Monday, November 12, 2012
I'm back again...
I've decided pick up where I left off as far as this blog is concerned. I haven't had much free time as I've been forced to concentrate on keeping my family above water. I will most def be posting more latter this week. I have a lot to get off my chest.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Election Budget
In my opinion this has all the hallmarks of a an election budget,
the hard decisions that we know have to be made have been deferred to a
latter date. It is very concerning that our budget deficit continues to
grow at an alarming rate when for the past year we have supposedly
"Reset the Dial" and "Done more with Less." It comes as no surprise then
that the statutory debit ceiling will be raised from $1.25 Billion to
$1.45 Billion if Government jobs are to be retained.
It is good to see that payroll tax will remain at 14%...we can assume something was learned when the recent increase to 16.5% actually reduced revenue instead of increasing it as anticipated. Thumbs up as well for the continuance of payroll tax concessions for the struggling retail, hotel and restaurant sectors.
The most interesting aspect of this budget for me is the personal import duty "harmonizing" at all ports of entry at 25%. This means that clothing which attracted a duty of 6% will be increased to 25%... That's an increase of 317%! Personally I believe that there will be push back from Mr. and Mrs. Bermuda in this area. I am sure this is due to the recent lobbying by local retailers. They would have us believe that increased purchasing online and overseas by returning residents has led to plummeting local sales... 44 consecutive months to be exact. If this is the case, why are both local retail AND overseas purchases down? Seems more likely there are simply a lot less people here. Punitive tax increases are not the answer.
It is good to see that payroll tax will remain at 14%...we can assume something was learned when the recent increase to 16.5% actually reduced revenue instead of increasing it as anticipated. Thumbs up as well for the continuance of payroll tax concessions for the struggling retail, hotel and restaurant sectors.
The most interesting aspect of this budget for me is the personal import duty "harmonizing" at all ports of entry at 25%. This means that clothing which attracted a duty of 6% will be increased to 25%... That's an increase of 317%! Personally I believe that there will be push back from Mr. and Mrs. Bermuda in this area. I am sure this is due to the recent lobbying by local retailers. They would have us believe that increased purchasing online and overseas by returning residents has led to plummeting local sales... 44 consecutive months to be exact. If this is the case, why are both local retail AND overseas purchases down? Seems more likely there are simply a lot less people here. Punitive tax increases are not the answer.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Terry Listers Challenge
Transport Minister Terry Lister issued a challenge to Hamilton retailers to open their shops on Sundays if they want the Government to continue transporting tourists to them. Sounds good when taken at face value but the retailers responded by saying please remove the restrictions you are placing on us and we will gladly oblige. If we are truly interested in tourism why do we restrict opening hours on Sundays? It is ludicrous to have thousands of tourists transported to Hamilton and St. George's on a Sunday morning only to find out that shops are not allowed to open until after 12pm or1pm
Let's face it, businesses will only open on a Sunday if it is profitable to do so. The Government should be pulling every lever available to facilitate this, not placing the blame at the feet of business. This is similar to three months ago when the Premier accused stores of "raping" customers in order to deflect some of the heat. Which reminds me, how has the Price Commission also announced at this time been coming along? This electioneering does nothing to address the real problems retailers are having with profitability.
We can assume the major stumbling block with businesses opening extended hours on a Sunday is the Church. This is where we must ask ourselves if we really want to be a serious tourist destination. We are currently not living up to our visitors expectations, they are not receiving value for money. This is a most difficult situation which will not be satisfactorily resolved with an election in the near future.
Let's face it, businesses will only open on a Sunday if it is profitable to do so. The Government should be pulling every lever available to facilitate this, not placing the blame at the feet of business. This is similar to three months ago when the Premier accused stores of "raping" customers in order to deflect some of the heat. Which reminds me, how has the Price Commission also announced at this time been coming along? This electioneering does nothing to address the real problems retailers are having with profitability.
We can assume the major stumbling block with businesses opening extended hours on a Sunday is the Church. This is where we must ask ourselves if we really want to be a serious tourist destination. We are currently not living up to our visitors expectations, they are not receiving value for money. This is a most difficult situation which will not be satisfactorily resolved with an election in the near future.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
I'm Back!
