Opposition Leader On PLP Proposals For Jobs

June 6, 2014

[Opinion column written by Opposition Leader Marc Bean]

As the school year ends, many of our young people are returning from university and like so many Bermudians will be looking for jobs. Unfortunately, many of these young people will not be able to return to school in the fall as their parents have either lost their jobs, seen their salaries slashed or simply cannot afford to educate their children and keep up with skyrocketing prices for necessities.

Getting Bermudians back to work is important and making sure that our young people have the skills to compete for jobs and opportunities in our own country must be a priority as well. While the OBA wanted to shrink opportunities for Bermudian youth by allowing the children of work permit holders to work, the PLP proposes:

1) Working with our global partners to lengthen Practical Training Visas, allowing young Bermudians to have jobs overseas while gaining international experience making them more skilled and more competitive in the local job market when they eventually return to Bermuda

2) Restoring the $1.6 million slashed from scholarships by the OBA, allowing students to complete their education and obtain the skills, training and certification needed to compete for jobs and opportunities in Bermuda

3) Implementation of the PLP’s Infrastructure Development Strategy creating work for Bermudian construction companies, jobs for out of work construction workers and summer students

4) School Facility repairs to address the ongoing state of disrepair, address outstanding issues and create summer employment for students

5) Expanding protected job categories so that more jobs requiring little to no skills or experience open up for Bermudians

If Bermuda’s greatest resource is our people, protecting the next generation by ensuring that they come first in jobs and opportunities and have access to the training they need to compete is critical. Young Bermudians must know that they do matter and that there is a Bermuda for them to come back to and together we must work to make that a reality.

- Marc Bean

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Comments (81)

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  1. Cleancut says:

    Just resign please.

    • Rockfish#2 says:

      Agreed. This is the predictable effort to divert attention from the “tea” issue.

      • Redo says:

        Just give them all some illegal drugs in their tea – that solves everything!
        BTW- What are you still doing talking? You should have resigned by now!

      • Cleancut says:

        He’s just throwing this out there for the PLP lieutenants to see.

    • Build a Better Bermuda says:

      I don’t dismiss what he says right out, points 1 and 5 are actionable items that government can do anything about. Point 1 can be achieved with incentive for IB with short term work permits, something like 1 for the first five Bermudians they hire to an overseas office. 5 requires change to the work permit block list.

      However Mr. Bean seems to conveniently forget that during his and his parties time in power, they neglected to leave any financial infrastructure in place, making it virtually impossible to action items 2 – 4. 14 years of rampant spending, disregard for financial regulations, lapses in financial management, ignoring expert advice and just plain badly veiled family and friends contracts have cost the people of Bermuda millions of dollars that can be accounted for and there is the further $800 million that can’t be accounted for for some of those same reasons. Maybe if we had even a fraction of what was spent under just the ‘friends and family’ contracts, we could afford to payout scholarships and pay for an infrastructure works program. Though one must be careful with a infrastructure works program, far too often the vast majority of the monies don’t get that far down the ladder to the workers, that is one of the false notions about them.

  2. Raymond Ray says:

    Marc… Please, stop pointing your finger at O.B.A. for the wrongs laid upon us by your own Progressive Labour Party for damn near 13 plus years:-( Why not attempt being a part of the solution/s as oppose to being more of a problem?

  3. Sandgrownan says:

    Who’s gonig to pay for it numbuts?

  4. Onion says:

    Long story short: No ideas for jobs.

    • Uncle Bob says:

      OBA fooled you too huh…lol

      • haha says:

        Least they got better ideas than d PLP lmfao…….what a joke!

        • Hmmm says:

          There are over 60 jobs on Bermudajobsboard on line all with deadline included to apply.

  5. Farmer Giles says:

    Really??? Really??? SMDH

    Anyone care for a translation of the bulletpoints?

    Here goes:

    1. Rebuild what we destroyed during our 14 years of maladministration.

    2. Help sweep under the rug some of the $800million that went missing during our 14 years of maladministration.

    3. See point 1, above.

    4. Rebuild what we neglected during our last 14 years of maladministration.

    5. Let’s work to suppress the educational progress of future generations by creating an incentive for them not to apply themselves in formative years. Takes the pressure off the parents too.

