SAGE: ‘Solutions Will Come From Consultation’
Chairman of the Spending and Government Efficiency [SAGE] Commission Brian Duperreault today welcomed the formal enactment of the SAGE Commission Act 2013, noting that solutions to the economic challenges facing Bermuda will come from broad-based consultation.
Mr. Duperreault said that the Act was officially gazetted on Monday, April 1 and members of the commission have received their letters of appointment from Finance Minister the Honourable Bob Richards.
“Now the SAGE Commission can move quickly to finalize its structure and initiate discussions with Government ministries, members of the Civil Service, the unions and the general public, “ said Mr. Duperreault.
“It’s imperative that we come to grips with the unsustainable debt that is crippling our ability to run this country. We believe that with broad-based consultation and feedback, we’ll be able to meet the objective of creating a more modern, efficient and accountable government.
“The world has changed. Bermuda has changed. We face internal and external challenges that we’ve never faced before. These challenges are not just economic. They’re social and cultural.
“But these challenges represent great opportunities. I believe we can restore Bermuda’s competitiveness and take care of the needs of our community if we engage in open and honest dialogue with each other.
“And Bermudians naturally come together when our Island is threatened. When our shores are battered by a hurricane, we don’t think twice about looking out for each other.
“That’s exactly the situation facing us now. We’re being battered by a financial hurricane. Now is the time to come together so that we emerge from this battering prepared for a future that benefits Bermuda for generations to come.”
Mr. Duperreault noted that the SAGE commission will put a process in place that enables participation.
“We’ll establish a web site that invites submissions, post a schedule of public meetings and offer the opportunity for individuals and groups to speak to the members of the commission in closed-door hearings, “ said Mr. Duperreault.
“Our goal is that by the end of the month, we will launch our web site and our schedule for the next six months with a view to making our final recommendations to Minister Richards by October 1. “
This will be beneficial if there is transparency to the reports and responsibilities clearly outlined for the action steps.
Mr, Duperreault has incredible skills and the will to help us. However it will take real cooperation and support from his fellow Bermudians. I pledge to support the efforts of Sage to help put us back together. We should now forget blame as set things in place to ensure that we have plans ready to deal with global and internal challenges we may face.
Thank you sir for giving of your time for your community, we are extremely blessed that you chose to return to Bermuda, your home, to help us develop first our international business and now to help us rebuild our economy.
Somehow I feel that there is a ray of hope which we should all embrace.
An application used in UK for accounting, payroll purposes! How effective Is it and can it be manipulated to your needs!