PLP Express Concern About Hotel Bill Changes
[Updated with video + Minister's response] Yesterday, the Minister of Tourism presented the Opposition with two pages of changes to the original St George’s hotel bill that removes training of Bermudians as a requirement of the concessions agreement, removes the requirement for local entertainment to be employed and allows for the sale of Crown Land, Shadow Tourism Minister Zane DeSilva said today.
Mr DeSilva also said that the changes gives the developers the ability to create subsidiaries as they desire, commits Bermuda to a 262 year agreement while not disclosing the actual development agreement governing the project and contains no apparent out-clauses for the Bermuda government if the developer fails to keep their end of the agreement.
Background
In May 2014, the Government announced that the Venezuela-based Desarrollos Hotelco Group was selected to develop the old Club Med property in St George’s.
Last month Minister of Tourism Development and Transport Shawn Crockwell tabled the St. George’s Resort Act 2015 [PDF] in the House of Assembly, with the Ministry saying the proposed $120 million development will include 122 hotel rooms, renovation of the St. George’s golf course, up to 90 condominiums and a casino – which will be subject to an application to the Gaming Commission.
Following the bill being tabled, the PLP said they join “with the people of St. George’s in welcoming the tabling of this Bill, while calling for the OBA to display openness and transparency on this critical project, which gives 10 years of concessions, a 262 year lease, and a casino to a potential developer.”
MPs are scheduled to meet this coming Monday [Aug 17] to debate the bill in the House of Assembly.
Shadow Tourism Minister Zane DeSilva’s Comments
Mr DeSilva said, “Bermuda and the people of St. George’s need a hotel that will bring jobs and opportunity for Bermudians. That’s why we are deeply concerned about the stunning lack of commitment to Bermudians being displayed by the OBA on this hotel project and the lack of transparency surrounding the awarding of this contract.
“On Monday, the OBA intends to force through the St. George’s Hotel Act – paiece of legislation that has zero commitment to training Bermudians and zero commitment to providing opportunities for Bermudian entertainers.
“This represents a blatant and serious dereliction of duty to the people of Bermuda,” said Mr DeSilva.
Update 4.52pm: 20-minute video of the full press conference today
“Capable, qualified Bermudians that are out of work need to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads. They deserve a fair chance to compete for jobs and opportunity in their own country. But their OBA government has sold them out.
“The PLP’s position is clear. Bermudians must come first in jobs and opportunities in our own country. The OBA’s position is that Bermudians don’t deserve any consideration or protection.
“Yesterday, the Minister of Tourism presented the Opposition with two pages of changes to the original bill that not only remove training of Bermudians as a requirement of the concessions agreement and removes the requirement for local entertainment to be employed, it also:
- 1] Allows for the sale of Crown Land
- 2] Gives the developers the ability to create subsidiaries as they desire
- 3] Commits Bermuda to a 262 year agreement while not disclosing the plans for the development, the actual development agreement governing the project
- 4] Contains no apparent out-clauses for Bermuda government if the developer fails to meet target dates for commencement of the project or other failures to keep their end of the agreement.
“The Progressive Labour Party wants a hotel in St George’s just as much as anyone else. However, we refuse to sit by idly and watch a flawed process continue without saying something,” continued Mr DeSilva.
“The OBA wants Parliament to grant this 262 year lease and planning permission without even sharing the plans for the development and the development agreement that will govern the project.
“How can Parliament be expected to give its approval to something that we haven’t even seen that will tie the hands of Bermuda for the next 262 years?
“The Minister of Tourism must speak to these issues and explain why the Government has taken the stance they have. Why is the OBA government so steadfast in granting everything under the sun to foreign investors, and not fighting for Bermudians to secure their futures?
“Let me reiterate that the PLP support any development in Bermuda but the people of Bermuda deserve the transparency, accountability and honestly that they promised Bermudians prior to being elected in 2012,” concluded Mr DeSilva.
