Comments on: PLP To Host Town Hall On Airport Project

By: Stunned...

Stunned... — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 15:05:46 +0000

“standing strong behind the mis-informed”

By: Redman

Redman — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 15:27:09 +0000

@ simple facts,

Well said. That was simply put and explained; hopefully it will enlighten a few more. The sad thing is that there is a need for you (and others) to even say such.

Sighs.

By: Redman

Redman — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 15:18:56 +0000

Oops, hit submit comment by mistake and before I had sorted the name. That should be @ Valirie Marcia …

By: Redman

Redman — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 11:47:12 +0000

Talk about being a legend in your own mind.

Get a load if this BS from Maria – “When the PLP went off course, I remember just two individuals who spoke out, the late Patricia Ferguson and myself. We spoke out in Bermuda’s interests”.

Yup all 65,000 plus residents here just sat by and watched the PLP’s numerous failings and economy destroying policies and said nothing just those two. Delusional Much??

Maria, Your not fit to be mentioned in the same breath as Pat.

By: James Rego

James Rego — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 20:46:36 +0000

Thank you “The Simple Facts”

By: Raymond Ray

Raymond Ray — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 17:08:11 +0000

All question mentioned by the P.L.P. have been answered by the Minister: “All labour will be done by locals” The backing of the project will come from C.C.C. and we will pay them back,(plus a profit of course) over a period of 30 years!
What is wrong with that “ulot” around there at Alaska Hall? This is win-win opportunity for everyone on this Island…Even Lance Hayward could have seen it

By: James Rego

James Rego — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 17:05:49 +0000

Encyclopedia why are you using two email addresses?

By: James Rego

James Rego — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 17:04:13 +0000

Encyclopedia why are you using two email addresses?

By: Allspice

Allspice — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 13:51:31 +0000

“truth is, they will be financing the building and running it for whatever the contracted period of time is to recoup their financing.”

This is the question we should all be asking right here. Yes they build it. Yes maybe we get more attractive financing. What about the $200 mill though? The recoup process is going to be a bitch. To get that much money out of our little airport is going to take some aggressive pricing of the various services, and may actually make it more difficult for us to negotiate with airlines, have affordable concessions, etc.

Just something to think about.

By: Creamy

Creamy — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 01:20:29 +0000

You mean the meetings where they said 6,000 new Bermudians would be created, all of them white?

By: Creamy

Creamy — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 01:18:58 +0000

And next week you’ll be whining “where are the jobs! We want jobs”.
Any development, any sign of success, anything, you hate to see.

By: mixitup

mixitup — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 00:25:58 +0000

And the subsidies?

By: Sir

Sir — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 00:25:31 +0000

*Berkeley

By: Build a Better Bermuda

Build a Better Bermuda — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 22:37:17 +0000

Because they don’t have any details, just vague ideas of things that are batted out in other areas of the world, with zero notion towards their viability here. Truth be told, they would simply embark on the same path they were heading prior to the election, would collaborate with the OBA as much as the OBA collaborates with them and use their control over parliament to steam through their ideas. The only difference between the 2 is that we know the direction thenPLP will take us from recent experience, while the OBA’s has yet to fully unfold. For now I am still willing to see where they take us, because, for now we are stating to see the potential beginnings of progress back up. I would like to see some more backing as to why CCC was entertained over other possibilities.

By: Creamy

Creamy — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 22:23:19 +0000

The thing that you and the PLP hate to see, is something done thst will employ Bermudians.
The only thing the PLP wants is to delay initiatives like this indefinitely, and then claim the OBA hasn’t created jobs.
Two weeks ago Bean wanted “bold initiatives”. Now he wants to delay, procrastinate, and bring up “why don’t we just renovate it” sheeet.

By: Passed Gas

Passed Gas — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 22:18:12 +0000

While you are there, can we discuss where the $800 million dollars of unaccounted for money went while the PLP was in power. Also can you also add to the agenda a talk on the Port Royal overspending and unaccounted for millions? Just Askin!?

By: Triangle Drifter

Triangle Drifter — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 21:33:13 +0000

Why would it be? The bridge is a bridge. The terminal is a new terminal. Notice I stress TERMINAL. The airfield itself also has nothing to do with this development.

I know, it is tough to separate issues but please try.

The PLP recieved $10M sometime ago for bridge repairs &/or replacement. Where did that money go? Oh yeah…thats right.

