Comments on: Video: Finance Minister On Morgan’s Point

By: Toodle-oo

Toodle-oo — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 12:24:06 +0000

‘Do you think we’re going to be like the American Indians and just give our land away ?’
And coming from a Rhodes Scholar nonetheless .

By: Toodle-oo

Toodle-oo — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 11:07:54 +0000

Plantation questions anyone ?

By: Sandgrownan

Sandgrownan — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 10:54:34 +0000

GA is empty and unsold. A monument to DREB’s vanity

By: Question

Question — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 10:38:16 +0000

What numbers did I get wrong? I’ll save you the trouble. None.

The Economist was predicting a recession if UK voted for brexit, and that didn’t happen. They also predicted dire consequences if the UK didn’t join the Euro, and as it turned out what a disaster that would have been. So let’s deal with facts as they are, not as someone imagines them to be.

And lo and behold, an investor in Morgan’s Point has appeared less than 24 hours after the Dickenson press conference. I guess the world economy isn’t so dire after all.

By: White Wash

White Wash — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 02:21:40 +0000

Thank you OBA for given away $165 mill of the tax payers money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Does the OBA leader want to talk about this???????

By: Eyes wide open

Eyes wide open — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 02:16:05 +0000

The oba the ubp all the same, You need to help your party perdorm a study on why so many black Bermudians left the UBP aka oba. Maybe because of people like you!!!

By: Joe Bloggs

Joe Bloggs — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 17:03:11 +0000

Question,

You sound like you’ve been listening to Boris Johnson and Donald Trump without any independent thought or research. Might I suggest you read The Economist for a different perspective.

By: Onion Juice

Onion Juice — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 16:27:42 +0000

But Grand Atlantic is FINISHED, your party started a project and cant finish it AND are responsible for paying for F@#$ups.
What @$$#0£€$ do up a contract that leaves taxpayers holding de bag?
Oh I forgot we have to pay CCC when they dont get their $30 Million a year quota for 30 years.
F@#$ing PATHETIC.
Should’ve had Chris Furburt on their negotiating team.
LMAO

By: Anbu

Anbu — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 16:07:50 +0000

Well considering u seem to think burt is the next messiah, what has he done to better our lives? Ill wait. Almost 20 yrs in charge now and these @$$hats dont know their backsides from their elbows

By: Guy Carri

Guy Carri — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 15:11:53 +0000

This project will continue.
There is a reason the factional ownerships were done before the hotel.
Think about it.
Revise plans = Finish fractionals, Scrap hotel = Financing available.

And before you talk about the OBA involvement. Remember who traded the land. Remember who committed the $$ to cleaning it up (Agent Orange).

By: Onion Peels

Onion Peels — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 14:53:09 +0000

Like the old saying; if you owe the bank a thousand dollars and you can’t pay, you have a problem. If you owe the bank a million dollars and you can’t pay, the bank has a problem.

By: Onion Juice

Onion Juice — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 14:32:21 +0000

Unlike Cannonaire walking out off press conference.

By: lav

lav — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 14:10:36 +0000

“Well at least Grand Atlantic got finished.”

LOL, you’re too stupid to realise how stupid you make yourself look. LOL

By: sandgrownan

sandgrownan — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 13:26:03 +0000

Go read “USS Bermuda”. See how the PLP scuppered a chance to redevelop Morgan’s Point after they were first elected. A deal setup by the then UBP, and how they scared away the investors with the “we’re in charge now”, “what’s our cut” dickhead rhetoric of which they are so fond.
The fact that the land lay dormant for so long is testament to PLP ineptitude.

By: LOL

LOL — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 12:22:22 +0000

The obaUBPEeeee pledged $165 million. What a bunch of circus clowns. Now you have Jet Gate Craig as the leader. WOW are you serious LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.

Are you that desperate!!!Even the oba supporters are thinking how did we fall so far after the 25 to 11 that we need Craig back again. LMAO

By: Eve

Eve — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:59:44 +0000

Both governments share in the blame for their part in this dream development that has turned into a bad dream! Craig Christensen was allowed to continue making promises about completion when everyone knew it was only a dream. There were warnings, before the final plans were approved, that the tax-payers would have to bail out this overly ambitious development.
Trying to salvage the project will take years and inevitably cost millions more than any estimate made today. The next big hurricane will swamp the development and there will be a different type of salvage.

By: aceboy

aceboy — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:41:44 +0000

Yes it did get finished, but stayed empty. The tie in with Southlands is interesting. The land swap happened because “environmentalists “ and “concerned Bermudians” protested a hotel on the South Shore. There was much angst about a bridge over the road that certain Bermudians felt would mean that rich tourists would “look down” on the locals as they crossed it.