We have asked the Government if it is possible to get a copy of the document outlining the changes referenced above, and will update as able.
Update: Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell’s Response
Update 4.54pm: In response, Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell said, “The Developers of this project are committed to employing Bermudians. This project will create hundreds of jobs for Bermudians from the construction phase of the project and permanent jobs for the operation of the hotel after it is built.
“The St. George’s Resort Development Act 2015 was tabled weeks ago and I met with these Opposition members yesterday for over an hour to explain the proposed amendments which will be made via Motion on the floor of the House of Assembly on Monday. This was done out of courtesy and respect for the Opposition.
“There is no requirement to attach the MDA to the Bill. This was not done for the Park Hyatt Act nor the Morgan’s Point Act which were both presented by the former PLP Government. All Ground Leases will have to be approved by Parliament and this will be done when the House of Assembly resumes in November. Once again this is a double standard by the Opposition.
“Additionally, this Bill moves this project forward which will be an historic and momentous achievement for Bermuda and more particularly the community of St. George’s. The PLP have a terrible track record of trying to undermine the positive projects that have been proposed or are under way under this Government. They did it with the America’s Cup, Pink Beach, Ariel Sands, and the Airport projects.
“Despite the PLP’s efforts the OBA Government will not be deterred in bringing to fruition positive projects that creates jobs and in this case will help to rejuvenate tourism and St. George’s.”
DESTROY ALL EFFORTS FOR SUCCESS! DESTROY!
I look foward to a Hotel in St. Georges………but ……It is important that the bill ensures protection of the land for Bermudians and ensures that Jobs are a first priority for Bermudians.
If that is considered stopping progress by the Opposition well it is worth it. I see it as ensuring that the Rights and opportunities for Bermudians is protected and that Capital projects are carried out most effectively and with in the correct guidelines and regulations.
We must not in a mad rush to create jobs overlook key steps, if not it will come back to bite Bermuda in the butt……it will bite us hard. ……
OBA for the sake of TransparencyTransparencyTransparency please print the amendments NOW…
Just answer one question for me….
Why should Bermudians be GUARANTEED jobs?
You apply and whoever is best fit for the job gets it, simple as that, happens all over the world. If anything it would make you humble yourself and strive for better if you didn’t get it!
Well if a Bermudian can’t get a simple job in their own country. Then where
All bermudiana are not lazy,this is just what employers are putting out to the local media
To justify not hiring them.
I have travelled to the carribean a. Lot all my hotel and restaurant staff were locals
Who knew their job and could interact good with the guest.
I look forward to reviewing the amendment and hearing the OBA’s side on this.
If what the PLP is stating is indeed correct, I find it disturbing. Deserallos got on board with the concessions to begin with – they shouldn’t now be seeking to opt out of them, nor should they be allowed to imho.
The PLP is actually acting as a good opposition party. What has come over them?
They are a better opposition than a government
depends – do we want new hotels? new construction? new jobs? Govts all over give concessions for these reasons, the Brits were masters of this…
the Brits were masters of alot of things but when the chickens come home to roost, in thise context, whent the tourism market falters or waivers, even the Brits are no match for market demand or a lack thereof.
needless to say, development – yes, by all means; but not by ANY means necessary.
don’t concede by selling your soul to the devil
Bda needs a win-win situation
@Jeremy Giving concession is not the point of concern. Removing these particular requirements at this time despite getting concessions is very concerning. The Minister did nothing to explain why these changes are necessary.
Here we go again.
Right on queue …..
Distorting truth.
Next he and Wayne will say you need 20 years experience to be a chamber maid.
Care to elaborate how exactly is the truth being distorted regarding this topic.. I am not saying you are incorrect, but since your making statements alleging misinformation, for lack of a better word, please expand..thanks in advance.
Ahhh…where’s the supporting documentation for what they’re saying. Shouldn’t that have been issued first. SMH
The Amendments must be printed by the OBA. If not something is not right in regards to this project. I want a hotel like you……but not at this expense. ……
I hope the day doesn’t come when a workpermit holder takes your job!
