BTUC Seek Clarification: Airport Redevelopment
The Bermuda Trade Union Congress [BTUC] said they are “very mindful of the number of questions that are being raised by our members and citizens of Bermuda,” concerning the Government’s plans to partner with the Canadian Commercial Corporation [CCC] to redevelop the airport.
“The non-binding Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] does not provide adequate transparency over the scope, depth, hiring of Bermudians and other manpower requirements as well as cost of the airport development,” the BTUC added.
“There is also insufficient distinction concerning the Private Public Partnership [PPP] or whether there are plans to privatize all aviation and airport services.
“As tax payers who have entrusted the Government to manage Bermuda’s assets and resources responsibly, we call on the Government as soon as possible, to answer the following questions, so that further clarification can be provided on the redevelopment of the airport and Bermuda’s aviation services.”
The questions posed by the BTUC are below:
- 1. Will there be full public consultation about the project, including the question of whether the project should be publicly or privately delivered?
- 2. Will elected officials be fully informed about the alternatives and be able to speak freely about the information they receive concerning development of the P3?
- 3. Have the full, lifetime costs of delivering the project through a P3 been calculated and compared to public alternatives delivering the same level and quality of service and will the detailed information and calculations be made public?
- 4. How important are assumptions of risk transfer in the P3 proposal and could any promised risk transfer instead be delivered through a public procurement process that involved a fixed price contract?
- 5. Will the Government be responsible for guaranteeing the private sector’s revenues? Who will be liable for cost over-runs, or project deficiencies?
- 6. Does the Government have the capacity and resources to properly evaluate, administer and monitor a contract of the length, scale and complexity of the P3?
- 7. Does the P3 permit the Government the flexibility to make future changes in service delivery or other public policy decisions, to end the P3 in the procurement stage and to terminate the contract if it is not meeting the public interest?
- 8. What impact will the P3 have on the local economy and on workers’ jobs, pay and benefits?
- 9. What are the prospects of small and medium-sized local businesses bidding on the project?
“The Government has promised to be transparent and as such we expect full disclosure and transparency through meaningful dialogue,” added the BTUC.
The BTUC consists of multiple unions including the Bermuda Federation of Musicians & Variety Artists, Bermuda Fire Services Association, Bermuda Industrial Union, Bermuda Public Services Union, Bermuda Union of Teachers, Electrical Supply Trade Union and the Bermuda Prison Officers Association.
I’m sorry BTUC, but you have ZERO credibility… Why didn’t you guys ask the exact same questions about Berkeley, the police/court building, the hospital, TCD, Port Royal? I am so sick of these organizations/politicians all of a sudden raising questions since the election. I in no way support one party over the other, but where were you (BTUC) when all these questionable deals went down under the PLP? So how can I, an independent thinker, even consider your “questions” when you seem to only ask them when it’s convenient for you!
@Betty Dump
There may be valid criticism of past actions of the BTUC but lets deal with the airport for now.
Do you have any Specific comments about their questions?
I stand to be corrected but did the BTUC even exist then?
You’re right, they do have no credibility.
The difference , though, is that the OBA said it would be transparent. On the other hand, the PLP never did say they would be; and never was.
All will be revealed with PATI as of April 2015.
Do you not remember “In the sunshine of public scrutiny”? One of those great PLP slogans to whip up the faithful but in reality have no meaning at all.
Will Bob ignore their questions as he has ignored the Oppositions?
He should…Why didn’t you guys ask the exact same questions about Berkeley, the police/court building, the hospital, T..CD, Port Royal? I am so sick…”
So basically, just bow are heads let it happen and then go further into the downward spiral correct?
You can be sick all you want, but ignoring the elephant in the room based off the past will only make your sicked condition a hospital one.
This article must be an error as, being a member of the BPSU, I was never consulted on if I feel my union should be making a statement about the airport through the union collective. Therefore it is not possible that the BPSU agreed to this statement being released on our behalf. I imagine a retraction is in order.
Unless by joining a Union I agreed to be represented by those in charge and those in charge were elected by the majority of the membership to run the show. Therefore my representatives should be allowed to make decisions or statements without consulting me on a constant basis….If i feel over time the group elected is not representing me or doing a good job then I assume there is a mechanism in place to suggest someone else to hold the position and we as a membership would vote on it…
Consultation for this and any other project to get this country moving occurred during the election, should i be dissatisfied with the performance in three years then I will vote in new leadership.
note: for those who say we can’t wait three years please review the minutes from the last 12.
So your Union should ask you if they can enquire about the effect the proposed new airport development will have on the members working there? What if you and other members like you say they cannot ask because it doesn’t impact you personally…leave those dues paying members on their own? Wow! I take it you will be running in that election so you can ensure things are done the way you like, or feel they should be done. You have my vote.
