Myths and scare tactics

October 31, 2004

Dear Sir,

While in Bermuda last week I read with interest the front-page headline of of October 26, 2004. The headline was "Independence: 'Almost no Positives'.

My immediate response to the companies is that while it is appreciated that you have chosen Bermuda as your domicile of choice it is best that you refrain direct involvement in the political running of our country. I know I am not alone when I say that I disdain direct foreign involvement in the politics of my country. We are the oldest self-governing colony and we have done fairly well in the decision-making process.

Yes, having you in our country benefits us financially and economically, however, the legal and legislative framework is in place that, let's be frank, saves you from paying, collectively, billions of dollars in income tax. The reality is that while most of you are very good corporate citizens, you are not in Bermuda to benefit Bermuda; you are in Bermuda to benefit the company bottom-line and the shareholders of your respective companies.

The above-mentioned article mentions the future use of the Privy Council as the final right of appeal under an Independent Bermuda. The Bahamas this year celebrated 31 years of Independence and the final right of appeal still rest with the Privy Council, therefore, I see no reason to think that Bermuda would do otherwise. I would agree that there has been talk in the last few years about a Caribbean Court of Appeal but to date the Bahamas has not subscribed to this.

When one sits back and really analyses the situation the reality is that some of the best legal minds in this hemisphere are in the Caribbean, including Bermuda and The Bahamas. So a Caribbean Court of Appeal may not necessarily be such a bad thing. With regard to the international company business, I would guess that between, Bermuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, The Cayman Islands, The British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands that there are more international companies domiciled in these related jurisdictions then there are anywhere else in the world. Maybe it does make sense to create a Caribbean Court of Appeal. At the end of the day isn't the most important factor in the worth of an appeals court based on its ability to offer a fair and just decision by being completely independent?

ABIC, like the rest of the anti-Independent campaigners, states that there are a number of potential negatives. Like the other detractors this association has decided to use scare tactics to prevent Bermudians from moving toward Independence. I am very surprised that the article did not go as far as to say that International Companies will take flight if Independence is chosen, as was stated prior to the PLP being elected the first time. If I am not mistaken, under the PLP international business has grown significantly.

It is stated that increased taxes to pay for Independence would weaken the appeal of Bermuda. With that in mind, what other tax-free jurisdiction could accommodate these Bermuda companies? The Cayman Islands have shown the susceptibility to damage from severe hurricanes, Barbados is not an option as it has an income tax structure in place, Turks and Caicos do not have the infrastructure in place to handle the physical presence, BVI is not ideally landscaped for the physical presence. The Bahamas could definitely handle the business, but it would be contradictory for the international companies to move to the Bahamas because it is an Independent jurisdiction.

Does this not show that Bermuda is in a position of strength? Think about it, collectively the international business sector earns hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue on a tax-free basis. If they were "onshore" they would pay corporate tax in excess of 30 percent on this revenue.

With regard to the cost of doing business, it may not be a bad idea for Bermuda to levy a one percent corporate tax on the revenue generated by these companies, which would have very little impact on the bottom-line of the companies and would create over $2 billion in annual revenue to our government coffers. With that level of annual revenue imagine what could be done for the people of Bermuda. Just think customs duties could be a thing of the past, or at least significantly reduced, the building of homes under the Bermuda Housing Corporation would be a non-issue, the list of benefits goes on and on.

Outside of the jurisdictions mentioned about some people may say that if we did levy such a tax, the companies could move to the likes of Ireland, Guernsey or Jersey but one needs to remember that most of the business conducted by these companies is with the US Fortune 1000 companies and travelling to these jurisdictions is a great deal more tedious, expensive and time consuming (time is money) than getting on a two-hour flight from the US East Coast to attend a meeting or series of meetings in Bermuda and quickly return to office.

Clearly Bermuda gains very little from its indirect involvement with the G-7 nations because the blacklisting of Bermuda and other dependent territories a few years ago was driven by G-7 member countries. I do not recall the UK coming to the assistance of Bermuda or the other dependent territories.

Finally, I would have Mr. Ezekiel recognise that no one has said that Bermuda would not move toward Independence without full and frank discussion and debate. Is that not why the Bermuda Independence Commission is being formed? I hope that this committee will be made up of both persons who support Independence for Bermuda and those would do not support it. I would also hope that it crosses political lines in its make-up. To me Independence is not about politics, it is about moving my country in the direction it should go, it is about every Bermudian, black or white, rich or poor working together for the betterment of the country. Trust me, Independence will bring about a sharing of the economic pie.

