PLP & OBA On Employment Committee Motion
The PLP said they are “disappointed that the OBA rejected our effort to reach across the political aisle” and “rejected a PLP motion to form a Joint Select Committee to inquire into strategies needed to facilitate the creation of new jobs,” while the OBA said the “economy is turning to allow for significant job creation” and ”their motion on Friday was a political attempt to be part of a recovery that is happening.”
The Motion
The Motion by Opposition MP Wayne Furbert said, “Whereas there has been a decrease in the number of jobs year after year for several years; And whereas we need new jobs to be created in Bermuda to increase employment; Be it resolved that pursuant to the Parliament Act 1957 part IV, a Joint Select Committee be appointed to inquire as to the strategies needed to create new jobs; explore the impediments that are preventing the creation of new businesses, and the barriers for Bermudian entrepreneurs; to report on the findings and make recommendations to the House of Assembly so that concrete action can be taken in a reasonable time”.
PLP Comments
The PLP said, “The One Bermuda Alliance rejected a PLP motion to form a Joint Select Committee to inquire into strategies needed to facilitate the creation of new jobs; explore the impediments that are preventing the creation of new businesses and the barriers for Bermudian entrepreneurs.”
PLP MP for Constituency #6 Wayne Furbert who led the motion remarked, “We are very disappointed that the OBA rejected our effort to reach across the political aisle, put our best and brightest minds together and come up with real solutions to the real problem of unemployment facing our people.”
“It is clear that the OBA doesn’t have a monopoly on ideas on how our people back to work and remove the obstacles to local business creation.
“It can be seen in the fact that far too many Bermudians that believed in the OBA’s undelivered promise of 2000 jobs are still unemployed, still underemployed or still seeing anywhere but Bermuda as the land of opportunity.
“We believed and continue to believe that we have a contribution to make in getting Bermudians back to work and it should begin now through a bipartisan approach rather than forcing out of work Bermudians to wait for a change of government,”
Shadow Tourism and Economic Development Minister Jamahl Simmons added, “While the OBA is disinterested in working together to get Bermudians back to work, the PLP believes that Bermudians of all walks of life have something to contribute in putting our people back to work.”
“While the OBA remains uninterested in the input of the wider community, we will reach out to stakeholders, community groups, and entrepreneurs to see how the next PLP Government can create more opportunities for Bermudian entrepreneurs.
“We know there is more work to do, and thought the OBA Cabinet think they have all the answers, we will listen to the people.” Mr. Simmons concluded.
OBA Comments
OBA Chairperson Senator Lynne Woolridge said, “The One Bermuda Alliance was elected to turn around the economy and create conditions that lead to job creation. We used the first years of our mandate to make that happen and, by all objective measures, the economy is turning to allow for significant job creation.
“A growing GDP, a strengthening retail sector, new hotel developments and refurbishments across the Island, international business growth, new company formations, America’s Cup, the airport project are all signs of an economy regaining momentum and moving in a direction that will help people who’ve been damaged by a recession that began more than seven years ago.
“We are fully committed to finishing the job in ways that brings relief to them.
“Our work has been supported by international ratings agencies such as Moody’s, which last February said Bermuda’s efforts ‘will likely help create new jobs, supporting growth in average wages in the economy…”
“The PLP Opposition have looked at the situation and know this will happen. Their motion on Friday was a political attempt to be part of a recovery that is happening.
“In putting forward the motion, they are hoping Bermudians forget that the Opposition has the opportunity to use their Throne Speech Reply and Budget Reply to articulate their best ideas and plans for the economy.
“We have considered their proposals for deep sea mining, online gaming and legalization of marijuana. And while we appreciate their point that Bermuda needs to diversify its economy, we are focused on measures that will bring jobs and opportunity to people now. Their Vision 2025 is not a plan that will help struggling Bermudians today.
“We also keep in mind the statement by their leader Marc Bean that that there will be ‘no cooperation’ with the Government. Aside from that, the Government is always open to advice and we welcome it.”
