Wilson: 10 Year Work Permit To Become Reality
Yesterday [Apr.28] Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kim Wilson spoke at the Chamber of Commerce’s Annual General Meeting luncheon, touching on several areas relating to her Ministry, including work permits, term limits, unemployment and the economy.
She said that the 10–year work permit policy already approved for implementation will become a reality. The Minister said, “The Government is committed to streamlining its processes to signal and reconfirm that Bermuda is friendly and receptive to international business and that indeed – Bermuda is open for business. Therefore, in the coming months you can expect that the 10–year work permit policy already approved for implementation will become a reality.”
“Also, enhancements to the term limit policy that has been identified as a potential barrier will serve to complement the 10-year work permit policy enabling international businesses greater long-term security and making Bermuda more attractive to existing and new businesses. While the details of the evolution of the term limit policy are not yet finalized I can say with certainty that the end result will be a win-win for all stakeholders – Government, business and the people of Bermuda,” added Minister Wilson.
The Minister said two weeks ago she reviewed a work permit application, and wanting to verify its content she called the employer and, during that conversation she reminded the employer that falsifying an Immigration application was an offense. A week later the work permit application was withdrawn and the employer wrote to advise that he had now found a Bermudian. The Minister said she found that “curious” and asked that employers “please be true when submitting your work permit applications as we’re looking a lot deeper than we might have in the past.”
The Minister said, “The Government recognizes that international business is critically important to the economic well-being of our people, particularly in terms of job creation. However, the Government has an obligation to regulate business in a way that derives benefits for all Bermuda’s people.”
Minister Wilson’s full remarks follow below:
Good afternoon,
Thank you so much for inviting me to be here today.
Ladies and gentlemen, when I was first asked by Dianne Gordon about speaking to you today I embraced the opportunity.
I am of the view that every chance we are afforded to highlight the aims and objectives of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is an invaluable one.
And so I am delighted to be here to discuss matters of importance to your organizations and the Ministry as it relates to our economy and the workforce.While there are some significant aspects of the Ministry that I could speak to at length, I am cognizant that I have a finite amount of time this afternoon.
So today I wish to touch on three areas:
The economy and its impact on the workforce
Finding the balance between Guest and Bermudian workers; and
The issue of Term LimitsHowever before I delve into this, allow me to offer a bit of background into the Ministry Portfolio and the areas I have under my remit.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry was created to strengthen the local economy and bring a sharper focus to the connectivity between the needs of the workplace and the availability of appropriately trained resources.
Just briefly – under this Ministry, you have the Department of Labour and Training, National Training Board, the Corporate Services unit of Department of Immigration (more commonly referred to as the work permits section), and the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation.And in the past five months, we have steadily gone about the business of implementing programmes, services and initiatives aimed at supporting our business entities as well as helping those in the local workforce who require assistance.
I have met with several stakeholder groups to hear their views, convened industry meetings and co-hosted job fairs. As a result of all of the information gathered we have re-tooled and re-directed resources to address the most pressing needs. Many of the pressing needs are being driven by the economic challenges that we are facing.Which brings me to my first point – our economy and its’ impact on the workforce:
Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t think that anyone can deny that the current state of the global economy is something that has severely tested Governments worldwide.
Since 2008, there has been a collective global effort to try and find solutions to get a grip on an economy that has at times been likened to a runaway freight train, without a conductor, hurtling over bridge – I don’t think that’s an overly dramatic description.These have been tough times, the likes that we have never seen before.
Globally, we have seen several areas that drive the economy suffer – including international business, the real estate market, tourism, manufacturing and construction just to name a few.
In Europe, we’ve seen countries such as Portugal, Greece and Spain significantly struggle because of the economic downturn.
In the UK – its Government is about to face some challenges from its citizens based on the austerity measures that it has proposed.
And closer to home, in US we have seen unemployment levels skyrocket to near double digit percentages since 2008.
It’s only now that our neighbors to the west are seeing glimmers of hope with its employment rates and in the real estate market.
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s often been said that Bermuda is another world.
However in this case we are not so different from other jurisdictions in the sense that we have not been spared our share of challenges due to the global economic downturn.
And we’ve seen the layoffs. We have seen the slowdown in key economic drivers such as construction and tourism.
We’ve seen the headlines depicting various numbers and percentages as it relates to unemployment.
The truth is the number of jobs is shrinking.Preliminary data from the 2010 Employment Survey indicates that the total number of jobs in Bermuda decreased by 1,425 from 39,520 in 2009 to 38,095 in 2010, marking a decline of 3.6 percent.
While this illustrates that the downturn in economic activity is affecting the labour market, the precise number of Bermudians that are unemployed remains to be quantified.
I think it is important to point out that the data that is floating out there from various organizations and agencies can do more harm than good.While it is correct to state that we do not have up-to-date official data detailing the current state of unemployment in Bermuda, and while I understand that there is a critical need to have an accurate account of the current state, the information which is being referred to by companies, social commentators and the media only serve to create confusion for an otherwise sensitive matter that needs to be handled responsibly.