Very sorry for the lack of posts... my computer decided to self destruct and it has taken me this long to source a new one. I'll have up something new shortly.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Bermuda Public Education
Let me preface this by saying that I currently have two children in the Public School System and two more that will be enrolled in the next few years so I have a vested interest in seeing it succeed. It is my belief that major restructuring is needed and not just the window dressing that we have seen previously or what has been recently proposed. From my own personal experiences I can point out numerous flaws that need to be addressed.
Teachers are being admitted into the system with dubious credentials. Just because you have a degree in a field from a learning institution that nobody has heard of does not make you qualified to teach my or anyone else's children. Backgrounds and qualifications must be vetted more thoroughly.
I have found that there are many wonderful teachers but their creativity is stifled by an overly rigid and controlling structure. If they are truly qualified instructors then please remove the bureaucratic obstacles and let them teach. They enter the system fresh and full of ideas with a sparkle in their eye and a fire in their heart, but within a few years this is extinguished and replaced by the "it's just a job" attitude. I fear that this is causing the exceptional teachers to leave the system and persue more fulfilling roles in the private sector.
When broken down per child the amount of money spent is outrageous for the sub par level of service provided. $150 million dollars divided by 5,900 students equals $25,423 per year. Student enrollment is dropping as more people lose faith in the system and place their children in private education and home schools yet the Ministries budget does not reflect this.
The children are being made to adjust to the learning environment instead of the environment and curriculum being tailored and tweaked to fit them. Outside the box thinking and innovation is discouraged as is anything that is not considered the "norm". It can be seen throughout history that outside the box thinkers that didn't conform are the ones that have led the way. Is the goal to produce strictly average students? If the current regime continues this will undoubtedly be the end result.
I have had experiences with reading recovery and learning support in Primary School. One would think the extra help for the students is a good idea but the problem is this. If a student is having problems with reading and you pull said student out of his mathematics class on a continual basis would you be at all surprised if the students falls behind in math as well? Seems like a simple problem but it occurs more often than you would think.
The Hopkins Report laid out exactly what was wrong and needed improvement. It also clearly explained ways for them to be fixed. We owe it to our children to act on these recommendations as soon as possible, it has already been four years since the report was presented. How many more years must we wait?
Having said all this please realize that I am not making a blanket statement about all teachers or all schools. Also let me say that a teachers job today is more difficult than ever with all the social ills that are so pervasive in our community. We also must not forget that parents have a huge roll to play and I am by no means absolving them of any responsibility in the problems with education today. At the end of the day my ultimate goal is the same as yours, to insure that our children receive the world class education that our tax dollars have paid for.
Teachers are being admitted into the system with dubious credentials. Just because you have a degree in a field from a learning institution that nobody has heard of does not make you qualified to teach my or anyone else's children. Backgrounds and qualifications must be vetted more thoroughly.
I have found that there are many wonderful teachers but their creativity is stifled by an overly rigid and controlling structure. If they are truly qualified instructors then please remove the bureaucratic obstacles and let them teach. They enter the system fresh and full of ideas with a sparkle in their eye and a fire in their heart, but within a few years this is extinguished and replaced by the "it's just a job" attitude. I fear that this is causing the exceptional teachers to leave the system and persue more fulfilling roles in the private sector.
When broken down per child the amount of money spent is outrageous for the sub par level of service provided. $150 million dollars divided by 5,900 students equals $25,423 per year. Student enrollment is dropping as more people lose faith in the system and place their children in private education and home schools yet the Ministries budget does not reflect this.
The children are being made to adjust to the learning environment instead of the environment and curriculum being tailored and tweaked to fit them. Outside the box thinking and innovation is discouraged as is anything that is not considered the "norm". It can be seen throughout history that outside the box thinkers that didn't conform are the ones that have led the way. Is the goal to produce strictly average students? If the current regime continues this will undoubtedly be the end result.
I have had experiences with reading recovery and learning support in Primary School. One would think the extra help for the students is a good idea but the problem is this. If a student is having problems with reading and you pull said student out of his mathematics class on a continual basis would you be at all surprised if the students falls behind in math as well? Seems like a simple problem but it occurs more often than you would think.
The Hopkins Report laid out exactly what was wrong and needed improvement. It also clearly explained ways for them to be fixed. We owe it to our children to act on these recommendations as soon as possible, it has already been four years since the report was presented. How many more years must we wait?
