Premier, Minister In Washington For Meetings
The Premier and Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley and the Minister of Economic Development Dr. Grant Gibbons are currently in Washington, DC for meetings with Congressional Members in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The meetings start tomorrow [Feb 4], and conclude Friday morning [Feb 6].
“Meetings have been arranged with leaders on Capitol Hill and at the Department of Treasury. The Premier and Minister will also meet with the UK’s Ambassador in Washington, DC.,” a government spokesperson said.
“This will be this Government’s first official visit to Washington, and there is a full agenda for the brief visit, the intent of which is to update Bermuda’s long standing friends on matters of mutual interest and to make introductions with Members of Congress where there is an interest on current Bermuda issues.
“On Thursday [Feb 5], the Premier will attend the annual National Prayer Breakfast, which is hosted by members of the US Congress, and is typically attended by some 3,000 guests, including international invitees from over 100 countries.”
Premier Dunkley said today, “Bermuda has a very long and valued relationship with the US. It is our number one trading partner, we have key links with international business and the majority of our visitors come from the US.
“Hence, the Government views the visit to DC as a unique opportunity to continue to strengthen the relationship we have with the United States.
The Premier added, “As this will be this Government’s first official visit to Washington, we are looking forward to meeting some key decision makers on Capitol Hill. We look forward to a very busy schedule of meetings and the opportunity to discuss initiatives and programmes that are mutually beneficial to both our jurisdictions.”
Premier Dunkley and Minister Gibbons return to the Island on Friday.
I could not have ready what I thought I read… Dunkley going to this prayer breakfast again. Talk about a WASTE of money!
No wonder the civil servants didn’t want to take a paycut!
It could be worse. It could be Burt going to meet Congressional members.
Don’t you have to believe in God first?
Nope. As a non-believer I can quite politely and respectfully go through the motions of any religion…makes no difference.
Are you really that stupid??? Or are you just simply a simpleton ??? Did you read today about that NO friend of Bermuda US president Obama wanting to raise Taxes on the IB sector in Bermuda??? I think this trip is a nessasaty that needs to be dealt with, for ALL of our well beings!!! Our Premier and Min Gibbons are meeting with those that control the US House and Senate, they better present. Good case or we all are doomed!!! Thankfully it is them going as opposed to the former government that most assuredly would only have returned to the Island with a big smile on their faces?? Never mind, dealing with the TAX issues???
Very few are even aware of what President Obama is trying to get up to or that he is no friend at all of Bermuda. He would shut IB down in Bermuda in a heartbeat if he could.
Thankfully at least a little sanity has been voted back in in Washington & President Obamas days are numbered.
Now is a good time for Bermuda to re establish some good contacts in Washington, something that has been neglected for quite some time.
Hey mate, you may wish to take your meds. You are getting quite amped up.
First thing you should know is that no tax on Insurance will pass a republican congress! This is fact and everyone knows that.
Second thing is PLP were able to keep this tax off the table when the Democrats controlled EVERYTHING – so once again your anti-plp rhetoric falls flat.
But it seems that everything for you is the PLP are evil. Sad world you live in mate. I’m wondering if you are the OBA PR guy in disguise?
But back to my original point – This is a trip to a Prayer Breakfast dressed up like an official trip…. JUST like the trip to NYC was a trip to take pictures with Catherine Zeta Jones as opposed to actually doing necessary government business.
I love it!
Everyday I hear how the PLP can’t be held responsible for our dwindling economy and that nothing is their fault as they didn’t have the power to prevent us from entering into a 6 year recession.
But now the PLP from little Bermuda was powerful enough to prevent the US Congress from passing laws that would negatively affect Bermuda!
All 20 something of the PLP MPs stopped the Democratic controlled congress and Senate from doing what they wanted.
