Vexed Bermoothes

Nothing on increasing government accountability or transparency, on reeling in costs in the face of the economic slowdown, or on how Bermuda will respond to external and internal threats to international business and tourism.

• Apprenticeship scheme based on internationally recognized technical qualifications and a legislative framework that promotes training.  Sven, meet Johnny.
• One-Stop Career Centre for public school system.  We need equal focus on getting kids to first class colleges!
• Increase Jumpstart Programme to hire students to work for government during school breaks.
• Government to pursue relationships with overseas news and broadcasting agencies to bypass the Combined Opposition.  WTF?
• Replace hospital in current location with international partners at half the cost of earlier proposals, without imposing on Botanical Gardens.  This deserved more airtime.
• Seniors and wellness blah bah, not much substance.
• Education yadda yadda, not much substance.
• Graduated licensing for first-time driving license holders. Good idea for young Bermudians but possible obstacle for experienced expats getting first-time Bermuda license.
• Mental Health Treatment programme for prison – excellent.
• Juvenile and Family Treatment System – also much needed.
• Report on child and young person employment in Bermuda.  Not sure if the angle is how to build opportunity (?)
• Law Reform Commission – yep.  Please set some goals and have transparency on this.
• Witness Care Unit, witness protection overseas, and video witnesses.
• Telecommunications reform – this been going on for years.
• Data protection and privacy consultation.  Great!  Where’s PATI?
• Green paper on energy.
• Swimming complex at the site of the National Sports Centre – at last!  20 years in the making.
• Darrell’s Island, White’s Island and Ports Island as part of the National Parks System – good. What about Southlands?
• Better planning and maintenance on roads and government buildings. Gov wants to buy buildings to reduce rental. Hint hint.
• Water Conservation Campaign and Tynes Bay Water Plant will open one day.  Nothing on recycling.
• Amendments to solvency requirements, KYC and more bilateral agreements with overseas regulators.
• New empowerment zones and greater powers for BSDC.  Would prefer that they made things better for all small business than pursue the zones.
• Cultural Legacy Fund for the development and promotion of culture in Bermuda.  More stuff named after PLP folks!  Gombey statues for everyone!
• Auditor General Larry Dennis will be retiring in 2009, and the process has begun to find his replacement.