good Reply MR Burt,
This is a government that cares little for the average Bermudian, it looks like more was done for the nonBermudian in this budget.
This is a government that promised me it would cut our debt level, but has actually increased it. This government has borrowed more than it needed to, and this is not good.
This is a government who told me they had real solutions, just give them a chance. But failed to provide an outline of ideas of their solutions
This is a government who promised me they would ensure that spenting would be cut to reduce our debt, but failed to do either. I was not impressed with this dull budget. It lacked any solutions as to how jobs will be created, and how they will actually bring the economy back online.
THis government keeps attempting to use the PLP as a reason for not having any solutions. OBA you are now the government, and that lame excuse will not longer work. You promised me solutions, and I have yet to see or hear any. Today was a wasted opportunity to provide solutions to address Bermuda’s concerns. OBA fans you need to get real, and stop defending a government that promised so much, but so far has delivered nothing. Regardless of party affiliation, MR Burt was indeed correct. The OBA promised me on the door step much more, and I have to agree with Burt, this was not it, by a long shot.
Oh give me a break… the OBA have been in for, what? 5 minutes? Did we hear your voice about the horrendous management by the PLP? Well, we wouldn’t know because you choose to make your pot shot from behind a made-up name.
Pre-election the OBA indicated they had a plan to fix this growing debt. What do they do? INCREASE THE DEBT. This is not what I was told on the doorstep. THE OBA promised me more, and I have not seen it so far. THe OBA ensured me that they were ready to go on day 1, as they had every plan in place. But this Budget today suggest this was not the case. Did OBA lie to me about their ability to deal with the concerns we are facing in Bermuda, such as Debt, gang violence and JObs. I did not see anything in the budget that will quickly provide jobs. I did not see anything in the budget that would work towards decreasing our debt. Most disappionting at best. It also says OBA are void of any real ideas, if not why not reveal them in todays Budget?
go sit out on your rock, suck on your coffee cup and pollute the air with your cigarette. Nothing will ever make you happy. You are a miserable person and no matter what good is done by anyone, you will be negative about it. You need to live somewhere like NOrth Rock – all by yourself, no grass to grow around your feet, no body to complain about – the fish even they will swim away from you because of your wonderful mood of Assaninism.
This is why I hate frikkin PLP supporters. They’re idiots.
I am distressed that Minister Richards did not include a “Former Ministers’ Amnesty Give It All Back Tax” and that Shadow Minister Burt has not suggested it with a view to PLP redemption… Shades of collusion despite the rhetoric or am I just paranoid (did I have Burt’s breakfast)?
One more point, Bernews, I would be very interested in knowing Mr. Terry Lister’s view of this budget.
He has publicly stated his support with sensible review and comment. Impressed by detail and plan!
Oh, and I believe he was the PLP’s first choice for SHADOW FINANCE MINISTER!!!!
I’m certainly glad the PLP had David Burt speak on their behalf and I’d recommend they do so in the future. He sounds intelligent and sober – unlike Marc Bean.
Meanwhile, the RIP (Regressive Ignorant Party) needs to get a grip. They caused our debt and OBA is trying to get us out of it. RIP’s characterization of OBA only caring for non Bermudians is of course pathetic.
Only the least intelligent voter would believe such rubbish.
One of the most idiotic things the PLP did was to get rid of thousands of expats due to term limits. It doesn’t take a brain bigger than a pea to realize that this has been completely devastating to Bermuda. All those apartments standing empty with no rent being paid. All those expats not buying groceries, cars, bikes, gas, beer, cigarettes, furniture, electricity, cell phones, etc etc.
Now the OBA is trying to attract foreigners back here and the PLP is complaining. Get a grip PLP. You lost the election, now the professionals have taken over.
One note of credit to the PLP: At least you aren’t moaning about race. That ship sailed.
However, moaning about foreigners is completely cutting off your own nose to spite your already ugly face.
Pathetic Leech Party
It is really sad to see the start of this new Government providing all these incentives for non-Bermudians in a span of 2 months after being in power. First was the Term Limits, now it’s the realestate market providing a decrease in licensing fees. How can this be tolerated knowing that people that are non-Bermudians looking to purchase realestate come here with money, therefore they should be paying licensing fees to contribute to decreasing our deficit. Lets make sense of this people, if they are able to purchase property in an expensive place like this, you mean to tell me they should be given finacial exemptions for doing so. What about Bermudians!!??
Read that Budget Plan, what opportunity financially is there for the average Bermudian who is struggling? All I’m hearing is shared sacrifice but opportunity for the foreigner. I support having foreigners here to guide us in business and to train Bermudians for jobs then they need to return home. But I have a question…. Will Bermudians ascertain the same incentives in their countries??? Where is the party for Bermudians??? Where is the plan for getting Bermudians back to work?? People pay attention to what’s going on here and direct these people accordingly!! THEY WORK FOR US, WE DON’T WORK FOR THEM!!