Sooo wheres the 2000 jobs.
They were sent packing courtesy of the PLP. Remember somebody giggling how nice it was to have all of those empty apartments & plummeting housing values?
There is your answer. Blame them.
Courtesy of the PLP??? The 2000 jobs were promised before and after the OBA were elected!! Should the PLP take blame for the OBAs failure to produce those jobs they PROMISED?? Im not a fan of either party but for the OBA and followers to turn a blind eye to that empty promise speaks volumes. How can you blame the PLP for jobs the OBA promised after being elected. You bunch are sad….BLIND SUPPORTERS ON BOTH SIDES NO MORALS OR INTEGRITY! NO ONE STANDING UP AND TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR FAILURE!!PLACING THE BLAME ON THE OTHER AND WE WONDER WHY WE ARE AN ISLAND DIVIDED! BLACKS BLAMING WHITES FOR PAST, THE INVENTORS OF THE RACE CARD BLAMING BLACKS FOR USING IT!! BOTH PARTIES AND SUPPORTERS NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO GET THIS ISLAND TO WHERE IT ONCE WAS AND WE WILL ALL BENEFIT!!
You should know, the government does not create jobs. They can only try to foster an environment where jobs can be created. The PLP/BIU protest against anything that is related to creating employment in Bermuda, the Airport being a clear example. Despite whom you support, the idea that we have to go to the Government with our hands out for everything we need in life has got to change, that is a mentality the PLP brought in and it bankrupted our country and still is bankrupting us. Plenty of job creation schemes have been launched, but the economic reality is that Bermuda has more jobs and a healthier economy when we have more foreigners living and working on our shores, that is an economic FACT! Yet the PLP?BIU want to kick everybody out!
So why did the OBA promise to create 2000 jobs in their election campaign? Also, Jeff Sousa stood in the House on Friday and boldly promised that there will soon be overemployment in Bermuda…
Because they thought they could. So far, so good. There has been a lag but things are certainly turning around big-time.
Over employment of foreign cheap labour.
Dislike all you want….TRUTH HURTS?! SMH
Colorado Rocky, what truth are you referring too? Far as many people see, the economy is starting to turn around for the better and things are starting to improve. Blame your PLP for the slow turn around. The only truth is that you need to take your blinders off, and realize that the OBA are making good progress. They will accept constructive feedback but do not try to jump on the bandwagon now PLP! Give some credit for all of the good things that are starting to happen!!!
And your suggestions are??
The PLP are not standing up and taking responsibility for their mishandling of the economy. I will give you one $80 million dollar example: The Grand Atlantic. The units are probably uninhabitable now due to mold issues. Whose fault was that? OBA? I have no doubt you will say “Yes” because of some hidden conspiracy perpetrated by the OBA. But that would hardly be taking responsibility for a project that nobody but the PLP thought was a good idea. You need a mirror.
But the OBA promised them as part of their election platform. They also pronised to end gun crime and fix the education system…
“Our work has been supported by international ratings agencies such as Moody’s, which last February said Bermuda’s efforts ‘will likely help create new jobs, supporting growth in average wages in the economy…”
“The PLP Opposition have looked at the situation and know this will happen. Their motion on Friday was a political attempt to be part of a recovery that is happening.
“In putting forward the motion, they are hoping Bermudians forget that the Opposition has the opportunity to use their Throne Speech Reply and Budget Reply to articulate their best ideas and plans for the economy.
“We have considered their proposals for deep sea mining, online gaming and legalization of marijuana. And while we appreciate their point that Bermuda needs to diversify its economy, we are focused on measures that will bring jobs and opportunity to people now. Their Vision 2025 is not a plan that will help struggling Bermudians today.
“We also keep in mind the statement by their leader Marc Bean that that there will be ‘no cooperation’ with the Government. Aside from that, the Government is always open to advice and we welcome it.”
