Minister Crockwell’s Trip To London Cost $5,956

January 31, 2015

A trip last month by Minister of Tourism Development and Transport Shawn Crockwell to London cost $5,956.39, according to the latest listing on the Government’s travel webpage.

The trip duration was listed as December 14 – 16, 2014, and the webpage listing said, “The Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport made a presentation to five officials from the Department for Transport [UK] on the summary findings of Bermuda’s Approach Control and Airspace Modernization Feasibility Study.

“Minister Crockwell was accompanied by Thomas Dunstan [Director, Department of Civil Aviation], Bob Withers [Manager, Air Operations, Department of Airport Operations], Mike Paone [Project Manager, Boeing-Jeppessen] and Aaron Adderley [General Manager of Bermuda L. F. Wade International Airport], who where in the UK attending other prearranged meetings.

“The UK officials included Dr. Adam Simmons [Deputy Director of International Aviation, Safety and Environment Division], Mr. Duncan Nicholls [International Aviation, Safety and Environment Division], Karen Neal [Desk Office for Bermuda at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office], Mike Alcock [International Aviation, Safety and Environment Division] and Maria Boyce [C.E.O., Airspace Safety Support International [ASSI).

“Following the presentation, the UK Department for Transport offered its full support of the Bermuda Airspace initiative, acknowledging that the UK anticipated Bermuda would look to assume management of its own Terminal Airspace from the FAA, when Bermuda was willing and able to do so.

“The costs for the Minister are reflected below.”

  • Air Travel: $4,409.25
  • Ground Transportation: $161.04
  • Accommodation: $1,142.95
  • Meals: $217.90
  • Miscellaneous: $25.25
  • Total Cost: $5,956.39

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Comments (94)

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  1. somuchless says:

    That is one expensive air ticket.

    • Tony says:

      If you read the article, or bother to look at the link, you will see it was for 5 people. That makes the trip very good value. Certainly not first class, which makes a pleasant change to years gone by.

      • Reading is fundamental says:

        The article says “The costs for the Minister are reflected below.” Besides, common sense says no way 5 people went to London for $6000.

        The Minister’s trip cost $6000, and I assume we the taxpayer footed the bill for the other 4 people too, and that could be another $15,000 or so.

        • Tony says:

          Did you read the link?

          • BETTTYTRUMP says:

            Read carefully as the OBA fans will find all kinds of ways and excuses to defend this one…..why not the OBA…..really

      • Craig says:

        Take your blinders off you OBA muppet! It’s only him!

      • Self says:

        @ Tony, tell me how I can get 5 people to London for $6000 so I can book for my family right now!

        YOU are the one that didn’t read the article properly.

        • more than enough says:

          i agree, this only shows the ministers expenses as far as i see it

      • mixitup says:

        This dreamer really believes that 5ppl can get to London on $6000? Wow, you may wanna lay off that stuff for a few days.

      • somuchless says:

        Thanks Tony. Attacking me when you’re the one that’s wrong. Apologize you muppet.

      • Huh says:

        What are you dumb! You really think 5 people also ate for $217 in London. He flew business class.

        • Build a Better Bermuda says:

          Actually I did a check, regular fare on BA is just over $4k

      • De Winna says:

        This crazy frenzied madness – of everytime a MP flys out for business is getting real stupid!
        $6000 for 5 people to go to the UK is a steal. — come on folks what are you expecting the cost to be $200 dollars.
        Nobodys saying nothing about the PLP”s elaborate trips of expensive luxury. — some of there Trips we know nothing
        about.– the ex Premier Dr Browns sneak trip when he bought illegals here to live takes the cake.— a hundred Jet-gates
        wouldn’t beat that.
        The story the same every time.– next!!!!

      • MAKE MY DAY says:

        The PLP would have “tripled” that price and then some!! Thank God that Brown and Co. are in the political wilderness – hopefully for good!!

      • .am says:

        Doesn’t it say “who where in the UK attending other prearranged meetings”?

        At least, that’s what I read. And copied. And pasted.

    • Creamy says:

      It’s what is costs.
      Ask Ewart.