By: Build a Better Bermuda

Build a Better Bermuda — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 21:07:01 +0000

And who financed those airports? One of the leading misconceptions is that CCC will be building the airport, truth is, they will be financing the building and running it for whatever the contracted period of time is to recoup their financing. They will be hiring the general contractor who will build this, and who ever that GC is, they will have to be Bermudian… Or at least majority partnered with a Bermudian company. Similar to the hospital, while the hospital was built by BCM McAlpine, they were substantially supported by the McAlpine group in the UK. This will most likely be the case here too, as any company wishing to operate in the local market will need to abide by the 60/40 unless otherwise relieved through parliament. The GC will also be hiring local subcontractors to carry out the multitude of trades that will be required. And as has been explained the MOU that was signed laid out that local talent was to be the main source, that said, it has to be recognized that you could not sink a tea cup with the amount of local talent that has actually had first hand experience building a modern airport.
While I would like to see how it came about that CCC was the chosen party, it has to be recognized that there are so very few other entities that do this sort of engine. There are some from China, but as I understand it, they do this by bring in Chinese labor and leave very little for local trades.
Lastly, it reflect poorly on the PLP that continued to batter out this $1b figure of lost revenue to Bermuda’s as an attempt to create further criticism against the OBA. How can anyone claim to be a financial authority, when they do not know how to present an income stream by the basic removal of expense from revenue, this is not finance 101, it is finance preschool. Either the PLP set out to deceive us with this number, or don’t know how to calculate finances.

By: Not exactly

Not exactly — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:57:19 +0000

Re: 3) Point taken and apologies. I condensed my line of thinking too much. The company financing the project would be doing so with Canada AAA rating behind it, therefore the total cost of the project would be less expensive than if the Bermuda Government had to finance the same project ceteris paribus.

By: Building a Better Bermuda

Building a Better Bermuda — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:49:51 +0000

I agree that it could have been handled better politically but the process of finding someone to develop the airport was started under the PLP and I honestly don’t know at which stage or who decided not to do an RPF. If was an amateurish political decision if you ask me, but I have no doubt end result will be the same

By: bluebird

bluebird — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:45:31 +0000

This is all about the PLP/BIU trying to hold this off until they can get back in Power.
I can imagine that it woukld go to $400Million and not be accountable for the money.
From Berkley to Port Royal all “HUGE” over runs and no one knows where the money went.
That is why we have such a “HUGE” Debt now at $160Million per year Interest.
Bermuda Goverment will be “PRIVITIZED” as we cannot afford to “BORROW”
other peoples money at $300Million per year for ever,just to keep a “HUGE” goverment running.
As the minister said,Money does not grow on TREES,it comes from outside of Bermuda.
Remember the “GOLDEN RULE” he whom has the “GOLD RULES”

By: 40 acres no mule

40 acres no mule — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:32:32 +0000

They are fighting over who will holds the purse strings. Do not be naive BDA. We do not need a new airport.

By: whatindeheck

whatindeheck — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:16:38 +0000

HUH?

By: Building a Better Bermuda

Building a Better Bermuda — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:13:41 +0000

Are all the unions going to be told that they have to attend and bring placards and shout protests when David Burt is trying to speak. Or are PLP pep rallys only held when the Government holds a town hall meeting?

By: Larry Marshall

Larry Marshall — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 19:53:37 +0000

Thank you for being only one of two people who ever spoke out against the PLP.

By: Robert Daniels

Robert Daniels — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 18:40:37 +0000

So goes for foregoing an RFP on this project …then we will see more of this in the future.

By: Build a Better Bermuda

Build a Better Bermuda — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 18:38:16 +0000

OBA: Please hold a town hall meeting on the results of the Port Royal report. Anyone can attend

By: Creamy

Creamy — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 18:13:08 +0000

Another stream of drivel.

By: Stunned...

Stunned... — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 18:08:34 +0000

@ encycl – thank you for your reply. Please feel free to raise a question at the next Town Hall regarding your input and the lack of a Governmental reply.

By: Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 17:36:41 +0000

As a matter of fact, I did inform them of an experienced airport builder that has built 3 international airports.

No response at all from the Govt though.

By: Serious Though

Serious Though — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 17:28:30 +0000

Why can’t PLP hold a Town Hall meeting(s) on ideas they champion , like how to create JOBS???

By: Rhonnie aka Blue Familiar

Rhonnie aka Blue Familiar — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 17:09:33 +0000

You make a good point.

But while the decision wasn’t particularly transparent, it doesn’t mean that it’s a bad one, or will be as badly mismanaged as things seemed to have been during the PLP government.

This is why the opposition and the people need watch the proceedings closely.

By: Black Soil

Black Soil — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 17:04:15 +0000

The PLP/BIU/Tea Party/Peoples Campaign are just annoyed that they can’t pull off a Berkley School II at the airport. Berkley (and all the major govt contracts) had RFP’s, and look what good they did!!!!! Bermuda needs to wake up and understand the true forces that are working here.

By: Stunned...

Stunned... — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 16:58:41 +0000

If you have audited quite a few airport builders, kindly be of service and provide names of credible airport builders to the Bermuda Government and the people of Bermuda. We are anxiously awaiting…over to you.

By: LiarLiar

LiarLiar — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 16:41:46 +0000

Govt never has ‘banked’ $25mn of revenues per year from the airport.