The Opposition are trying anything possible to convince the “blind to see” what they believe will help i.e. the co- Gov. / Opposition. Too bad and too late…
Two hotels. The airport. Multiple hotel renovations. America’s Cup. Bet you can’t wait to see all those jobs coming within the next year. Within the first term of the OBA government. Do you think Bermudians will somehow not feel the effect of hundreds of millions of dollars flowing into Bermuda’s economy?
By the looks of it, 1st and last term!!! Sorry to say but It wont matter how much this island thrives within the next year, you would not have the SWING vote in your favor! I for one will not be voting for you again!I lost faith in the PLP and when the OBA was shoving all this information down my throat about the PLPs mishandling of the purse to the tune of Millions,was the last straw! Again we were misled, because the OBA are now the government and STILL TO THIS DAY NO ONE HAS BEEN PROSECUTED FROM THE FORMER GOVERNMENT!! Sorry, I have seen the OBAs true color and it is WHITE,WHITE,WHITE !!!
WAKE UP LOIS! You’re in la la land. The majority of worker’s doing renovations are on permit. There are still over 80 uninvestigated reports of permit violations. PLP starting the issue does not make a good excuse for OBA not fixing it. Blaming little johnny for your homework not done is childish and does not hold up in the real world. Hundreds of millions of dollars flowing into Bermuda’s economy was and still is a projection, guess, estimate, hope, wish or whatever a dreamer wants to call it but one thing it is not almost 4 years after OBA’s election is a reality and nowhere close to becoming one.
Like Colorado Rocky says, “Im not a fan of either party but for the OBA and followers to turn a blind eye to that empty promise speaks volumes.”
Heck! The whole reason for the OBA breaking their promise of a casino referendum was to speed up the process of having casinos and to save dollars by not having the referendum. Years later no casinos or even a legislation tabled for them and OBA are talking about a SSM referendum when it was all to expensive to have one for casinos. If you can’t see through the hypocrisy and lies then you are a blind zealot. PLP or OBA same ish different day. Both parties are a bunch of self serving demagogues.
Hey, its me again: It was all a hoax, a lie to dupe Bermudians into voting for the oba.
It would appear that people are NOW awake and will do the RIGHT THING come the next election.
Hey!!! When is it anyway????
Remove the horrendous oba….. NOT FOR PEOPLE OF THIS SOIL….. NEVER WAS!!!!!!!
yes because the PLP will do sooo much better BWAAAAAHAAAA
Great response OBA.. The PLP is not genuine – it’s all about tactics to make themselves look good rather than looking after the people.
None of the parties or these politicians are genuine… None of them are for the people, they are for themselves. They have no interest in Bermudians.
Actually when are the sheeple going to realize that all poticians are puppets pulled by puppet masters,meant to decieve the masses….
And we all know who is the PLP’s puppet master?
I own and operate 4 businesses in Bermuda and have been in business for over 30 years.
I can, with some authority, point to the “term limits” policy as the exact moment when Bermuda began losing both confidence and jobs.
In the early 2000′s the previous government enacted a policy that literally chased away wealthy international company executives all in the name of “Bermudianizing” these positions. It was short sighted and hurt all of us terribly.
One of my businesses had 26 employees in the early 2000′s (all Bermudian). I now have 16 employees. A direct result of less customers to serve.
Those numbers have played out throughout Bermuda over the last 10 or 15 years. “Term Limits” was a catastrophic failure that injured virtually every business in Bermuda.
Simply put, we now have less clients to serve living on Bermuda.
We need to increase our resident population to build employment for Bermudians. It really is that simple.
We don’t hear all the chatter anymore about “sustainable development”.
That was the buzz word from the government in the early 2000′s. The decision was that Bermuda was overheating and needed to reduce its population and pressure on the infrastructure.
Well, you cant simply “turn off the tap” as was tried via “term limits”.
Clearly, none of the decision makers at that time owned or operated their own businesses. The results are what we are living with now.
The loud noise from all of us to the current government to “increase jobs”.
Sadly, we had the jobs. We were busy. The island was running on all cylinders. Then we simply kicked our clients out of Bermuda via a short sighted policy that hurt us all.
