OBA: We Cannot Continue With Spin & Deception
Speaking on the recent unemployment figures, Opposition Leader Craig Cannonier said the figures were “alarming” and said we cannot continue to go on with the “spin and deception.”
Noting that the unemployment rate has doubled since 2009, Mr Cannonier said: “The reality of Bermuda’s story is this, we are not headed in a direction that we have heard from our Premier in the past saying that the country is recovering.”
“What it’s telling is that our Government’s policies, our Government’s procedures and decision making is not working for Bermuda and Bermudians.
“More and more people are finding themselves without work, more and more businesses are essentially closing down. That should be alarming to us.
Mr Cannonier continued: “It’s time to call the election. It’s time, as Bermuda is frustrated. Bermuda has had enough. Our government continues to talk about standing strong…well with the stance that we see, and the grass that we are looking at…unemployment is rising..it’s not at a standstill, we are not standing strong, we are continuing to fall with these alarming figures.”
“We cannot continue to go on with the spin and deception,” said Mr Cannonier. “Our government is more concerned with going into bus shelters and tearing down OBA posters rather than getting on with the work of getting Bermuda back and working again.”
17-minute video of the full press conference:
Shadow Minister of Finance Bob Richards said: “This government is not about growth, it is about contraction, and their record is proof. While there is slow growth overseas, our economy is still contracting.
“Contraction has resulted in: The unemployment figures we have talked about today, the export of jobs in Bermuda to other lands, the exodus of job creators from our shores to anywhere but here, the death of local businesses large and small in the retail and construction sectors, widespread vacancies in residential rental units while mortgages still have to be paid by Bermudian owners, soaring debt, both public and private.
“We, the OBA, have a turnaround plan that requires implementing pro- growth policies and cutting wasteful government spending – simultaneously.
“Some of our pro-growth plans include: granting any employer a two-year payroll tax exemption for new Bermudian hiring, support small businesses by directing 20% of all government goods and services spending – about $80 million a year – to them, create Bermudian construction and tourism jobs through the redevelopment of the Hamilton and the St. George’s waterfronts.
Mr Richards continued: “There is clearly a great deal of wasteful spending within government that can be eliminated. We would: implement a Spending And Government Efficiency (SAGE) commission, establish a Contractor General to oversee the bidding and the implementation process of all government capital contracts; an area that has witnessed huge overspends from dodgy bidding procedures and cronyism.”
“Bermuda is one of the world’s three risk capitals, yet the government pays a huge $12 million annual insurance bill the old fashioned way. An OBA government would use Bermuda based risk management expertise to significantly lower this cost. Government has paid lip service to this idea but, in dithering for so long, they’ve wasted millions of dollars in insurance premiums. We would expedite this idea forthwith.
“These are just a small sample of the turnaround plans the OBA has to create jobs, put us on a growth path once again, and establish control over government finances,” said Mr Richards.
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- Premier Paula Cox Responds To Bob Richards | Bernews.com | October 19, 2012
My son is not being trained as a nail technician or waiter. He’s an account. International Business needs accountants. We need international business. If you care about your country and its future, vote OBA.
OK.. so PLP provides $500K to train accountants. What is your issue exactly? Or do you think everyone can be an accountant?
I don’t think that multi billion dollar companies are going to be trusting the qualification that money is being spent on anytime soon, local book keeping yes, multi national accounting…. No.
The qualification is a Foundation in accounting, not a fully qualified professional accountant. Who is getting paid 500m….wow lucky person.
I was thinking of supporting OBA, but with Richards and the likes, talking just to hear themselves. I won’t vote for them. And they need my vote. I may just support the Independent candidate. Geez, truly sick and tired of hearing Bob. He never has nothing good to say about Bermuda, perhaps he should move as he promised years ago.
Oh be quiet! Ugh!
Bet you loved Burgess’ speech, nothing sooths the soul like a pack of twisted lies. Then again if you argued his points he might punch you in the face.
Actually, to accurate, I believe normally also gets you into a stranglehold.
Classy guy.
HEARIGN THE TRUTH HURTS
NO HEARING CRAP HURTS.
So instead of a (SAGE) commision, I suppose you would prefer the corruption and cronyism to continue with your(and my) tax dollar being abused? What is the PLP gonna do? Other than rid of conscription (haha) and tear down posters of those who challenge and disagree with them?
SAGE, you can’t possibly be serious.
The OBA is skitzophrenic.
One day they say governemnt spends to much, the next day they say government cuts too much, meanwhile they don’t say a damned thing about what they would do!
When the oba says that I’m pretty sure they aren’t contradicting themselves. I believe its called prioritizing…like not buying crack when you’re hungry…
I’m glad you only buy crack when you’re not hungry. You’re a really responsible person.
@ swing voter
Why can’t you swing out to sea and BEGONE.