    • Uncle Bob says:

      Go plant some corn Farmer Giles and watch it grow….oggghh….u sounding like Storming Norman…all hyped up about nothing

      1. I’m sure you love riding the fast ferries.

      2. I’m sure you enjoyed the TCD tax break.

      3. I’m sure you appreciated the Urgent Care Center.

      4. I’m sure you’ve spoken to an Uighur and smiled at their faces when you saw them.

      5. I’m sure you’ve had a family member that appreciated free college fees at the BDA College.

      6. Need I go On? I’m sure your still missing the point of what a world wide reccession is that was caused by Wall Street and Selfish Banks NOT PLP…duuuhhh

      No MP has been charged for stealing Government money…still investigating huh…lol

      • serengeti says:

        1. I’d like the ferries even better if the BIU had allowed training for their maintenance.
        2. Never got a TCD tax break.
        3. Never used the overpriced part-time first aid post. And with nine people a day using it, most Bermudians will never use it.
        4. Nope.
        5. Nope. I paid when I went to Bda College. The ‘free’ college fees were temporary and were done away with by the PLP, by the way.
        6. Ah, the mythical ‘world wide recession’. The PLP wringing of hands telling us “there’s nothing we can do…the whole world is in recession”. A lie, unfortunately. An excuse for economic incompetence.

      • aceboy says:

        Is that all you’ve got? Seriously?

        I don’t ride the fast ferries.

        What tax break at TCD? Whatever that might be is more than made up for by a payment to an emission control company who don’t control anything except the cash every motorist pays them. Not one vehicle has failed an emission test.

        Never been to the Urgent Care Centre

        Never met a Uighur, but I am probably paying for them indirectly.

        Not one family member attended Bermuda College.

        Yes, you really do need to go on. NOTHING you have said is vaid in my case.

        • Navin Johnson says:

          Fast ferries when they run and there were some extra costs for that…and the Uighers and families are living at Harmony Hall so we are paying for that too

      • Anon says:

        Thanks for being so daft Farmer Gilles. You just listed some of the reasons the PLP was so horrible at managing at why we’re broke. You can’t drive away foreign businesses and then buy votes with free busses etc. and then say it was a world wide recession….er which is over and errr…..but we’re still feeling in Bermuda….errr oh yes. BECAUSE OF THE MASSIVE DEBT they left.

      • Fact Checker says:

        Recessions do not result in massive overspends in every capital project undertaken by the Government.

        Recessions do not result in consistent financial instruction breaches by Government Ministers.

        Recessions do not result in 4, yes 4, consecutive qualified audits being issued against the Government. Do you know what a qualified audit means?

        Recessions do not result in numerous Auditor General reports being issued which highlight malfeasance regarding the misappropriation of funds. Do you remember the unaccounted for $800mn?

        Oh and by the way our deficit began to balloon 2 years prior to the onslaught of what you term the ‘world-wide recession.’ Also, why don’t you ask yourself why Bermuda has recorded 5 years of negative GDP growth while all orur trading partners and similar sized/structured economies have at least recorded incremental GDP growth over the same time period.

        Between 2005 and 2006 the PLP Government increased our national deficit from $17mn to $103mn or 506%. Between 2005 and 2012 the PLP successfully increased our national deficit from $17mn to $343mn or 1,918% which in turn has resulted in our enormous debt and the requirement to procure debt from foreign investors. Now circa $100mn of our tax monies is being used to satisfy our outstanding debts.

        That is $100mn leaving our shores and not being used to improve our infrastructure, initiate and maintain social programs or used generally to benefit locals.

        The fast ferries have not been maintained which has required the Government to attain the services of an overseas ferry to ensure we have the proper transport infrastructure to service locals and tourists alike.

        The UCC is not meeting its breakeven target, as noted in the original PLP business plan, and can only caters to bumps and bruises while any serious medical issues. If the UCC is such a success why did the PLP forego their election promise of building one in the West End?
        The Uighurs was brought here via the breaking of our constitution and without cabinet’s knowledge and now have guaranteed housing and jobs ahead of Bermudians. A true dictatorial move in every sense of the word.

        “Free” BDA college tuition was scrapped because even the PLP discovered that just stating something will be “free” doesn’t mean it will cost nothing.