As it stands, the Department of Statistics undertook Bermuda’s first ever Labour Force Survey in May 2009.
The survey was administered to a sample of Bermuda’s households to gain a reliable measure of both employment and unemployment.The results of the survey were released to the public in February 2010.
The implications derived from the results and trends established in this report were of great interest to the Department of Labour and Training and no doubt the Chamber of Commerce and other such organizations.
You should be aware that the Labour Force Survey noted that Bermuda unemployment rate stands at 4.5% or 1,714 people.
We continue to await the results of the 2010 Census. The Census is not a sample survey like the Labour Force Survey but every single household and person must be accounted for. So it provides benchmark data.
The Census questionnaire contained a section on Economic Activity that will provide the data needed to measure unemployment and employment size by occupation, industry and demographic characteristics. It will also provide a measure for multiple job holders. The information will give us some indication of a more current unemployment picture, though many will argue that this too will be dated upon its release.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is our aim to seek a clearer and more comprehensive picture as it relates to unemployment as quickly as possible and to that end we continue to work with the Department of Social Insurance to extract certain data that will provide more timely and key unemployment indicators.
To this end we have already received various reports however because the system was not created for the purpose that we are attempting to use it the data points are in the process of being verified and more data-mining is in progress.
In the coming weeks we will launch a full scale unemployment registration drive with a view to getting a better handle on the complete picture as it stands today.
It is imperative that all unemployed Bermudians are accounted for. The unemployment registration drive will provide us with the kind of real time data that is required.
The data will be used to further inform strategic planning so that we can better address the needs of the various segments of the community who find themselves without employment.
Meanwhile I will continue to apply resources to tracking redundancies to the best of our ability using this information together with the database of persons registered with Labour and Training as key indicators.Certainly I would agree that in a small Island such as this, it should be much easier. However trying to find a quick solution to quantifying unemployment levels over the past few months reminds me of an old episode of the I Love Lucy Show – Ricky comes home to find Lucy crawling around the living room on all fours.
When he asks her what she’s doing she explains that she has lost her earrings. “You lost your earrings in the living room?” Ricky asks. Lucy replies, “No, I lost them in the bedroom – but the light is so much better out here.”
From the outside looking in the light is so much better however the realities of the systems and processes at our disposal are quite another matter, but rest assured the answers are coming.This brings me to my second point today – Finding the balance between Guest and Bermudian workers.
Essentially what I am referring to here is managing the work permit process.Ladies and gentleman in April 2001 a former colleague rolled out an evolved Immigration policy with an introductory statement that is still relevant today. Allow me for just a moment to restate a portion of that statement:
“This Government has worked hard to strike a balance between the understandable desire of business to operate with a minimum of regulatory control and the legitimate and proper aspirations of Bermudians to participate fully in the economy of their island home.“On, the one hand, we have listened carefully (and continue to listen) to the concerns of business. We have understood their needs to secure the right staff to enable them to compete effectively in the global market place.
And it is, of course, entirely in the interest of every Bermudian that they should be able to do so.
“The Government recognizes that international business is critically important to the economic well-being of our people, particularly in terms of job creation.
“However, the Government has an obligation to regulate business in a way that derives benefits for all Bermuda’s people.”Let me say that again: “The Government has an obligation to regulate business in a way that derives benefit for all Bermuda’s people.”
Ladies and gentlemen, the reality is that in the last 15 years or so, Bermuda has undergone an unprecedented period of growth.
I sometimes think of them as the years of plenty, similar to Pharaoh’s dream. During the years of plenty Bermudians were over employed. We scarcely had enough human resources to fill the many jobs that were available.
The angst that had once existed between the guest workers and Bermudians fell away and everyone was fat and happy.
Now that the lean years are upon us that angst is beginning to resurface.
More and more Bermudians are finding themselves unemployed.
The talk shows are raft with complaints that guest workers have our jobs and Labour Relations Officers are being kept busy with regular complaints of unfair dismissal.
Ladies and gentleman, as at 20th April, 2011 there were 1,576 persons registered with the Department of Labour and Training. The vast majority of those registered possess technical and/or low skills.As it stands, this is the segment that has been hardest hit by lay-offs and redundancies and this is the group that we must work hardest to re-establish in the workforce.
These people deserve the opportunity to work in their own Country.Against this backdrop, I, as the Minister responsible for Labour am faced with the reality of growing unemployment that is skewed towards a specific segment; I am required to take decisive action to assist the people of Bermuda thus, I revisit the Work Permit policy, take note of closed and restricted categories and impose a Moratorium on work permits in certain categories.
Specifically: landscape gardeners, cleaners, kitchen and bar porters, housekeepers and skilled labourers.