Bermuda just like the rest of the world will always need blue collar jobs as well as white collar jobs. Everyone can’t be a lawyer, or a Doctor. And what’s wrong with being a waiter or a nail technician? If you LOVE what you do than NO job should be too small.
I take it you serve yourself when you eat out. Thank goodness for that highly trained waiter.
you missed my point. yes ALL legitimate employment is honorable. But you’ve got to think of the economy as a piramid. No International Business, means no professionals spending money, which means a slow down in other (blue color) services. It’s not rocket science. If there are no professionals to spend money on services, or if the professionals cut back and spend less, (i.e. my executive wife goes back to doing her own nails and we cook at home on weekends instead of eating out) do you get it now?
So what do you say about that same employment survey that said Jobs in International business are UP over the past 2 years.
What do you say about the PLP that gives your son, the accountant, a chance by making sure qualified Bermudians get first preference in Jobs.
Feel free to vote OBA, but at least get your facts correct.
If my son passes his designation exam, we don’t need the PLP to ensure that he is employed, we just need them to roll the red carpet out to businesses to set up here again, leave the payroll tax at the current level and remove the term limits for management level positions….and keep the Burch/Brown mindset out of Cabinet
So what happens “if” he doesn’t pass :0
Fake Names, the same report says the number of tourism jobs has doubled in the last two years, an increase of nearly 1,000 jobs.
Complete crap isn’t it.
That’s exactly what is meant by “spin and deception”. Lies and fake numbers in reports don’t actually mean that actual jobs have really been created.
Just to add, hypathetically if we had 50 IB 10 years ago, 30 leave, and we get 10 more, that to me is not a step forward, that to me means we are worse off than 10 years ago and they’re is nothing to be proud about RE-building the IB sector.
You got to be the most uninform ostrich with his or her head in the sand,Since P.L.P took office in 1998 I have not seen the International companies leaving Bermuda in great numbers and the few who have sought to do business elsewhere based on their financial investments.
P.L.P has made several decisions that dont sit well with some folk and yes the economy and crime would be our #1 priority but in all honesty I am not all that sure that I can say that I fully trust the likes of the entire O.B.A line up,and the same can be said about the P.L.P but if I were to vote in the next few months that are left in this year I can not say that the O.B.A has given me enough reason to change my vote to vote for them
They have to give a much more clearer out look and blue print on where they intend on leading us and how they intend on getting there.in my humble opinion I truly believe that this election will be more historical then 1998 but I honestly believe that the P.L.P will still win back the government as the handwriting is all over the wall.
The business community for the most part have worked hand and hand with the P.L.P and it is clear to see that they are willing to continue working with the present administration,my only hope is that there is not a small team waiting in the balance to over throw the present administration once returned to office,after all the damn snake is still in the grass.
P.L.P put on your boots and tighten your boot straps and O.B.A please show us your blue print so we can have a fair assessment of what we are to vote for and who.to all the dreamers who think International business is going somewhere,you are jokers because the only time they are going to up stakes in numbers is when good ole Uncle Sam says enough is enough and starts pulling the fish back into their shores and it wont matter who is in government att that point.
Duane.what the hell are you smoking?
For real, I usually agree with most of his comments but he lost me at “P.L.P has made several decisions that dont sit well with some folk and yes the economy and crime would be our #1 priority but in all honesty I am not all that sure that I can say that I fully trust the likes of the entire O.B.A line up,”… Honestly, you really only have 2 choices, more of what we have now, or a chance for someone else to step up to the plate. Hey Duane, if they break OUR (notice that word) trust, we vote them the hell back out and if we don’t get what we deserve as an island nation, let’s see what they will do when we as an island nation take to the streets and give them something they never expected. “People shouldn’t be afraid of their government, governments should be afraid of their people.”
Sh!t sorry, that involves unity…
I guess for me from where I sit it is not who we put in government that is the real issue,it is the ones that help to control decisions made by the government that are not the government and just when you thought we wre in the 21s century,there is aconstant reminder dont bite the hand that feeds you,they might just smack you in the a$$.
Duane if a hell of a lot of International Business did not leave, please tell me where 50% of my clients went that now puts my business in the position it is in now. I knew these people by name and sight. They are gone. It is not our imagination.
Vote for the PLP again.
I wont be responding to you the next day because I will not be wasting time or money on this internet connection by then.
The reason international business have downsized is because of the global economy. Not because of the PLP government. Ask President Obama and Presidental hopeful Roomey. All leaders will explain that to these dumbwits here in Bermuda.
No some relocated in part to friendlier, but just as costly countries, like Switzerland and Ireland.
Polotics is a pile of trick!!! Don’t matter either way to me.
*politics
How many IB’s have left.
How many bussinesses have closed.
How many hOtels have closed.
Yes accountants are needed et al.
You got two IB’s left and a hotel you end up with a lot of Partidges in and empty tree.
good one Terry….