        From what I understand the forensic accountant has made good progress in investigating the numerous shady contracts issued by the PLP Government. Stay tuned

      • Farmer Giles says:

        Hey Unc,

        1 through 5 – Nope. Not really.

        6 – Please don’t. I’ve plenty fertilizer on my crops already, thanks.

        I didn’t realize ‘Bob’ was short for Thomas. ;-)

      • Wow says:

        @Uncle Bob,

        1)The fast ferries were overkill and gas guzzlers which is why they don’t operate at full throttle. Even when they can, its between two rock and dockyard. Lets not talk about how often they broke.
        12)I would have appreciated TCD break if that project and Emissions had gone out to tender / RFP! Who really benefitted there? PLP friends and family.
        3)I don’t live in the East
        4)I have no problem with the Quigars, but rater how tat deal was brokered without anyone knowing. We had NO say.
        6) When you GIVE SOMETHING AWAY, people don’t appreciate it or work as hard for it. It only fuels the whole sense of entitlement. My mother was a single parent and put a few dollars aside, along with birthday money etc, so that when I was ready – the money would be there for college. Its called planning for your childs future!
        5) Yes you must go on, because so far if that is all you have for 14 years, that is sad.

  6. Yeti says:

    Best thing to do is either become socialist and live on hand outs…or perhaps get into politics….best bet would be OBA….if you want or need,no sense waiting for it to come to you…go to it…

    • Redo says:

      Bermudians LOVE handouts! #pathetic/sad

  7. Yeti says:

    Sometimes ….when I forage for food in the jungles of Bermuda….or on the forshore…fishing with my hands for the yummy lionfish…I think to myself….wouldn’t it be nice to have food brought to me…put in my hand.
    There is no pride in that though,there is no endeavor,no sense of manly manhood…er…”Yetihood”…”the mighty yeti ” would mearly be the silly yeti….no real significan’t connotation.Not me….that is not for me….stamp my feet ….pout…suck my teeth…stamp my feet like a spoiled little yeti….I will rise to the occasion…lean forward into the turbulent winds of change…for I am Yeti…I am not afraid…I will endure…I will walk my own path…I will prevail.

  8. Yeti says:

    RoooOOOaaAAARRRRRR!

  9. Yeti says:

    And yes…those are my footprints…

  10. JONO says:

    How many will Pasta Basta be hiring?

  11. Anon says:

    Ah…Narc Bean wrote this to deflect attention from Gangagate! Politics 101.

    • Marge says:

      Marc Beans, comments in the house today was disgusting…the speaker should have thrown him out of the house today…as a women his remarks were so degrading to think he got away with his comments is unbelievable !!!!!!!!!!
      I am so shocked that the PLP have not asked him to get cracking…

  12. Ya boy says:

    Idiotic. I am a young bermudia:
    1)lengthening practical training visas are moronic and inefficient; why not say you will expand and better the Bermuda College system, and bring in more practical technical skilled professional teachers and offer courses at a discounted rate (or offering the position to qualified professionals in Bermuda)??
    2)I’m not sure that restoring scholarships is really the smartest given our natinoal debt and the fact that these arent loans, but losses on behalf of the government; why not offer more incentives to private companies in Bermuda to offer more scholarships? Their scholarships often include working at the company once the student returns from abroad- and oh look, we’re also offering incentives for students to return to Bermuda and providing jobs without even spending a dime of government funds…
    3)To be honest I know nothing about the PLP’s infrastructure development plan, but if its structured in any way like any of Marc Bean’s thought process, I imagine the plan has some serious issues.
    4)Ok, our school system needs some work, but conveniently Mr.Bean has left out any details and just said ‘improvement,’ and I urge you not to be misled by this lack of language. He does not have a plan, he does not have any idea how much money it would take, and most likely, does not even know the root of the problem. (he also references summer employment for students as a result of this, but in my expeirence improving the school system does not naturally imply that there will be summer employment for students…)
    5) Well the wording of job protection here is worrying, because it likely means he is going to try and impose more stringent immigration laws that could change the atmosphere for expats coming to work in skilled positions, but certainly the uneducated nonskilled bermudians could use some help. However, it must be noted that expanding the construction sector is a dead end- firstly, it cannot continue to grow at a large rate, since property value and decreasing space mean that soon, Bermuda will either be majority concrete or it wont be worth it to build over those areas which we value for aesthetic/environmental appeal. Secondly, the construction industry seems to be dominated by government officials with some kind of financial interest in the success of those companies; this in itself, is a conflict of interest and the people should not support this trend (for a second time; remember that the Bermuda government has done this in the past).
    In summation, this vague and strikingly poorly thought out opinion article looks as though Mr.Bean wrote it late at nigh. In the future, I hope Mr.Bean can find a way to clarify his completely (intentionally) nonspecific agenda, and maybe even think outside the box and find real solutions, instead of focusing purely on his own election when the time comes.

