Comments on: “Bermudians Passed Over For Employment”

By: ETPHONEHOME

ETPHONEHOME — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 19:34:21 +0000

Exactly. Soundly like the pots calling the kettles black to me.

Henderson Travel & Associates (Ewart) and Derrick Green (Sean Crockwell)

SAME THING!

By: Bermewjan

Bermewjan — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:45:10 +0000

Quite!

By: Bermewjan

Bermewjan — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:44:07 +0000

Ah, assumptions too. My aren’t you a one.

By: Christopher James

Christopher James — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 19:06:03 +0000

Well look at that! Talk about closed perspective!

By: Christopher James

Christopher James — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 18:38:39 +0000

The benefit of a a life with a closed perspective.

Now that’s a phrase you don’t aften hear – and for good reason.

Best of luck with your job hunt.

By: Bermewjan

Bermewjan — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 18:24:28 +0000

Try reading my first comment in this string. It may help you to understand.

By: Bermewjan

Bermewjan — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 18:23:20 +0000

Well, this is just outright b*lls*it!

By: Bermewjan

Bermewjan — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 18:21:54 +0000

Or alternatively the government could actually enact some legislation to level the playing field so that we no longer have to have such pointless tug-of-war debates where many are simply unwilling to consider the problem from another’s perspective and self-righteously spout nonsense in the belief that they are imparting some great wisdom!

By: Bermewjan

Bermewjan — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 18:16:39 +0000

Ah, another person who does not understand the concept of a metaphor.

By: Bermewjan

Bermewjan — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 18:15:34 +0000

How simple you make it sound. Perhaps you think your “just go for it” rallying cry will allow people who have been struggling for years to overcome the inequalities that exist in the Bermuda employment market. Are you Bermudian? Do you even have the slightest idea of what you are so cavalierly commenting on?

Perhaps you may wish to reconsider your Ostrich “head in the sand” approach to this issue. While you clearly have no relevant experience of the issue, maybe adopting the view that there is “no smoke without fire”, would give you a better starting point for understanding the problem.

By: Bermewjan

Bermewjan — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 18:07:52 +0000

Agreed!

By: Bermewjan

Bermewjan — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 18:05:59 +0000

Christopher, your comments suggest you have the benefit of a life with a closed perspective. While you may wish to continue to reiterate your microcosmic perspective, there are plenty of others of us living in Bermuda, who have a somewhat different view and perspective based on our knowledge and personal experiences. Perhaps you may wish to consider them rather than typing in such a dismissive manner and “telling” us what Bermudians should do.

By: Bermewjan

Bermewjan — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 17:59:57 +0000

@bluebird

I have now read your comment a couple of times. As it makes absolutely no sense, I see no point in responding to it directly. Perhaps you might consider the point you wish to make before typing, that way you may not come across as spouting nonsense.

By: X

Thu, 27 Nov 2014 00:53:54 +0000

Can someone tell me why a company might turn down a suitable Bermudian over the cost and hassle of an equally suitable non-Bermudian requiring a work permit. Might it just be that … perish the thought, the Bermudian might not be suitable for the job??

Why would the company take an application to the next step just because the applicant is Bermudian, if they FAIL the on line test?

By: Christopher James

Christopher James — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 20:59:57 +0000

Hey rene, would you be happy riding with a bus driver who failed the test, an airline pilot who failed? How about an electrician working on your house – who failed the test?

I mean what so important about a test right? I mean if someone works on the brakes on your car – does he really need to pass a test?

YOU BET!!!!

By: Girl on Fire

Girl on Fire — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 17:01:15 +0000

As a Bermudian who can and does compete in the global market, I disagree with your statement. Many Bermudians in many different fields are able to rise to a world class standard. We have musicians, artists, actors, hotel managers, insurance whizzes, etc. who engage and succeed on a world stage. I am not unique – we can certainly compete with the world economy. And frankly, that should be the expectation. Why wouldn’t you want to be the best?