I love electronic libraries: • April 2008: Premier Ewart Brown announces Bazarian International’s intent to develop the site for the Park Hyatt hotel chain. The $294 million project, due to be ready by spring 2011, is to feature 100 rooms and suites, swimming pools, tennis courts, five restaurants and bars and the 18-hole Faldo golf course. A $90 million, 262-year lease on the property is signed.
did we know all the detail then?
so that absolves the OBA of any responsibility to do things better and more transparent?
nope, not at all, just calling what i see as a degree of hypocrisy
Mr. Deacon, If you didn’t know all the details then, then wasn’t it the job of the then Opposition to make sure these details where brought to light, by the way, I am not excusing the Government of the day at the time for not doing so.. Just making a point.
In addition, regardless of whether the details where known in the instance that you are referring to, thus that make it ok for the government (OBA) to change some of the pertinent details of this agreement, that will effect the Bermudian worker or potential Bermudian worker in a negative manner??
does that,,, ***
JEREMY. ……OBA promised us Transparency Accountability and Honesty. …….they promised to govern differently. …….so it is key they outline in print the Amendments and the possibility of its impact on Bermudians
I take your point fully. But the question can also be asked: Do we want new hotels and new construction? It is not unusual for Govts to give concessions in order to persuade a developer to come that particular country because they believe the benefits outweigh the negatives.
My issue with the PLP is that they tend, IMO, to try and rewrite (or ignore) history – that was the point of my post. I cannot remember transparency surrounding the contract to the last would-be developer; i don’t see a ‘stunning lack of commitment to Bermudians’ because local people will inevitably be employed in constructing and running it and I don’t see this: “This represents a blatant and serious dereliction of duty to the people of Bermuda,” said Mr DeSilva.
Is the building of a new hotel (if it happens) not commitment to the people of Bermuda?
I am not really trying to takes sides – I am, as i always try to, putting this in what i hope is some historical context
To me much of the PLP statement is deliberately emotive in order to stir people up. The PLP has key tactics: 1. shoot the messenger, ignore the message; put out disinformation; put out misinformation enough times so it becomes fact.
it may be the job of an opposition but on a small island like this, it does no-one any good and pits person against person ….
Jeremy your bias towards the PLP is obvious. ……to always fall back on the “Blame Game” is no good towards moving Bermuda forward..
your false summary of the PLP strategy is also wrong……focus on the current problem as presented. …now
why not focus on the merits and short comings of this project for what is really is……that is more important than playing “Blame it on PLP Game”. ….really. I thought you were bigger than that. … ..
Yes we need jobs and hotel…..but do we sell our souls and have nothing. ….or do we ensure it is done right…….why is BEST/Hayward going court?…..to ensure its done right…….please….
Let’s get it right abd do it right.
We must look out for all of Bermuda interest…….future generations and now
On the jobs front, the PLP are intentionally ignoring the fact that expats need work permits. And in order to obtain one the employer has to go thru immigration. In other words, this is not blanket approval to hire non-bermudians.
They did bring things to light.
Cedar fires from shavings come to mind.
Then again there is a new…..in town.
Im giving you the benefit of the doubt here,, someday I pray, you will make a comment that actually provokes thought,, smdh.
And of course who can ever forget when Brown announced before and election that shovels would be in the ground before the end of the year…..reelected 2 weeks later and no shovels….these have to be desperate times for the Glorious PLP..god forbid if the economy grows and things begin to get done…..did the PLP express “Grave” concern? one of their favorite buzz words…..
Island tourism is a third world industry. Bermuda is competing for hotel investors with very poor countries willing to make almost any concession. In the Dominican Republic, the government will give a hotel builder free land, all the work permits they want for constructions workers, and effectively no taxes.
If the Bermuda government forces hotel builders to hire high-wage workers, then no hotels will be built (just like the last 30 years).
