The Premier and “Minister of Covering the Premier’s Back” Zane DeSilva like to describe their takeover of Bermuda’s municipalities as a blow against unearned privilege. But most of their underlying arguments … well they just don’t make sense. They are disingenuous to the point that a logical person will look for the ulterior motives. Frankly, the whole thing stinks.
The risks of this plan are huge: it kills the City of Hamilton’s revenue (endangering jobs) and takes away the resources that are at the centre of plans to redevelop the city (Par-La-Ville and Albouys Point). And for what? Or for whom?
And Bermudians would be very foolish to allow this plan to be passed through Parliament, in a rush, in the dark of night. It’s not reform. It feels like a power play by the New Forty Thieves.
As no public consultation has been held on the proposed hostile takeover, The Corporation of Hamilton has sent a briefing to all members of Parliament with their side of the story. I copy it here for the Internet to see (any typos are my own). The original, with supporting documents, may be found here. Unfortunately, the Brown/DeSilva Takeover Bill is not easily available to the public.
** There will be a rally this Friday at Noon at City Hall **
TO: MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT
THE CORPORATION OF HAMILTON’S PRESENTATION TO MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT CONCERNING THE PROPOSED MUNICIPALITIES REFORM ACT 2010
Brief History of the Corporation
1. Parliament by the Hamilton Act 1793 created the Corporation of Hamilton much in the same way that self governing towns and cities in other democratic countries came into existence.
2. The Corporation is an elected body and its powers are governed by the Municipalities Act 1923. The Corporation has no power to determine, extend or amend voting rights. Those powers have always vested with Parliament, but those powers have been exercised sparingly over the centuries.
3. The City of Hamilton was established to develop trade in the centre of the Islands and to service the needs of the inhabitants of the area. Parliament gave voting rights to merchants to elect a Mayor and Council Members.
4. In expectation of the creation of the Hamilton Act 1793, the original land that comprised the City was purchased and then sold to interested locals by several public auctions under the instructions of a commission appointed by the Governor. Once founded the Corporation continued to purchase properties needed to develop the City infrastructure and services. The purchased property has always been used for the benefit of people that live in, work in or visit the City. It would be wrong and a revision of history to suggest that the property owned by the Corporation was a gift from Parliament.
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