Videos: Premier & Ministers Town Hall
Hundreds of Bermudians last night [Feb. 23] attended a Town Hall meeting hosted by Premier Paula Cox — who was joined by 11 Cabinet Ministers — to discuss the 2011/12 Budget.
Held at Number Six Shed, the meeting focussed on stimulating growth in both Bermuda’s tourism and off-shore financial services sectors and touched on subjects ranging from pensions to Ministerial salaries.
“Global economic concerns cause all of us to pause and take stock of what’s important,” the Premier said prior to the meeting. ““At home, the Government is resetting the dial in many areas to address local interests and issues.
“This is an opportunity for members of the public hear first hand how the National Budget affects them and their family.
“This is an occasion to engage in meaningful dialogue about the Budget and I want to encourage as many residents as possible to come out, field their questions, have their say and get a better understanding of this important document.”
Premier and Finance Minister Cox:
Deputy Premier and Public Works Minister Derrick Burgess:
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Michael Scott:
Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith:
Economy, Trade & Industry Minister Kim Wilson:
Business & Tourism Minister Patrice Minors:
Transport Minister Terry Lister:
Health Minister Zane DeSilva:
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I attended this “Town Hall” meeting and I have to say that for the most part I left somewhat buoyed by what I believed to be an honest attempt by the Premier and most of her ministers to promote dialogue, improve transparency, and openly discuss the key areas of the Budget as they relate to the issues in present day Bermuda.
Certainly we continue to operate as an Island which is spending more than it is earning. This of course is problematic, but I truly believe that the intentions are to correct this as expeditously as possible, while undoing some of the mess created over the last ten years.
It probably isn’t fair to single out specific ministers, but Dame Jennifer certainly seems to be committed to righting our education system which is comforting – without an educated population, this Island can not succeed. We will continue to face challenges related to our poorly educated population for many years to come, but if she is capable of bringing about the change that is needed, we will all be better off in the long run. Senators Wilson and Minors also deserve credit for seeming very open minded regarding how they can play a positive roll in re-igniting our economy.
Above all, the most refreshing part of the evening was that the words “Black” or “White” were not uttered once. There was very little hostility or “politicing” on the part of the Ministers and that alone speaks volumes. Thank you.
Great to see the Premier & Ministers in this forum!
Congrats PLP on a job well done.