UMMM, Where exactly did you see the words “High Wage Workers” in the narrative above???
“The Progressive Labour Party wants a hotel in St George’s just as much as anyone else” – we just couldnt do it.
platinum …..
No one in their right mind would build a hotel on this Island generally and in St. George in particular. The Green money is inherited – that’s an exception. No bank or lender in their right mind would do it either. Civil service is the safest gig on this Island.
Quo Fata Ferunt
My question is why take it to the public before debating it in the house … they may find that their concerns may be groundless but no not the green machine crying wolf again ….I would have sought clarification from those who wrote the changes then discussed them …but here we go again the cart before the horse
Why did the OBA not take it yo the people first if they want to be a government that practices Transparency TransparencyTransparencyTransparency. …
Because that isn’t how effective government works, sure we could expect a government to consult the people on every piece of legislation, but then nothing would get done… nothing. Most people wouldn’t understand the legislation in its effect, because all legislation is written in legalese and is mind numbingly tedious to get through, and then to actually understand it… I’ve destroyed enough brain cells doing so over the years. We need to get things done, we also need to recognize that the PLP mentality for government failed us, they instituted policies that for the most part were exploitive and abusive for businesses to operate in Bermuda… to one sided to a labour mindset. Bermudians first is not what is best for Bermuda and by extension, Bermudians. We cannot isolate our workforce to ourselves, we need huge amounts of foreign expertise imported for our economy to regain its competitive edge. We can not coddle Ourselves with legislated over protectionism, we as a workforce must rise to the challenge and prove ourselves to be competitive and invaluable. We must rise to show the world that Bermuda isn’t just a competitive place to do business, but can also provide the human resources to do so. So if we have to open the doors for a hotelier to import what they can’t find locally… and right now, there isn’t enough top level talent to offer that, especially if they are granted a casino to operate. Then so be it, because there will be jobs for Bermudians in that hotel, and for those with ambition, drive and the will to learn and expand, there will be place for Bermudians at the top. We have to stop expecting government to legislate employers to train us, and we have to go after our employers for the training we need to advance. You will find that the vast majority of employers are happy to give employees what they need to perform better at their jobs.
Well if this doesn’t say it all. This foreign developer gets our concessions and still gets to disenfranchise our people? Between the OBA practically selling our precious airport stake to the Canadian CCC who can bring in much of their own staff and other acts of disenfranchisements like the Americas Cup bringing their own vehicles displacing local transportation etc, Immigration laws favouring the foreigner etc, the OBA is definitely not for the average Bermudian. Period.
This is an outrage! And done right under our very noses too amidst the all of these distractions of late. People beware of the distractions! The OBA is doing a lot of damage behind the scenes. They are so desperate to sell out our own down the river time and again to make it look like they are turning things around. Yet the umemployment is still high. I thought the CCC deal was bad. This is the worst deal yet. By the time the next election rolls around in 2017 much of our 21 sq mile island would be sold out to any bidder and our birthright lost. Oh did I say birthright? According to OBA Sen Marshall that’s all accidental so we have no stake there either. Lord help us. OBA this is yet another blunder with all the other drama and scandals. Get another developer. I pray it’s not too late.
Unemployment is down under the OBA. Try again.
OMG you’re funny. Spouting off before anyone’s even seen the document. Kool-aid 101
Amazing how quiet you were when the PLP passed the park Hyatt act the Morgans point act and the coco reef hotel with the exact same requirements.
