Hashtag: #NickKempeColumns
Column: Kempe on Economy, Govt & Policies
[Opinion column written by Nick Kempe] As we see yet another local business closure make headlines, I am deeply concerned that the Government is still not heeding the warning signs. The real problems ailing our economy are being ignored and misguided ‘reforms’ are repeatedly missing the mark causing more damage than good. Bermudians and businesses... Read more of this article
Column: OBA On Child Safeguarding Bill 2019
[Opinion column written by OBA Shadow Finance Minister Nick Kempe] Last week, the Government rushed a Bill entitled the Child Safeguarding Bill 2019 through the Senate, despite Opposition protests as to the unnecessary disregarding of due process. Only Senators were invited to a briefing session less than 48 hours before the Senate sitting in order... Read more of this article
Column: Are You Better Off Under The PLP?
[Opinion column written by Shadow Finance Minister Nick Kempe] Two years after the PLP was elected, can you honestly say that today you are better off? With a raft of new or increased taxes, it is hard to believe that anyone’s wallets are fatter now compared to 2017. Increased land tax, new and increased sugar tax, a business dividend tax targeted... Read more of this article
Column: ‘Rise Of Govt Propaganda Machine’
[Updated + Opinion column written by OBA Shadow Finance Minister Nick Kempe] Think about it for just a minute and you will see a pattern has emerged over the last 18 months – a pattern of voices critical to Government being silenced and of independent organisations being dismantled or subject to political interference. At the same time, there... Read more of this article
Column: ‘The PLP Is A Tax And Spend Party’
[Opinion column written by OBA Shadow Finance Minister Nick Kempe] The Government had a number of choices by which it could balance this year’s budget, mainly raise taxes or reduce spending. The PLP bristles at the “tax and spend” moniker, but that is exactly what they have done since they became the Government in 2017. If you ignore the Sinking... Read more of this article
Column: ‘Budget Was Display Of Political Spin’
[Written by Nick Kempe, the OBA Shadow Finance Minister] The Budget presented on Friday was a display of political spin. The feel-good presentations and the facts tell two completely different stories. The facts are that GDP estimates for growth have been revised down by half, revenue for the present fiscal year was lower than budgeted whilst expenses... Read more of this article
Column: Desperation, Distraction & Deflection
[Opinion column written by OBA Shadow Finance Minister Nick Kempe] On the eve of the tabling of the Budget, I will offer my own Pre-Budget Report Card. I think the most obvious letter to grade the Government’s performance with the economy is a D. D for Desperation. D for Distraction. D for Deflection. The Premier’s recent rant in the House of Assembly... Read more of this article
Nick Kempe Column: Economy, New Taxes, Debt
[Opinion column written by OBA Shadow Finance Minister Nick Kempe] Over-taxation It seems hard to believe that the current Government is pushing/planning to dramatically raise the total tax burden when businesses and individuals are feeling the crunch and our working population is down almost 1,500 people since 2016. The Government budgeted for a current... Read more of this article
Column: Nick Kempe On Economy & Finances
[Written by OBA Senate Leader Nick Kempe] When the One Bermuda Alliance was elected to be the Government in 2012, Bermuda was staring into the abyss of financial ruin. Our national debt was spiraling, jobs were disappearing and without swift and focused intervention the only economic direction was down. Six years later, it feels that once again, the... Read more of this article
Column: Small Business Opportunities For AC
[Written by BEDC Chairman Nick Kempe] There is still the impression in the community that large amounts of financing will be needed to cash in on the numerous AC35 business opportunities. Far too many are operating under the belief that expensive equipment or guaranteed contracts are required to get in the game. However, there are a great number of... Read more of this article
Column: Global Entrepreneurship Week Events
[Written by BEDC Chairman Nick Kempe] Once again Global Entrepreneurship Week [GEW] is upon us and the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation is pleased to once again have so many events that we had to spill out into the whole month. With a team so enthusiastic about supporting and celebrating entrepreneurs, it is no surprise that Bermuda has won... Read more of this article
Column: Using Data For Small Business Success
[Written by BEDC Chairman Nick Kempe] Decision-making can be a difficult process and the consequence of choosing poorly can adversely affect the various stakeholders of the organization. The availability of information that is both relevant and timely can greatly improve the anticipated outcomes. One of the first orders of business for the Bermuda Economic... Read more of this article
Startup Weekend Set To Get Underway Today
[Written by BEDC Chairman Nick Kempe] Sometimes it is frustrating when I hear people say that not enough is done to promote and support entrepreneurship in Bermuda. I have seen first-hand just how enthusiastically the team at the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC] and its partners work to foster an environment conducive to business creation... Read more of this article
Opinion: Bermuda’s Entrepreneurship Scene
[Opinion column written by Nick Kempe] What a week! As the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC] brings to close it’s involvement in a 7th Global Entrepreneurship Week [GEW]. It is clear that Bermudian innovation and talent measures up internationally both per capita and in absolute terms. Did you know that in GEW Bermuda’s first year,... Read more of this article
Opinion: BEDC’s Small Business Assistance
[Opinion column written by Nick Kempe] Yesterday’s opinion article is quite timely as it provides me with the opportunity to both highlight the many resources available to entrepreneurs as well to clarify the support available to new and fledgling businesses. Tangible help. The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC] supports the development... Read more of this article