Having said all this please realize that I am not making a blanket statement about all teachers or all schools. Also let me say that a teachers job today is more difficult than ever with all the social ills that are so pervasive in our community. We also must not forget that parents have a huge roll to play and I am by no means absolving them of any responsibility in the problems with education today. At the end of the day my ultimate goal is the same as yours, to insure that our children receive the world class education that our tax dollars have paid for.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Is it Really Justified?
The following comment was sent to me by a Bermudian that has lived in the UK for quite some time...
I love Bermuda and advertise of its beauty often, even in the advertising I stress with out reservation that it is extremely expensive.
I was enquiring about a hotel or guest house for a friend to come down last year and thought that I could find something for maybe $70 a night and was told even with a staff discount I would find nothing less than $200, I was dumbfounded.
I have been back there twice since leaving and was stunned at the prices of everything. I could never think of coming back to live as I couldn't possibly justify it.
Here you pay $1,800 for a 4 bed room house with two ensuite bathrooms, a full bathroom, large lounge and a cloakroom and good size kitchen, but over there I hear you pay more than that sometimes for a one bedroom; that is just mad.
I can buy a 2 litre bottle of water for 50 cents but have to pay almost $3 for it there. Not dissing the place but I believe that the truth has to be told, it is unnecessarily over priced.
Is it really justified?
So... it could all be explained away by saying that we pay more because everything has to be imported and with that numerous people must be paid for said services etc. but at the end of the day is the struggle that is life in Bermuda really justified? I'm beginning to wonder... and I am not alone.
I love Bermuda and advertise of its beauty often, even in the advertising I stress with out reservation that it is extremely expensive.
I was enquiring about a hotel or guest house for a friend to come down last year and thought that I could find something for maybe $70 a night and was told even with a staff discount I would find nothing less than $200, I was dumbfounded.
I have been back there twice since leaving and was stunned at the prices of everything. I could never think of coming back to live as I couldn't possibly justify it.
Here you pay $1,800 for a 4 bed room house with two ensuite bathrooms, a full bathroom, large lounge and a cloakroom and good size kitchen, but over there I hear you pay more than that sometimes for a one bedroom; that is just mad.
I can buy a 2 litre bottle of water for 50 cents but have to pay almost $3 for it there. Not dissing the place but I believe that the truth has to be told, it is unnecessarily over priced.
Is it really justified?
So... it could all be explained away by saying that we pay more because everything has to be imported and with that numerous people must be paid for said services etc. but at the end of the day is the struggle that is life in Bermuda really justified? I'm beginning to wonder... and I am not alone.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Premier Cox's $150 Million Savings Fallout
As reported in the Royal Gazette bus drivers aren't happy with the new rota system put in place by the new Minister of Transport Terry Lister. A meeting is scheduled for Monday. I wonder if the buses will be in service? Might have to make other arrangements for the journey to and from work in tomorrow... sigh.
Methinks this is just the beginning as it appears the new Premier is serious about the $150 million in savings she has previously announced. Considering Gov. payroll is somewhere in the $500 million region this will be an obvious place to to make cuts. Cutting jobs will be political suicide so it looks like reducing work hours, overtime cuts and wage freezes will be the name order of the day.
Hopefully the Union and Gov. Departments will realize that strike action will be futile in this economic climate. They will find little sympathy from the taxpayers as Joe public has already been forced to cut back, it is government who has arrived late to this party.
Methinks this is just the beginning as it appears the new Premier is serious about the $150 million in savings she has previously announced. Considering Gov. payroll is somewhere in the $500 million region this will be an obvious place to to make cuts. Cutting jobs will be political suicide so it looks like reducing work hours, overtime cuts and wage freezes will be the name order of the day.
Hopefully the Union and Gov. Departments will realize that strike action will be futile in this economic climate. They will find little sympathy from the taxpayers as Joe public has already been forced to cut back, it is government who has arrived late to this party.
Charles Richardson Libel Case
I find it curious that this case even made it to court. As reported in the Royal Gazette the facebook status in question .
“Why on earth Robert Cardwell has taken an unhealthy interest in me is astonishing...I really hope it ain’t because I’m good at what I do and I’m black...that would make him vindictive and racist...could it be?”
Isn't this a question Charles is asking? It's not a statement... How do you charge libel for something posed as a question?
“Why on earth Robert Cardwell has taken an unhealthy interest in me is astonishing...I really hope it ain’t because I’m good at what I do and I’m black...that would make him vindictive and racist...could it be?”
Isn't this a question Charles is asking? It's not a statement... How do you charge libel for something posed as a question?