Lest we never forget. We did this to ourselves via a short sighted government policy in the year 2000 and we are living with the consequences.
Now lets stand up and get behind the government and figure out ways and incentives that will actually increase our resident population.
For us to assume that companies and people actually want to move here in droves is a fallacy. We need incentives and policies that encourage people to move here and we need soon.
What we don’t need is those company execs coming here and hiring foreigners on contract to work as nannies,caregivers and housekeepers for the next 10-20 yrs and think they deserve status!!
But that’s a different story heh?
so let me get this straight…. if you went to say the US or UK and worked as a housekeeper, senior caregiver, nannie (all jobs which Bermudians do not want to do or are not trained to do – and you worked for 10 years paying your taxes – you wouldn’t want a chance to become a voting citizen of that country? because I don’t believe you.
Well let me set you straight!! First of all, those jobs you mentioned are jobs many Bermudians fill, just go around to the hotels, guest houses,hospital seniors homes etc and you will see that your comment is hogwash, Also those are not jobs that need much training as Bermudians HAVE HANDS ON EXPERIENCE GROWING UP HAVING TO COOK,CLEAN,CARE FOR SIBLINGS AND ELDERLY PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS!!! Secondly, you don’t know me, so don’t speak for me!! I have worked in another country paying taxes but not once did I think or wanted to become a VOTING CITIZEN!! Especially not after living there for only 10 YEARS as you suggested!!! Now you sound ENTITLED,which your not because prior to coming here on contract you are told that PRC and or citizenship is not guaranteed!! There are many people that have been here for 20years and hardly speak English and some none at all!! You realize that once your eligible to vote you are also eligible to become a member of parliament? Can you imagine them gathering up enough support to get them elected and they become a representative of you and cant speak one word of English sitting in the House of Assembly! A long shot but it can happen!BTW the reason for why there are Foreigners in those positions is because they pay CRUMBS and cant provide a livable wage for BERMUDIANS who may have to support their family solely and don’t have the option of being provided accomodations for free or shared accomodations, splitting up household expenses!They then cry that Bermudians don’t want the (Hustle) so they apply to bring in foreign help.So NO! Being here for 10 to 20 years does not entitle you to automatically get citizenship! But if you are given citizenship you should be required to speak English fluently and also mandatory services to the community ie Regiment etc for a period of 3 years which is mandatory for all Bermudian Males after turning 18.
I can tell that you are not BERMUDIAN, and that’s fine but If you were you would know that Bermudians can move to and work in any country without having or wanting to have the voting rights of a citizen. Heck, a lot of us don’t exercise our voting rights in Bermuda! If Bermudians can locate anywhere and work and enjoy the fruits of their labour, they are content
Sorry Colorado even though I agree with you on a lot of your other points you are wrong on this one. Bermudians can not move to and work in any country. Just like everyone else they must apply and go through lengthy procedures for most places and run the risk of being rejected. Even a Bermudian spouse of a Canadian has to apply to reside and work in those countries and still runs the risk of being rejected and having to go back to Bermuda leaving their family behind or taking them back with them. Lucky spouses of Bermudians can live and work in Bermuda very easily compared to the other way around.
Accepting your scenario as correct, you haven’t made a compelling case why those nannies, caregivers and housekeepers who have stayed here for 20 years should not be entitled to the opportunity to apply for status (and Pathways did NOT propose 10 years to status – so please stop this nonsense about 10-20 years).
Perhaps those individuals should not have had their work permits renewed for those years, but for whatever reason, they were renewed. You cannot turn around and say those individuals should never be entitled to any such opportunity to apply.
This is especially the case when nearly every other country in the world (small, big, island or not) has a pathway to citizenship or status which is based on time spent and which is far more generous than what Pathways proposed. Bermuda is currently a massive outlier.
Every other country in the world (small, big, island or not) has some sort of term limits for permit workers so why don’t we?
First of all, they don’t. You’re totally making crap up.
