Comments on: Video: Minister Richards On Airport Development

By: Need Peace

Need Peace — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 00:03:46 +0000

That was some hospital deal! There is no need for us to repeat our mistakes. The hospital is too big and has a lot of unutilized space like this airport. Stop trying to make this island something it’s not. You will change her natural beauty. Go ruin some other place like Canada!

By: Need Peace

Need Peace — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 23:44:10 +0000

Sure, build a grand airport then see that eyesore of a bridge before the CausewY. Continue your drive and experience all the massive potholes and patched up roads that are not getting addressed because we have no money. Our infrastructure is being ignored for this huge, over exaggerated, unnecessary airport. Want to impress me fix the schools and give your Island a world class education and not a world class airport. Shame on you Bob Richards, for trying to make a 30 year deal when you will no doubt cease to exist yourself!

By: Need Peace

Need Peace — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 23:32:17 +0000

There you go again Raymond Ray. Claiming that it will not cost us a penny. Is that your I standing? It must be cause you have repeatedly stated such. That is erroneous. Bob has said there are no free lunches! Try to keep up!

By: Navin Pooty Tang Johnson

Navin Pooty Tang Johnson — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 11:55:16 +0000

Does anyone know the difference between the Airport project and the Hospital Wing? I was under the impression that under the terms of the Hospital agreement Bermuda is on the hook for 30 years at $30,000,000 adjusted for inflation and the first payment was for $45,000,000 under the terms of a public private partnership..so it amounts to over $900,000,000+ overall…..was that put out to tender?….I ask because I am interested in the comparison between the two projects

By: aceboy

aceboy — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 11:32:34 +0000

What is bulls*t is the lies and mistruths being pedalled by the PLP about this project. The Peoples Lying Party.

By: Toodle-oo

Toodle-oo — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 20:20:45 +0000

Too late for that concern. Thanks to the you know who you already owe over (way over) $40,000 sheckels ! And you’re not going to see anything new for it .

By: Build a Better Bermuda

Build a Better Bermuda — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 17:58:14 +0000

This has less to do with trying to improve commercial forecast and more to do with dealing with several critical factors that we face. One, a crumbling existing facility that past its best before even before we took possession of it. The old airport was built and run by the Americans back in the 50′s with no real input from us about what was going to be needed, when we would actually take possession of it and an expected lifespan for it. Now, we know these things and have input on them, and it is contraced that CCC/AECON must maintain it to international airport accreditation standards for the duration of their contract with us. How can we present ourselves as a world class jurisdiction when there are patches of cement falling out of the ceiling, paint peeling off the walls, rusty pipes and exposed cabling running along our passenger corridors. Two, our current airport is far below acceptable standards for our environment, open loading and off loading of passenger may work for some our fellow islands that benefit from year round good weather, but we do not. We face sudden winter storms that rival hurricanes, and deluging rains, for nearly half the year. Now try being a passenger getting on and off a plane in these conditions on rain slicked metal stairs, try being someone doing that while carrying an infant/toddler/child, an elderly person or disabled. How does these reflect our attempts to portray ourselves as a world class jurisdiction. Third, we need projects that create jobs, even if just for a short term. Our economy is slowly recovering from major double blow, a global recession and gross financial mismangement on the part of the previous government, so even if this is a temporary measure for employment, so long as our economy can maintain or improve on the track it seems to be heading, then by the time it is wrapping up there could be an improvement in the construction job market again. It would be nice to say that a lot of opposition would evaporate if we knew more, but let’s face it, that is something of a fantasy as it is obvious from what the PLP have said and even continue to try and say even when debunked, that they are engaged in a negative campaign against any possible positive work that the OBA may try to be doing, and far to many of their loyal followers will always go party before country to be dissuaded from their words.

By: Zevon

Zevon — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 17:53:36 +0000

All the tourists? Genius.

By: Build a Better Bermuda

Build a Better Bermuda — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 17:35:47 +0000

Yup, but what is coming out of Minister Richards is less BS and more actual facts

By: Jonathan Land Evans

Jonathan Land Evans — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 15:31:07 +0000

Quite aside from the bigger questions like whether we really need a new airport and whether in our economically weak state we can really justify the expense and whether such a degree of commercial secrecy in the negotiations is really appropriate in the circumstances (all of which I am sceptical about), I hate to think of what a hurricane will do to the jet-bridges and perhaps to the proposed solar-farm on ‘The Finger’ (I suppose they can be protected, but presumably only at considerable cost and use of space).

By: Its me again

Its me again — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 15:17:42 +0000

Yes

By: Its me again

Its me again — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 15:17:15 +0000

And you just believe that?

By: The Real YAMAMA

The Real YAMAMA — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 14:46:41 +0000

So whilst they are negotiating theyll just write with finger paints on newpapers and make a paper mache when theyre done?