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Kim Wilson, Parking Tickets & Switching Plates
Senator Kim Wilson got a parking ticket on her Government car, but expects it to be canceled because she understands Ministerial vehicles are exempt from fines, this according to an article in today's Royal Gazette. It seems cars GP1- GP20? are the ones exempt as her plate is currently GP30 she received a ticket in error. My question is this, why take already scarce parking spaces from Joe Public when there is designated parking on Cabinet grounds?
I also question the legality of the constant switching of GP license plates by Public Works. I have personally seen two GP10's on the road at the same time. Is this another case of Government doing whatever it wants? If I have a trucking business with two trucks am I free to switch plates at will? Of course not as the vin numbers etc. would not correspond to what is in the records at TCD. If I am wrong on this can somebody please correct me....
I also question the legality of the constant switching of GP license plates by Public Works. I have personally seen two GP10's on the road at the same time. Is this another case of Government doing whatever it wants? If I have a trucking business with two trucks am I free to switch plates at will? Of course not as the vin numbers etc. would not correspond to what is in the records at TCD. If I am wrong on this can somebody please correct me....
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Bermuda Regiment Needs Review 2011
Speaking as someone who has completed his "allotted time" in the Bermuda Regiment I must say that I completely agree with Walton Brown's opinion piece in today's Royal Gazette. It was obvious to me during my service that far too much time is wasted forcing compliance with the rules and creating a cohesive force. If I had thought my service would have been beneficial to my future endeavours I would have been much more attentive instead of counting the days to completion. Better to have 100 well paid volunteers make a career of it than 300 conscripts. One would think that the new price point would be similar to the old. We could give the better quality soldier produced a much expanded role, one in keeping with the needs of Bermuda today. They would take pride in activities meaningful to the entire community ie. Coast Guard etc.
My first 2 week camp served as a traumatic introduction to Regiment life. The cursing and berating by ones superiors seemed more befitting to a convicted criminal guilty of the most heinous crime, not young impressionable men fresh out of high school. I was defiant at first, as was a high percentage of my peers but you quickly learn that there are punishments for those that choose to buck the system. After awhile one becomes immune to the treatment, your fate is sealed and you learn acceptance. The goal of this treatment is to make you a man right? I was told by the then Col. that this ordeal was necessary to prepare us for the working world, when working on a job you have to follow the bosses orders right? Yes and no. The major overriding difference is that I applied and choose to work at my job but I was forced against my will to serve in the Regiment. If I am abused by my boss there are options open to me, I can even get an different job. So you see this justification is absurd but one that i have found they use often.
I sit here 13 years after service with a head full of useless information such as how to field strip and reassemble a rifle in the dark. As a matter of fact I would be so bold as to say that the Regiment actually helps to foster a love of guns in the youth that have passed through its ranks. I personally witnessed many of my peers develop this love, only to be informed on there completion of the required 3 years and 2 months that they can never legally handle said weaponry here again. Why encourage this behaviour in 18 year old aggressive males in a supposed gun free society? Makes you think doesn't it? Is it any wonder they feel the need to answer the call of the cold black steel in a Bermuda where being in the wrong place at the wrong time could quite possibly end your life? In other countries you can have this lust fulfilled by legally owning one and participating in recreational shooting at a range but not in the land of contradiction we call Bermuda.
We must decide if the current configuration of the Bermuda Regiment is the way forward for 2011 and beyond. It is my personal belief that an unbiased review must be done and the results put to the people. We must decide if this is the way we should be treating our young men. There must be a better way, all we have to do is be willing to look.
My first 2 week camp served as a traumatic introduction to Regiment life. The cursing and berating by ones superiors seemed more befitting to a convicted criminal guilty of the most heinous crime, not young impressionable men fresh out of high school. I was defiant at first, as was a high percentage of my peers but you quickly learn that there are punishments for those that choose to buck the system. After awhile one becomes immune to the treatment, your fate is sealed and you learn acceptance. The goal of this treatment is to make you a man right? I was told by the then Col. that this ordeal was necessary to prepare us for the working world, when working on a job you have to follow the bosses orders right? Yes and no. The major overriding difference is that I applied and choose to work at my job but I was forced against my will to serve in the Regiment. If I am abused by my boss there are options open to me, I can even get an different job. So you see this justification is absurd but one that i have found they use often.