    • Build a Better Bermuda says:

      I would definitely say that was on the expensive side, but would add flights to London are far from reasonable, would how far in advance this trip was planned for them to have gotten as good a rate as possible… but still, the rates suck. The hotel looks about right and I must say the meals looks a little low.

      • Build a Better Bermuda says:

        Just did a quick search on round trip flights to London from Bermuda on BA, average flight for anything over a month out… $4,000, and that was the lowest rate available. You could get a lower rate flying through US, but then you would be travelling anywhere from 15 to 24 hours.

        • Joe Cottereaux says:

          what website are you using? Expedia lists BDA to London coach tickets on BA for around $1,959.20, in this month, and in March. you book coach and the emergency exit row, or a bulkhead seat.

          • Creamy says:

            It’s Business Class, which is reasonable. Stop being such a prick.

    • Mockingjay says:

      And I’m still having a problem to travel for a joint.
      Aint this some S!@#+

  2. King Jammys says:

    Economy class is expensive!! For that price we could have renovated the bathrooms at Horseshoe Bay for our upcoming tourist season. Did he forget we have a debt to pay for?

    • jt says:

      That wouldn’t cover overtime…at 2x…1.5 or straight.

    • MAKE MY DAY says:

      That $2 BILLION deficit will never be paid off!! There is simply NOT enough revenue coming in – and there won’t be in the future!!

      The PLP in effect “bankrupted” BDA – and NO one stopped them!! How ironic that is!

  3. Tony says:

    lol! Upgrade for $6,000? Did you see how much John Smiths Bay bathrooms cost???

  4. filobedo21 says:

    Oh be quiet @Kng Jammy. Ministers’ travel to do the Country’s Business. Why don’t you see how much was spent by the PLP on their travel after Finance Minister Cox passed. JUnkets everywhere accompanied by certain PLP members. Well the party is over and now the rest of us have to pay the piper. Did not the PLP spend 12 million on travel in their first or second term. Can someone with a Budget confirm this??

    • Joe Cottereaux says:

      what specifically is the “country’s business” that required Crockwell attendance when 5 other BDA officials also attended? the presentation was INFORMATIONAL and likely lasted 1-2 hours tops. nothing that could not be done via video conferencing.

      can you say Christmas shopping in the UK?

      • Creamy says:

        The article says “specifically” why he needed to be there.
        If you’ve never actually been in a busness meeting perhaps that’s why you think they can all be done over the phone or by video conference. And that’s why you think one person should have gone alone, travelling in economy, staying at the Budget Inn 30 miles from London, eating in sandwich shops. It’s because you are an idiot.

  5. MoonShine says:

    Sounds more like a First Class.. where is the Shared Sacrifce… he should have upgraded the ticket at his own expense…

    • Creamy says:

      That is not first class. First costs much more. Ask Ewart.

      • MAKE MY DAY says:

        OH – he made sure that he had the best of everything!! He was rubbing the BDA Tax Payers noses-in-it – with delight!!

        But, thankfully Brown is a political has-been and will NOT get his hands on another “dime”!!

    • 32n64w says:

      First class on BA is closer to $10k. $4k for business is a good price.

  6. Now….i…..am looking at a trend here….England has made travel to Her very expensive…..no doubt to enforce a required joy of being there once you attain the relocation…..kind of like humour….it is funny you must laugh now…kind of thing…know what I mean…nudge…nudge….just pay the frigging money…and enjoy!

  7. Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

    The airfares to London of the last three government ministers, Richards, Fahy and Crockwell appear quite odd; Richards airfare was $6,294 (reported for how many person(s)? unknown) whilst Fahy was $5,110 for 3 persons and Crockwell’s $4,409 for 5 persons.

    London, England

    • Craig says:

      Ain’t for 5 persons. Just for the minister.

      • Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

        According to the British Airways fare calculator this is a first class airfare for one person, not business/club – I stand corrected.

        So, how much are these entourages costing the taxpayer, and did the Government pay the expenses of Mike Paone [Project Manager, Boeing-Jeppessen]?

        And for clarity, Senator Fahy’s accommodations, the Jumeirah Carlton Tower is listed as one of the ten most expensive hotels in London. It’s owned and patronised by Middle Eastern Royal.

        London, England

        • Creamy says:

          It’s not a first class fare.