  13. aceboy says:

    1. Working with our global partners to lengthen Practical Training Visas, allowing young Bermudians to have jobs overseas while gaining international experience making them more skilled and more competitive in the local job market when they eventually return to Bermuda

    Who PRECISLEY are our global partners? This is puffery and very vague and Cog-like.

    2. Restoring the $1.6 million slashed from scholarships by the OBA

    Restoring it from where….you guys spent all the money, remember?

    3. The PLP’s Infrastructure Development Strategy?

    A plan for a plan to fix 14 years of negligence under the PLP.

    4. School Facility repairs to address the ongoing state of disrepair,

    So, the schools fell into disrepair in the last year and a half? Or the 14 years preceeding? You are calling for govt to fix YOUR neglect.

    5. Expanding protected job categories so that more jobs requiring little to no skills or experience open up for Bermudians

    Protectionist policies do not work. 14 years of trying didn’t teach you guys anything.

  14. blazer says:

    I’VE NOTICED THAT MANY, I MEAN MANY BERMUDIANS HAVE FORIGNERS DOING THEIR LANDSCAPE, AND MANY OF THESE SAME PEOPLE ARE PLP MEMBERS AS WELL AS PLP DIE HEARTS. (SIC), I’M NOT SAYING NOT TO USE THAT PARTICULAR FIRM, I’M SAYING BRING SOME BERMUDIANS WHEN YOU COME TO DO THE LANDSCAPING.

    • Anon says:

      Work in the hot sun for $25-30/hr. when I could be sitting at home moaning about how all the foreigners have our jobs? I don’t think so. I’m entitled to a much better job with higher pay then that. I want the same great deal that my brothers at the BIU got when the previous guvnant was in power. It’s my right. Power to the People

      • Wow says:

        The firms charge $25 – $30, workers get $12 – $14. However, job is job. They are not taking jobs – we give them away by getting hired and not showing up regularly.

      • Vested says:

        Landscapers earn $17 to $19 per hour generally, not sure where you got the $25+ figures. And $19 assumes at least 5 years experience with a heavy truck license…

        • Redman says:

          @ Vested

          Right on point though I believe some pay about $15 to $16 per hour especially for inexperienced workers. What else do people expect when the average charge rate is probably between $32/$36 per hour.

          Its a pity that too many people in Bermuda don’t understand that pay is usually reflective of what the market says it is worth and not what someone thinks it should be.

          Hence the talk of a ‘minimal wage’ of $20/$25 per hour is probably never going to fly. That will more than likely lead to even more unemployment should that happen.

          For persons working in lower paid menial labour fields who aren’t earning as much per hour as they ‘need’ the choices are clear, here’s a few. Work more hours if they are available, get a second job (nights/after hours?)and or try to live within their means. There’s no Silver Bullet.

    • Liars/Truth says:

      I had a Bermudian landscaper come to my house once……he stayed, not to my knowledge untill Sunday, in my basement drunk out of his head. Then appeared Sunday morning at 7AM to continue what he should have done in two hours on Friday! Then when l went downstairs to confirm my suspicions and found a makeshift bed and a bottle of Cockspur, l confronted him…..he asked me for a cigarette…..l told him to get off the property immediately, well he decided that it would be smart to
      proceed to cuss me off. So l called the police and he got arrested in my front yard for eventually assaulting the Police Officers.

      So, ya, go ahead and get a Bermudian to do what Bermudians hate to do there buddy.

      • Sand says:

        If the guy was really that bad I think that surely you could have spotted the problem before you hired him. Hiring Bermudians doesn’t mean hiring the first guy who comes to your door.