I sit here 13 years after service with a head full of useless information such as how to field strip and reassemble a rifle in the dark. As a matter of fact I would be so bold as to say that the Regiment actually helps to foster a love of guns in the youth that have passed through its ranks. I personally witnessed many of my peers develop this love, only to be informed on there completion of the required 3 years and 2 months that they can never legally handle said weaponry here again. Why encourage this behaviour in 18 year old aggressive males in a supposed gun free society? Makes you think doesn't it? Is it any wonder they feel the need to answer the call of the cold black steel in a Bermuda where being in the wrong place at the wrong time could quite possibly end your life? In other countries you can have this lust fulfilled by legally owning one and participating in recreational shooting at a range but not in the land of contradiction we call Bermuda.
We must decide if the current configuration of the Bermuda Regiment is the way forward for 2011 and beyond. It is my personal belief that an unbiased review must be done and the results put to the people. We must decide if this is the way we should be treating our young men. There must be a better way, all we have to do is be willing to look.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Part Time St. George's Police Station
I saw an ariticle in the Royal Gazette today and felt the need to comment. As a life long resident of St. George's I must ask how long will it take to get a 24 hour police presence in the town? The police station was closed down for an extended period a few years ago. It's renovation and subsequent opening where interestingly timed to coincide with the last General Election. The station is said by police to be staffed between the hours of 8am to 10pm, but as I drove past today at 2pm it was already closed and locked up tight.
Much effort is being expended to revive and revitalize the beleaguered old town but these efforts will prove fruitless if an issue as basic as security cannot be adequately addressed. I know this sounds absurd but does the town have to hire it's own security? I thought that was one of the reasons we pay taxes! I personally have been in meetings where the public have begged and pleaded with senior members of the Police Service to open the station on an around the clock basis. Their response? Statistics were quoted that the overall rate of crime in St. George's is down, precious police resources are needed elsewhere and the St. David's Station is close enough. This is not good enough! Properties have been ransacked and vandalized less than 100 feet from the station. Statistics do not help you to sleep at night, nor have they any meaning if you are the one unlucky enough to be the victim.
The local police have said that they are interested in garnering the support and friendship of the St, George's people but how can this be accomplished if their pleas are ignored? I can remember the days when there were regular foot patrols at night, officers would check doors of businesses to ensure that the properties were secure. Does this still occur on the regular ie. a few times a night? I have not seen it. Is this just another sign of the times? It seems our tax burden increases while overall levels of service decline.
I join with the Mayor Kenneth Bascome in calling for a 24 hour police presence and a fully functioning police station for the Town of St. George.
Much effort is being expended to revive and revitalize the beleaguered old town but these efforts will prove fruitless if an issue as basic as security cannot be adequately addressed. I know this sounds absurd but does the town have to hire it's own security? I thought that was one of the reasons we pay taxes! I personally have been in meetings where the public have begged and pleaded with senior members of the Police Service to open the station on an around the clock basis. Their response? Statistics were quoted that the overall rate of crime in St. George's is down, precious police resources are needed elsewhere and the St. David's Station is close enough. This is not good enough! Properties have been ransacked and vandalized less than 100 feet from the station. Statistics do not help you to sleep at night, nor have they any meaning if you are the one unlucky enough to be the victim.
The local police have said that they are interested in garnering the support and friendship of the St, George's people but how can this be accomplished if their pleas are ignored? I can remember the days when there were regular foot patrols at night, officers would check doors of businesses to ensure that the properties were secure. Does this still occur on the regular ie. a few times a night? I have not seen it. Is this just another sign of the times? It seems our tax burden increases while overall levels of service decline.
I join with the Mayor Kenneth Bascome in calling for a 24 hour police presence and a fully functioning police station for the Town of St. George.
Bermuda Tourism Board
Hope everyone had as good a Christmas Holiday as I did... although I must say that I have had enough of Christmas food till next year lol. Now, back to business...
The Minister of Business Development and Tourism Patrice Minors announced the members of the Bermuda Tourism Board this morning. This is most definitely a step in the right direction in my opinion... a far cry from the previous Minister of T & T's one man show. Hopefully we will see more of this in other areas of Government rather than the usual suspects. It's well past time to start putting Bermuda first.
One thing that struck me while looking at the picture of the group though... where are the young people? While I'm sure these Geritol sippers have some good well aged ideas where are the youth with the fresh ones?