By: fedup

fedup — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 16:35:35 +0000

Were you actually qualified, or are you expecting a handout simply because you’re Bermudian?

By: Billy Mays

Billy Mays — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 16:08:48 +0000

It is soooooooooooooooo much cheaper and easier to hire Bermudians than expats. To believe that businesses go out of their way to go to the expense and trouble of hiring expats when qualified, capable Bermudians are available to do the job is idiotic. The fact is that this is a very small island, with a very small pool of potential employees available for any given job. Some of these jobs require specific experience and qualifications that simply don’t exist yet here.
So, Bermudians can continue to blame others for their perceived lack of opportunity, or they can look in the mirror, and decide to start down the path that gets them the skills and experience necessary to get those jobs. There are many role models to be seen across all of the industries that exist here.
Clearly, the plp prefers to blame others for their own shortcomings and perceived (if not fabricated), lack of opportunity, creating an ethic of entitlement, petulance and laziness among too many of their minions. They give the many, many clever, hard-working Bermudians a bad name.

By: Stunned

Stunned — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 15:37:15 +0000

May I make a suggestion to anyone looking for a job and who thinks they are not being given the courtesy of any consideration – when you submit a job application make sure you attach a copy of your covering letter and resume and send it to the Ministry of Home affairs. Find the name of the senior Civil Servant in that department and address your details. At this point you as a candidate have informed the Ministry of your efforts. You have independently advised them that a Bermudian has applied, supplied your credentials and references. You should be in a much better place to challenge the outcome rather than assuming anything on the part of the Ministry or the potential company.

By: rene

rene — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 00:51:49 +0000

Employers have learned how to write job description s to suit the individual they wish to hire. Thats not new however Bermuda does not have a watchdog reviewing job description s that upon review would exclude 99% of Bermudian s. Until Bermuda gets an immigration department that actually works for Bermudian s , I just hear sad stories about one day this that and the other, perhaps that’s a department that should be outsourced first so that Bermudian s can get jobs. Im all for it. In the meantime Bermudian s welfare will continue to be manipulated by local companies while immigration delivers lip service. So sad. And I dont support the notion that companies can come here and do whatever they like. If they want to enjoy tax benefits or even our beaches then they have to hire Bermudian s or get cracking.

By: rene

rene — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 00:19:48 +0000

Bermuda can not compete with the world economy. Just like America has trade restrictions with other countries Bermuda needs to have labour restrictions with other countries. No one blames America when they limit the number of vehicles China can sell in America. No one says the American cars are inferior or lack quality . However here in Bermuda people generalize and say the Bermudian employee must be inferior because xyz and failed a test. Why don’t Bermudian s support their own country and people. Instead of supporting Bermudian s people just want to blame the Bermudian. It is said the portugese community has been so successful in Bermuda because they work together supporting each other mates get together to help you build your house. So why do Bermudian s bash Bermudian s apparently trying to be productive members of society. I just dont understand all the negativity and neither do I support companies using job description s that only a handful of employees could fulfill in a global market never mind the infinitesimal small puddle Bermudian s live in. Wake up people Bermuda will get devoured by the global resources and stop blaming Bermudians

By: Islandgal

Islandgal — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 20:48:59 +0000

I worked for a hotel & had to write an advert for a dishwasher. I was also responsible to give job seekers “The Test” that the Manageress(foreigner) provided. Everyone failed even the re-applying dishwashers. How many rooms in the hotel? what’s the name of the beach? Who pays your wages? The name of the dining room & so on. Nothing about the job they were applying for.Low & behold a non english speaking man from the Philippines (The brother of a sous chef) got the job without taking the test. The Manageress also gave me an envelope full of resumes from foreigners that were not even on the island. I had no other choice but to share the info with the immigration dept. Yes she (manageress) lost her job. This was eleven yrs. ago. It still goes on, nothing has changed, just sugarcoated.

