It appears that journalist Roger Crombie has been term limited out. This is a bad and self-defeating move: he’s the best known business journalist associated with Bermuda, and his coverage of Bermuda’s international sector has contributed significantly to the island’s reputation and growth. He is well respected, and conversant with the leaders of all aspects [...]
Entries from February 28th, 2010
Budget 2010
February 26th, 2010 · No Comments · Bermuda Politics
Some comments on the budget, projected at $1.2 billion (including $1.05 billion of revenue). At 39 pages (down from 48 last year), it continues the negative trend of providing less information as the dollar amounts get bigger. The economic dislocation and the financial turmoil of the last two years was a one in 100 year [...]
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Time to Clean House
February 25th, 2010 · 2 Comments · Bermuda Politics
Politics.bm has an important post on the Southlands fiasco. I encourage you to read it, pass it on, post it to Facebook, and most importantly start asking questions about the actions of the Bermuda Government. In the past 10 years our Government budget has doubled yet still runs at a deficit, our national debt has [...]
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Sobering
February 24th, 2010 · Comments Off · Bermuda Politics
So, all signs are that the Southlands/Morgan’s Point deal is crumbling due to political interference and backroom tinkering. Is this any surprise? The pattern is well established. Government’s tactic now seems to be to belittle Brian Dupperault and the Southlands team. In my opinion, the question is: who are you going to trust … the [...]
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Broken Systems
February 24th, 2010 · No Comments · Accountability, Bermuda Politics
There has been some debate recently on Government’s affection for the negative resolution. That is, they embed in a law the ability for a Minister to amend the law directly. The idea is that rather than schedule a full blown debate on amendments by routine, the Minister can table the proposed change in Parliament. If [...]
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New Crossing
February 23rd, 2010 · No Comments · Bermuda Politics
Like many, I suspect that the frequent closures of the Causeway have more to do with Government’s desire to replace the bridge than concern for its safety. And indeed, on Friday the Minister of Works & Engineering told Parliament that Government will soon unveil plans for the New Crossing. Of course, there’s no money left [...]
Tags:Causeway
Pervasive Lack of Accountability
February 19th, 2010 · 1 Comment · Bermuda Politics, Economy
Further undermining the claims of prudent management by the PLP Government, the Auditor General has called for Police investigations into: Poor or non-existent controls and non-compliance with Government’s Financial Instructions for the Faith Based Tourism intiative (at least $400,000) A complete breakdown of internal controls and a pervasive lack of accountability by the National Drug [...]
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You Must Be Joking
February 19th, 2010 · No Comments · Bermuda Politics, Economy
Local media is reporting that the Premier has decided to set aside an effort in Parliament to give MPs a 30% pay increase. This comes just a few years after MPs were given another sizeable pay increase. Given the tightening economic straits facing Bermuda, this is advisable (cough, mutter, curse). In fact, I find it [...]
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Stereotypes
February 16th, 2010 · No Comments · Bermuda Politics, Economy
Employee relations 101 by Prof. Brown: In the professional world, Sven is damn well responsible for making sure that Johnny succeeds. In the labour world, Johnny should not be surprised if Ali Bu is better equipped or more willing to do the job. He is silent on the performance of Larry, Curly, and Moe in [...]
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Save Our City
February 12th, 2010 · No Comments · Development
The PLP has budgeted $800,000 for consultants to drive its hostile takeover of the Corporations of Hamilton and St. George. In my view, a good chunk of that is a “fighting fund” against the broad public disapproval of the takeovers. This will cost a lot of money and goodwill during a period when Bermuda has [...]
Tags:CofH