Of course there are documents, the PATI request was (probably) illegally rejected. They are working on documents everyday and I need to see them before they get a vote from me in this coming election.

By: The Real YAMAMA

The Real YAMAMA — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 14:43:52 +0000

How can anyone see a Bobs vision when he doesnt let anyone in on whats going on.

If it seems too good to be true than it probably is.

You mean to tell me that this government who cannot provide the 2000 bermudian jobs it promised can pull off a major public works project with relative ease and we the people are just supposed to trust them?

The same party that removed term limits and said “this will help employ bermudians” When it hasnt helped and it has actually hindered bermudians in getting jobs.

I need to see the carfax (see what i did there). There is no one that gets my unconditional trust and I need to see what is actually going on word for word from the actual contract BEFORE Bob signs it.

By: Raymond Ray

Raymond Ray — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 13:24:25 +0000

Come now Jeremy, it is NOT a done deal as you and others wish to say / believe. It is still being negotiated…So how can anyone say it’s a done deal?

By: Raymond Ray

Raymond Ray — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 13:17:37 +0000

Listen to what has been mentioned thus-far mate…This project will not cost Bermuda a penny and we / Bermudians will benefit in the long run. Mark my word Jeremy. The facts are, it’s still in negotiation stages.

By: bee

bee — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 13:07:35 +0000

We, the Bda taxpayers, ARE THE GOVERNMENT! So I rather like the idea of not having to shill out my shekels!

By: Jeremy Deacon

Jeremy Deacon — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 12:21:26 +0000

Because it is a done deal Raymond and as such we – the people who will be paying for this – should not be asked to be treated in such a patronizing way. Do you know what the final cost will be? Do you know if there will be massive price hikes if revenue falls? Do you know if Bermuda actually needs a $250m airport – and remember this, that is the cost to build it, it is not the final cost once interest over 30 years is taken into account.
This is the first deal of its type in Bermuda – a done deal, no bid non-competitive contract. It should be treated differently, if for no other reason than to reassure those paying for it that it is justifiable.

By: Jeremy Deacon

Jeremy Deacon — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 12:17:19 +0000

Raymond, in what way can we be sure it will benefit Bermuda? We don’t know revenue or usage forecasts, we don’t know final costs (taking into account debt repayment) we don’t know if charges to the consumer (ie us) will increase if revenue projections are not met, we don’t know rate of returns to investors, the list goes on.
While I am sure we do need a new airport how do we know if an airport costing $100m to build will suffice?
There are too many questions that are outstanding to be able to say ‘woopee, yes, cool idea’

By: Jeremy Deacon

Jeremy Deacon — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 12:14:13 +0000

Even in the case of a no-bid/non-competitive contract? yes, I get commercial sensitivity but this is not like any other contract seen before in Bda – the hospital PPP was a competitive bid.
As I have said before and will continue saying, it is impossible to give unqualified support to a project when the people paying for it (as stated by the Minister) have no clue as to whether this is an appropriate sized project for Bermuda because we have no clue as to whether forecasts (if they have been done) support this.
Just tell us that – that would be fine and then, I suspect, a lot of the opposition to this would evaporate

By: Zevon

Zevon — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 10:35:24 +0000

So you want the unresolved contract negotiations to be sent to everyone who will use the airport in the next two decades?

By: Coffee

Coffee — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 09:31:09 +0000

Bull$h&t on an epic scale is what this is , never mind what the PLP did or didn’t do !

By: Raymond Ray

Raymond Ray — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 08:30:41 +0000

Attempting to convince / show some people the situation is like, “pissin into the wind”
Some are just too damn ignorant and blind to conceive the realities / fact surrounding this BIG deal that will benefit all of Bermuda and her people once completed…

By: average Bermudian

average Bermudian — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 02:45:34 +0000

Where is fey on this matter ?

Some things are in place (or as they are) for a reason.

On this little island, 2 operational runways are better than 1.
It appears the proposed plan will remove 1.

By: RBYC member

RBYC member — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 01:10:46 +0000

I recommend you purchase this book while abroad.

“English Grammar For Dummies”

By: Build a Better Bermuda

Build a Better Bermuda — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 01:02:54 +0000

We have seen pretty much all the details currently available, but as in in the case of any negotiations of this nature, the unsettled details cannot nor should not be opened to the public until such time that they are finalized. This is why there are NDA’s, because incomplete or inaccurate information released would benefit no one and cause negotiations to drag on longer.

By: Raymond Ray

Raymond Ray — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 00:32:13 +0000

That is what this may appear to be to them that can’t see no further than the tip of their nose For Christ sake have some real vision u’lot!

By: Build a Better Bermuda

Build a Better Bermuda — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 00:27:30 +0000

And how long did the BS go on for at the PLP’s misinformation meeting.