By: Hmmm

Hmmm — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 20:09:59 +0000

If immigration are aware of the test used, then they would have vetted it.

People want to hire people who will get the job done and get it done properly.

By: Hmmm

Hmmm — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 18:07:32 +0000

You work on a plantation.where is it?

By: Christopher James

Christopher James — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 13:32:23 +0000

If there really is a case to answer, then I certainly hope Burgess reports the names of the people involved to immigration and that this case is settled, and the people who have broken the law are properly dealt with to the full extent of the law.

On the other hand, if this is just another exaggerated piece of PLP BS to further their pointless campaign to discredit the OBA, and is based upon false information dreamed up by unemployable persons and desperate politicians – then I’d expect nothing further to happen.

My money is on scenario #2.

Prove us wrong Mr Burgess. I’m not holding my breath. The silence will be deafening I’m sure.

By: weclom

weclom — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 12:49:23 +0000

welcome to the real world. guess what? there are millions like you worldwide. a degree does not give you entitlement and in a recession all bets are off

By: Hmmm

Hmmm — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 12:23:16 +0000

A degree in insurance….what about CPCU.

By: Creamy

Creamy — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 11:23:08 +0000

So the PLP get a free pass. Or are ypu talking sheet.

By: frank

frank — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 05:19:11 +0000

it started long before the plp came into power and we all know that so stop talking sh===t

By: Alvin Williams

Alvin Williams — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 03:16:20 +0000

That’s why when this government’s finance minister states that with the new deal which will allow this Canadian company to develop a new airport and that will mean jobs for Bermudians; it is not believe because there is a lot of Bermudian employers who do their best not to hire Bermudians. It is true that under the former PLP government the flood gates were open that allowed a flood of migrant workers into the country. That was partly due to full employment for Bermudians and an expanding over heated economy.Add to that the reluctance of some in the PLP government to really rock the boat for fear they would get the blame for a declining economy and the irony was they still got the blame. Well those days are gone and the people are not going to tolerate any government that does not put Bermudian interests first. This time the PLP will return to it’s political and social roots for now the people will not expect anything less.

By: Lorraine

Lorraine — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 00:45:24 +0000

My situation is fine for me, thank you. However, I am speaking for many who have not had the good public education and experiences which I have had to help myself. Mr. James, you propose not moaning but I am unsure what makes my comments moaning and yours not. Your points are not invalid; we all know people like those you speak of but at the same time, it is not a matter of moaning at everyone to get back up after being knocked down or just shut up and try harder to harvest the plantation!

By: A Better Bermuda

A Better Bermuda — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 00:12:21 +0000

Unfortunately the majority of our unemployment problem is self induced because our policies drove away a lot of Companies and their employees and we are now seeing the negative impacts of those policies

By: Edmund Spenser

Edmund Spenser — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 23:23:01 +0000

Not necessarily, if Alex was trying to get a professional level position in an Insurance company than positions usually are filled before they get posted on Bermuda boards. These are for two very good reasons.

1. The posting is required for work permit renewal requirements and the expat is already in place.
2. Professional positions are generally advertised on specialized international job boards and filled from there.

For good or bad, there is a strong incentive to not mess-up an in place team so overcoming situation 1 is not impossible but you need to do your homework and make sure you can specifically address all the requirements in the job posting.

For situation 2, as a Bermudian you have to do your homework again and find out what international job boards are used for the profession you are in. You can’t wait for the position to be posted in Bermuda, you have to find and use the same resources as other professionals in your field.

Bermuda is a small place, if you are looking for a specialized position the search can take some time.

By: Rhonnie aka BlueFamiliar

Rhonnie aka BlueFamiliar — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 22:55:12 +0000

I can understand your frustration and I agree that there are some incredibly talented young people out there who can’t find job, or who can’t find advancement when they want it. It’s a sad situation, but it’s not uncommon elsewhere in the world as well.

