Vexed Bermoothes

Despite the abundance of evidence that the Bermuda Government has weak management control over it’s existing operations, the PLP has started a “hostile takeover” of the Corporations of Hamilton and St George by the central government.

It’s all about the power.

Minister Roban took great pains to say that Government has no “preconceived notions” and is waiting until a consultant’s report is complete before making any decisions.

And he denied that the Government intends to close the two entities, saying that he had never used those words.

However, the truth is shown in the terms laid out for the consultants which focus on how the central government could “seamlessly absorb the operations currently performed by the Municipalities.”

My opinion is clear:  this would be a mistake.

• It would reduce accountability even further.
• It would diminish the already limited “counterbalance of power” that we have in Bermuda.
• Bermuda has enough problems on its plate in the next years – and from the polls, it seems that few citizens have much faith in the PLP leadership’s ability to guide us through them.  Having Government distracted in this way adds to the list of issues for them to screw up.  There is no impetus from the community to launch this takeover.

This will cost millions to accomplish.  Yet, we don’t have enough money to build a homeless shelter.  In my opinion, on many issues, the PLP is more focused on power than people.

By all means, contribute to the reform of the Corporations; but don’t use it as a pretext to consolidate power.  It’ll just accelerate the festering ill will that the PLP doesn’t need at this time.

But, mark my words,  this isn’t about reform.  My best guess is that it’s more about THIS.