@ just a matter of time, I think even you in just a matter of time will give up looking for your intelligence??? Why don’t you read the update on this article and read every paragraph as slowly as you can until it finally sinks in?? I will help you with a few points inaragraphs 2, 3 and 4. The minister out of courtesy met with these two knuckleheads and explain it all to them, so what they are saying now can only be considered disingenuous at best?? Also please read carefully were none of the same stuff these two trouble makers are complaining about were was attached to Park Hyatt ( plp friend and family, which had no hope of ever getting built ) which only cost us in the end a VALUABLE piece of OUR city property, for some reason you don’t seem very concerned about that?? One can only assume as long as your plp gives away our real estate it is ok with you?? Secondly for some bizarre reason zaney also has no problem with Morgan’s point not being held either to what they are crying about?? Oh wait!!! I know why, this may shock you, but zaney has a very close relationship with one of the local owners of Morgans point And happens to play a lot of golf with him??? I hope even with your bias ways toward the plp, you can start to see that maybe your plp reps in this article are doing nothing other than keeping food off your own table!!! Once again plp first ALL bermudians last!!! The plp will not stop until they are the king of the ashes in the future!! They don’t give one hoot about you!! Are you ever going to learn????
How do you know that CCC is brining in the majority of their own staff? For instance it has been stated that at lest three quarters of the expected 600 jobs linked to the development will be Bermudian. It was noted in the House, in December I believe, that on the hospital job, under the PLP, that the percentage hovered between 60% and 65% being local labour.
The concessions to the Americas Cup regarding vehicles being imported for use must be driven by a Bermudian. 6 teams equates to numerous vehicles required to be driven by Bermudians. The Act permits up to 80 vehicles which could theoretically translate to 80 Bermudian jobs.
This hotel deal mirrors the PLP deals offered to the two properties noted by the Minister. The only difference being is that those proposed developments never came to fruition, while this one looks like it just might get over the line. Yet there was no outrage. Maybe that was because you weren’t aware of the deal which again debunks your claim that the OBA is being sneaky. So again why didn’t we hear all this outrage for those 2 deals?
The definition of birthright citizenship is a legal right to citizenship born in a country’s territory, regardless of parentage.
Given the actual meaning (not the made up one) would mean every Bermudian, PRC and non-Bermudian children born in Bermuda would automatically receive Bermudian citizenship. Is that what you want?
Thinking out loud.
Doesn’t Bermuda’s work permit legislation control non-Bermudian entertainment? Therefore, if there are capable Bermudian entertainers, they already have the first opportunity?
The rules you mentioned are easily waived by government or the Minister in Charge.
And having dealt with some of the high-maintenance Princesses that call themselves entertainers here, I can see why the developer would want it waived.
No tge OBA changed that law in regards to local entertainers…..they sold them down the river unfortunately. ……I feel sad for our local entertainers………they been kicked in the butt by OBA
Irony.
The Devil is in the detail.
Man I need a rum.
Jeremy. I don’t always agree with you but you spot on here and I think our line of thinking is drawing close to the junction.
Shalom.
surely not! I need a drink…
Where are these WORKERS who need a job as we have 11300 work permits issued that no Bermudian have applied for.All smoke and mirrors by the usual PLP/BIU.
Obviously you are not one of the people who have applied for these jobs and are struggling to find work. Just because you apply doesn’t mean it will be acknowledged, if someone wants to hire a foreign worker its easy to say we didn’t have Bermudians apply or the Bermudians who did were unqualified. The same is true all over the world. What Bermudians have to do is keep a record of these applications being put through, and take the time to pass this documentation onto the appropriate department. Its like taking a survey and only having 1,000 people (who you hand pick)out of 3,000 fill it in – it doesn’t give you a realistic view of what is happening. P.S. I couldn’t care less who is in power – as long as they use their power for the good of Bermuda.
Any and all concessions should only become active upon project completion and the first bona fide guests being welcomed to the hotel.
All duties paid etc can then be rebate to the hotel over the duration of the concession period…
Otherwise we (Bermuda) end up out of pocket before a block is even laid…
that is the best sounding idea yet! (whether practical or not is something alse)
Are leases of such a long duration, say 10 generations, just too long? If it can’t work in 99 years or 50 years, which are also extremely long periods, should it’s viability be questioned? Love to see the improvements come, hate to give away such large parcels for so many future generations. Tough balance, I suppose other destinations in need have more ground to spare, but Bermuda has so little. Nothing comes easily these days!