The Minister of Business Development and Tourism Patrice Minors announced the members of the Bermuda Tourism Board this morning. This is most definitely a step in the right direction in my opinion... a far cry from the previous Minister of T & T's one man show. Hopefully we will see more of this in other areas of Government rather than the usual suspects. It's well past time to start putting Bermuda first.
One thing that struck me while looking at the picture of the group though... where are the young people? While I'm sure these Geritol sippers have some good well aged ideas where are the youth with the fresh ones?
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas!
Hope you and yours have a wonderful and Merry Christmas... and remember... HE is the reason for the season.
Friday, December 24, 2010
9 Beaches "Lease"
The 9 Beaches lease was held up in the senate this week and rightfully so in my opinion... seems to be yet another deal that the PLP tried to ram through without attracting too much attention. A sure sign that further investigation is warranted. There appears to be many inconsistencies in the lease agreement that should have long been revised, very sloppy to say the least. This lease strikes me as being another "tenant-centric" lease... similar to CoCo Reef. Most definitely of tremendous benefit to the developer/owners but of very little to the people and economy of Bermuda.
IRC Sandys pay $15 million over 8 years for 17 acres and a 240 year "lease"? Sounds like one sweetheart deal to me! 240 years is hardly a lease at all, more like we have sold them the land for a mere $15 million.
It's one thing to make concessions in order to spur tourism development that is desperately needed but this lease stinks and the senate should send it back until it is of benefit to Bermuda and all her peoples... not just a select few.
IRC Sandys pay $15 million over 8 years for 17 acres and a 240 year "lease"? Sounds like one sweetheart deal to me! 240 years is hardly a lease at all, more like we have sold them the land for a mere $15 million.
It's one thing to make concessions in order to spur tourism development that is desperately needed but this lease stinks and the senate should send it back until it is of benefit to Bermuda and all her peoples... not just a select few.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Kim Wilson and the Unemployables
I was listening to a bit of the Senate this morning and heard Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kim Wilson addressing unemployment. She said that a recruiter recently advised the Ministry that there was a requirement to recruit 13 kitchen porters however only 3 Bermudian applications were submitted.
She went on to say "During a recent stakeholder meeting an industry partner opined that kitchen porters, often referred to as pot washers could earn as much as $35K a year in some instances."
Key words here are as much as and in some instances. This means that most in this job category make significantly less than the figure she quoted. Just imagine how low the pay is after deductions! It's easy to see that most Bermudians could not afford to work for this, unless it was a part time job and not the primary source of income.
Perhaps you will say that Kitchen Porter is an entry level job for young people, but with the recently published graduation rates are they even capable of applying for these jobs? I personally know of many young people that have a hard time writing and reading unless it's in "text speak".
I have learnt through my dealings with many youth that their education problems are massively worse than many in the general public suspect, as well as far worse than those in Government are willing to admit.
She went on to say "During a recent stakeholder meeting an industry partner opined that kitchen porters, often referred to as pot washers could earn as much as $35K a year in some instances."
Key words here are as much as and in some instances. This means that most in this job category make significantly less than the figure she quoted. Just imagine how low the pay is after deductions! It's easy to see that most Bermudians could not afford to work for this, unless it was a part time job and not the primary source of income.
Perhaps you will say that Kitchen Porter is an entry level job for young people, but with the recently published graduation rates are they even capable of applying for these jobs? I personally know of many young people that have a hard time writing and reading unless it's in "text speak".
I have learnt through my dealings with many youth that their education problems are massively worse than many in the general public suspect, as well as far worse than those in Government are willing to admit.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
They Jumped the Gun
The below article was published in the Royal Gazette approx. July 2010.
Dear Sir,
As a life long resident of St. George’s it saddens me to see it's current state. I can’t help but feel that a big part of the problem here is a direct result of deals brokered by our current Minister of Tourism.
I, like everyone else in the town was overjoyed to hear of the new development that was slated for the old Club Med site, but what was the purpose of:
1. Shutting down the Golf Course so far ahead of any development.
2. Tearing the Golf Clubhouse down when the building was in perfectly good shape and once again, so far ahead of development.
3. Demolishing the St. Cathrine's Beach House which housed bathroom facilities, bar & food concession.
All these facilities were completely separate from the Club Med Hotel structure. It also appears that thus far the only money invested in the site has come from the taxpayers of Bermuda as we all paid for it’s spectacular destruction.