My objective – to create job opportunities for unemployed Bermudians.As Minister, over the past few months I have had to make some tough decisions to strike that balance between the understandable desire of business to operate with a minimum of regulatory control and the legitimate and proper aspirations of Bermudians to be employed.
All work permits in moratorium categories were initially denied but on appeal, I have allowed companies to retain proper talent to train Bermudians who may not have the necessary work experience in these specific areas.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have listened carefully to all of the many appeals however it cannot be business as usual and therefore sadly some guest workers are being required to settle their affairs. This is our reality. I make no apology for this decision.
It is our collective responsibility, the public and private sectors working together to stabilize our economy.
To do this we must get our people employed or suffer the unfortunate circumstances of an unstable society.
Certainly I understand the dilemma associated with recruiting, training and retaining the right employees.
Ministry staff have chronicled your recruitment experiences as presented in your many letters of appeal and these experiences will be used in the coming weeks to inform specific training programmes to help address skill set and attitudinal deficits amongst those seeking employment.I acknowledge that is a challenge. I have no idea why when faced with the prospect of working in any one of the categories associated with the moratorium that there are ongoing reports of unemployed persons turning jobs down; I have no idea why a new employee who has been unemployed for sometime would show up for work for a day or two and then never return thereafter.
I acknowledge that some employees lack the right attitude towards work, struggle with timekeeping and/or fail to follow instructions.Yes, these challenges do need to be addressed and yes, you should manage your businesses and employees effectively.
I am not asking you to tolerate or condone such behavior however I am asking you to consider the necessary training programmes required to address such behaviours and to implement them.Further, as I indicated earlier there are in excess of 1,500 people registered with Labour and Training, if the first 6 don’t work out for whatever reason please call for others. I’ve reviewed many of the files and many of these people have been in stable long-term positions for years signifying that they are good employees.
Regrettably, many are simply victims of downsizing and all that is required is retraining so that they can move to other areas of industry.
Please know that the Government already has in place an Apprenticeship Payroll Tax Relief Programme to assist employers.
The programme does not just apply to Apprentices, it is a Tax Waiver designed to provide an incentive for businesses to train Bermudians in any field. This is not a new programme but rather one that has been in place for many years.
Section 23 of the Payroll Tax Act 1995 provides for ‘training schemes’ to be exempt. The tax waiver, applicable to Bermudian employees only, is available for up to 2 years.My vision is to evolve this programme to achieve more widespread application. In 2010 only 6 companies applied and were granted approval while only 4 companies took advantage of the programme in the previous year.
I invite employers to take advantage of this programme as a part of your recruitment efforts.
Simply tell us how you plan to train and retain staff, show evidence of your efforts and benefit from the relief.This is a partnership.
And yes, I recognize that you are running a business and it’s difficult, however by hiring, training and retaining Bermudians you are investing not just in your business but in Bermuda generally.If each one trains one, Bermuda benefits greatly.
To be clear and for the record, please do not take my “each one, trains one” comment literally and say that the Minister said that “all we have to do is train one Bermudian and we’ll get our work permits” because this is not the case.
I am not supportive of such a scheme. I am however supportive of us all working collaboratively to help make Bermuda a better place.
Also, before we get to the Q&A today and someone raises the issue about the time it takes to get a work permit these days let me state for the record that the Department has been asked to be more thorough in its review of work permit applications and yes, it’s taking a little longer.
During tough times the checks take a little longer, we’re looking a little deeper to ensure that Bermudians aren’t being over looked.
Just two weeks ago I reviewed an application myself; wanting to verify its content I called the employer to ensure that the information was correct, during that conversation I reminded the employer that falsifying an Immigration application was an offense.
The employer committed to providing additional information as requested.
A week later the work permit application was withdrawn and the employer wrote to advise that he had now found a Bermudian. Curious I thought, but I suppose stuff happens that way.
The experience reminds me about the man who calls home to his wife and says, “Honey I have been asked to go fishing at a big lake up in Canada with my boss and several of his friends. We’ll be gone for a week.
“This is a good opportunity for me to get that promotion I’ve been wanting so would you please pack me enough clothes for a week and set out my rod and tackle box. We’re leaving from the office and I will swing by the house to pick my things up. And oh, please pack my new blue silk pajamas.”
The wife thinks this sounds a little fishy but being a good wife she does exactly what her husband asked.
The following weekend he comes home a little tired but otherwise looking good. The wife welcomes him home and asks if he caught many fish? He says, “Yes! Lots of Walleye, some Bluegill, and a few Pike. But why didn’t you pack my new blue silk pajamas like I asked you to do?” The wife replies; “I did, they were in your tackle box.”Now please, I’m not sexist, I’m not male bashing, I’m just saying… Please be true when submitting your work permit applications as we’re looking a lot deeper than we might have in the past.
As I said earlier, this is a partnership, the Government really is committed to working with you; which leads me to my third and final point today – Term limits.
