Vexed Bermoothes

The international sector accounts for approximately 70% of Bermuda’s GDP.

Yet the Bermuda Government has pursued a term limit policy that on paper creates a high turnover in expatriate workers.  The associated uncertainty for both local and international employers is detrimental to our economy.  It costs money and burns substantial goodwill.

Government has not been helpful in quelling that uncertainty.  As it turns out, there are 9,800 work permits held in the private sector.  6,650 of those positions have applied for variances from the term limit, resulting in 2,330 exemptions and 2,260 extensions.

Thus, the controversial policy is exercised in the minority of cases.  In my opinion, that means the policy is flawed.  It is a political grandstand.  It is a shot in the foot.  An own goal.

In order to retain staff, it encourages Bermuda-based operations to set up or reinforce overseas operations … and in many cases, reduces the overall employment of Bermudians.

To paraphrase Minister Burch in today’s paper:  We stick by the policy … except when we don’t … is that clear? He said:

“To reinforce this position I can say that work permits for a number of those exempted from term limits will shortly be made available for longer periods than the current maximum of five years.”

Well, hang on.  The term limit was for six years.  Is he saying the term limit has shrunk?

Is this a clarification – or a deeper muddling of the situation?