        Follow that up a broad generalization and you, my friend, are part of the problem.

        • Make up your minds..... says:

          I have tried to work with Bermudians as well. I’ve tried a few different cleaning companies the first Bermudian worker brought her laundry with her to the residence. I left her to get out of her way, didn’t want to ‘hover’. I came back because I forgot something and her laundry was sorted on my floor with the first load in the washer. Then she was mad because I asked her to take her things and leave. She expected me to let her finish washing the load in the washer!!!!! The next Bermudian I had, I found her sitting on the couch with her feet up on the table with my photo album open, music blasting. Really!!!!! Get the F out!!! “please on’t call the boss, I really need this job” Yeah Right! Next business I specifically requested a non-Bermudian. I ‘planned’ to drop in and to my surprise, the work was getting done. Imagine that, actually completing the job that you are being paid for. I know not all Bermudians are like that but it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Two different companies-Two bad experiences.

  15. Spittal Pond Skink says:

    I am Bermudian and have been hiring Bermudians for 30 years.
    If the PLP want to finally do something useful, teach Bermudians a work ethic.
    Here are some Bullet Points that might help .

    - Learn to speak and get some social skills
    - Dress appropriately
    - Stay off the phone
    - Get to work on time
    - Actually work and don’t lay around grumbling the whole day
    - If there is extra work offered, jump at the opportunity and not be the one standing at the door, helmet on at 4:45
    - Dont call in sick on Monday becuase you were at the county game
    - Don’t blow off work and expect to have a job when you feel like returning

    In a nut, learn to work and not expect a pay check just because your Bermudian and gods gift to the world

    • I heart 441 says:

      Your opinion is understanding, but do not assume every Bermudian has these traits.

      • Redman says:

        @ I heart 441

        I agree that all Bermudians do not share those traits however far too many of us do! In the menial labour fields what Spittal Pond Skink says is all too prevalent. In fact it is sadly the norm.

  16. Not Listening Any More says:

    Marc Bean,

    Do the PLP proud and just RESIGN. You are definitely NOT leadership material. So just pack it in.

    You are the secret plan of the OBA. How much they pay you to wreck havoc on the PLP ? You have done more damage with your media delivery than you can every believe. This will surely keep some of the PLP supporters home and away from the polls. You are a political embarrassment. A lot of people have closed their ears to you. You are now … a joke.

  17. LongBayTrading says:

    Narc Bean – you still DON’T GET IT.
    You have NO, NO, NO, NO, credibility. PLP has NO, NO, NO, NO, credibility.

    PLP – you lost us thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars which you still REFUSE TO ANSWER FOR.

    Narc Bean – go away and make a cup of tea or somthing…………that is all you are good for.

    • Rockfish#1 and#2 says:

      The HoA is currently on a lunch break, and will return at 205. Is there enough time for a few random drug tests before he speaks?

      Just asking!!

      • Rockfish#1 and#2 says:

        Listening to Bean this afternoon, seems there were no tests administered, or maybe he refused, or maybe he passed it!

    • old timer says:

      Marc, we are not going to accept your outrageous remarks anymore , you need to step down ASP.

  18. serengeti says:

    Gangagate. Resign.

  19. navin johnson says:

    Mr. Bean most likely did not write this but had someone do it for him for his signature…another diversion…zero credibility

  20. campervan says:

    Returning Bermudian students will indeed find a dearth of job opportunities compared to a few years ago.
    Thats because when the last Govt under the likes of Colonel Strangelove alienated and chased off the top brass expatriates, those openings moved to Conneticut with them.

    • nuffin but the truth says:

      Colonel Strangelove …lmao…perfect name!

  21. James Ryan says:

    None of these proposals will create a single job. I’m actually surprised at Marc Bean: for someone who has so feverishly advocated for small government politics, these proposals stink of big government protectionism. He wants the government to provide people jobs through infrastructure repair? Really?

  22. Bermuda Boy says:

    Jobs Bean, how about weed farms. Or Ganga breweries. Give up and quit.