There are expenses attached to that revenue. You should ask or research what the net income is for thw airport operations. I have already, and they in no way could fund the redevelopment of the airport.

By: Stunned...

Stunned... — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 16:39:54 +0000

nah…it is easier to CRITIQUE than to COMPOSE.

By: Build a Better Bermuda

Build a Better Bermuda — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 16:39:28 +0000

Please don’t let yourself get sucked into the “there was no RFP” and “we’re giving $1B in revenues” propaganda. I agree that the OBA must absolutely be held up to higher standards than the PLP ever was but this is just a Memorandum of Understanding so that the details can be explored further. This is NOT a binding contract. I personally think it’s a great way to fund an airport and create jobs in a situation when we don’t have the cash right now to even renovate the existing airport.

The PLP are the LAST people in Bermuda who should be discussing how contracts work.

By: Stunned...

Stunned... — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 16:37:04 +0000

pardon me, but last I checked, the Bermuda Government was in debt. While $30m facelift might sound like a good alternative, please advise how this can be fiscally achieved. Of course, we can start with less funding of public assistance- now that will cause a hue and cry, less policing, less educational funding and so on.

By: A Better Bermuda

A Better Bermuda — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 16:16:09 +0000

Thanks for the laugh “refuse to consult or engage”. Listen to toxic talk shows much? Thanks for trying to keep us in the dark ages

By: A Better Bermuda

A Better Bermuda — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 16:14:49 +0000

Fair enough and I respect your opinion and agree with you that we need to live in the hear and now.

In 2010, the ownership of Bermuda was sold to foreign lenders. So unfortunately, Bermuda is broke now (not broke actually, worse, in debt) and now we just don’t have the same choices available to us. This 1) gives us a new airport 2) ensures the risk of cost overruns are not passed onto Bermuda and 3) creates jobs and there is no downside. Who would this RPF go out to considering we can’t pay and CCC has guaranteed they will absorb and cost over runs? Don’t you think the facts that we need jobs NOW outweighs political pandering? I get your point but until Bermuda pay off the debt, we are no longer in the drivers seat.

By: Stunned...

Stunned... — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 16:13:36 +0000

who was more condescending – Col. David Burch or The Hon. Dr. Ewart Brown …out of curiosity?

By: Stunned...

Stunned... — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 16:09:46 +0000

I’m guessing this Town Hall meeting is to stand strong behind creative initiatives that allow Bermudians to 1) Create an updated airport which dovetails into a) An Airport at International Standards b) A better Tourism product c) A pay-as-you-go payment plan thereby NO DEBT REPAYMENTS by any Bermudian this or the next generation c) The creation of jobs for some Bermudians (half a loaf is better than none theory).

Come on Bermuda, we need to ride this train together and stop all this derailment with constant negativity, no ideas and no solutions. Be a part of the solution for a change.

By: yawn

yawn — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 15:59:55 +0000

The spanky new hospital is a public private partnership, so with the airport, whats the big deal?

By: jt

jt — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 15:47:17 +0000

Two? Really?

By: Sigh

Sigh — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 15:22:42 +0000

I agree, the PLP did a lot of shady stuff just like this, but does that make it right for the OBA to do it? Or should the OBA prove that they are different and worthy of greater respect than the shambles that were the PLP?

By: Sigh

Sigh — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 15:20:37 +0000

I wonder how much it would cost to just fix up the terminal. Maybe $30mil? Why wasn’t this option considered? There is so much here that makes no sense.

Why on Gods green Earth do we think an airport that needs a solar farm to be economical is a good idea?!

By: Sigh

Sigh — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 15:16:58 +0000

1. They aren’t a guarantee of value for money, correct. But they do ensure transparency and better ensure that side deals or personal biases aren’t influencing decisions.

2. Uh, no. An RFP just means that Bermuda is listening to other options. Which, seems pretty reasonable given the magnitude of what is being discussed.

3. (A) How do we know this if we haven’t heard from any other parties. (B) That guarantee comes at a cost, like everything else. Do we need the Canadian government backing an airport operator? Also “Bermuda paying less financing costs” is nonsensical since the whole plan here is for Bermuda not to pay to finance the thing.

By: Coffee

Coffee — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 15:16:34 +0000

Will the replacement of the temporary permanent bridge be part of the gateway to Bermuda deal ?

By: Sigh

Sigh — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 15:13:01 +0000

Maybe thats the problem. If people from both parties would at least *try* to work together, maybe a reasonable solution might actually come about.

I fully expect a “well why don’t they work with us” comment from either side, and that is the saddest thing of all.

By: mixitup

mixitup — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 15:11:20 +0000

And who will pick up the Tab for subsidies to the Airlines? If this company is ‘Taking Over’ then the Gov’t no longer banks 25Mil. per year, but WILL they still be paying the millions they Pay To Certain Carriers to Fly Here?