People’s Campaign: “A Bad Deal For Bermuda”

November 18, 2015

[Updated] Saying that they believe the airport redevelopment project is a “bad deal for Bermuda,” the People’s Campaign released a flyer and also encouraged Bermudians to attend the information session on the project scheduled for 5.30pm this evening [Nov 18] at the Cathedral Church Hall in Hamilton.

The flyer states, “The Minister of Finance is well-known for telling the taxpayer that ‘there is no such thing as a free lunch’. This is indeed true in the case of the airport development deal as it too will come with a price.

“The Bermuda Government has publicly stated that the Airport Redevelopment will cost an estimated $249 million. In addition, the Government will also forgo future revenues and expenditure relating to the Airport.

“To pay for this redevelopment, departure tax has been increased from $35 to $50 per passenger. In addition, a new $16 per person airport improvement fee and an increase in the aviation security fee was implemented this year.

“Based on current budgeted figures, surplus revenue generated by the airport is estimated to equate to approximately $20 million per year.

“As MP Richards has indicated that the airport concession contract will be for a 30-year period, it is estimated that the OBA government will forgo a surplus in revenue of approximately $600 million.”

“The Foregoing of revenues will undoubtedly have a negative impact on Government financial position.”

Update 4.00pm: In response, an OBA spokesperson said, “The People’s Campaign clearly have a hidden agenda. If we proceed with the re-development of the airport terminal, it comes with a large list of benefits and no drawbacks.

This “unofficial arm of the opposition party” continues “against the path to progress,” the spokesperson said. ”This political gamesmanship is obstructive to the people’s agenda to get Bermuda back on track.

“The Airport Re-Development Project is one of several initiatives by the Government aimed at restoring Bermuda’s economic footing and returning the Island to full employment.

“The fact that the unnecessary seeds of discontent are being sown based on misinformation, innuendo and conjecture is disappointing.

“The fact that one of Bermuda’s revered churches and two of the Island’s most powerful trade unions are seemingly in cahoots to block public policy advancement should be alarming.

“This group continues to come forward with wild allegations and a ferocious opposition to the creation of literally hundreds of jobs for Bermudians.”

Update 6.40pm: This evening’s information session on the airport is underway

nov 18 2015 meeting

People's Campaign  Airport Flyer

People's Campaign  Airport Flyer

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Comments (75)

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  1. Kangoocar says:

    The only thing that is a ” bad deal for Bermuda ” is the people’s campaign!!!!!

    • Kangoocar says:

      And the plp of course!!!!

    • @ Kangoocar,Maybe,just maybe, there is some real racial under tones in this comment and I mean real racial and I could care less if you claim to be a black Kangoocar. My suggestion is you would rather see dictatorship in the highest degree, but remember even in those times there was great revolutions.

      Just food for thought, because we may just be headed that way sooner then most think.

      • SANDGROWNAN says:

        you know how I know you’re an idiot?

      • Kangoocar says:

        @Duane, let me help you once again, what is actually a racial undertone is the fact that you reached that far to try and pull the race card!!! In my opinion the mere fact that you and the rest of the plp sheeple were and continue to be totally silent on the Auditor Generals report concerning the now confirmed financial malfeasance that went on under YOUR plp reign of terror, and you all are keeping your heads in the sand in the hope it all blows over?? Let me assure you right now, unti I take my last breath I will fight to get those responsible to be held accountable!!! I am off island right now but upon my return, all those that are doing nothing about it will be hearing from me until they can’t take it anymore and do in fact do something!!! That was OUR money and it needs to be returned!!! This daily rhetoric by your plp ( until this matter came to light?? ) claiming the OBA are doing nothing to help the poor, and are anti Bermudian is pure and simple political nonsense from a plp party that has now been exposed for their actions of only helping themselves financially and leaving the present government broke!!!!

      • Vulcan Trash Cleaner says:

        always the same,trying to play the race card,it’s played out,no one is interested anymore.

        btw,it’s ‘couldn’t care less’..get it right next time you decide to use that.