By: dick francis

dick francis — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 22:08:51 +0000

What people don’t realise is that the PPP for the hospital wing is being paid for because the BHB made cuts equivalent to the annual debt charges. if they had not then charges would almost certainly have had to increase to cover debt repayment.
Although not a completely like for like comparison it shows one way of dealing with debt from PPP, the other is a hike in charges.
So we, the people, have a right to know what we are on the hook for!

By: Raymond Ray

Raymond Ray — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 21:40:31 +0000

There appears to be some real asinine people writing here in reference to the on going negotiations at the airport Why don’t you all just wait? or, is it the Oppositions plan to strike their workers and humbug Bermuda even more than they’ve done over the years? Whatever your plans are the One Bermuda Alliance are the Govt. and is they that run the Island…

By: Jeremy Deacon

Jeremy Deacon — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 21:24:01 +0000

lol

By: Onion Juice

Onion Juice — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 21:07:36 +0000

You just dont get it!
LMFAO

By: Onion Juice

Onion Juice — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 21:06:01 +0000

A Full 22 min of Bull S!@# !!!!!!!!!!!!

By: reddamtibi

reddamtibi — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 18:57:31 +0000

Oh damned it JD why would you go and make sense like that?

By: serengeti

serengeti — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 17:48:02 +0000

Oh yeah. The one things Bob wants is your advice about how to negotiate the best possible terms for a contract. That’s how it’s always been done isn’t it.

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 17:30:59 +0000

Bredren. Asthma is. No joke. Your doctor. Should. Be able to help.

By: Jim Bob

Jim Bob — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 17:20:58 +0000

And what about releasing the agreement that was signed in August?

By: Jeremy Deacon

Jeremy Deacon — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 17:20:21 +0000

This is what really annoys me – in the statement on the new airport plans, the Finance Minister says this: “The new airport will ultimately be paid for by users, not government.”
Quite.
So why can’t those who are going to pay for this be given the details that reassure them that what they are paying for is what they need?
You know, something like a business plan, that shows revenue forecasts will cover debt charges for instance, ‘cos if they don’t the price of a cup of coffee there sure is going to be a world beater, even of the airport is, or isn’t.

By: Jeremy Deacon

Jeremy Deacon — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 17:12:40 +0000

Yes, but this, IMO, is key: The new airport will ultimately be paid for by users, not government.

So if it is being paid for by us, why can’t we see the details of what we are paying for?

And, why can’t we see whether what we are going to pay for is what we need?

By: frank

frank — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 16:21:40 +0000

Looks. Like we have. To go. On. The. Hill again. For a few. Days. So that we can get some truth out of. Bob
Also it may cause. Mike to have to call. John. Again

By: Vigilante

Vigilante — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 16:09:28 +0000

Flikel, read the article. The answers to your questions, and the counter to your proofs, are contained therein. Your logic is sadly lacking, my friend.

By: Vigilante

Vigilante — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 16:07:12 +0000

Jim Bob, Item 5 from Min Bob clearly states the project is still under negotiation, and as such there are no documents to see. When an agreement is reached, the documents will be forthcoming. Take a chill pill and read the article.

By: Spectator

Spectator — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 14:40:24 +0000

You have said absolutely nothing of value here.

By: Jus' Askin'

Jus' Askin' — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 14:08:47 +0000

Bob seems to Forget what he has been saying All This Time

By: flikel

flikel — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 13:59:45 +0000

Just release the documents…..it’s a simple as that. By being so secretive about this no bid contract, you are opening yourself up to massive criticism.

Remember, you said this airport will cost the tax payers nothing….now, it is clear the tax payer will be responsible for electricity and other bills, advertising expenses, revenue shortfalls. So, your statement was obviously false.

By: Mister Mysterious

Mister Mysterious — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 13:58:54 +0000

“Why because some people like to hide in the internet”

So the previous post was made, quite literally, by a dog. Wow, that’s a clever dog.

By: Jim Bob

Jim Bob — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 13:51:26 +0000

Fine…..if that’s the case then let us see the documents. simple.

By: Dog

Dog — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 13:33:40 +0000

Well ain’t that the pot calling the kettle black all these lot have done since they been in power is mislead people doing things until it comes out in the light, (e.g. former premiere Craig)then they want negotiate. Deceived, last i looked oba is mostly lawyers and what do lawyers do best. I dont like plp either so all you people who are going to dislike this so sorry because it seems that anything negative about oba get ooddles of dislikes and anything negative said about plp gets ooddles of likes. Why because some people like to hide in the internet and come out with there two meaningless pennies like little trolls so come out of your little safe space and stand up for your beloved parties it dont matter they are both worthless, outdated and obsolete.

By: watching

watching — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 13:19:01 +0000

This dude is the gift that keeps on giving.