          • vmakinstall says:

            And if you say so it must be true and British Airways is being deceptive…

            London, England

            • Creamy says:

              I don’t know. It is possible you made a mistake. The return first class fare is about $9,000 – $10,000 including taxes. You can’t get first class for $4,000.

      • hmmm says:

        You’d think the airline would offer the minister a free upgrade, to ensure he / she gets to sleep on the overnight flight.

        I guess sleep is important when doing the countries work on the international stage. Need to have your wits about you. Not like if you go on vacation, you can make it up over the course of travel and vacation.

        If it wasn’t an overnight, then I think they should travel economy. Come on BA start showing your commitment to Bermuda, by giving the minister an automatic free upgrade so he, she can sleep.

    • Joe Cottereaux says:

      Valaria, the cost is for Crockwell ONLY. did you not do well in English Comprehension in grade school?

      • Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

        @Joe Cottereaux

        It’s Valirie…

        Why would you reply to a comment and its correction one day late with such a pedantic remark?

        This is not kindergarten nor a blog to insult in order to get noticed, or is it?

        London, England

        • Joe Cottereaux says:

          Valirie, my bad, I did not know there was a time limit on stupidity. for future reference, please clarify the expiration date on your lack of comprehension and poor reading ability, so that I may respond during your appropriate time frame.

  8. Truth and Nothing but the Truth says:

    Wish we had this tool From 1998 to 2012.

  9. Lawry says:

    I guess the back of the plane is not good enough, though back in the day it was for both Sir. David Gibbons and Dr. David Saul. I think there is a lesson somewhere in this, perhaps several. It would be interesting to see the hotel bill too. Did they stay in central London, or somewhere farther out with good tube service?

  10. Yes2 says:

    I wonder how much this Airspace project has cost already? I believe it may have been done by external contractors who have been sending their representattives to Cayman, Jamaica and elsewhere on our ticket to study their systems. I expect the total cost so far could be in excess of half a million – perhaps someone can supply the taxpayer with that information and the benefits we can expect.

    • Creamy says:

      Looking back, I can’t recall getting any information at all from the previous government about how much they spent on the space business, the purported “third leg of the economy”. There were trips to see shuttle launches, trips tp Paris, etc. can’t recall ever hearing about the cost though. Perhaps you could give us a link to it so we can compare?

      • Raymond Ray says:

        Out of curiosity, what did it cost the Progressive Labour Party / the Bermudian Taxpayers to send the Gombeys off to Europe etc.? Also what have we benefited from spending all them dollars ?

  11. nomoremoney says:

    Likely business class booked late. There is actually all kinds of empty seats in economy that time of year, and so he could have a whole isle or 2 to himself.

    The cost to the taxpayer was more like 25k. Not sure if the boeing guy was on our tab. Airport and aviation are still funded by gov. With all that bench strength, I’m not sure the Minister really had to go, but thats easy to say from an armchair view.

  12. shut up666 says:

    Well does it really matter, cause the root problem of the whole situation is trust. Do we as the people trust what our leaders our telling us. Don’t matter whom you support, I want to hear facts. That price is for one man. Tony why don’t you bother to read before you get smart. Dumb dumb.

  13. Ringmaster says:

    I recall a certain ex Premier spending that for one night’s hotel room.

    • Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown says:

      I doubt that Premier Cannonier paid that much for one night.

  14. pwndwg says:

    Does no one read? The other attendees were already there for other prearranged meetings.

  15. mixitup says:

    Not bad… now add up all those people traveling from Bermuda and share that number, because we the tax payers paid their way also.

  16. Things that make you go hmmm says:

    Shared sacrifice indeed. Granted, ministers have to travel to promote the island and any other official business, but I have a problem with an OBA govt that have spent the last week reiterating what dire financial straits we are in, but still have enough money in the coffers to finance first class travel for two days.

  17. more than enough says:

    i thought bta was being paid to cover tourism. why do we need to have this clown spending more money on this? drop the tourism portfoilio[which has already been entrusted to"the pros"... supposedly]and concentrate your energy here. Transportation needs some full time attention, people are dying, health costs are soaring as a result, the roads are atrocious[most], the airport is due to be leased out, and, as i said before tourism in the control of the bta.
    we are broke after all… sit yo a$$ here and prepare for the ac35…over $1000 for a two night stay…very budget conscious, aren’t we?