      • Spit Bouy says:

        @ Duane P Santucci,

        Time to change the record mate because that ones been worn to death. Besides the former PLP Government and the CS people responsible for the bulk of the abuses of taxpayers money as detailed in the Auditors Report look like who, Santa Claus?

        Your dictatorship deflection is at best primary school level. Do better please; if you can. Lord knows the PLP can’t.

        • Hoolieh@yahoo.com says:

          Duane:

          I really feel sorry for you! And if the rest of the PLP diehards feel the same way, God help Bermuda! We’re doomed!
          You cannot even be truthful with yourselves.
          Facts cannot hit you in the face, can they?
          Absolutely astounding…and really scare me!

          Swing Voter,
          Smiths

          P.S. Don’t bring race into this because I’m already black.

      • Earth watch police says:

        We recently removed the dictators .

    • Onion Juice says:

      Thank you Peoples Campaign for a VERY precise summery of SpongeBob’s fuzzy track, and its HILLARIOUS how UBP diehards cant refute not one of the F!@#ed up past performance’s, but digress to insulting pop shots.
      Keep on exposing them, and we still need to hear about the Jet Gate deal and ALL the other Gates !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  2. Vulcan Trash Cleaner says:

    the people’s campaign is NOT representing Bermudians,it is made up of only a very,very small amount of brain washed residents on the Island.

  3. NCM says:

    More misinformation and disinformation from the Axis of ignorance. Perhaps Rev Tweed should remove the smote from his own eye.

    And why hasn’t the PC addressed the Auditor General’s report? Inquiring minds want to know.

  4. jt says:

    I look forward to their town hall meetings, outrage, cries for justice, compensation, accountability and prosecutions regarding the recent report by the Auditor General.

  5. hmmm says:

    Why aren’t they attacking the PLP for the Qualified Financials and abuse of financial rules !!!!!!!!!!!!

    Why aren’t they demanding accountability to the people there.

    Peoples campaign is a side show of nothing but brain washing.

    Oh and they have a few things incorrect in their press release. SMH

  6. Double S says:

    Will the People’s Campaign make a statement regarding the 315 page Auditor general report which outlined massive malfeasance which took part under the previous administration, which in turn has led to our dismal public finance position and the need to borrow more and more?

  7. watching says:

    Well said and put together. If only the OBA people would take their blinders off. No one has said you have to vote PLP but CLEARLY this is not the best deal for Bermuda. You don’t have to support every idea the OBA has.

    • jt says:

      “CLEARLY”.

      Please outline the better deal.

    • Double S says:

      And just because you are a PLP supporter doesn’t mean you have to oppose every proposal put forward by the OBA…but yet you do each and every time.

      Also, what is your view on the 315 page auditor’s report issued last week? Strange that you haven’t bothered to post any thoughts on this damning document. Very strange indeed.

    • hmmm says:

      So the PLP suggestion prior to them being kicked out by us Bermudians was better?

      Please answer, oh go on please.

    • Spit Bouy says:

      @ watching,

      Of course had the PLP not been shown the door in the last election they would have gotten us the best deal going right?. Boy that tea must be good.

      No doubt that you and the PC would have been silent on the sure to have followed abuse of taxpayers money.

    • clearasmud says:

      You make a good point and it does ring hollow that at the same time that some commenters are blasting the PLP for its poor financial management (which they deserve) which includes not tendering capital projects and not following financial instructions, they support this Airport project when Minister Richards is guilty of both of these same Acts! It also rings hollow when Mr. Richards states that the Accountant General gave him permission to not follow the rules when the fact is that the Accountant General answers to the Financial Secretary who ultimately works closely with and for the Minister of Finance. LOL!

  8. Concerned says:

    Why are they so opposed to the new airport are they afraid that the name would be changed or what’s the truth behind this talk of the PLP

    • Vulcan Trash Cleaner says:

      the rest of the world refers to it as Bermuda Airfield,only a few call it Bermuda Airport!

  9. Something stinks says:

    Maybe the people’s campaign would like to voice there concern on the auditors report.

  10. Toodle-oo says:

    Why don’t we hear from them on something that was truly damaging and has already happened ?
    You know , the AG’s most recent report .