Believe it or not we are all striving to achieve the same end – A successful Bermuda. A part of our economic success is dependent on our ability to attract foreign investment.To achieve this we must all work together to make Bermuda more attractive as an international business jurisdiction.
The Government is committed to streamlining its processes to signal and reconfirm that Bermuda is friendly and receptive to international business and that indeed – Bermuda is open for business.
Therefore, in the coming months you can expect that the 10–year work permit policy already approved for implementation will become a reality.Also, enhancements to the term limit policy that has been identified as a potential barrier will serve to complement the 10-year work permit policy enabling international businesses greater long-term security and making Bermuda more attractive to existing and new businesses.
While the details of the evolution of the term limit policy are not yet finalized I can say with certainty that the end result will be a win-win for all stakeholders – Government, business and the people of Bermuda.
In sharing this, I have perhaps already shared too much.
More will be shared in the coming weeks as policies and legislative amendments are approved.
However, you will recall that term limits were not established to stifle business activity but rather to deal with the issue of legitimate expectation that long-term work permit holders were entitled to residency.It was intended that the term limit policy would put an end to any tendency to automatically apply for renewals of work permits without there being a genuine interest in attracting, recruiting and training Bermudians.
The general rule was that work permit holders will be limited to a maximum term of six years unless they are exempt.
Any changes to this policy will come with the expectation that there will be a greater commitment to providing opportunities for Bermudians at all levels within each organization.
Ladies and gentlemen, we recognize that we will continue to need large numbers of guest workers. We know this, accept it and welcome these workers, because they help keep Bermudians employed and help to maintain our economy as a whole.
However we also recognise that there must be a balance – a balance between supporting business and the employment of Bermudians.My hope is that we can all continue to work together towards this goal.
As I’ve shared various positions this afternoon I’ve seen a lot of nodding in the affirmative.
Which reminds me that: At one point during a game, the coach said to one of his young players, “Do you understand what cooperation is? What a team is?”The little boy nodded in the affirmative.
“Do you understand that what matters is whether we win together as a team?”
The little boy nodded yes.
“So,” the coach continued, “when a strike is called, or you’re out at first, you don’t argue or curse or attack the umpire. Do you understand all that?”
Again the little boy nodded.
“Good,” said the coach. “Now go over there and explain it to your mother.
Likewise, I’m going to need you to leave here today to go off and explain my various positions to your colleagues and friends in industry.
Specifically:
To take care when quoting unemployment levels; it’s irresponsible to speculate. We all know that the numbers are up, however misinformation can be detrimental to Bermuda generally;
There are Bermudians that require employment opportunities and the moratorium on work permits is being used to help create those opportunities;
The Apprentice Payroll Tax Relief Programme is there to assist employers so that they can hire, train and retain those Bermudians that need to be re-integrated into the workplace; and
I anticipate an evolution of the term limit policy to signal that Bermuda is open for business.
Before I close ladies and gentlemen, I want to remind each of you of the critical importance of working together to ensure that we all survive the current economic challenges.
This Government truly believes that Bermuda requires an economy that can meet the needs of all our people – because no economy can grow by excluding any part of its people – and this is especially true in these challenging times.
We recognise that this will only be possible if we focus on the full potential of all persons in this Country.
And despite the challenges we face, I am very optimistic about the future.I am confident that if we work together that we will be able to navigate through these challenging times and come out the other side, stronger and more resilient as a people, and as a country.
Thank you for inviting me – it has been my distinct pleasure to address you today.
PLP is a joke
10 years…then 15 years…next thing you know it will be indefinite!
Now I am not one of those people who dislike expats merely because they are expats (I have several friends who are guest workers), but having worked in the local insurance industry for more than thirty years, I have run into several “guest workers” who think that they have some god given right to be here forever while looking down on locals like second class citizens.
The most unfortunate part is that more often than not, these individuals have managerial positions whereby they actually “control” the fate of us “inferior” Bermudians. At the same time, they often inflate the value of their fellow guest workers keeping alive the myth that Bermuda needs them.
From my observations over the years I can say that there are dozens of expats who could be very easily replaced by a Bermudian. But, in many cases, by inflating a job description, a work permit is renewed. I cannot even count the times that a foreign worker is promoted off the back of a hard working Bermudian (who often knows the job better than his foreign boss). Of course the boss gets a big bonus while the poor local gets a pat on the back.
The general public would be amazed at the number of foreigners in the exempt company world who have been in Bermuda for twenty years or more and for that entire period have made a habit or demeaning Bermudians and making sure that that status quo is maintained.
What we need to do is investigate every single work permit to ensure that we are not giving jobs to foreigners at the expense of Bermudians.
Evil expats!
I totally agree..couldnt have said it any better..These expats are part of Bermuda’s unemployment woes..
