Vexed Bermoothes

Blustery Opinions From Bermuda

Vexed Bermoothes header image 2

The Doc-Yard

November 18th, 2009 · 1 Comment · Development, Tourism

Next time you go up to Dockyard, lie down on that big ole dock and give it a hug.  Why, you say?  Why should I kiss that wharf that’s bigger than Warwick?

Because at its $60 million pricetag, it cost every single Bermudian about $1,250 in long term debt.  You better kiss that dock ‘cuz it owns a piece of you.

Some months ago I tweedled some vague numbers (look, I could be a Minister!  The Hon 4 Life!) and decided the pier was a justifiable investment at $35 million.  At $60 million, I am not so sure, particularly if we get rid of the landing fees (as is being hinted).

Without any histrionics, this project deserves an independent and external investigation.

  • The numbers and excuses provided by Government and the contractor don’t mesh
  • Government itself admits it could not resist tinkering throughout the project, driving costs through the roof
  • Intriguing leaks from a (disgruntled) subcontractor

They can’t blame this one on the UBP, so they are falling back on blaming the dolphins! We did it for the fish!  Err, mammals.  Err, Pretty Leaping Porpoises?

Seriously, in this economic climate, $25 million would go a long way.  Waste on this scale simply must be investigated, lessons learned, and the right thing done and seen to be done.

Tags:

One Comment so far ↓