  23. Anon says:

    Marc Bean needs to resign immediately

  24. mick says:

    we are facing a serious problem from people who chose not to become educated or were incapable of getting better educated. These are the underemployed and the PLP thought throwing money at them and providing them with all sorts of services would improve their plight. It didn’t happen. The government’s role is not that of a charity. We need to be more start up businesses but there doesn’t seem to be a culture of private enterprise. People need to see a need, fill it and stop listening to people who have not got a clue.

    • I heart 441 says:

      Great Points and Ideas! Small business can create numerous jobs.

    • Answer me says:

      When people start starving and no government comes handing out food, these people will understand that their lives are in their hands only.

    • Redman says:

      @ mick

      Spot On

  25. Mr Stevens says:

    Each of the PLP’s proposed “ideas” are merely band-aid cures that will artificially, temporarily and expensively boost job numbers. None address the underlying problem of our current unemployment which is that the economy is very much down.

    The OBA’s efforts to create jobs rely on being able to revive our struggling economy as a whole, which will inevitably create job growth. This is a much more forward thinking and long term solution. Patience is what we need. I will judge their efforts by the numbers in 4 years.

  26. nuffin but the truth says:

    Now Hiring!

    @ the Narc Bean Ganga Tea Shop
    applicants must be brain washed
    intelligent people need not apply.

    Now Hiring!
    @ the Narc Bean Betting Shop
    applicants must refuse to take a drug test.

    • Navin Johnson says:

      Marc Bean school of good grammar ..must not be able to say with or any word ending with a g

  27. Jo Blo says:

    Why is there so much more response to this than “Nandi’s” statement?

  28. Walter Burgess says:

    Our daughter has completed A BA in fine Arts last year 2013, and just completed a Master degree in May to teach visual arts.

    We worked with her in early Jan to apply for a position with Youth and Sport, here is the email that she recently sent regarding lack of communication or opportunity.

    “Dear Ms. Bean,

    I am following up on a conversation that you had with my mother regarding my application which was dropped off at the Craig Appin House, 3rd Floor on January 16. I was specifically interested in and applied for the Specialist in Art position for the Summer Day Camp Program 2014.

    Since I had not heard from the Department regarding my application, my mother telephoned on my behalf and spoke to you on April 3. She was advised that the applications were still being reviewed in order to create a shortlist of applicants who were going to receive an email or telephone call for an interview.

    Now that I have graduated with my Master of Science to teach Visual Arts, I am thrilled that I am a qualified teacher and anxious to determine whether I am a candidate for an interview with your Department.

    Since I have not received an email nor a telephone message at my home in Bermuda, my mother telephoned on June 4 to determine whether the position I applied for had been filled. She was advised that if I didn’t receive an email from the Department, I did not qualify to make the short list. I was obviously shocked when my mother told me this because I not only have a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, but I also have a Master of Science to teach Visual Arts which I received on May 23, 2014. On my application, I did mention that I was working towards this degree.

    I would like to know what are the requirements you are seeking to determine someone qualified for the Specialist in Art position? I would also be very interested to know the process in which you choose someone to be on the short list, since I remain shocked that I did not even have an opportunity to be a candidate on the short list.

    Your attention to my questions would be greatly appreciated since I am very disappointed that I didn’t even make the short list with my qualifications. I am a Bermudian and the Government of the day continues to express its interest in Bermudians returning to Bermuda for employment and I now find that I’m not even “qualified” to make a short list. I am quite dumbfounded by this result.”

    Mr & Mrs F. Walter Burgess Jr

    • Experience says:

      Education is not the only qualification employers look for. Experience plays, in my opinion, a much larger role.

      • Anon says:

        The civil service tends to reward and advance their own so this isn’t a surprise. They probably hired from another dept. Too bad your last name wasn’t Bean because almost the whole family tree is working for Gov!

        Also, she might have dodged a bullet there because I don’t think going to work for Gov. is a good idea right now because unfortunately the enthusiastic new hires will be the first to go and not the dead wood because….well, reread the first paragraph and you’ll understand

    • Onion Seed says:

      Waaay too much parent involvement.

      • Redman says:

        @ Onion Seed,

        My thoughts Exactly.

        However as if further proof was needed that just because persons get degrees etc it does not guarantee employment in their chosen fields. If there are only say 10 positions available on island and there are 40 people with the required skills after those same positions then many will be disappointed, that’s life.

