The Bermuda Sun picks up on one of Bermuda’s biggest vulnerabilities: the ability of politicians to override at will any regulations or decisions made by the civil service. This unchecked power was originally provided for in Bermuda law, to be used with great discretion, to maintain the island’s flexibility. The problem is that political overrides [...]
Entries Tagged as 'Development'
Checks and Balances
March 27th, 2009 · Comments Off · Accountability, Bermuda Politics, Business, Development, Media, Transparency
Tags:corruption·good governance·meddling·political interference
Wacky Stats
March 24th, 2009 · Comments Off · Accountability, Development, Tourism, Transport
We were treated to a funny show on Friday, when the Premier dragged out a Government Computer Guy to explain why the Tourism stats were wrong. Why him? Was the Rat Control Guy unavailable? Did all the Cabinet Office sycophants get out of the room first? The Tourism stats have been unreliable for many years. [...]
Tags:Statistics
Waterfront Dreams
March 10th, 2009 · Comments Off · Development
Some quick thoughts on the Corporation of Hamilton’s new ‘n improved waterfront presentation last night: It is essentially the same proposal as they gave in 2006 with – landfilling 8 acres of Hamilton Harbour, and adding 500,000 square feet of new buildings on the land as well as two parks. More than 1000 underground car [...]
Tags:CofH
Hamilton Waterfront
March 8th, 2009 · Comments Off · Development
I’ve been critical in the past of the Corporation of Hamilton’s plans for the waterfront – which seem to replace Hamilton rather than enhance it. The plans so far seem like an internationalist fantasy of the planning consultants rather than something that organically grows from the city’s history, needs, and financial realities. The project includes [...]
Tags:CofH
Bermuda, FL
February 18th, 2009 · Comments Off · Development
Check this out – it’s a planned community in Florida whose master design is a riff on Bermuda architecture. It’s funny because so many of the new developments in Bermuda seem to be designed to look like Florida.
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Peace and Quiet
January 28th, 2009 · Comments Off · Development, Tourism
Just in case you wondered, the proposed bar at Warwick Long Bay will be allowed to play music that is audible up to 100 metres. That’s not a bar, that’s a nightclub. Ah, the natural environment … If you have not already signed the BEST petition, please do it now! It is plain that there [...]
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Accountability through Transparency
January 23rd, 2009 · Comments Off · Accountability, Development, Reform, Transparency
Here’s wishing: In our democracy, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which encourages accountability through transparency, is the most prominent expression of a profound national commitment to ensuring an open Government. At the heart of that commitment is the idea that accountability is in the interest of the Government and the citizenry alike. The Freedom [...]
Protect Warwick Long Bay!
January 8th, 2009 · Comments Off · Development, Tourism
BEST has started an online petition to protest against the development of Warwick Long Bay Park. Please sign it! In one of his first official duties, new Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney overturned his own Ministry to allow the development of a bar and restaurant (which will surely become home to Belcario’s nightlife productions as well) [...]
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Urban Parks
November 13th, 2008 · Comments Off · Development
In the Throne Speech, Government announced it would do the right thing and move Darrell’s, White’s, and Ports Islands formally into the National Parks System. I look forward to Southlands also being protected as public park space as the Premier has noted is Government’s intention. Stuart Hayward has a good point in noting that the [...]
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Distrust
November 3rd, 2008 · Comments Off · Bermuda Politics, Development, Transparency
The PLP insiders often complain about the swirl of innuendo and distrust directed towards them by a broad cross section of the community. But it’s little wonder this happens when so often their opaque actions breed a lack of trust. Example at hand: The proposed hotel development at Southlands was shoved down the community’s throat [...]
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