Secondly, even if they did, so what. We have to do things that make us MORE competitive, not less. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but Bermuda’s economy was in recession for over 7 years, compared to 15 months in the USA and UK. Businesses moved away, Bermudian jobs were lost. If we want those jobs back we have to act like it.
Totally NOT true. Not even in the slightest.
You have an argument against any way forward for our economy. And you want the PLP back in. There is no hope for people that stupid.
Steve–be honest about hat happened with insurance companies and banks that were given a loan and today the result of that bail out is that Greece is broke!!!!!!!Venezuela is broke!!!!!!!!!how do you explain the events around the world both economically and socially and try to blame the former world are suffering and have been since bail out packages ere given to banks and people still have lost their jobs and homes because of the “too big to fail” well its about time the “too bigs” explain their failure, and why the world was forced to bail them out!! lets not blame a government who is still governed by an opposing sector, that happens to have the bulk of the economic pie, can you explain why so called “black ” businesses have been targeted lately with robbery and not “white ” businesses.?
oops sorry, sticky keys
conspiracy nutcase alert !
how do you justify brining in workers if Bermudians are not working
and I am talking about the simple jobs
Friday I met a grass cuter from brazil in the supermarket
he said he has been here for 8years and loves Bermuda
yes I said grass cutter not landscaper
this is what the makes Bermudians mad
but the government allows the landscaping firm to do it over and over
this government clearly shows that all they care about is this dam
boat race and to hell with you all
@frank
because Bermudians don’t want to cut grass. We think we should all have jobs as underwriters and actuaries.
We do? Well I’m glad that broad generalization has finally been confirmed by Noncents!
Give me a break!
Thats a lie!!! More dishonesty!!! Bermudians don’t mind cutting grass if it could produce a livable wage! Im not talking about day to day living but being able to survive everyday and still afford to cover monthly bills and other expenses not forgetting rent!! Unfortunately most Bermudians don’t have the option of shared accomodations and transportation were you have 5 or 6 adults splitting a $1500 rent and food bill. What Bermudian would have a problem cutting grass if they only had to come up with $300-$400 a month in expenses?! Not everyone thinks that they should be underwriters or actuaries(NONCENTS) I bet I know more Bermudians than you do and I could count on one hand the number of Bermudians that want to be in that profession BUT all BERMUDIANS want is to work for a LIVABLE WAGE! Thats ALL NO MATTER WHAT THE JOB DESCRIPTION IS!!
I don’t understand – when my aunt first started work as a secretary she shared a ROOM in a house with another secretary. That’s right a room! Until she met her husband. But I suppose you’re going to tell me Bdians can’t live like that.
Are you well?? LOL you are talking about FOREIGNORS! That is what foreigners do! They find room mates to help cut the expenses so they are able to send money back home!! Foreignors on those low paying jobs don’t usually come to Bermuda with……A FAMILY!!! Bermudians don’t have that option!! Most have a family with children so shared accomodations don’t work out with a STRANGER(s) in the house! There are some BERMUDIANS that have no choice but to live in one room with four people not because they are foreignors who do that to save money to send home, THEY HAVE NO CHOICE!! I bet your aunt didn’t share a room for YEARS with her friend, I guarantee you the minute her and her(Husband) were in a secure relationship she BOLTED from out of that one room.GUESS WHAT!! Lots of BERMUDIANS don’t have ANY of those option and are still sharing a room!! My point is MOST BERMUDIANS HAVE ATLEAST ONE OTHER PERSON TO CARE FOR SO SHARED ACCOMODATIONS OFTEN DONT WORK OUT!
hey man. Your racist is showing.
Racist against whom??
It is not racism so much as ignorant bigotry. Carry on.
Your next step is to speak to the owner of that business and ask why a Bermudian doesn’t have that mans job. It’s been 8 years. I have my garden done by a landscaping firm and 1 out the 4 regular guys is Bermudian. The pay is surprisingly very good, the work is hard and Bermudians are not lining up to do those jobs. When they are taken on, they mostly last for a few days and are gone. How do I know? I have seen it for myself. Just ask to speak to that man’s boss.
