Dear Sir,

About the only thing I find useful emerging from Trump politics is the coining of the phrase “fake news”. Fake news is everywhere and has found its way into Bermuda’s politics. I want that to change. Otherwise, how can I make an informed decision on July 18?

I am sick of politicians on both sides of the divide making promises that are nothing more than pie-in-the-sky statements. Grandiose promises from politicians seeking election or re-election mean very little without also providing the “and this is how it will be achieved” information. Without the “how”, politicians are asking us to trust them as we do the magician who pulls rabbits out of his hat for a living. Pulling rabbits out of hats by magicians has a history of success, so is trustworthy and can be relied upon. Promises made by politicians have very little history of success, and it is way past time that they backed up their promises.

Two recent statements served to push me over the edge. One side seems to be claiming that Bermuda’s budget will be balanced in the next session despite still having an annual $200 million deficit as well as upward pressure on interest rates. It is clearly a laudable goal but, without the “how”, it sure sounds like someone has a hat but no rabbit.

The other side promises that Bermuda’s public school students will be “guaranteed” a quality education if they form the next government. Given that there has been a continuous downward slide in the fortunes of public education in Bermuda for about 30 years or more, turning that ship around with a “guarantee” of a quality education needs far more meat on the bone to support it.

Both goals are important, and clearly desirable. However, both are also extremely difficult to achieve. These goals simply represent two of the most recent and more significant examples of promises made without any rationale given as to how they will be achieved. Sadly, there are many more.

Without the necessary supporting information, such promises are being made by politicians who, unlike the magician, are not likely to pull the rabbit out of the hat. In other words, without the information to support the promises, they end up being nothing more than fake news.

Our politicians need to treat the Bermuda electorate better and need to refrain from making promises without also providing the “and this is how it will be done” information.

At the end of the day, do not simply say something to me that sounds good; instead, show me how and why you have reached that conclusion so that I can then assess better whether or not I believe you can do what you are promising.

HAV TROTT

St George’s