There is so much purposefully vague language in the PLP platform. For example “Encourage strategic linkages between local and international companies to benefit Bermudian entrepreneurs.” Does that mean the relaxation of 60/40? What does it mean?
Or what about “Provide tax incentives to good corporate citizens- both corporate and individual- who promote economic advancement for Bermudians” and its pal “Promote tax incentives to those entities that enhance greater economic mobility for Bermudians”? What does that mean? This is clearly feelgood filler!
This one sticks out like a sore thumb. It’s clearly a campaign donor’s letter to Santa: “Review our companies land-holding powers, and where appropriate expand the use of leaseholds to facilitate tourism and international business.” Recent changes to the law have already made it easier for companies to lock in 21 year leases on property – you mean they want to expand that even further? While discriminating against Bermudians with non-Bermudian spouses? Well fcuk you very much!
On government reform, you got nothin?! On the single biggest issue of the election, not even a tip o’ the hat thank you very much? Wow.
Lots of handouts aimed at (the selected) few, instead of fixing the systematic problems that affect everyone. Good for politics, bad for governance.
Notably absent: the controversial and punitive affirmative action law.
“Expand the use of the Public Private Partnership model for major capital expenditure programmes thereby lessening the burden on the public purse.” Well this, I can promise you, would be a failure of Berkeleyan proportions. Public private finance initiatives (PFI) have been thoroughly discredited in the UK and elsewhere, and would be particularly risky in Bermuda given our Government’s inexperience in contracting.
“Use the Government fee structure to protect Bermuda’s reputation and competitiveness as an international financial services jurisdiction.” Sorry Doc, as you may now suspect, you can’t buy a reputation. What does this mean? You planning on lowering corporate fees and taxes?
If the PLP’s proposed Monopoly Commission works with the logic and efficiency of WEDCo’s ongoing attempts to nationalise the Bermuda Cement Company, we are in for some fun.
Lots of freebies for the young ‘uns and the old folk. Lots of to-be-defined tax incentives for business. OK – who’s left holding the bag? Oh, right, me and you and the rest of the middle class. Feel the love baby.
Comparing Platforms // Dec 12, 2007 at 4:06 am
[...] very high in order to distract attention from the topics of ethics and leadership. Notably, the PLP platform includes only 28 vague high level [...]