Wouldn’t the prudent course of action have been to wait at least until construction of the new Hotel had already begun? Scores of tourists this past season have been severely disappointed by the loss of their beloved Golf Course and Beach Facilities. These loses couldn’t have come at a worse time for the poor town.
It is also my suspicion that the PLP Government did not put enough effort into securing a dedicated cruise ship for the beleaguered old town. Was this all some fiendish plan to make the “reform” (takeover) of the Corporation of St. George’s just that much easier?
Just a little food for thought.
Clinton J. A. Paynter
St. George's
Dear Sir,
As a life long resident of St. George’s it saddens me to see it's current state. I can’t help but feel that a big part of the problem here is a direct result of deals brokered by our current Minister of Tourism.
I, like everyone else in the town was overjoyed to hear of the new development that was slated for the old Club Med site, but what was the purpose of:
1. Shutting down the Golf Course so far ahead of any development.
2. Tearing the Golf Clubhouse down when the building was in perfectly good shape and once again, so far ahead of development.
3. Demolishing the St. Cathrine's Beach House which housed bathroom facilities, bar & food concession.
All these facilities were completely separate from the Club Med Hotel structure. It also appears that thus far the only money invested in the site has come from the taxpayers of Bermuda as we all paid for it’s spectacular destruction.
Wouldn’t the prudent course of action have been to wait at least until construction of the new Hotel had already begun? Scores of tourists this past season have been severely disappointed by the loss of their beloved Golf Course and Beach Facilities. These loses couldn’t have come at a worse time for the poor town.
It is also my suspicion that the PLP Government did not put enough effort into securing a dedicated cruise ship for the beleaguered old town. Was this all some fiendish plan to make the “reform” (takeover) of the Corporation of St. George’s just that much easier?
Just a little food for thought.
Clinton J. A. Paynter
St. George's
Return to Sender
The below article was sent to the Royal Gazette on July 15th and published shortly after.
Dear sir,
I read with great interest your article "Minister Burch tore up Mayor's letter because he felt 'disrespected' in today's Royal Gazette July 15, 2010. Apparently he did this and returned it to the Mayor of Hamilton because he felt "disrespected" and "offended" by it. He is also quoted as saying "I sent it back because I want that man to know and the rest of them to know that if you disrespect people that is what you will get back in return." Here we have yet another manacle outburst from Senator Burch, no wonder he was unable to get elected and had to be appointed to his Ministerial position.
Personally I feel "disrespected" and "offended" by the majority of this PLP Government, with all their Uncle Tom, Sons of Slaves etc. rhetoric. I feel "disrespected" and "offended" by the outrageous debt that has been racked up and saddled to my back and the backs of my children. It would seem they all read from the same very limited playbook. Let's all take the good senators approach and rip up our Land Tax, Payroll tax and Customs Duty fees, stuff them in an envelope and RETURN THEM TO SENDER!
Clinton J. A. Paynter
St. George's
Dear sir,
I read with great interest your article "Minister Burch tore up Mayor's letter because he felt 'disrespected' in today's Royal Gazette July 15, 2010. Apparently he did this and returned it to the Mayor of Hamilton because he felt "disrespected" and "offended" by it. He is also quoted as saying "I sent it back because I want that man to know and the rest of them to know that if you disrespect people that is what you will get back in return." Here we have yet another manacle outburst from Senator Burch, no wonder he was unable to get elected and had to be appointed to his Ministerial position.
Personally I feel "disrespected" and "offended" by the majority of this PLP Government, with all their Uncle Tom, Sons of Slaves etc. rhetoric. I feel "disrespected" and "offended" by the outrageous debt that has been racked up and saddled to my back and the backs of my children. It would seem they all read from the same very limited playbook. Let's all take the good senators approach and rip up our Land Tax, Payroll tax and Customs Duty fees, stuff them in an envelope and RETURN THEM TO SENDER!
Clinton J. A. Paynter
St. George's
GlobalHue and the Racecard
The below was sent to the Royal Gazette Letters to the Editor section on July 4th 2010 and published a few days later.
Dear sir,
It would appear that the only person fixated on race in the row over GlobalHue's performance is the Premier himself. I offer his own words as proof...
"If you are not the biggest known on Madison Avenue, you cannot have brains? Mr. Coleman happens to be a black gentleman who owns a very successful ad agency that has done excellent work for Bermuda's Department of Tourism. I find it ironic that certain members of the Opposition never fail to malign companies doing business with this Government that are owned by blacks or that are owned by whites who are friends of this Government. That is very tragic."