Benefits: JOBS JOBS JOBS which means rental units will no longer be empty, more people off Financial Assistance, more businesses new and those closed could probably re-open, families separated because of having been living from one end of the island to the other, hopefully costs of food will drop, more shipping business, more international business, more visitors, more business for taxi’s, no school cuts (Teachers, programs, supplies and so on). Somebody has to right the wrong done to this Island by Ewart Brown and his cronies and I am so very glad it is a group of sensible, humble, business minded, honest, people. Go ahead OBA you are on the right track to bringing us HOPE for a brighter Bermuda!!
Truthfulness,
White folks and the Black elitist are absolutely mute to what you are saying. They are self-serving and don’t give a damn about anybody else. However, the Black elitist must overstand that when the rest of us Blacks are given the heave-ho they will be included in that number as well. It is my belief that the aim of the whites in the OBA government is to create a lily white island. Let’s not forget the ‘Secret Report’ which came out of their ‘Secret Meetings’ in Fairylands. My foreign contact who worked in Fairylands has left Bermuda and so I am not getting a feed.
Baloney!
By Black Elitists, you must mean Ewart, Cox, Furbert, Burgess, Paster Bean, Burch, and all the others who have been taking us blind for years.
Deep breath…you can’t employ people without employers…go away and repeat a thousand times to yourself and you may start to get it! By the way, printing lots of money does not work…just in case that was your next bright idea!
It is very interesting to read the comments here. Weak Budget. I wonder how many of us Bermudians could have withstood a strong budget? We are up in arms over the lack of consideration for the Bermudian but we quickly forget that Bermudians put us in the mess that we are in! Solutions come in stages and it would be better to move ahead slow and steady than to bolt out the gate like a wild horse and destroy everything. It took 14 years to get this country to the level that it is at today. There is no magic wand that will get us back to prosperity. These tax offerings for Non Bermudians are just a test to see if it is possible to get foreign investors. Who knows if there will be foreigners breaking down the door to get here? We have created such a melting pot of crime and violence that can be seen globally that I wonder if Mr. Or Mrs. Foreigner would be rushing to come or return to this place. Bermudians have lost all manor of manners toward each other so the foreigner doesn’t stand a chance. Mr. Burt should have had his budget response ready for today. Next week we don’t want to hear it. Stop complaining and start working together to get us all back on track.
Blah,blah blah,more PLP rhetoric,no solutions!
Blah blah bla bla bla blah! Burt is full of himself.
The anti-Bermudian regime OBA government calls it budget a call for shared sacrifice but only for the Bermudian who has to pay high bank interest rates while would be non-Bermudian home owners receives concessions and tax relief to buy up Bermuda’s scarce land and homes which cuts out the future asprations and hopes of out children. It calls for wage cuts for government workers; but not for lower rates for bank loans and the cost of electricity or for lower prices in the supermarkets. The anti-Bermudian regime OBA government shows by it’s decisions that it is bound and determine to effect Bermuda’s recovery upon the backs of ordinary working Bermudians which is a further irony because the anti-Bermudian sentiment in this country is that only the non-Bermudian and the mirant worker is resposible for Bermuda’s economic
existence.Bermudians are suppose to be a passive people; but I know my people and know how they will react once they perceive that thier backs are push up against the wall; than those who are resposible for these ill-fated social and economic policies will rush to London and ask for a commission to explain the consequences of thier own folly
Is it anti-Bermudian to issue an apology?
i am a working bermudian,working three jobs and I can see the you need people with money so that people like me can have a job. Or are you able to have enough finances to provide jobs Mr Williams. You PLP people are thick headed, that is why I would not vote for you people again.
In this case, I agree with the minister. However, had the PLP dealt with the many issues they should have we might not be in this mess either. Greed gets those in power always. Animal Farm. Read it.
We are doign it all over again.
Foreign investors. To build more? Are we not congested enough already? Looks to me like we want Bermuda to become a place where the rich connected folks can romp and the Bermudians can become slaves again. Or aren’t we still?
I cannot believe how uneducated and stupid, yes stupid, my fellow Bermudians are. Bermudians like Alvin Williams, Laverne Furbert et all.
Trying still to brainwash the great unwashed with their lies and exaggerations. It’s unreal….
As they say. Only in Bermuda.
That man Burt is either trying to pull the wool over the PLP steeples eyes, or he is as tepid as they are.
Go away,unless you have something helpful to say.Bermuda is in a precarious position and needs togetherness,not division!
All i can say is perhaps we as a people/Bermudians have lowered the bar=standard of the people we elect as our governments??Gone are the days of the Wades, Evans, Thomas, Richards , Sharpe, people who love there country for the good of all, and not in politics to fill there own pockets and devide the country…
Pre-election the OBA indicated they had a plan to fix this growing debt. What do they do? INCREASE THE DEBT. This is not what I was told on the doorstep. THE OBA promised me more, and I have not seen it so far. THe OBA ensured me that they were ready to go on day 1, as they had every plan in place. But this Budget today suggest this was not the case. Did OBA lie to me about their ability to deal with the concerns we are facing in Bermuda, such as Debt, gang violence and JObs. I did not see anything in the budget that will quickly provide jobs. I did not see anything in the budget that would work towards decreasing our debt. Most disappionting at best. It also says OBA are void of any real ideas, if not why not reveal them in todays Budget? Folks like me are very disappionted, as the OBA ensured us different results, but looks like it was just to get votes after all.