  18. more than enough says:

    somehow he beat fahy’s flight to london’s price. he paid over $5000. or should i say we?

  19. Raymond Ray says:

    Below is an explanation for the cost of the trip footed by our Govt. Total Cost: $5,956.39

    “Minister Crockwell was accompanied by Thomas Dunstan [Director, Department of Civil Aviation], Bob Withers [Manager, Air Operations, Department of Airport Operations], Mike Paone [Project Manager, Boeing-Jeppessen] and Aaron Adderley [General Manager of Bermuda L. F. Wade International Airport], who here in the UK attending other prearranged meetings…

    • Terry says:

      Blown out of proportion.

      The others must have footed their own fare or got freebies.

      All this back and forth.

      The Minister went on behalf of Bermuda.

      Get over it.

  20. swing voter says:

    Jack Sharpe rode a mobylette. Sir David drove himself around 98% of the time. Both stayed in their own (very nice) homes. I bet they both flew economy and stayed at reasonably priced hotels. Ewart took things to another level and the run-away train continues

    • filobedo21 says:

      And pray tell who took things to a whole new level; wages increases for MP’s, and they had to be higher than the salary of the highest paid CS. And overspending went from there!

    • Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown says:

      @Swing Voter…..For the record, I stayed in my private residence during my tenure as Premier. No, I did not ride a Mobylette, nor did I drive myself. My wife and stayed in the same hotels to which we were accustomed before I became Premier. As I told the media before I left office, Motel 6 was unacceptable.

  21. X says:

    That cost is for ONE person to fly Business Class. I book these ALL the time. Cannot get any flight in any class to London for under $1000. First class is $10,000 – yup, really.

    BA have us stitched up here in Bermuda – plus No Saturday or Monday flight in winter? Wonder why our European tourists don’t even consider coming here. bring in Virgin Atlantic.

  22. islandguy says:

    I dont know why this island has so much troubles and problems!This site is full of problems solvers..

    • Joe Cottereaux says:

      islandguy: unfortunately, none of us problem solvers are in government. we can’t even get government to return our phone calls or meet with us in person.

      now if I had my own private jet, that is a good door opener.

      • Creamy says:

        Um, they have had their hands full doing actual work. It would waste their time talking to a little prick suggesting they ask BA for free bulkhead seats, or whatever bright idea you have today.

  23. stevie says:

    Let us reflect how much money was spent by the PLP, especially Brown on travel to overseas venues. It seems to me, people, especially those staunch PLP people, don’t remember or can’t remember what the PLP government did not do for Bermuda. We have a crisis is our financial lives, caused by? The PLP under Brown. Paula Cox was the scape goat to sort out the affairs of the PLP when Brown left.Brown left a sinking ship, got his money, then ran.Seems to me that PLP supporters have a short, very short memory.

    • Lawry says:

      Basically I think both parties’s MPs are in cahoots when it comes to dishing out the extra’s. Amazingly, I am not aware of any reports that a cross party group of MPs travelled to Trinidad – apparently on some sort of Parliamentary fact finding mission. Check it out Bernews.

      • Ringmaster says:

        Odd that the poster using the name of Dr. the Hon Ewart F. Brown doesn’t comment here. One would think he would want to set the record straight, assuming the person is who he says he is.

  24. Need Peace says:

    Why is the BTA budgeted to receive over $2mn if the Tourism Minister is traveling for the same purpose? How can this unnecessary waste of public funds be consolidated?

    • swing voter says:

      Lets be fair, that trip was under the transport ministry. Remember how we all hummed and hauled over the Singapore trips? We got well written legislation passed the first go round. No need for shabby ill-written money wasting legislation. If we get ROI (air space revenue) then I won’t say another word. Neither should anyone else. Remember India, Dubai, and I think one previous Minister has got China under his belt…..all for naught.

      • Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown says:

        Ask the Finance Minister how many Chinese companies have incorporated in Bermuda since 2008.

        • Brian says:

          Why don’t you forgo the little game of go through the middle man and give us the information yourself? I hate the politricks just get to the truth.

          • Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown says:

            The Finance Minister is not the middle man. He is THE man. What would make you think that I would know that number more than four years after leaving office?
            I make occasional comments on the blogs, but it usually turns so boring when certain hooded bloggers make childish observations such as the ones above about travel.
            Bermuda is NOT top of mind for airlines, prospective investors and major industry meetings. As much as we might think of ourselves as an important, the raw truth is that Bermuda is relatively remote. Our leaders must travel frequently as part of the effort of pushing our agenda. I cannot think of a single trip , whether it was to India, Dubai or Argentina, where the rationale and return on investment was not solid.
            Bloggers may think that these places are simply exotic destinations, but I can tell that a 48-hour journey to Beijing and back was no fun!

            • .am says:

              Commenting on a blog does not make you a blogger. It makes you a commentor.

              It’s a simple concept. Really.

            • Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

              “I make occasional comments on the blogs…” I would venture to say that you have made ‘strategic’ comments on political issues that were contentious during your watch as premier.

              Travel expenses became very controversial as the Government travel budget exploded exponentially under your tenure.

              I have travelled to China to attended a conference, and when taking into consideration air flight time, in transit time and time zone differences, I agree that it leaves you drained.

              However, the airfare at first class to China and back, especially within 48 hours, would have been in excess of $12,000 for one person, even more than 4 years ago.

              As you compare your China visit expenses vs Chinese companies that incorporated in Bermuda as a result, it may well have been worth the total expense for you and your entourage, however, I do not have the facts on either.

              But overall your tenure put Bermuda in a very dark place and you drained more than your uplifted the economy and the people of Bermuda.

              London, England

              • Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown says:

                Very interesting that you should use the words “very dark place”. Our emphasis on counter-racism gave many the impression that we were trying to literally make Bermuda a dark place indeed. Time will tell the true impact of our work as opposed to the concocted negativism of our detractors. The positive contributions of the Dockyard cruise terminal, the fast ferries, the Urgent Care Center, the testing center at TCD, the Hospitality Institute, the Big Conversation, the Indian scholarship program, the Sally Bassett statue,etc. will tell the real story.

    • somuchless says:

      Because Hanbury needs a pay check

    • more than enough says:

      over 20 million

  25. Dontworryboutathing says:

    They better take advantage of the perks now, because when the PLP get back in they definitely will.
    We are not going to be able to get out of this deficit, defaulting on the loan(s) is a few years away and be prepared for the Bda dollar devaluation.

    • Terry says:

      Bawahaaaaaa…..
      “when the PLP get back”.
      You mean in power?
      I have some Somali pirate vessels for sale……………………………….

      • Self says:

        Laugh all you like, the PLP will get back in power. The OBA have turned off so many people in such a short span of time. Many former PLP supporters that gave them a chance, wish that they hadn’t. The PLP supporters that stayed away from the polls are vowing to return next time.
        The OBA has had too many disgraces and scandals in a short span of time. Sure, the PLP had many as well, but when you vote for a change it’s a turnoff. Plus, the OBA is too aloof and far removed from the average man. The events of the last few days should be a big indication of where people’s heads are.

        • Just Curious says:

          Yes because they all realize that the PLP will fill their empty appartments. you disrespected me boo hoo grow the hell up bunch of children .

      • pitbull says:

        Behave Terry

  26. Alvin Williams says:

    Bermuda should have long ago gotten it’s own government plane Gombey One; than we would not have to worry about where the money went; but than under this government in order to hide it’s trips from the people of Bermuda the plane would probably have the latest stealth advancements-witness the use of government cars with their change license plates.

  27. vmakinstall says:

    @ Al Williams…

    Gombey One?

    Naming it after a bird, and I would have thougth that Longtail is the national bird, would sound more appropriate.

    I remember something in the Throne Speech about an airline, but the details were quite sparse.

    London, England

    • Herb says:

      Actually vmakinstall, The Cahow is our national bird.

      • Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

        Thank you.

        I should have goolged it. We have national ‘drinks’, dish and the list goes on…

        Thanks again.

  28. Am says:

    Really ….. brown travel cost a country

  29. Dreadlocks says:

    How about that dozen or so that went to Barbados to watch cricket,on the taxpayers? Money well spent!