Months later, a few hundred years away, the Grand Atlantic was built. A few scattered protests from the actual environmentalists but given that it was a PLP pet project (albeit against the advice of all technical advisors) the protests suddenly stopped and we ended up with the white elephant.

Fast forward to the AC and all of the negativity from the unions and the PLP. Then the election and the whole “$100 million for a white man’s boat race” rhetoric and the investors got cold feet, understandably. They could see that luxury tourism would be extremely difficult in the economic environment to come. And it came.

By: Joe Bloggs

Joe Bloggs — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 10:26:58 +0000

I would not assume any such thing.

By: Anthony Brannon

Anthony Brannon — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 10:15:06 +0000

The way this is going…. the PLP will be voted out at the net election.
We need an opposition who are NOT AFRAID to take the gloves off.

When people get pissed off enough, stunning things can happen at the polls. Just look at Barbados where Mia Mottley won EVERY seat in parliament after the former government robbed and mismanaged the country so bad.

By: Question

Question — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 08:57:59 +0000

You have no idea what you’re talking about. In the UK Employment is at a record high. Unemployment is the lowest it has been for 50 years.
In the US, unemployment is at record lows.
Markets are at all-time highs.
Dickenson is manufacturing an excuse for failure. Just like every PLP government.

By: Black Soil

Black Soil — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 05:01:51 +0000

People loosing confidence in Bermuda.

By: George Jones

George Jones — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 00:52:44 +0000

I assume that we the Bermudian people now own this development. If it’s defaulting how can the original owners retain an interest?

By: Wahoo

Wahoo — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 00:38:38 +0000

ASAP!

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 00:16:12 +0000

Kevin, you are right on the money…. the good thing is the PLP supporters are saying the same thing as you.

By: Stephen Thomson

Stephen Thomson — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 00:12:36 +0000

This was an excellent press conference. The minister was very open and forthright.
Credit where credit is due.
Arrogant? Not at all and that comment is unfair in my view.

By: Marge

Marge — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 00:11:00 +0000

The Grand Atlantic, was the former Premier Browns folly.

By: Question

Question — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 00:02:32 +0000

And then the incompetents took over.

By: yabadabba Do

yabadabba Do — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 23:48:08 +0000

Don’t forget DLBE
And TCD
And an Emissions Testing Centre that after 10+ years never failed a vehicle for testing because no standard was set.
And Dockyard Cruise Ship Pier
And Dr. Browns Privejet ride – followed by Globalhue / Tourism contract.
Or that contract being awarded a second time without going out to tender.

By: Mb

Mb — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 23:12:34 +0000

Ummm the OBA guaranteed this project did they not???

By: Mb

Mb — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 23:11:12 +0000

Exactly Tony
What I want to know is ….how is it that all us average Joes knew such a swap was an incredibly bad move but the highly educated rich principals did NOT see that?? To swap beach front for a concrete pier requiring a billion to develop made no sense . Then to add salt the OBA dizzy from AC35 goes along and uses tens of millions of taxpayer money to guarantee this pie in the sky project … Well guess what, we all told you so, perhaps our politicians should start listening to the people before they start throwing OUR money around … remember the CoH disaster? Affordable housing/Grand Atlantic? All disasters as this will be. Sounds like developer willing take on the property but do what he wants not govt…stay tuned I guess

By: Kevin

Kevin — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 23:05:44 +0000

ya wanna have a discussion on the Hospital juice …guess not
maybe kings wharf
maybe Berkeley
maybe police headquarters
maybe port royal
want me to keep going
Brown 1.2 million pay off
still want more
Flip flop getting paid extra for actually doing his job
this government is useless

By: Onion Peels

Onion Peels — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 23:04:37 +0000

We could ask Mexico Infrastructure Finance if they’d like to have another shot at financing a Bermuda hotel. I’m sure they’ve been talking up Bermuda in the finance world.

By: sandgrownan

sandgrownan — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:59:53 +0000

it wasn’t an oba project

By: Question

Question — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:58:08 +0000

Grand Atlantic is a $70m total waste of borrowed money, It’s a shrine to PLP incompetence.

By: sandgrownan

sandgrownan — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:57:26 +0000

You daft git. GA is empty. And unsold.

By: Question

Question — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:56:42 +0000

24-11 for two solid years. You own it. Dickenson has nothing but excuses.

By: Red rose

Red rose — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:51:41 +0000

Yes. I thought that as well. He must be talking about bermuda

By: Wahoo

Wahoo — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:50:59 +0000

They will go down in history as being anti billionaire after chasing the AC away. Caroline Bay was never targeted to budget conscious travellers after their display of hostility our reputation took a hit. What other place do you know of that do not want billionaire tourists? Investor confidence is gone.