This is the same argument that has been propagated for years.
We wouldn’t need a non-Bermudian work force if we were willing to do the jobs.
How many times have business owners and operators told us, the media, Bermudians that they would rather hire Bermudians but they can’t find suitable people and the one’s that join firms don’t work out.
A bit of an inconvenient truth for all those that just love to bash non-Bermudian workers.
AND we say we are a welcoming nation—-laughable!!
They can find suitable people.
They just don’t want to pay them a decent wage.
These non-Bermudians don’t own houses/fancy cars/boats et al.
They can live off $100 a week with the help of their fellow slaves.
Irony.
Frank@ I use a gardening service, and I’ve got to tell you, every time they hire a Bermudian, there is nothing but trouble. they don’t show up and when they do they are on the phone or sitting down more than they are working, I’m not paying EVER for someone to do nothing! these services could be done by Bermudians, but its to much work for the company to constantly baby sit them.
REALLY??? And how do you know all this information?? Are you and the gardening boss buddy buddy? LOL Did you ask him why he doesn’t employ Bermudians, to even come to that talking point? Did he just come out and say(DOUBT IT) out of the blue,that Bermudians are guilty of what you said above? Did you witness this for yourself?? Just going by what someone told you!! I have seen that happen for myself!!! Talk bad about the BERMUDIAN and paint a picture so when the “BERMUDIAN COMPETITION” comes looking for work, even with a better quote, that person remembers what they were told about the “BERMUDIAN”. LOL Stop using the word “BERMUDIAN” What you really mean is “BLACK BERMUDIAN” LETS BE REAL!! Who would want to work for that company anyway if they are talking behind the employees back with random customers?!
Colorado, I’ve been home and seen it With my own eyes , I’ve called the service and told them I am not paying for someone to talk on their cell phone, and yes he was the only Bermudian, the foreigners were working. How about when they are in gangs and can’t go into certain parts of the island, that’s always helpful to the business.
Furthermore, if there are so many Bermudians qualified landscape gardeners, why don’t they pull together and start their own company and call it Bermuda Grown. As always we have to feel sorry for people and beg them to work, go apply YOURSELF and WORK and things will change.
Frank, you say you met a ” grass cutter ” that has been here for 8 yrs?? Obviously math is not one of your strong suits?? If you subtract 8 yrs from now, you will realize that 8 yrs ago, YOUR plp allowed him here!!! So, are you now willing to understand, that BERMUDIANS don’t apply for those jobs!!!!!
True, At most that grass cutter has had one work permit renewal under the current government (and likely none)
The PLP know that jobs are on the way and they want to make it appear as though they helped Bermudian get back to work. It was a sly move but I think most reasonable people know who caused the economy to sink. Once term limits and the 2% payroll tax increase that the PLP were warned not to implement started there was a steady decrease in Bermudian jobs. Now they want to be on the band wagon when jobs are about to turn the corner.
Notice how they take credit now that tourist numbers are up…like really.
Gang crime numbers are down
Unprecedented hotel development
The OBA govt, while not perfect, are the best option for Bermuda.
The Bermuda Onion is withering
The Bermuda Lily is fading
Help.
Shalom.
I lost my Job under OBA Rule.
and I will cut grass the only chances I get to cut grass are small jobs from people in my church. all the jobs in the paper was 3++ years experience. But I went years in school for a different degree so I don’t got 3 years.
well Bermudians did this to our self’s. We fail to realize that loyalty has been gone out the door long ago. companies don’t want loyalty they cover that with the lawyers. What companies want is a disposable resource. To survive Bermudians need to develop a cut throat, back stabbing mindset.
Example if a company is going trough hard times don’t stay with that company out of loyalty instead you must leave that company if you see an opportunity from that companies short comings take it and run with it. Don’t tell the owners about it to help them out.
what many don’t know is that many owners are not bad people but it is the system that forces them to do the underhanded tactics to make it in the market.
People with our any morals will make it in life better that those that are morally bond.