These expats are part of Bermuda’s unemployment woes because Bermudians are not taking advantage of opportunities to advance their skills. We live in the Knowledge Age, which means that the ability to apply the right knowledge effectively is an important skill and the cornerstone of our success. The advancement of technology has boosted the pace of our lives, and requires us to learn something new each day just to stay current in the workplace. Globalization has narrowed the world by bringing people of all nations to Bermuda.
The increase of expats has changed the value of human capital in Bermuda and today’s college graduates will be entering into a completely new competitive job environment. As a result, college grads need to work on their intangible skills; the human interaction and higher-level thinking skills that cannot be easily imported in Bermuda. It’s advantageous for everyone to make time for learning, seek out their own opportunities, use available resources wisely, and find new resources. Lack of knowledge prevents personal and professional growth. We cannot continue to blame our rising unemployment rate on expats. We need to arm ourselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to take back our beautiful island home.
How is it a myth that Bermuda needs expat workers?
The population of Bermuda could not possibly staff all of the roles that are required to keep International Business rolling. The population is too small and many roles require a high degree of training and experience. There are simply not enough Bermudians that have the necessary qualifications to fill all of these roles. So it is not a myth, it is a reality.
I did not say that we do not need expats. I am simply saying that there are some which we do not need.
He must work for Colonial.
LOL
Sounds like the PLP are admitting that they where wrong.
They should also correct other mistakes like the stupid Bermudian married to a non-Bermudian licencing laws.
Maybe they can admit they where wrong for not listening to Bob Richards when he spoke about the economic down turn.
Or the over spending on building projects.
Or the late submission of Budgets.
Or the expensive trips on tax payer’s money.
Or the money that went missing and is still unaccounted for.
Or the closing of the New York tourism office.
Or the lack of staff in the Washington Office.
Or the way they took over the Cement Company with lies and Politricks.
Or calling people House N*****s
Or the divide and conquer strategy used to win elections. (Bermudians are more divided than ever)
Bermuda is no longer owned by the a small group of families, we are now owned by foreigner thanks to the debts that have been racked up. The next step is to get a loan from the IMF and devalue the dollar.
No one in the Government has been held accountable for their actions.
And the die hard PLP supporters still agree that every move was a good one.
One step forward 3 steps back.
Yeah, good luck with that one.
Talk about shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted….
As far as the work permit issue is concerned all she really said is that they will be actually implementing a policy that was already introduced by Col. Burch a number of years ago. So business as usual – please ignore the hurtling train wreck already in progress.
I am would be affected by the Bermudian married to a non-Bermudian licensing laws. Me being non Bermudian and for lack of better words I feel like cattle and that I am being profiled because of who I am in love with! Thus we decided against living in Bermuda! What a simple minded/ narrow minded law. Ugh. When will there be change!
If they repeal the “discrimination” tax, do I get my money back (and legal fees)?
Why didn’t they just paint a mark of doors so we coudl easily be identified?
Rightttttt the divide and conquer started with the PLP.
Rigggghhhhttttt…our economic mess is solely due to the global recession…riiighhhtttt
And that’s the only come back you have?
What about all the other things?
I only mentioned the divisive politricks thing because the house n****r comments and the all the plantation comments that have happened through the years.
In there may have been negative comments about the PLP in the past but I don’t remember any one from any other party using house n****r or plantation comments/ questions.
Isn’t that a sure sign that you have lost an argument when you resort to name calling, and not just any name calling, the type of name calling that is meant to divide racially and economically.
Righttt its not like the PLP have done anything better and have been in fact worse than what you are trying to elude to in the eyes of many including some PLP supporters.
LOL
Malachi – I am a Bermudian in Insurance/Reinsurance too and I think you’ve had a few bad experiences but doesn’t mean you can lump all insurance expats into that bucket. I personally have had a great relationship with my expat bosses and they have done everything in their power to train me, pay for me to travel and to attend every meeting in order to learn the business as they learned in London, New York, New Jersey or Zurich.
We as Bermudians have to realize how lucky we are by having this great industry on the island and drive to work harder to show we deserve the promotions, pay etc going forward. All the expats i’ve spoken to don’t want to stay here forever so training a hard working Bermudian to take over in 10-20 years in a key objective for them.
He clearly stated he doesn’t think of all of them that way.
OK, so name a Bermudian CEO or President in any other those Insurance/Re-Insurance companies. It would take a Bermudian 20 years to reach those positions and only 4 or 5 for a white Expat..True of false?
Secondly, how dumb is this women to allow a work permit for 10 years knowing full well we have unemployment issues within Bermuda !!!
ah…not content with disparaging expats…it’s the white ones you really despise. No further comment required for you
Can you fill any of those jobs?
I don’t believe you could. Not with that ignorant outlook on life.