  11. had enough says:

    The audit report discussed the lack of following a tendering process.
    The same erroneous process is occurring with the airport.

    signed
    an oba supporter

    • Sincerious says:

      Actually you missed a really big difference.
      The report showed no tendering , no authority, no documentation , no justification , no accountability.
      The airport whilst not tendered has already been reviewed by an outside party with recommendations to demonstrate value for money can be assured. It is also very much in the public realm and is being watched locally and by overseas . So your comparison is not even close.

      • clearasmud says:

        You are correct however that “outside party” also pointed to the lack of tendering!

    • Lois Frederick says:

      As Bob said tonight all those big govt projects like Lois Brown Evans Building and Heritage wharf were tendered and ran up over a hundred million in overruns. Tendering does not guarantee a project will be on budget. With the airport, CCC which is owned by the Canadian Govt, an AAA rated country take that risk. This arrangement guarantees to Bermuda a new airport on time and on budget. The Cabinet felt the trade off based on past history and our weak financial position was worth it. I agree with them too.

      • hmmm says:

        Peoples Campaign, who are the beneficiaries of the Trust related to the Dame Louis Brown evans building?

      • clearasmud says:

        You are correct it does not guarantee that a project will be on budget but what it does do is provide transparency and makes it easier to see the value for money case.

  12. joe says:

    I think the Bernews headline has it right (minus the colon).

  13. Accurate says:

    The Antigua airport was built by the Chinese with totally Chinese labour and products and the Cayman airport is by no means finished and according to their newspapers already running off the rails. This is the best deal we can expect and the longer we wait the chances of securing even this deal will wane.

    • Unbelievable says:

      The Chinese don’t exactly have a stellar human rights record when it comes to labour so let’s steer away from that equation.

  14. high road says:

    Heck, if we could find the missing $800M we wouldnt have these worries, we could even build TWO airports!!

  15. Reality Check says:

    If the Minister’s plan does give away $20m a year times 30 years, then that comes out to $600m. If, in addition the Geovernment still has to pay for Fire Service, Air Traffic control, Security, Meteorology, and maintain the Runway, then Government’s ongoing expenses will be around $12m a year.

    So the Airport will cost us $12m a year while Aecon will pocket $20m a year.

    Sounds like a very bad deal for dumb Bermudians, but an excellent deal for smarter Canadians. I do not think that the Canadians are sucker punching themselves. Really looks like the hicks from Bermuda are being taken for a $600m ride.

    • Lois Frederick says:

      Go to the next airport meeting rather than relying on misinformation. Your name warrants it.

  16. Mark says:

    LoL…I thought the title of this article meant the People’s Campaign was bad for Bermuda! So true…more accurate than their silly flyer. LoL. what a joke they are…

  17. SANDGROWNAN says:

    I love the “track record” section of the flyer. What a bunch disingenuous people. I would have thought being deliberately misleading would be against Christian values Rev. Tweed?

  18. Rocky says:

    We’re still paying Hanbury’s for doing a piss pour job. Now that’s “A bad deal for Bermuda”.

  19. Zevon says:

    Who finances the people’s campaign?

  20. UmJustSaying says:

    ‘ACCOUNTABILITY’ or is it the lack of, is A BAD DEAL FOR BERMUDAINS.

    • Zevon says:

      You think the people’s campaign is accountable?

      Are union dues being diverted to pay for the peoples campaign?

      What foreign interests are involved in the financing of the peoples campaign?

  21. Paid Blogger says:

    Have any of those in opposition to the building of a new airport actually been down there to see what a crap hole it actually is? Having just been to Cancun you can see that they as a tourist destination have spent money on their airport. This is what greets people when the arrive so why not have a new one.
    I agree that we cannot pay for it but if someone wants to do it and for no (or very little cost) to us the tax payer who gives a hoot..

  22. Unbelievable says:

    Since it is meant to be unbiased and it’s initial mandate is to comment on both political parties, why hasn’t the People’s Campaign spoken about the Auditor General’s report from last week?

    I dare someone from the P.C. to make a statement. They won’t.

  23. Unbelievable says:

    Since it is meant to be unbiased and it’s initial mandate is to comment on both political parties, why hasn’t the People’s Campaign spoken about the Auditor General’s report from last week?