Interesting that the minister held his own press conference and seemed very defensive wonder what fall out will be over the next week or so.

By: Jurassic

Jurassic — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 21:48:34 +0000

You reap what you see. The PLP supporters and make believe independent activist groups marched and complained about everything. During their previous 14 years in power there were $800 million that were unacounted for and several other projects under scrutiny for how contracts were handed, to who they were offered too, out and the fact that most were millions over budget. A few that come to mind are Berkely, TCD, DLBE Bldg and Port Royal Golf Course, They complained about AC35 even thought it was the most successful sporting event in Bermuda EVER. When the PLP got into power they shut down all possible enquires into where the money went. As a further slap in the face a few friends and family were awarded cash reimbursements. One that most know of was $1.2 to their former leader.

They have slapped taxes on everyone and everything they can and raised the coat of living even higher.

So when you ask where consumer confidence went? The answer is in the mirror. Would you invest in a country governed by a group that believe they are untouchable? Would you want to retire or vacation in a country that is bullied and often abused by the Unions. Would you want to live in a place that mistreats and discriminates against the LGBT or anyone not like them as inferior. Would you want to buy property in a place that treats children born here but not born to “Bermudian” parents as problems. What chance do they have of being treated fairly.

So Mr Finance, when you are wondering why this is all happening you shouldn’t be surprised.

By: Toodle-oo

Toodle-oo — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 21:35:27 +0000

While I was firmly against the OBA getting involved in financial guarantees with this ridiculous project the problem was that they were banking on being re-elected and thus a continuing and growing confidence in the local economy.
Your 2nd paragraph should get all intelligent people thinking . The writing is on the wall but the 25 part of 25-11 are in pure denial.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 21:31:22 +0000

It was only a matter of time before a real case scenario showed up. It will also show the lack of ability to find a solution ….we have a very weak government and oh yeah the plp blockers will blame this on the OBA …but remember if we were in a growing economy and Tourism was operating without government interference we could be in a whole different situation
just saying
we need a new government

By: Retro

Retro — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 20:44:34 +0000

Dump is a bit harsh .

By: Onion Juice

Onion Juice — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 20:37:34 +0000

Another OBA project to add to de airport where de contract favours de developer and tax payers foot de bill.
PATHETIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Ringmaster

Ringmaster — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 20:22:30 +0000

Location, location, location. The 3 most important factors in real estate. As Tony says to swap the land was folly. When you compare the artists/architects impression of Caroline Bay with reality I’m surprised the developers haven’t been sued for false advertising. That bay is stagnant and full of stinging jellyfish in the summer, and bears no resemblance to what the brochures portray. Compare to a new hotel that will be built in Jamaica – 8,000 rooms. Funding is available for the right properties.

By: Joe Bloggs

Joe Bloggs — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 20:11:38 +0000

Not quite.

The UK economy is terrible. The Pound is today trading for less than $1.27 to 1 pound. No one knows what will happen on 31 October and that is causing considerable economic concern all across Europe.

As for the US, the President is tearing up trade agreements and threatening other countries with reckless abandon. He is plagued by allegations of corruption and obstruction of justice.

The majority of the world’s leading economists are predicting a downturn (recession) in the world economy in 12 to 24 months.

All is not rosy across the world and Bermuda is too small to have any real influence on the world economy.

By: Joe Bloggs

Joe Bloggs — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 19:47:28 +0000

I too hope we do not end up with another white elephant like the Grand Atlantic, Tony.

By: wahoo

wahoo — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 19:44:43 +0000

Call the Chinese.

By: Onion Juice

Onion Juice — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 19:40:47 +0000

So we are on de hook for $175 Million and de airport deal TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
I thought negotiations was supposed to be mutual.
Well at least Grand Atlantic got finished.
Snake oil guys

By: Jonathan Land Evans

Jonathan Land Evans — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 19:40:14 +0000

Echoing Mr. Brannon’s comments above, it’s surprising that anyone seriously supposed that a hotel development on that highly sub-optimal site would be viable. To me, it always seemed doomed to be a flop, and it is very unfortunate that the OBA administration unwisely saw fit to provide a financial guarantee backed by taxpayer money. I imagine the OBA would not have done so, were it not for their extravagant and implausible pre-election pledge to create 2,000 jobs. As is so often the case, party politics is showing itself once again to be the undoing of this country.

By: sandgrownan

sandgrownan — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 19:39:08 +0000

Who would invest in Bermuda property at this juncture? And, you are correct in that Curtis is ducking the obvious.