How do you feel about these black expats down here? Are they exempt from your ignorant xenophobia? If so, just say I AM A RACIST…
Most of these big insurance companies are publicly listed companies. The person that they choose to run the company should probably be the best person for the job. If that person is a Bermudian, then great. They probably won’t be. Not because of their nationality, but because there is a much larger pool of talent to choose from.
i.e. 55,000 Bermudians vs. about, what, 500,000,000 Engligh speaking westerners?
Secondly, if you piss off International Business by forcing them to turn over their staff arbitrarily every 6 (or 10) years, you will have much bigger unemployment issues than you have now. Odds are the outgoing expat will just be replaced by a different expat.
How dumb are you to bring race into it?
Rees Fletcher at ACE and Patrick Tannock at XL, David Cash at Endurance to name a few..any idea what you are talking about Jason?
Brian Dupperrault at Marsh, George Cubbon at Chartis…there are probably more…
Mike Fisher at Integro, Terry Pimentel at Arch, Joe Rego at Aon.
Jason, you have no idea, really.
@ Jason
Brian Duperreault, President and CEO Marsh Global you did say BERMUDAIN right!
LOL who are you calling dumb dude
Get a grip Honesty.. For every positive comment about an ex-pat providing guidance and asistance I can provide you with evidence that it isn’t the norm.
I have worked in many industries and the common theme has been self preservation, securing opportunities for people in their circle of friends and general disdain for any attempt to control their time in Bermuda.
Stop with the We Are lucky BS already. Same line that was sold to us when we only had Hotels to work in and will continue as long as we don’t seriously close some of the very clear loop holes that exist in Bermuda’s Corporate World.
Save your nonsense for those that don’t know…
Hey Bob the builder – Get a grip? You won’t be building much without Intl Business on the island so good luck to you.
Can you tell me then which industry we should rely on for our economy to be stable and profitable? And I hope you don’t own any homes here because the values will drop to a 10th of what they are now if Intl Business leaves.
Stop sounding so narrow-minded – no one cares about this tiny island in the middle of nowhere – even if it turns into a 3rd world country.
Honestly – aka, I have mine and to he’ll with all others…
Were do you see in my comments ridding the country of intl business? I think I asked you and others that are narrow minded to see the negative impact that this false economy has had on an ever increasing number of Bermudians..Further, stop with the scare you into submission tactics that are simply old and tired.
The UBP played an all or nothing game with our economy when they pushed tourism to the curb and embraced reinsurance with arms open and bank accounts primed . Jennifer followed with her apologist – anglophile leanings and instead of addressing the imbalance she simply sipped champagne with the Bermudiana Barons…
The country needs to be right sized and there will be some hard times and I do own a home and I accept that in the best interest of the country and the majority of it’s citizens there will need to be some sacrifices made by all that decide to remain in the third world…note to file, some Bermudians already live in third world conditions…I suspect far from your gated community.
The good Minister hasn’t gone far enough in her explantion for why the AMAZING U-turn on work permits. The PLP rode into power with a mantra of Bermuda For Bermudians. They told us that the sky was about to fall because of our over reliance on foreign expertise. Back then the foreign worker population as a percentage of total employment, hovered around 18% and in quick time under this Bermuda For Bermudians Party (PLP) that figure swelled to approximately 28%. So I ask what happened and why the change in the PLP’s position on expatriate workers. The PLP told us that we needed to limit the length of work permits and we agreed and a six (6) year time limit was imposed and we started to believe again that they were serious and their Bermuda For Bermudians mantra wasn’t simply a political soundbite. Now this!! Sorry Minister you MUST explain to those of us that took the PLP serious. If you were wrong and the UBP were right than you need to say as much. You need to finally tell us your real positon on immigration not waiver and pander based on who shouts the loudest. And Minister it’s nice that you have closed out some categories, albeit all at the bottom end of the labour ladder. But we can remember when under that other party, the Hotel Industry had 99% of the senior post closed out to foreign exopertise, HR Directors, Directors of Sales & Marketing, Convetions Managers, Resident managers, Food & Beverage directors, Operations Managers, reservations Managers, Financial Controllers, Sales managers, and Hotels were turning profits! Now all we have is PLP Ministers , ex Ministers and backbenchers filling roles within our largest hotel and # 1 restaurant chain. It should also be noted that none of which had hotel backgrounds prior to being welcomed in. They do however have influence.
Good luck. The PLP is the part of take no responsibility.
Touche’ Bob..
THe PLP are a confused, apologetic and elitist group, masquerading as politicians of the people.
While I support longer term permits, where GENUINELY required, I equally support prudent, transparent and consistent policy. This is clearly not the manner in which this so called labour party governs. They spin so much they look like glitzy hub caps on a low riders chevy.
Thus the game of politics! All the parties are on the SAME agenda!! They use such tactics such as LYING to get votes and when they have the majorities support they ‘default” back to the original plan. This is not just in Bermuda.. its in Canada , USA and all the other “ Democratic” countries!