    I dare someone from the P.C. to make a statement. They won’t

    • Raymond Ray says:

      November 18, 2015

      First, I’d like for someone to explain where’s the 2 billion dollars that’s missing went? You “People’s Campaign” have nerve! If you wish to cause trouble and want to continue seeing fellow Bermudians go hungry then do what you want,(u’lot are soooooo foolish!)
      That man Tweed who pretends to be a man of God don’t care for you or Bermuda…Check this out, when “u’lot” go broke and the Jamaican dollars becomes larger than the Bermuda dollars where do “u’lot” think the minister “T” would go?
      That’s correct, back to America leaving you holding the empty bag :-(

  24. True Onion says:

    People’s Campaign? Wow wee, isn’t that something special. Who pays the people’s Campaign? You know they aren’t doing this for free.

    People’s Camp Pain/BIU/PLP

    If you care about the PEOPLE march on the Union and ask where all your dues are….Shutemdown!

  25. True Onion says:

    OJ, are you at your cubicle? Why so quiet?

    …oh…

  26. Just a matter of time says:

    So there were questionable administrative practices regarding the past administration according to the Auditor General’s report that included no bid contracts which were not in compliance with Financial Instructions. The OBA is currently engaged in a no bid contract with the airport development also contravening Financial Instructions. So what’s the difference? Note that the whole of the OBA’s response in this article was to commit to name calling and hurl insults at the People’s Campaign never addressing the underlying issues. Their never ending distractions as their weapon of choice is becoming quite tiresome.

    • Pamela says:

      I think the difference is that the Government has been open at every stage so far, sharing info as they’ve been able to. The previous no bid contracts that have resulted in so much malfeasance were conducted in the shadows. None of us knew anything about the workings of most of them as they were happening. In other words, they were deliberately kept secret. I admit to not being the most observant person so maybe I missed something at the time and these contracts were openly discussed but I suspect not.

      • clearasmud says:

        You seem to be saying its ok to do wrong and not follow the rules as long as you are told about it? Wrong is wrong and it does not matter who does it. The rules are there for a reason!

  27. Navin Johnson says:

    Perhaps the People’s Campaign was financed by the $53,000,000 in consultancy fees spent in the PLP’s last year in office…..how can they even have the nerve to show up at these functions? The Auditors report shows how incompetent and laughable the PLP truly ism..sad that they had 14 years of financial destruction….it is turning around under the OBA and they cannot stand it

  28. Lois Frederick says:

    It was an interesting meeting tonight. Lots of new information and well presented. Very comprehensive hand outs as we came in too. The people’s campaign and plp we completely absent. The atmosphere was calm with thoughtful polite exchanges during the question period. This major project is moving ahead nicely. Keep thinking outside the box Bob.

  29. steve says:

    A common Bermudian steals $1,000 and he/she is shamed and jailed and or fined. But if you Steal,lose,misplace… $800,000,000 groups are formed aiming for your return to government.

  30. GET ON WITH IT. JUST GET THE SHOVELS IN THE GROUND. This political wing of the plp is led by a deluded quasi minister of dubious nationality with the intent to deem ANYTHING the OBA does as wrong or detrimental to us true Bermudians. Take a page out of the old Commie style and just DO IT NOW, at the same time GET ON WITH GAMBLING so we can have a casino and LOTTERY, may as well just GET ON with allowing SAME Sex Marriage. Time to stop listening to the churches, and tree huggers. life is simple get used to it

  31. Ed Case says:

    Peoples Complainers at it again. The two Union leeches and the expat preacher.

  32. Something stinks says:

    If the plp where to build the airport as they had talked about doing! What would the people’s campaign being saying about that.
    Oh never mind

  33. Pete says:

    I find it amazing that the PLP group led by Lawrence Scott, peoples campaign, and others protesting the present airport development. They all seem to have a case missing memory the period of the mid 2000s when the then Premier Brown and members were setting up a deal to give the then airport development to a Chinese operative at $500M. for 30yrs.
    Where were they then, Like some reply? There was lots of publicity about that then, didn’t hear any opposition voices to that proposal.

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