As for advancement, well, just because you’re ready to move up, doesn’t mean that others agree with your assessment, or that there are opportunities when you want there to be. It’s been like that for every generation, believe it or not. Patience, perserverance and yes, schmooze. Don’t beg, you should never have to beg. Ever. But schmoozing aka networking is necessary.

Volunteer, meet new people, talk to anyone and everyone about your skills and interests. It can pay off. Someone may hear of something and mention they know the perfect person to fill it… you.

Oh, and talk to your managers about what you could do to learn more, or take on more responsibility. You just have to be careful to balance between learning new skills and getting more experience under your belt, and being taken (intentionally or not) advantage of.

By: rene

rene — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 22:52:11 +0000

If you google discrimination in tests you can possibly figure out that employers can tell a lot about a person based on how they answer the questions. For example if you wanted to exclude all persons over 40 give them a test that asks them to recall some algebraic equation they did 25 years ago. If you wanted to exclude hispanics or blacks ask them some language/word based questions. I could give more examples but maybe you can do your own research.

By: rene

rene — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 22:42:23 +0000

Derrick Burgess is absolutely correct. He can add me to the list of those not even being given the dignity of an interview.

By: Family Man

Family Man — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 22:15:02 +0000

Good thing you don’t need to take that test.

By: A Better Bermuda

A Better Bermuda — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 22:05:49 +0000

Do you know if any Bermudas actually applied for their job?

By: Thanks

Thanks — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 21:55:15 +0000

It says on there permits they must speek/write english . maybe Bermuda Immigation should test more of them and deal with them accordingly.

By: Thanks

Thanks — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 21:52:39 +0000

I am sure Bermuda Immigration are well aware of there test.

By: Thanks

Thanks — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 21:51:05 +0000

Maybe the hotel should lower there standards for Bermudians!

By: Spittal pond skink

Spittal pond skink — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 21:33:45 +0000

Being Bermudian doesn’t mean your qualified.

By: CommonSensenBda

CommonSensenBda — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 21:19:13 +0000

Question: When the hotels started to conduct these “fixed” employment practices, WHAT DID THE VAUNTED PLP DO TO HALT THOSE PRACTICES!!!

Answer: NOTHING , NADA , ZILCH , ZIP , AND TONS OF ONTHER EXCUSES BETWEEN
2010 – 2012.

By: CommonSensenBda

CommonSensenBda — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 21:07:40 +0000

During the PLP’s term in office, during the economic downturn that was witnessed under that same party, how many work-permit holders were shown the door and told to leave the Island?!

By: Creamy

Creamy — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 21:00:01 +0000

I am Bermudian and was passed over once for a job. By another Bermudian of a race other than my own. Based, I assumed, on experience and job suitability.
Funny thing is, I took responsibility for it myself, rather than blaming others.

By: Family Man

Family Man — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 20:57:27 +0000

‘Can do’ and ‘will do’ are not always the same thing.

By: Creamy

Creamy — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 20:55:05 +0000

How can you tell just by looking at them who is or is not a Bermudian or a spouse? Do they wear badges?

By: Creamy

Creamy — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 20:52:02 +0000

You would “wager”? I have never heard a Bermudian use that term. Are you a paid foreign blogger?

By: Sky Pilot

Sky Pilot — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 20:29:40 +0000

you only have to look about you and you can see MANY non Bermudians working jobs that locals can do…
and I’m not talking about spouses from abroad!

By: PBanks

PBanks — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 20:07:49 +0000

Alex is absolutely right. Things have been rough for many a person, of various ages and levels of skill, in recent years. Even with the NTB, various hotel fairs and ol’fashioned word-of-mouth, opportunities for employment have been limited.

Yet there seems to be in some quarters a distinct lack of empathy and understanding, instead the broad sweeping brush of ‘not trying hard enough’ gets cast over people.