Democracy at its FINEST…
Thanks for the clarification CandianLuv, but we know a little bit about world affairs and the politics of North America. That being said, I and many others that voted for the PLP actually believed them. Call me naive and I’m not, call me a fool for wanting to believe and I’m not, call me “turned off” and yes, that’s what I have become.
It’s just that countries like Canada, the US and “other” countries aren’t limited to a single or dual pillar economy. Unfortunately the bad decisions of politicians here has far reaching consequences because we cannot afford to fund social programs or give out “free bus rides”.
Expats create more jobs for Bermudians than take them away. Where else in the world does a receptionist make at least $60,000? Stop blaming guest workers and blame the political party you voted for.
The same receptionist has to pay 2-3k in rent primarily as a result of the very same expat that created the job.. It is all relative.
I do blame political parties, both of them,..The UBP and their Accountant/ Lawyer driven philosphy moved away from tourism in a significant manner. Not because tourism wasn’t a vaiable industry, it was simply because they could earn significantly more income personally. See Accounting and Legal firms growth over the last 20 years. Conversely, have a look at the negative impact it has had on tourism.
What do you propose Bob the builder is the fix?? You only dispute others but with no real solutions.
I question what solutions any of us offer by lobbying online. It’s good that we can have some sort of dialogue amongst us (unless your alias is ‘Terry’) but what we really need to do is to get out to parish council meetings, public consultation forums and in the voting booth.
Don’t lose the vision of bettering our society, just expand on your sincere concerns and well-though solutions.
Have a good weekend everyone and please spend more time with your real family than the royal one.
Debunking myths is important – many comments including yours are just a tad biased and selective.
Having said the above, genuine and transparent succession planning would be a great start. Like I said, for every positve story about the rise and rise of Bermudians in Coporate Bermuda,I can provide you with as many, or more, that speak volumes of the double standards that run rife in that same community…
Bob the builder,
Whilst the receptionist may be paying 2 to 3 k in rent, it is a Bermudian landlord benefiting from that largess, and Bermudian builders who got paid to build or renovate all the new rentals and Govt. that takes in land tax and stamp duty etc… everyone benefits, not just expat workers.
Bermudians need to live and work in other countries to understand how lucky they are to have so much basically handed to you on a silver platter here. And YES I am Bermudian.
Yes, however the ave Bermudian can’t afford to live in this over priced wonderland. Much of this is as a result of this out of control cost created by these industries and the rapacious landlords and construction companies that have made huge profits at the expense of the AVE BERMUDIAN.
And by the way I have lived and worked in multiple states and save the Silver platter crap as it makes no sense in context..
Well said 28Red but it seems Bob the builder is more than slightly bias himself so it’s hard to have a discussion with people who are not seeing things on the grand scale.
Bob I think you’ll find more good has come of Intl busines than bad for Bermuda.
Let’s just agree to disagree. You have obviously prospered and as such, can’t see any negatives associated with int’l business. You clearly want this group to have little to no opposition on work permits because ” We Should Be so Lucky to have them ‘.. This is the same time honoured rhetoric used to discredit those that have issues with individuals that place personal gain above all else..
While we denigrate the PLP and they have earned our disdain, we should not loose sight of those in int’l business that want it their way or threaten to take their marbles and play in Switzerland..
We have sold our souls to the money devils and are reaping what we have sow. Greed is a sin and we have many sinners in Bermuda. Not all carry guns
Board Room gangsta’s are dangerous also..
28Red,
What a tired,overused and just damn wrong argument.Bermudians were able too anddid build houses long before the rise of International business.I think that some folk think that the stories of Taxi drivers and waiters in hotels owning one and two houses is a myth.I will tell you my friend that it is spot on and I directly benefited from same, as did just about every one in my set of school mates and neighbourhood friends. The salaries were not great not remotely close to those of today (even in relative terms) but the cost where real cost and not the over inflated / false economy thatwe have grown over the past 20 years.
People built / bought houses and lived in them. They didn’t need a rental unit and the income from it to pay down debt service. Credit crds where not the norm in this country and I didn’t really know much about them untilI enterd university. Bermudians simply worked hard (often 2 jobs), understood the meaning of saving, bought houses before fancy cars, in fact my parents owned two houses and neverowned a car, educated their children in many cases without the aid of scholarships AND they assisted their neighbours.
To Really : Very true. My family owned their home, didn’t have a car, worked 2 jobs and educated 5 children.
What has made the country disgustingly profitable for some has had the reverse impact on many. It it impossible for ave folk to carve out the same life as their grandparents.
We are a greedy, selfish bunch and as long as we the prosperous prosper we couldn’t give a damn about those that keep falling into abyss.
I have lived and worked in seven states in the US. It’s a myth that Bermudians are lucky. Have you looked at the most recent statistics. Are you aware that over 3,000 bermudians live below the Low Income Threshold (aka –poverty line). The LIT is approximately $57,000 per year–ooops, that receptionist!!!!!!!!!!
