Vexed Bermoothes

The injunction against the Royal Gazette’s mystery story has been lifted, allowing the story to be published here.

As it turns out, it’s not the grand evidence of mischief that many people were anticipating, but rather some straightforward news that Dr. Brown and Derrick Burgess (Minister of Works & Engineering) are seeking to buy the Swan Building from developer Sir John Swan for $25 million, over the objections of Paula Cox and the Ministry of Finance.  The issue was to have gone to a vote in Cabinet the same day the Gazette was originally going to press;  the news doesn’t say what the outcome was.

So … what was all the fuss over?  When was the last time you saw Government act so quickly as they did to squash this story?

Some may argue that Government acted on the principle of protecting Cabinet deliberations.  That does have some validity.  But on the other hand, unbudgeted $25 million capital investments funded by debt should have more transparency than this.

Others will argue that the leak reveals deep divisions within Cabinet over the way that Government and Bermuda is being run.  They must be ripping the walls down trying to find out who leaked it.  Many are happy that Minister Cox is finally showing some backbone; or is she having to fight impulsiveness like this all the time?

Others wonder what Government’s priorities are, when they are playing real estate Monopoly while people are being shot on the street.  With Government already debt spiralling out of control, what are they thinking about buying more buildings?

Others ponder why Sir John, a Bermudian success story, is suddenly selling off assets.

Me … I just find this quote from the leaker interesting:

I think it’s [the real estate deal] being done like this for a reason and I think it’s unacceptable.

OK, I’ll bite: what is the reason?  Bermudians have long chafed against “crony capitalism” playing a big role in our leadership …. and what dotted lines are being implied behind this purchase?  What are they gambling on?

In some respects, this little squabble reinforces the need for Public Access to Information … and in many instances that the public right to know should trump the secrecy of Cabinet deliberations.