Hahahahha. Keep ‘em coming. Please. Hahahahha
Are you insinuating they are simply going for a breakfast and not the meetings they noted are scheduled:
“Meetings have been arranged with leaders on Capitol Hill and at the Department of Treasury. The Premier and Minister will also meet with the UK’s Ambassador in Washington, DC.,” a government spokesperson said”
NO are you that stupid?? Do you really think any of the suit and ties in DC care if the Premier and his circus show up to this event.Everyone knows we have many “Members of Congress” companies in Bermuda to avoid paying tax in America…that’s the only reason they are here. Not because of PLP or OBA politricks.They have a vast interests here yes, which they control without his fake milk man smile.
When the PLP attended this event it was a problem now it’s ok for the OBA!
There is a big difference in respect for a flashy suited pop & sizzle guy who looks & acts like a used car salesman looking for a photo op with the President & a diplomatic expeienced business business guy accompanied by another diplomatic highly experienced business guy.
Trip to Dubai back when – can soembody remind me what the reason for that by EBrown that WE paid for and he is still smurking over on south shore
political grandstanding. obama will not raise taxes here. look at all the ways he has bypassed congressional procedures implementing bills to law via executive order. if he really wanted to raise taxes for offshore corporations he would have simply penned yet another unconstitutional executive order.
do not forget where obama’s bread is buttered. big business. many of whom have intrinsic ties to this place.
At least we are not paying for his entourage, his two armed BPS bodyguards and the numerous limo rides, five star hotels and top notch meals that they all enjoyed under Dreb!
You did not think and post like this when Ewart and Paula and Jennifer were doing it along with body guards.
Hippo……………………..
How is it that the OBA have been in office for 2 years and this is their first “official” visit to DC?
I guess all those other times like Craig attending the inauguration were not official.
Given that is the case, can we get our money back as the OBA spent public funds on trips that weren’t “official”
It might mean the first official visit of the Government of Premier Dunkley, not the OBA? That’s all I can come up with… Who knows?
@J Starling:
I totally agree, there’s definitely a mistake made there
So they are off again spending the money they tried to take from me last week.
Why do we need to attend a prayer breakfast exactly?
Also I wonder HOW MANY people went on this trip. Seems like only 2, but I’m sure they is an entourage of civil servants. Why doesn’t the OBA tell us that.
Bernews, please ask for your readers who else is accompanying them on the Government dime! Thank you.
Cant wait for these JOKERS to get out.
Ya, the PLP jokers!
I’m quite sure the underpants (Speed Car Racer Jeff Baron) of Premier Dunkley will be on this trip.
That’s right. Our leaders should neglect such meetings that are crucial for the future prospects of the island so you can keep your above average salaries, 6 weeks vacation, indexed linked pensions and umpteen sick days you can roll over.
Of course everyone knows the Bermuda Government is here simply to serve 5,000 civil servants with the remaining 55,000 population a simple afterthought.
Not so sure if a indexed link pension is the way to go. get ready for a massive reset in global markets. and not every government employee gets six weeks vacation off the bat – they work many years for that. And above average salary? What exactly is the average gov’t salary? What is your source? What is the average private sector salary? Is that IB salaries or local private enterprise salaries? You are using words linked to emotions to twist the story to suit your agenda.
When i first became employed in IB I made 65,000 as a TA at a well known re-insurer. And truthfully the job was easy…but that is okay because it is private I suppose…
Just try and have a little bit of empathy. the world is not black and white like some seek to make it.
The average government salary was noted by the BTUC last week as being $78k.
The most recent labor survey/report issued noted that the average Bermudian salary as being $60k.
If they didn’t take an entourage of civil servants you’d be whining about that.
This oba govt needs all the prayer they can get after all the lies & promises they told to win the election.
OBA 3:16
Do as we say not as we do and If you don’t understand that we have more important things to do.
On Thursday [Feb 5], the Premier will attend the annual National Prayer Breakfast. He’ll eat the food and repeat the words he said about Mrs.Swan ! It’s a good thing that Bermuda has a office there .
