Column: Fubler On Tourism, Politics, Jobs & More
[Opinion column written by PLP Senator Mischa Fubler]
The One Bermuda Alliance has once again proven that what they say and what they do are often at odds with one another.
As is my custom, I listen to the House of Assembly in preparation for our debate in the Senate and welcomed the Shadow Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, Dwayne Robinson’s, explicit support of the Loren [Pink Beach and Elbow Beach] 2025 bill:
“…how important [the passing of the bill] will be to our tourism product and is certainly in the national interest to see this property supported and to see the jobs and the growth of our industry to be supported in this bill.”
The opposition leader in the senate, Victoria Cunningham, then also voiced their support as we opened debate on Monday afternoon:
“The OBA strongly believes that we need a vibrant tourism sector and that it’s central to our long-term economic success….ultimately it’s not just about visitors, it’s about jobs for Bermudians…We welcome any legislative measures that enable us to move things forward.”
So imagine my bemusement when they waited until the 3rd and final reading of the bill to vote “nay” down the line. No objection to the 2nd reading, no objection to skipping committee, [which would have provided the opportunity to debate the finer details of the bill.] and still, all three elected to demonstrate by their actions that while they may say they believe that getting the Elbow Beach hotel up and running again is in the national interest, they are willing to jeopardize that progress in favour of political shenanigans.
Let’s be clear.
This legislation is about bringing jobs, investment, and life back to a hotel that’s been closed for half a decade. It’s about attracting investment, boosting tourism, and creating opportunities for Bermudians. Simply put, and in the OBA’s own words, the passing of this bill is in Bermuda’s economic interest and while it is disappointing, it is unfortunately unsurprising that OBA Senators Cunningham, D. Smith, and T. Smith have yet again chosen political games over progress for Bermuda.
Where does the newly appointed OBA Leader, Robert King, and the Shadow Tourism Minister, Dwayne Robinson stand on this difference of opinion within their caucus?
While the OBA plays political games, the Progressive Labour Party remains focused on delivering real results for Bermudians, attracting investment, creating jobs, and building a stronger, fairer Bermuda for all of us. The PLP Senate team proudly joined the President of the Senate in voting to advance Bermuda’s Tourism Recovery. Hopefully the OBA Senators pause for some introspection over the Fall legislative break and adopt a new approach to holding us to account when we return…. One that puts aside petty politics and centres the best interests of Bermudians.
- Mischa Fubler
I completely agree with Sen Fubler on this. The focus on Bermuda keeping a declining middle class is tourism, The Elbow project, Southampton Princess projects is essential. We really need to thank the Greene Family, owner of the Hamilton Princess for having confidence in Bermuda, upgrading its Hotel and expanding, especially during the Covid time.
I am sure that the Government will prioritize the following to support the new confidenece in Bermuda:
1. Repair to roads
2. Trash pick up from once a week back to twice (remember a “cleaner Bermuda for tourism”
3. Expand and clean up the parks (Botanical Gardens etc looks aweful), believe it or not tourists like more than just beaches.
4. Upkeep the schools that have closed. Paint, mow grass. (As a Bermudian, now living in Miami, I was a little saddened to see the state of some of these structures and property.
5. Security : set up incentives to join the Bermuda Regiment, ie better finance deals for a home, higher education, trade schools. I prefer my tax money go to people that have provided “public service” than those that take a 2 hour test and awarded a 4 year scholarship.
Respectfully,