How can the Opposition claim lack of transparency when the Minister met with them for over an hour to discuss the changes? If it was a lack of transparency the PLP would have never had this information to run to the press with prior to it being debated in the House.
A lack of transparency is when the PLP altered the terms of the Coco Reef lease to a point where the auditor General said the lease should be retabled in the House due to the significant divergence from the original lease terms on whcih it was initially approved.
Now to the PLP and their supporters, how can you claim this deal is bad for Bermudians when your Party approved concessions, during their term, to foreign investors that matches the ones you are now arguing against? Why the double standards now and where was the ‘outrage’ then?
I suggest that you read the pdf document that is included in the link in the above story. It makes for some interesting reading and everyone can draw their own conclusions about what is included and what isn’t. I for one was pleasantly surprised.
This government should let the people from Americas Cup build that hotel for them. They will have the potential applicants paying a million dollars just to apply, all the vendors will be paying them, you bid you pay, there will be fireworks and the government will make a profit off of it. And we will all have fun.
I love those AC guys – they are real pros!
This is real detached from reality comment.
Any hotel developer will require concessions. No concessions, no new hotels.
A 262 year lease is not out of line at all, see previous leases.
Work permit regulations are in place. If you are a hard worker or talented you will have a job.
If you are out of work, apply for a job, work hard and you will succeed.
Nothing to see here unless you like complaining about nothing.
Peace, out.
so why did the OBA cancel Maclean’s deal if 262 years is no big deal?
Also no one said not to have any concessions. But do we have to give away everything and not require anything from the developers?
Read the ombudsman report on how Maclean was gifted the waterfront under suspicious circumstances.
Guess you abhor alleged corruption when it doesn’t come from your team huh?
The 262 year lease was not the issue with the waterfront deal, many other issues that killed it.
The concessions in the Bill are less then other deals that have been made in other island countries and it is significantly more expensive to build here. So in fact the Bill gives away far less then everything, even less than most other deals in other countries. A win, win.
I can remember fixing G fire damage on the 20th floor there in 84 or 85 ish. ..
Club med…
And here we are 30 yrs later…. blah blah..
10 th floor…
Whom could put any credence in Mr Wayne Furbut comments For god sake he has been on BOTH sides of the fence and still waffles about just to be heard or eat feet.. Mr Zane DeSilva look in the mirror my friend shall I just say PGA, what a windfall. Maybe here as well? not
Hey Kangoocar, where’s your comment on the missing $800 mil to somehow attach to this story? You’re slipping. OBA supporters and their mental gymnastics never cease to amaze me even when the obvious is staring at them in the face. Here’s the difference between you and me. If the PLP messed up I will have no hesitation to call it for what it is. A far cry from being a Kool Aid drinker which describes many on this board who take everything the OBA do hook line and sinker. Are you for the progression of the average Bermudian or what? Name a time when the PLP accepted anything that disallowed the training and development of Bermudians in any field? This bill REMOVES the training for Bermudians as stated above. Really? This is a first. Everyone begging to see the amendments as if that makes a difference. If the PLP are dead wrong where’s the OBA rebuttal? Why wait? You all can spout off as you like. This Govt is clearly making decisions without fully considering the long term sustainability of trained Bdians. And reread my comment. I said the CCC CAN bring in the staff they want to. I do not recall any limits being placed against how many do you? Anyway I stand to be corrected I have broad shoulders. In fact I hope I am wrong on this. It’s too important.
Blah,blah,blah blah blah!
How many years has that property been dormant? It is not like we have a location there that is in high demand for development again. Big concessions have to be made when you want to sell something very few are interested in.
Dear Zane,
How many PLP hotel deals actually went ahead?
Oh, ZERO?
Sorry, did you say ZERO??
How about under OBA?
1, 2, 3, 4, 5….
Well now you know why the OBA are giving the developers what they want.
No developer will put his shovel in Bermuda until he gets what he wants, take it or leave it. PLP left it, OBA is taking it and no question there will be many new jobs for Bermudians, trust me.