How is this any different than when the PLP did it?
Same old same old more of the same stuff lol hahahahaha thanks OBA is this the change you told us about PMD you guys are funny as hell
Oba have already taking a pay cut! Fact!
Union leaders, civil servants haven’t sacrificed NOTHING! fact!
Cancel the stop lift ban on simple possession?
Far Too many Wrong Buds you smoking there cuzz
“On Thursday [Feb 5], the Premier will attend the annual National Prayer Breakfast”
When then PLP went to this event, they were accused of wasting tax payer money and going on a junket. Oh, how have times changed.
Prove it….I didn’t see any Opposition criticism when the PLP visited Washington to meet with US Govt representatives. The only criticism I found while googling was the fact that Dr. Brown spent $20k on ground transportation alone for Pres. Obama’s inauguration.
So show me the then Opposition’s criticism of such trips please.
Prove it…I will:
From June 10, 2004:
“Health Minister Patrice Minors has come under fire from the Opposition for spending more than $1,700 of taxpayers’ money to attend a prayer meeting.
Mrs. Minors attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington in February where President George W. Bush gave a ten minute keynote speech.
Health Minister Patrice Minors has come under fire from the Opposition for spending more than $1,700 of taxpayers’ money to attend a prayer meeting.
Mrs. Minors attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington in February where President George W. Bush gave a ten minute keynote speech.
Shadow Health Minister Michael Dunkley questioned the purpose of attending such a meeting and said the $1,718.35 could have been better spent on health services in Bermuda.”
I guess Dunkley changed his view about this event.
Fair play. I didn’t go back as far as 2004, so my apologies.
But in all fairness it has been noted that the trip is also for conducting meetings with US and UK representatives and not just to pray at a breakfast.
I think you conceded the point too soon. There is a big difference between a health minister attending a prayer breakfast and a premier attending a prayer breakfast followed by a series of meetings with high ranking US officials.
You will note that the current health minister is not in attendance. Which is consistent with the criticism that it is a waste of money to send a health minister to this event.
maybe Truthhurtz is new to the island and feels his phony,fiat, fed generated IB “money” qualifies him with a say in our affairs….
Truthhurtz – #OBABLOWHARD #USEFULIDIOT
You got schooled boss.
I was wrong that there has never been any criticism. However, you would think that the criticism you guys allude to happened each and every year the event was attended.
That was one criticism from 11 years ago.
Show me where they continued the criticism up until 2012 as the PLP sent representatives to this event each and every year.
On top of that the Ministers going now are holding meetings with US and UK representatives and not simply to pray and eat some pancakes.
Friend,
The PLP were constantly criticized for going to this event. I gave this particular example as Dunkely was voicing the criticism, yet he is going now.
But, there are other examples, from other members of the UBP Opposition over the years as well.
Look they all needed a trip after what the civil service put them through last week. Dem boys are stressed out. Craig’s thinking “dam I’m glad I’m not Premier and I still get a fat check @ $150K just to collect trash”
Well today is Tuesday and my trash is still sitting out at the drive way.
Privatize trash collection immediately. The trash collection guys never show up on the days they’re supposed too.
Still catching up from last weeks fiasco i presume.
Sorry, “impasse” as the BIU so eloquently put it.
People can criticize OBA all they want. Fact is, replacing them with a PLP government would be nothing less than suicide for Bermuda.
The type of people who would still vote PLP after what they did – are simply too stupid to know any better. They shouldn’t be allowed to vote.
Instead of wasting money on trips, why not use video conferencing?
Video conferencing can be very effective but there are instances where it is not appropriate. In a meeting with several world leaders present, I can see how the Bermudian premier in video conference would not be able to get a word in.
Funny how people get up in arms over a traditional event that over 100 other world leaders attend. They forget that foreign policy should be a main focus for government. A measly trip to Washington is chump change compared to the cost of the overpaid and underworked civil service.