Even Japan once one of the most honorable countries and culture in the world abandon honor for the more profitable approach to doing business.
we need to change
Bermudians or we need to make our own so we don’t have to change.
the world is a dirty place
I don’t know what you worked at or what field your training is in, but wherever you got your degree, they obviously weren’t very particular about such things as grammar, nor were they good at teaching proper writing skills.
We are building this state of the art airport to serve a few flights a day! We are not a gateway to any destination! No overnight flights,no airport hotel! The airport will have many vendors to serve only a handful of flights to and from Bermuda daily…makes no sense at all! Have you seen the airport on a busy day? Gift shops empty, food vendors are not Busy,they usually have a line of about 10 customers max at any one time! Divide them between multiple vendors and I don’t see them all profiting! VENDORS IN AN AIRPORT ACCOMODATING FLIGHTS 24 HRS A DAY CAN PROFIT,AN AIRPORT WITH MULTIPLE VENDORS SERVING 5-6 FLIGHTS DAILY CANNOT!! BTW we are mainly talking about flights that are DEPARTING BERMUDA. I don’t know of anyone who ARRIVES at an airport and patronizes airport vendors UNLESS they are waiting for a CONNECTING FLIGHT in which we do not accommodate!!
And it won’t change unless we up our game across the board. We ARE starting to bring more tourists, which leads to more flights which will lead to MORE airlines demanding that the airport be improved. The PLP felt a new airport was required, they spent millions on *plans* for it. Why are you so against it? You are arguing the wrong point. The PLP think we need an airport but feel it should be built by Bermudians and not through a PPP (like the hospital….wing). THAT is the issue. Thing is, we have no money. It was spent and then more was borrowed for things like the $80 million white elephant called the Grand Atlantic. We cannot afford the PLP chosen contractors who managed to build stuff for double the cost.
After reading this thread, it is now painfully obvious we have new plp plants posting the usual plp nonsense!!! Get over it plp, the economy is turning and you LOST your chance when Premier Cannonier when the OBA was first elected offered you a seat in cabinet, and you refused?? Well, your pride has has come back to haunt you hasnt is?? Steve Thompson, nailed it with his post and I can fully concur with all he has said!! I on the other hand have steadily grown my business starting in 2007, and suddenly in 2013, I have had record profits year over year since then and I honestly cannot keep up!! And I have employed more and more Bermudians and they actually now understand the difference an election makes, being most of them were unemployed for the last two years of the plp reign of terror!!!
I have taken a great deal of time to read through this article and comments. I do not profess to know all the knowledge in the world but i feel obligated to write a short piece. I am a graduated of one of the local Senior schools, while I was in school the PLP were the elected government of the day. My point is this, and I am terribly sorry but the PROGRESSIVE LABOUR PARTY DID ABSOLUTELY NADA FOR EDUCATION. I remember like it was yesterday, I was in grade 11 and my brother was in grade 7 (first year in Saltus after primary school) AND COME TO FIND OUT WE WERE DOING THE SAME WORK!!!!!! I am sorry, but BERMUDA NEEDS TO WAKE UP!!!
I left Bermuda for university (accredited) in Canada. One only has to goggle the Canadian Educational system to see how they have sorted it out. I will just say this, I had to drop out of Freshman English because I was not prepared. I studied and trained in the Canadian Educational System (Public). I arrived back in Bermuda hoping to foster some sort of change. LOL!! I have come to the conclusion that it is delibrate but the hardest pill to sallow are all those PROGRESSIVE LABOUR PARTY SUPPORTERS. I AM BEGGING YOU please visit any public school and you will see first hand how they hurt the very people they PROMISED TO HELP. AND IF THEY DID PUMP MONEY INTO THE SYSTEM WHY IS IT THAT THIS CURRENT GOVERNMENT JUST RECENTLY REPORTED THAT THEY ARE SPENDING MILLIONS IN REPAIRS ALONE!!!
