The OBA’s vision for improving the economy is what attracted lifelong PLP member Vic Ball to join the current Government as senator back in November.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette Vic Ball, who was principal purchasing and supply officer for the previous Government, said he believed the OBA’s business-friendly outlook was more aligned with his own.

He said: “I was sold on the vision of the OBA. When I talked to people like Wayne Scott, Shawn Crockwell, Craig Cannonier and the Premier, I understood where they believed the country needed to go, especially economically. That is my primary reason for joining the team.”

Speaking of Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy’s new work permit policy giving concessions to new businesses owners in Bermuda, Mr Ball said: “In order to attract foreign investment there are certain concessions that are going to need to be given. If someone is coming in and bringing tens of millions of dollars to invest in Bermuda they should be allowed to have their strongest team with them. That is where the policy will assist. Then as their business grows and they need more labour, then certainly they should be hiring Bermudians at that point. No question of a doubt.”

Mr Ball said he thought that the introduction of term limits by the previous administration was not a good move for business in Bermuda.

“I believe that, in addition to the global economic crises, the PLP’s policies were not business-friendly and I think that scared off a lot of international companies. I am talking about the term limit policy specifically — I believe that had a serious negative effect. That took jobs away from Bermudians which in turn took away more jobs [as a knock on effect] like in the restaurants and hotels.

“I was a life member of the PLP and I don’t have anything against the PLP, I just believe in the vision of the OBA especially in getting Bermuda out of the debt crisis.”

Mr Ball would not offer a concrete opinion on Sir John Swan’s recent suggestion that the 60/40 business ownership rule in favour of Bermudians should be abolished to attract new investment to the Island. He said the idea had merit but only if it didn’t disenfranchise Bermudians.

While Mr Ball was a lifelong member of the PLP, he said he was only active in the party for a year. He is relatively new to politics and says he has been learning on the job.

“I have certainly had some good experiences. I have a really good team about me — the Premier is a really good coach and mentor. Minister Crockwell is another very switched on intelligent person I work with closely.”

Asked whether he has had any negative experiences in the world of politics so far, he added: “One of my really good friends stopped speaking to me.

“I believe it might have been because of an op-ed I wrote appealing to the Government workers to accept some form of furloughs like one every two months for example.

“Aside from that, I have had nothing but positive feedback, even from persons on the side of the PLP who know me.”

Asked whether he believed there was any future in introducing scaled furlough days — imposing more for those with higher incomes, Mr Ball added: “It has merit but we shouldn’t assume that a person making $150,000 doesn’t have $170,000 worth of bills. But I do think the scaled furloughs does have some merit.”

Speaking on party relations, Mr Ball said he hoped that the America’s Cup could present an opportunity for the two parties to work together.

“If we can work together to put Bermudians back to work then I think it works better for everyone. I think that the America’s Cup is one of those game-changers where they can get together for the benefit for all Bermudians.”