Why do they have to be thrown directly to the media, why aren’t they asked through the proper channels.
The opposition received a response. Don’t make things up.
Where are their concerns over Port Royal and Heritage Wharf. Bunch of paid PLP supporters. I can hear the conversation now “You support us on this and we’ll give you even more benefits and won’t cut any jobs if we win the election”
Bizzare list of questions…many of which look to be geared to getting political traction….me, a layman thought they’d have a go at answering the Q’s
1. Will there be full public consultation about the project, including the question of whether the project should be publicly or privately delivered?
It cannot be publicly delivered…what a dumb question !!!!!
2. Will elected officials be fully informed about the alternatives and be able to speak freely about the information they receive concerning development of the P3?
Isn’t it somewhat binary… Do project vs Do nothing. Without Capital, this model is viable…there is no alternative capital available.
3. Have the full, lifetime costs of delivering the project through a P3 been calculated and compared to public alternatives delivering the same level and quality of service and will the detailed information and calculations be made public?
There is no way of doing it publically. Why can’t you grasp this simple reality? No Money PLP spent it all and some.
4. How important are assumptions of risk transfer in the P3 proposal and could any promised risk transfer instead be delivered through a public procurement process that involved a fixed price contract?
Please define your interpretation of risk transfer.
5. Will the Government be responsible for guaranteeing the private sector’s revenues? Who will be liable for cost over-runs, or project deficiencies?
This is a good question, I would expect information to be made available in time to answer this IMHO. I would expect no guarantee of revenue as the choice of management is theirs therefore they can’t just throw in ome rubbish and still expect to be paid. who will be liable for cost overruns??? I’m guessing they will, but will have to wait and see.
6. Does the Government have the capacity and resources to properly evaluate, administer and monitor a contract of the length, scale and complexity of the P3?
Silly question again. simple answer = Absolutely. Contracting some of the folks involved in the hospital and other industry experts in Bermuda would make sense either directly to the third party OR as overseers of the project. If the skills aren’t directly in the civil service, then we have amazing folks on the island who can do this.
If we can’t monitor this then we might as well shut up shop and close the island.
7. Does the P3 permit the Government the flexibility to make future changes in service delivery or other public policy decisions, to end the P3 in the procurement stage and to terminate the contract if it is not meeting the public interest?
Meeting the public interest is vague and politicised. What you are trying to say is if there is a change in govt, can they throw the book out of the window again. NO would be my guess and rightly so. Why would someone commit to a project, when they could stand to be killed financially after commiting their capital at the whim of politicians.
8. What impact will the P3 have on the local economy and on workers’ jobs, pay and benefits?
A very positive one. You have to be an idiot to ask this.
Cutting the defict, meaning that less risk of jobs being cut.
9. What are the prospects of small and medium-sized local businesses bidding on the project?
I would have thought that their chances would depend on the project rquirements, their skillset, reputation, portfiolio of work, history of work and meeting quality, cost and deadlines.
There you go.
OK, now where are the 2013 Union unqualified audited financials, being that you are so concerned with monitoring , oversight and financial information?
Come on…waiting……..
My response to Question 2 should read:
Isn’t it somewhat binary… Do project vs Do nothing. Without Capital, this model isn’t viable…there is no alternative capital available.
My apologies.
I thought the BTUC looked after the interests of the workers. They appear to have become the political arm of the BIU. The new airport is badly needed and this is an opportunity for a wide array of jobs for Bermudians. Where were the questions when these other projects were happening? Too bad they weren’t concerned about the redevelopment of Port Royal we could have been $20 million better off for that ONE project. Keep up the good work Bob!
PLP: “If you support us by writing an article and marching, on this and any other issue we want to make noise about, we’ll increase your benefits, let you hire more people and pretty much give you whatever your want if we get re-elected”. BPSU: “Great, we’re in”
These are simply “plantation questions” and should be ignored
THE BTUC please remember the “GOLDEN RULE” that is he who has the “GOLD RULES”
And BTUC you have NO GOLD and you are all “BLOOD SUCKERS” off the Private sector.
The Country is “BROKE” thanks to the previous Administration.
The Government cannot afford to borrow $300Million dollars each year to keep paying you.
We are in “DEBT” and the interest each year so far is $160Million.
The Gravy train has run off the tracks brother,
THANK YOU OBA,for trying to “SAVE” our country and way of living,
F
Back to s*&$ stiring again.
Nothing to see here.
Lest keep moving forward.
It’s hell better than 14 years and asking the PLP where the monies went.
Shalom.
No consultation or questions were garnered from members…so why is this statement making it out that there was consultation around this?