Five steps to move Bermuda forward

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Since October 2011, in words, graphs and presentations, we have given an honest fact-based overview of where Bermuda’s economy stands. We believe that most people do see the problems and now better understand the key issues. We believe that now is the time to accept the key issues and the changes that are necessary in order to change the direction of Bermuda’s economy.

KEY ISSUE — INTERNATIONAL –BUSINESS/FINANCIAL SERVICES

Bermuda’s economy is based on it being a “business platform” and not a “tourist platform” as it was in the past. As the foreign business component of our economy shrinks our 27,000 Bermudian workers find it more difficult to find a job. The foreign currency earned also shrinks. Foreign currency is what we need to pay Government debt, private sector debt and all overseas transactions. Also, if the foreigner leaves they also take with them the need for goods and services.

“Business (platform) Bermuda” works differently than “Tourist Bermuda”. Tourist Bermuda was when as many as 491,000 leisure tourists came to enjoy the experience of staying in our Bermuda ‘living room’ while being hosted by Bermudians. “Business Bermuda” works differently.

Our words and graphs have shown that:

n in 2012, fewer businesses are doing global business from ‘platform’ Bermuda

n in 2012, less human capital is residing in and working from ‘platform’ Bermuda

n in 2011 overall tourism numbers were actually UP six percent (609,556 in 1980 and 647,931 in 2011) but the overall value of tourism income was down 74 percent (1980 to 2011)

n these reductions have already had a negative effect on Bermuda’s job market, your individual present situation, your individual future situation, and on all Bermudian businesses

n these reductions have had a negative effect on Government’s ability to pay its personnel, pay for goods and provide services to Bermuda and Bermudians.

The three hourglasses show the outcome if the situation that we currently find ourselves in does not change. These are some of the initial changes that we believe are needed in order to ‘flip’ over that centre hourglass:

1. Eliminate Term Limits. Accept that Bermuda and Bermudians must reinvite and re-welcome thousands of foreign persons (human capital) back to Bermuda. These foreign persons must reside in and work from ‘platform’ Bermuda. Each must see a personal benefit in leaving their countries to come and work here. At the same time, safeguard Bermudians by ensuring that any future grants of Bermuda Status or Permanent Residency are tightly controlled and that the current and future cultural and social values and interests of Bermudians are strongly protected.

2. Nationally, but spearheaded by the private sector, in an open and well-informed public debate, determine what kinds of generic services can operate from Bermuda and then actively and energetically encourage and invite those services to come to Bermuda and operate from Bermuda thus creating new employment, new participation, and new opportunities for Bermudians.

3. As and where necessary, amend legislation to allow #1 and #2 to happen.

4. Understand and accept that, from now and for decades beyond, for ‘Business Bermuda’, Bermudians must achieve the same or even higher level of acceptance, engagement, and involvement that Bermudians had with Bermuda’s world-class “Tourist Bermuda” that evolved in 1923, peaked in 1980, and clearly began fading in 1994.

5. Start discussing the first change today. Keep discussing it with your family, friends and MPs until a clear national decision is reached and implemented; after which Bermuda can start moving forward again.

We believe that if these five calls to action are carried through, the second hourglass will be gripped and flipped and Bermuda and Bermudians will avoid the inevitability of the result shown in the third hourglass. If there is disagreement over these five specific calls for action then, just as clearly and precisely, dealing with each call to action in turn, get involved and say what the alternative or different action should be.

Let us know what you see as an alternative or action that will move Bermuda forward. Saying nothing or dissolving into a massive public shouting match is the same as taking no action. But to take no action, will ensure the outcome shown by the third hourglass. This is a collective effort and we need your support, comments and ideas. For further information or to express your comments e-mail Suzie Arruda at economy@challengerbanks.bm or visit us on Regeneration of Bermuda’s Economy.

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