        I do wish the young lady success, hopefully she will get answers to her questions and that something in a similar position will come up soon or even next year.

    • Therebetheproblem says:

      And therein lay one of the fundamental problems. A perceived sense of entitlement. Great that the young woman’s worked hard to achieve an educational qualification. Great that she wants to return to Bermuda to seek employment. She has, however, been labouring under an illusion, and she’s not alone.
      The illusion was set and perpetuated by the previous government. Political promises of jobs for all young, educated, qualified Bermudians! Political Will and their hollow promises are very very different from reality.
      It’s not as simple as – go overseas, get education, return home, walk into job and live happily ever after. Reality if today’s world is – you need more than just an education. You need a key differentiator……and, the bitter pill is, being Bermudian is not it. You need industry experience. You need to demonstrate initiative. Be willing to travel and work overseas, as an expat, cutting your teeth, learning your trade, networking and experiencing the reality of working life outside the comfortable confines of Bermuda. Then, and if you’re fortunate enough, you may have a chance at being considered a viable candidate for interview as a professional.
      Good luck.

    • I heart 441 says:

      I worked for Government Summer camp a few times as a sports speacilist. Your daughter is qualified from what I see, but majority of the Government camps retain their Arts Speacilist from the previous year. They are often experienced Art teachers who are working the camp for the summer. Another factor is that there are only about 6-8 Government camps as opposed to over a dozen years ago and there is usually only one ART speacilist per camp. What I suggest she do for next year if she has yet to find employment by then is have her apply for a senior counselor or junior counselor positin to get her foot in the door. I did this same procedure.

    • Bda diva says:

      Maybe your daughter is one of several art students who applied. Maybe there are similarly educated students with more experience. Maybe your daughter should have communicated with the hiring department herself rather than have her parents do so on her behalf.

      What your daughter needs to understand is that two degrees are not a guarantee that she will receive an interview or make the “short list”. Welcome to the real world where experience is often as important and in some cases more important than “paper” qualifications!

    • will see says:

      The civil service is not hiring any one!

  29. islandguy says:

    You want some ganja tea with that lottery ticket!!

  30. Kangoocar says:

    PLP , now stands for POT LOVING PARTY!!! This proves with out a doubt that bean and his pot loving party still have no clue!! Creating more debt because of construction is complete and utter nonsense!!! When the smoke clears in the room he is writing this stuff, and he opens his eyes he might just start to learn something??? Bean do yourself and all of us a favour, just resign already!!!!

  31. Triangle Drifter says:

    Take a look around the ranks of the PLP. See anyone who is a notable successful business person? See anyone who has created more than a few jobs (Civil Service jobs don’t count)?

    What would anyone in the PLP possibly know about creating jobs & stimulating an economy?

  32. Ringmaster says:

    Let’s look at 3, 4 and 5 in Marc Bean’s list.
    3. Unless the population expands there will be no demand for construction. This is unlikely to occur overnight so not much opportunity there.
    4. Very sad and distressing that the schools seem to have deteriorated in the last 18 months. Unlikely so the legacy of the PLP in not maintaining infrastructure is now being felt. However there is no money.
    5. Many of the protected jobs were protected up to 1998, but the PLP allowed work permits. Also, an increase in jobs is needed, not just replacement.

    Why is Marc Bean complaining when he opened his gaming shop recently and created, so the announcement stated, 23 jobs. Excellent. Proof that there are opportunities so where is the problem?

  33. M Bean. you are far more intelligent when you don’t have your foot in your mouth, and that includes your disgusting outburst on the hill!!!!!!!!!!!!

  34. Really says:

    Open a ganja tea store jus sayin

  35. College grad says:

    Let’s teach our children how to make Ganga tea,new job opportunities .

  36. Creme Brûlée says:

    The thing of it is, Bean yesterday called the Government prostitutes – I think public discourse and debate would improve dramatically if he stopped sounding like a pimp.

  37. SadSadSad says:

    BLAH,BLAH,BLAH Mr Bean!! Sit down, you and the PLP are done destroying Bermuda. There is nothing coming from your camp that is remotely useful to fixing your PLP REGIN OF TERROR as Government. Your ideals have no place on 2014 Planet Earth!