Do you know that those folks living under the LIT spend approximately 64% of the earnings on food, shelter and clothing!
Are you aware of the number of Bermudians that live on the street or in emrgency housing? Do you know how many children go to school without a proper breakfast and eat a sub statndard dinner.
Yes some bermudians have done well in this Internaional Business driven economy, but please stop spinning how well this experiment has been for all of Bermuda.
Just this Wednesday, the Bermuda Sun featured an article in which Bermudians are a bit perturbed by the fact that foreigners appear to be better off financially than they are in their own land; that has apparently been the case for a while now, according to the July 11th 2007 edition of the RG…but to announce on top of the Sun article that 10-year work permits will be issued to foreign nationals is simply adding fuel to the fire. The government can only provoke even more frustration with these ill-timed announcements.
What are they thinking?
You are making sense. But note the headline, and read the whole speech. A lot of the ink was given to the pracitces of employers in the workplace.
This is not the first time this was announced. I am however really bothered that companies fight tooth and nail to keep people and don’t hire Bermudians that are out of work.
10 year permits are for CEOs and poeple who bring jobs to Bermuda, that’s good. It the poeple who come as secretaries, and move up to be some great title, and when they go up for renewal, the company will make any excuse not to hire a Bermudian. That is the real problem. A guest worker is a guest worker, but many think they are here for GOOD.
True. Good points.
You guys should do some research, I did today and discovered Minister Wilson was misquoted.
Business leaders and entrepreneurs who attract capital to any economy MUST be given perks, that’s a globally accepted practice.
However, middle managers who simply administer the structures and businesses established by entrepreneurs and investors should be subject to immigration control in a small country like Bermuda.
The only problem here is that nepotism between the Corporate Services desk in Immigration and overbearing (and sometimes unethical) HR Managers & Recruitment Consultants is undermining well established protectionist policies that are as essential to Bermuda as the 60:40 Regime is to protect our “local” infrastructure.
Restructure Immigration Teams immediately so that Employers cannot manipulate the system because of cozy relationships with overwhelmed and easily dominated clerical technocrats in Government.
For the illiterate – we must protect Lobster Pot and Bermy Cuisine from Red Lobster and Denny’s Franchises.
Instead of slamming Kim Wilson, or the potential new OBA Administration, go and lobby them on a personal basis with sensible solutions and use your vote to endorse, or reject their performance.
Unethical HR Managers ? Note to file, HR Managers are told what to do by unethical CEO,s and owners…
They have the option to leave their jobs if what has been asked /demanded is unethical , however like Paula Coggy Cox , most do the ostrich see no evil dance and go with the tide…
A CEO has absolutely no interest, concern, or knowledge of about a trainee, assistant or other similarly junior appointment on the organizational chart, no matter how small the organization.
This level of recruitment is the sole domain of the expat middle manager who befriends the Bermudian HR Manager and convinces her that the Bermudian is too junior or won’t turn up for work, and that another work permit for Peter or Mary-sue is warranted.
The person applying for 237 jobs should call the Immigration Board every day and ask them for help.
HR Managers and Immigration have sold out a generation for the comfort of a salary, and perks associated with some recognition by people who really don’t respect them. A national travesty continues.
A foreign national could never get a US, UK, Canadian, Swiss, German, or Dutch work visa to be a junior staff member in their financial service sector, only in Bermuda can a UK high school graduate with 5 years unverifed London Market Experience get a work permit for a $115,000+ rent allowance + share options + bonus package.
History will not be kind to the current actors unless they address the hypocrisy of our Immigration approval process.
I have heard members of the Immigration Board say they don’t know the qualifications of certain industries, yet they remain and trade away a generation
Along with crime issue, this is the most important matter facing our Nation.
Just asking if you are a Bermudian and can’t get a job ( I have applied for 237 to date jobs in Bermuda and all have gone to ex-pats) could I sale my birth right to
someone that want’s to be Bermudian ?
237 Jobs? What’s your name? Attila The Hun?
Rob,
Dont poke fun geezer, there are people who are unemployed and applying for dozens of roles every month many have qualifications and experience and were cut due to merger activity over the past 5 years it’s not fair to crack jokes at them my 20 cents
Sorry! You are right Employed. I apologize to you Ex-Pat want to be, if you are genuine.
Are their statistics across the IB sector on work permit holders in junior positions? Roles like:
- Assistant Account Manager
- Junior/ Assistant Actuary
- Junior CFO / Internal Auditor Assistant – AVP
- Technical Assistant
- Junior/Assistant Underwriter
- Senior Trust Officer/ Trust Officer
Our company only employs overseas personnel with relevant market experience and completed designations not working towards.
I Have and am noticing that the have-nots are growing, recession back in US so no job to go back to that compares like here, but admit that there is some nepotism in hiring process which none of us thought about pre-2008 financial meltdown