Column: MP Robinson On Govt, Tourism & More
[Column written by MP Dwayne Robinson]
In these uncertain times, many countries are looking to invest in their local economies to minimise external economic shocks. The unfortunate reality is that this Budget does not provide tangible investments in the local economy. The Progressive Labour Party has chosen to lean into complete reliance on International Business [IB].
The One Bermuda Alliance is supportive of IB and the opportunities the industry provides for Bermudians. However, it is irresponsible of the Government not to utilise our resources to properly invest in other economic drivers while the golden goose is still laying eggs. Though there are green shoots in other areas of the economy, the fact remains that those outside of IB are bearing the brunt of our economic struggles.
The Ministry of Tourism, Transport, Culture & Sport received the lowest percentage increase out of all the Ministries. In my opinion the repairing of our tourism industry is of national importance as it is one of the main drivers of the local economy we can lean into.
The Bermuda Tourism Authority not being mentioned in the Budget statement or Throne Speech shows a complete lack of legislative support for cultivating our flagship tourism entity.
The people are owed an update on how the Minister of Tourism is aiding the Bermuda Tourism Authority to revitalise our tourism industry. We have learned through the budget debate that the BTA is moving to a more self-funded model. This is excellent news but does not absolve the Minister of needing to support tourism growth with key capital investments and a clearly defined legislative agenda, which is currently missing.
For our tourism industry to grow there must be clear collaboration between the Minister of Tourism, the Bermuda Tourism Authority, and the local hospitality stakeholders. This Budget makes no mention of investments in conferences, convention, and meeting facilities to support business tourism. How does this Government intend to increase our large group bookings?
There was no mention of sports tourism, attracting families, or a comprehensive update on the previously much touted, but now barely mentioned medical tourism.
The news of the Elbow Beach acquisition is welcomed as we cannot rely solely on the re-opening of Fairmont Southampton to increase our hotel beds and air arrivals. As crucial as improving our hotel bed capacity and airlift is, it is important to note the PLP has not brought any new hotel investors to Bermuda and those currently pouring into our economy were courted by the One Bermuda Alliance during our time in power.
Unfortunately, there was no mention of potential legislative amendments to create a more effective framework for BermudAir to obtain its air transport license. Making operations easier for the airline could enable it to grow more as a business and provide a better service to their customers.
Also, we should look at the setup of the UK Civil Aviation company, to properly protect customers and oversee complaints and conflict resolution. This increased consumer protection may boost confidence in booking with BermudAir. If we are looking to improve airlift to the island, looking to support our sole locally based airline is a good route to explore.
The Government has struggled to address the industry’s most crucial hurdle. The National Economic Report 2024 admits that tourism numbers have not returned to 2019 levels, so we can all agree there is much work to be done.
Maker studios are a step in the right direction however this year’s Budget statement shared no budgetary allocation to building an actual art industry in Bermuda. Whether it be film, music, visual art, fine art, modelling, animation, or other options there has been no big push to cultivate our creative culture.
Weaving our creatives into our tourism product and providing more opportunities for paid work instead of looking overseas would be ideal, along with providing more grants to support the phenomenal grassroot artist events being organised.
These are exceptional steps in the right direction. Not only would this enhance our attractions but also our amenities for our tourism product.
The purchase of new ferries and the proposed purchases of more electric buses are welcomed.
However, without a cohesive transport strategy that unites both public and private transport services in their efforts to service the island, we will continue to experience gaps in service.
Ridesharing legislation is said to still be under review despite the former Minister of Transport promising ‘to deliver the programme soon’ back in March 2024. The current Minister would not declare if he has gained support from Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association moving forward regarding rideshare, a business model which can lead to potential conflict and division in our private transport services providers, if not properly addressed hindering customer experience.
Also, with no mention of strengthening enforcement we will continue to be vulnerable to locally unregulated apps such as Island:GO!, which is based overseas and providing services in Bermuda. This presents potential liability issues associated with unregulated payments, unregistered drivers, and could lead to uncounted amounts of funds leaving our shores.
I hope the Minister addresses the industry concerns and comes forward with a clear legislative agenda for his Ministry.
- Dwayne Robinson, MP for Constituency 30 Southampton East Central & Shadow Minister for Tourism, Culture & Transport
MR ROBINSON.
Dwayne nice day to do something and stop your complaining jusy leave that to us taxpayers .
We are tired of hearining what is wrong i am not asking you i am telling you just fix it . Do you job ! got it !
To day is the second time i have had a chance to read your comments the first time you made alot of noise to get you self elected now show us what you are made of !
Should I be more to the point to ask you where do all these complaints get us ? the answer is absolutely no where.
My family and many others have had enough including many P.L.P. voters are tied, but your voters are not .
We see you are in the ideal position and situation to either do nothing or do something.
We ate not the weeds in the gardenen we are the Roses .
Spain is turning it visitors away, we have far to many empty beds to fill now not nect week . here and better beaches .
What are you and we waiting for more complaints as you complaints about the entire economy the door is wide open for you .
Dwayne i got partway way through lengthy spreach and i just gave up as you. DO nothing about any thing.
Sir may take the liberty to recomend that you and any body who will help and that is all your voters in your area you take the bold step and deal with it all of the problems your only opposition leaves on the back burner.
What a gloriouse oppertunity for you .
Dwayne may I remind you that my family gives up part of our pension for you .
we are living off the crumbs from the table of no hope .
Big Brother Dwayne . Start with tourism fix that and move on do not give tourism away .
Then fix Bermudiana beach .
The next time we want to hear from you is >>>>>>>>> I have done 101 things with only two more to go.