I arrived to a system that is just DISGRACEFUL TO SAY THE LEAST. The teachers are burnt out and or jaded. YOU HAVE STUDENTS GOING MONTHS WITHOUT A SOMEONE WHO HAS SPECIALIZED IN THAT FIELD . (FOR EXAMPLE YOU MAY HAVE A MATH TEACHER OUT FOR A MONTH, THERES A TEACHER IN THERE, HOWEVER NOT QUALIFIED TO DELIVER THAT COURSE. ONE TIME I HAD STUDENTS CRYING BECAUSE IT WAS TIME FOR THERE END OF YEAR EXAM AND THEY HAD BEEN WITHOUT A BIOLOGY TEACHER FOR A MONTH LEADING UP TO THE EXAM. AND THIS SYSTEM HAS NO PLACE FOR POLITICS AND RED TAPE. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHY CHILDREN ARE NOT PREPARED TO TAKE THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LOOK THAT FAR. I can tell you for a fact that I asked students from both of my classes who the former Minister of National Security is and NOT ON SINGLE STUDENT COULD ANSWER ME!!!.
YOU HAVE STUDENTS WHO ARE TECHNICALLY IN GRADE 11 DOING WORK THAT STUDENTS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR ARE DOING AT GRADE 7. THE SADDEST PART IS THAT YOU HAVE WHOLE CLASSES THAT ARE FAILING. EVERYONE INCLUDING THE PRINCIPAL’S HANDS ARE TIED AND THAT IS THE GREATEST TRAGEDY HERE IN BERMUDA. I WAS TRAINED IN A SYSTEM THAT TEACHES TO WHOLE CHILD, IN CANADA EMOTIONAL HEALTH IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY, THE THINGS THAT I HAVE WITNESS HERE IN BERMUDA IS JUST AWFUL NO CHILD SHOULD BE DENIED A QUALITY EDUCATION SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT AFFORD IT. I AM OF THE OPINION THAT FROM WHAT I HAVE WITNESSED PEOPLE NEED TO BE CHARGED WITH CRIMES FROM THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURTS.
ITS A SHAME BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY, YOU CAN HAVE A FANCY AIRPORT BUT WILL YOU HAVE A BERMUDIAN WORKFORCE TO TAKE THE HELM. MY STUDENTS NEED LAPTOPS, AND EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES- BECAUSE I AM TIRED OF SEEING THESE CHILDREN IN TOWN RIGHT AFTER SCHOOL. I ONCE SAW AN ARTICLE ABOUT HOW STUDENTS FROM SALTUS SPENT THERE OCTOBER BREAK- TRAVELING AND ALL SORTS- PUBLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN SHOULD BE AFFORD THE SAME OPPORTUNITY EVEN MORE SO- THEY NEED TO BROADEN THERE HORIZONS-THESE CAN ONLY HAPPEN IF GOVERNMENTS STEP IN OR PRIVATE BUSINESSES TO LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD.ALL THIS MONEY FOR AN AIRPORT IS LIKE PUTTING LIPSTICK ON A PIG. I FEEL FOR ANY GOVERNMENT WHO COMES IN AFTER THE PLP.
Too bad you weren’t taught how to release the caps lock button in school.
You have no idea what you are talking about when you say the Canadian Educational system is sorted out. In Canada they push their students through even if they are failing. Their math is a year behind the cambridge system and almost every month students lose a day of school because of PA days set by the teacher’s work to rule agreements.
The ole head of the UPB v the OBA who knew ??.,.,,..
The recent protests saw the People’s Campaign claim that they wanted a Bi Partisan approach to immigration reform, however when the suggestion was put to Bean he rejected it outright and wanted the PLP to have a veto vote.
Given that the PC is simply an offshoot of the PLP, same members, same supporters, the PLP seem to have bi polar disorder.
It is just lip service to collaboration. Something they can claim they want….but don’t really.
The PLP have no ideas for jobs. The Fin Tech nonsense Bean sprouted about in the Throne speech was simply buzz words with no real thought, same thing for Sea Bed mining. In the case of the latter the PLP claim support of the Blue Halo project AND Sea Mining. Ridiculous.