I’m sure that when the Premier and Minister return you will get a full and thorough report on their itinerary in Washington, which includes much more than the Prayer Breakfast. It doesn’t matter what Government is in power, from time to time it is necessary for our leaders to meet with the leaders of our biggest trading partner. That is how you reinforce a close and lasting relationship that will ultimately serve all Bermudians.
If Bermuda thinks that these tax strapped governments around the world are continuing going to tolerate their corporate citizens setting up domiciles in low tax jurisdictions like Bermuda; than we are deluding ourselves. I have always liken this to high sea privacy which was one time legal engaged in by many nations. Than the most powerful among these nations at that time England with it’s navy which dominated the seas used that navy to dismantle privacy. The question is; is there a historical lesson in this for low tax jurisdictions like Bermuda?
yes-stashing the proceeds of phony,fiat currency generated by the fed and loaned at near zero interest to “corporations”…
but we “comply” – yes of course we “comply” quite readily…
The high sea piracy is done by the high-tax regime, not the low-tax one.
““On Thursday [Feb 5], the Premier will attend the annual National Prayer Breakfast, which is hosted by members of the US Congress, and is typically attended by some 3,000 guests, including international invitees from over 100 countries.””
Isn’t this the definition of hypocrisy? Dunkley personally chastised and criticized the PLP for going to this event.
I guess he now believes it is money well spent. Got to love politics. I wonder how the OBA will spin this.
“Health Minister Patrice Minors has come under fire from the Opposition for spending more than $1,700 of taxpayers’ money to attend a prayer meeting.
Mrs. Minors attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington in February where President George W. Bush gave a ten minute keynote speech.
Health Minister Patrice Minors has come under fire from the Opposition for spending more than $1,700 of taxpayers’ money to attend a prayer meeting.
Mrs. Minors attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington in February where President George W. Bush gave a ten minute keynote speech.
Shadow Health Minister Michael Dunkley questioned the purpose of attending such a meeting and said the $1,718.35 could have been better spent on health services in Bermuda.”
He’s doing a bunch of other meetings while there. What did Patrice do while there?
The cash strapped nations around the world realize that internal investment will not improve their economy until they spread their wings.
MARKETING is the only key.
We sell sun shine; pink sandy beaches; hospitality; and a hundred other delights if we put our minds to it.
Interesting how there are (7) states in the US that have no income tax and an (8th) state moving in that direction.
Manny companies and Corporations move to those states with no ÏNCOME TAXES”if they are able.
In NY State they are offering (10) years TAX FREE EVERYTHING if you will move your Business there.
Have you not see the ADD’s on the US TV everyday.
The TAXes that you think they should pay DO NOT BELONG TO THE BLOOD SUCKING CIVIL SERVICE,who produce “NOTHING”
Imagine any government as a big wheel with many cogs on it each cog represents a vehicle for making money, that is why governments have lots of cogs .
The problem fails when the the “COG” needs more oil than it produces to keep the wheel functioning.
For example.
You get a parking ticket, that is going to cost you $50.00 which takes the Government more than $50,00 to collect by adding up all the staff wages; other services; Court costs ; lighting air conditioning ; paperwork ; other staff; traffic cop etc.
The same goes when a person has to go to prison we are looking at a lot of money to the tax payer to keep Westgate going for a bunch of grapes that went missing.
Bermuda is getting very much like the Caribbean,as a few would like us to be.
Government costs about $1100Million dollars a year to run.
Government Income about $800Million Dollars per year.
So where do we get the $300Million dollars that we are short,
to continue to pay the HUGE civil service.
$300Million $300Million $300Million $300Million $300Million per year.
And we still owe ($2000)Million in DEBT.
What does the Government produce.
(1) TAXES which we all have to pay.
(2) REGULATIONS which keeps us running around in circles.
DO please help me what does Government produce besides WASTING the TAX MONEY???