Haha Sean Crockwell just shut it down. A couple of hard truths about the PLP were told here.
Thanks PLP for getting it wrong again.
did he really? I didn’t hear him address any of the concerns.
You know what? As more and more information is coming to light, I am more and more believing that the PLP are truly out to destabilise this Govt.
The Minister met with these two the day before they went crying to the media. The Minister gave them the information. They are playing the political game and it’s all for cheap points. The OBA are surely not perfect and they have made tremendous mistakes and errors and I am furious at them for that but I’m starting to believe they have the right idea.
The PLP still STILL have not given us a reason to think they are ready to be Govt again.
Absolutely shocking discovery….YA THINK ????? The PLP will do anything and say anything to get back in power.
If you want to see sailboats heading out of Two Rock and over the horizon….just keep an eye out on any morning Marc Bean is elected the leader of this island.
@watching….and since you choose to ignore things:
Update: Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell’s Response
Update 4.54pm: In response, Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell said, “The Developers of this project are committed to employing Bermudians. This project will create hundreds of jobs for Bermudians from the construction phase of the project and permanent jobs for the operation of the hotel after it is built.
“The St. George’s Resort Development Act 2015 was tabled weeks ago and I met with these Opposition members yesterday for over an hour to explain the proposed amendments which will be made via Motion on the floor of the House of Assembly on Monday. This was done out of courtesy and respect for the Opposition.
“There is no requirement to attach the MDA to the Bill. This was not done for the Park Hyatt Act nor the Morgan’s Point Act which were both presented by the former PLP Government. All Ground Leases will have to be approved by Parliament and this will be done when the House of Assembly resumes in November. Once again this is a double standard by the Opposition.
“Additionally, this Bill moves this project forward which will be an historic and momentous achievement for Bermuda and more particularly the community of St. George’s. The PLP have a terrible track record of trying to undermine the positive projects that have been proposed or are under way under this Government. They did it with the America’s Cup, Pink Beach, Ariel Sands, and the Airport projects.
“Despite the PLP’s efforts the OBA Government will not be deterred in bringing to fruition positive projects that creates jobs and in this case will help to rejuvenate tourism and St. George’s.”
The PLP poison and jealousy at work,, boring. Talk about dumb and dumber!
If there’s anyone that SHOULDN’T Be taking about transparency and the awarding of contracts is Zane DeSilva
The St. George’s Resort Development Act 2015 was tabled weeks ago and I met with these Opposition members yesterday for over an hour to explain the proposed amendments which will be made via Motion on the floor of the House of Assembly on Monday. This was done out of courtesy and respect for the Opposition.
I doubt Zane and Flip Flop even read the legislation. When the meeting was held and the amendments explained these two jokers saw it as an opportunity to call a press conference and moan. Never mind that the PLP granted the exact same concessions in their *plans* to develop hotels….they just couldn’t get it done. How many times did Dr. Brown announce that the hotel in St. Georges was about to start construction? Flip Flop did at least once. He even claimed the Par-La-Ville hotel was 99% *there* as well. Given what we know about THAT debacle I would have thought some questions should be answered by Mr. Furbert.
I am very impressed by the number of comments here asking for the details of the amendments and concessions first. BEWARE this agreement and the group that we are getting into bed with here. There is nothing on the internet about this ‘company’ other than a lawsuit they are involved in! If this isn’t a company with a SOLID record and history of successful hotel development (which it clearly isn’t) then trust me that the promises of jobs, jobs, jobs are simply spin. You know what they say: fool me once, shame on you… fool me twice, shame on me!!! If we are going to do it, let’s do it right!
Any lease over 50 years should have a buy back clause for Bermuda to take repossession.
Yawn….
At the very least a Bermudian should be able to open up for a foreign act & I feel the Bermudians should still be trained & hired & if they qualify get the job..
When a complex is built and people are employed and prior will you all just shut up.
I give up.