The above quote from the Premier represents the first time race was used in the conversation. The opposition is critical of GlobalHue because of the lack of a proper tendering process and their iffy at best performance since then. This use of race by the PLP to deflect attention from the real pressing issues and answers that the people of Bermuda need is getting old. Someone needs to inform them that there are 52 cards in the deck... please give the RACECARD a rest.
Clinton J.A. Paynter
St. George's
Dear sir,
It would appear that the only person fixated on race in the row over GlobalHue's performance is the Premier himself. I offer his own words as proof...
"If you are not the biggest known on Madison Avenue, you cannot have brains? Mr. Coleman happens to be a black gentleman who owns a very successful ad agency that has done excellent work for Bermuda's Department of Tourism. I find it ironic that certain members of the Opposition never fail to malign companies doing business with this Government that are owned by blacks or that are owned by whites who are friends of this Government. That is very tragic."
The above quote from the Premier represents the first time race was used in the conversation. The opposition is critical of GlobalHue because of the lack of a proper tendering process and their iffy at best performance since then. This use of race by the PLP to deflect attention from the real pressing issues and answers that the people of Bermuda need is getting old. Someone needs to inform them that there are 52 cards in the deck... please give the RACECARD a rest.
Clinton J.A. Paynter
St. George's
Business as Usual
The below article was published in the Royal Gazette Letters to the Editor section approx. July 2010
Dear sir,
Can someone please explain to me why our Government is acting as if it's just business as usual? Whenever queried about the huge debt that has been amassed they love to compare us to other countries that are in debt, and say that this is normal. Well those countries have a much more diverse economy than Bermuda, they do not rely on ONE pillar (International Business) as we do. Where we should be following other countries lead we are not... they are putting austerity measures in place, cutting back where they can and making plans on how to pay down debt in the future... are we? I think not. A perfect example that out Government is still plowing ahead at full throttle is the 2010 Bermuda Music Festival that was recently announced. It appears that it has been scaled back from previous years but it begs the question, why have one this year at all? It has already been proven time and time again that this Festival fails at it's intended purpose... to draw much needed tourists to Bermuda.
Why does our Government continue to throw good money after bad? Honestly sometimes I feel like I'm Neo caught in the MATRIX!
Clinton J.A. Paynter
St. George's
Dear sir,
Can someone please explain to me why our Government is acting as if it's just business as usual? Whenever queried about the huge debt that has been amassed they love to compare us to other countries that are in debt, and say that this is normal. Well those countries have a much more diverse economy than Bermuda, they do not rely on ONE pillar (International Business) as we do. Where we should be following other countries lead we are not... they are putting austerity measures in place, cutting back where they can and making plans on how to pay down debt in the future... are we? I think not. A perfect example that out Government is still plowing ahead at full throttle is the 2010 Bermuda Music Festival that was recently announced. It appears that it has been scaled back from previous years but it begs the question, why have one this year at all? It has already been proven time and time again that this Festival fails at it's intended purpose... to draw much needed tourists to Bermuda.
Why does our Government continue to throw good money after bad? Honestly sometimes I feel like I'm Neo caught in the MATRIX!
Clinton J.A. Paynter
St. George's
Monday, December 20, 2010
"A Good Piece of Wood"
Puisne Judge Carlisle Greaves recently instructed taxi drivers that it would have been better to have "a good piece of wood" or a bat in their vehicles, but not a knife or gun.
Does this mean that it is now okay for a member of the general public such as myself to carry a similar weapon in our cars? I can recall being stopped during a police routine check a few years ago and having the baseball bat I had in my trunk confiscated by the officers.
I honestly feel that with the current state of Bermuda and our police being unable to deter crime it's better to be safe than sorry. So the next time I get stopped with a similar item in my car I will site the precedent that has been set in this case by Judge Greaves...
Does this mean that it is now okay for a member of the general public such as myself to carry a similar weapon in our cars? I can recall being stopped during a police routine check a few years ago and having the baseball bat I had in my trunk confiscated by the officers.
I honestly feel that with the current state of Bermuda and our police being unable to deter crime it's better to be safe than sorry. So the next time I get stopped with a similar item in my car I will site the precedent that has been set in this case by Judge Greaves...
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