@ Swing voter
Thanks for your clarification. I don’t agree but at least you manned up and responded.
Get BERMUDA back where it should BE !!!!! NEW BEGINNINGS !!!
Dont take Bermuda back,just take us forward but I understand what you mean
Get rid of PLP we will be.
The best thing that happened to the OBA is their oposition is the PLP !!
and things can only get better if they are out, we all know that, but are the people of bermuda had enough, hurt enough, broke enough, hungry enough, jobless enough, homeless enough, etc…….
just like my title name RECTUM VISIONITIS, MEANS this is when your eye nerve crosses your a**hole nerve, and you get a sh!tty outlook on life !! We gotta fix our island
I think it’s wonderful we are training nail technicians. Undoubtedly Minister Minors will soon be able to call a press conference announcing that Bermuda is now an International Center of Excellence for Nail Technology adhering Best Practices. Thank you Minister Minors and the Progressive Labour Party for being so progressive and investing in the future with such foresight. Oh and I have my own humble suggesting, I think colon cleansing might be the next big thing Minister, Prince Charles apparently does it regularly.
Craig Cannonier sounds like he’ll fill the position of the next Premier PERFECTLY!!!! WELL DONE!
have you all heard of the saying ‘believe no one?’ …i deff don’t believe anything the PLP say but i will believe them when they say, Bermuda we are no longer the Gov. LOL
people wake up and do what is best and vote the plp out, look at bermuda’s position since they’ve been in power.
in 1998 plp won and everyone thought the ubp was bad but i guess you don’t know how good you have it until you loose it and in this case the people voted for the plp and since than bermuda has been going downhill.
You never miss the water til the well runs dry. Its not completely dry yet, so unfortunately I predict another 4 years of arrogance and race baiting. I heard a true story tonight, its not my place to go into detail, but even die hard plp supporters are being brushed aside in their time of need even after putting so much into the party. Clearly this die hard didn’t fit into the friends n family plan. Even your own die hards are now seeing how you operate. Like I have said before, if your intentions are not pure and rightious, it will self destruct, nothing to do with religion, everything to do with life. Life always has a funny way of balancing itself out. I can’t wait to see the plp’s trojan horse burn to the ground, then on to the next group of liars. Oba, if you get in power, all eyes will be on you, do not let our people down or believe me I’ll be one of the first on your back.
One thing is for certain when the O.B.A talks of spin and deception they are absolutely right about that,after all who among them has proven to be more of a spin doctor and full of deception then Mr. Rodney Smith and I say that based on all the comments mR Rodney Smith has said publicly about the P.L.P over the last 18 months I wont trust him as far as I can throw him and most of his comments have been very deceptive and if he can turn against the P.L.P when he was a sitting P.L.P member how much more sitting under the O.B.A
Now Mr. Smith as a person might be some what of a good character by nature but as a politician Gorhams dont sell boots high enough for me to walk in the stuff but what am I to know my mouth aint no prayer book either.
Discover punctuation.
If I go back to school I will but for now why dont you teach me for free,i cant afford it.but maybe you just wont understand it.
Duane…half the PLP are ex UBP and you wonder about TRUST?
There will always be those who will go where they perceive the power to be.
There you will find opportunity and hopefully enrichment under the friends and family plan.
Duane, If you weren’t sooo short, then just maybe you would be able to read the writing on the wall.Aren’t you the guy that has eyes behind his head?
Did Nandi speak at this press conference or was she just there for support?
The People r tired of what’s happening in Bermuda, we just want change, it’s all u hear on the streets, in people’s houses , at functions, in the office, and in the blogs. Let’s hav the election and let the people vote, by now 90 percent of us know who we gonna vote for, so let’s get it started.
Who the f%^$ is this guy callin she? iit is madam premier. um 22 from the ghetto n I kno dat
@Black, hold your horses, why don’t you look at the picture, the comment has nothing to do with the Premier! Get a Grip!
Just say for a momment the people who had definite work in the past were sent away and their jobs vanished and say they were not being over paid they just happened to have a work ethic that fundamentally drove them day by day steady onward little by little. Say Government hired someone on to replace all of them as a method to “show” that a Bermudian was being advanced to a position and at double the pay.
Just say that there were IB employees who not being top of the ladder on the higher rungs also went by the way side by the thousands…with a similar “Show” … just how skewed would those numbers be?
I think therein lies the true befuddlement of the interpretation of these surveys they cherry pick only very specific events and throw them into the overall formula in making these determinations.
What is honestly happening vs a very contrived answer that is driven by special interest rather than a true representation of the problem at hand.
i apologize for speaking in a circumlocutory way ,it tends to go large at times, however , it is to allow more time to think on a subject before arriving at an answer.
Just consider how neglecting certain things and emphasizing other points drives a wedge in critical thinking…
This i believe to be the underlying message in the opening of the speech.
get ready . gather your voting clothes together …