Economy, Education Are Most Important Issues
The economy is the foremost issue facing Bermuda and education is the second most important issue for the Island, according to a poll of residents by Total Research Associates.
Total Research Associates said, “In a poll of residents conducted this summer, the economy is identified as the foremost issue facing Bermuda.
“However, education is now the second most important issue for the Island, following a significant rise in mentions since the second quarter of the year. The level of focus surrounding education is now the highest on record for the past decade.
“Meanwhile, employment has shifted down to the third biggest challenge facing the Island and concerns in this regard have notably declined over the past two years. The remaining factors are mentioned by fewer than one in ten, although it is important to note that there has been a considerable rise in concerns about racism in Bermuda over the past four years
“Perceptions of the top issues facing Bermuda vary across the population. Specifically, women are less likely than their counterparts to name the economy as the biggest challenge for the Island as are those outside the ages of 35 to 54, and black residents. In contrast, residents in Pembroke/Devonshire, women, and black residents are more likely by comparison to identify education as the greatest issue.
Chart by Total Research Associates
Total Research Associates spoke with 400 residents of Bermuda by telephone between June 29th and July 12th. Results are weighted by age, race and gender to reflect the actual population of the Island and are accurate to within ± 4.9 percentage points [95% confidence level].
The economy requires new blood. This is unlikely with the new government.
Education is a disaster area. Disband the Dept of Education and privatise the entire operation. Black Bermudians have been short-changed for many years. Their only hope is to get away from the failed operations of the past.
I am not optimistic that things will change.
According to the last budget, educating our children costs roughly $77,000 per child in the government system. It costs only $22,000 per child in a private school. Government could save a lot of money by simply paying for every Bermudian child to have a private education!
The Privatize Govrnment got voted out.
Sorry Charlie.
They do raise valid points. The PLP is the ultra conservative government. They will probably only complete projects the OBA started. We are probably going to have 4-5 years of stagnation.
Well this is good. burt promised to expand the economy with seabed mining, IT incubators, and offshore gambling. Plenty of solid plans have been implemented there, I’m sure. So nothing to worry about on the biggest voter concern. There’s still several weeks to go on that 100 days.
Seabed mining, NO!! What about renewable energy jobs…offshore wind. Time to put our priorities straight!
Without a healthy economy there is no money for all of the other stuff such as education. The Bermuda voter puts in a group with the poorest record of managing the economy. You really have to question voter wisdom.