In closing I would like to offer a challenge. I would be willing at anytime to openly and publicly debate any anti-Independence campaigner(s) on the topic of Independence for Bermuda. There is one caveat, however, I will only debate on factual information. I will not debate myths, what-ifs or scare tactics. So anyone that is up to the challenge please come forward.

Amazed by poor service

October 28, 2004

Dear Sir,

I, too, have first hand experience with HWP's alleged 'service' and Rayclan's staff. Your letter writer Neta Stevens hit the nail on the head with both companies. It is amazing in this day and age how one company, HWP, can give such poor (and unfriendly) service ? and everyone has an HWP service story ? and the top brass keep thinking things are different today.

The only reason anyone uses HWP is because they absolutely have to. I can tell you point blank that Linda, Joanne, Sean and everybody at Rayclan act the way your letter writer describes, all the time and as a matter of course.

Joanne worked at HWP and she alone could give them some tips on how to take care of customers (Linda's terrific too !). I have been treated so well by Rayclan since I started using them that I would never go back ... I even have Rayclan do service things that I have to pay for but if I had gone to HWP, would have been free Amazing how the top brass cannot see the picture.

Your silence is deafening!

October 28, 2004

Dear Sir,

With more and more accounts of violence grabbing the news headlines, I can no longer refrain from expressing my concern about the apathy of those persons who hold leadership positions in Government. Your silence is deafening! I would expect you to speak out and show your concern for the moral fibre of this community, for the people you claim to clutch to your bosom! I am astounded by your indifference. I would expect true leaders to be moved to make an appeal of some sort to those people who are destroying this country.

I am a firm believer that things exist because they serve some purpose. I wonder about the purpose of your detachment, your tacit consent. Are you unable or unwilling to set a higher standard for the citizens of this country who are not self-regulating? Are you afraid that if you challenge these people to assume responsibility for their lives and actions, they will cease to be the pawns that they are, and you will lose control of their vote?

I have tried but have been unable to develop the confidence in the ability of this PLP Government to provide the leadership and inspiration necessary to address and resolve the many issues that face Bermuda in this day and age. It's clear to me that we all must sit up and pay particularly close attention to the political goings-on in this country so that we are well-informed and well-aware. Clearly we are at a critical point in this country's history and the decisions and positions developed and enforced now will determine the destiny of this country.

We need to ask ourselves: what part will I play in our future?

My plan to boost tourism

October 25, 2004

Dear Sir,

If Bermuda is ever to get serious about (i) enticing tourists to Bermuda; (ii) expecting them ever to return; and (iii) reducing traffic accidents, then here are 15 obvious measures to implement:

1. Change all driving in Bermuda to the right hand side of the road;

2. Make available for rent a more stable form of transport: baby three- or four-wheelers. Phase out the dangerous, less balanced two-wheelers quickly;

3. Make sure every rented vehicle has a closed basket to avoid theft;

4. Reduce the number of vehicles on the road;

5. Reduce, not increase, the size of cars, vans and trucks;

6. Impose snapshot traffic cameras to stop speeding and tailgating;

7. Impose monitored video cameras in strategic places to catch intolerant, bad drivers; impose heavy on-the-spot fines for violations;

8. Educate Bermudians in schools and when they take their tests how to drive with courtesy: insist upon a very thorough education test, including a courtesy test at least every five years for everyone. Teach Bermudians not to tailgate, overtake dangerously, and to use their indicator lights properly to let other drivers know their intentions in advance; ensure on-the-spot heavy fines for violations;

9. Properly test regularly every vehicle, in particular all diesel-driven vehicles, Government and private trucks, vans, and buses for excess pollution and excess filthy black smoke billowing from their exhausts in the faces of vehicles behind them and ensure on-the-spot heavy fines for violations;

10. Warn tourists of the hours when traffic is especially heavy i.e. times for tourists to try to avoid travelling on our roads;

11. Ensure proper testing of tourists' capability to drive on the left hand side of the road, and to drive the specific vehicle he/she is renting; a simulator test should be installed at every rental office;

12. Check all signs on Bermuda roads so that tourists can see at a glance where they are going;

13. Make sure every person in the hospitality industry or who is likely to come into contact with tourists (taxi drivers, bus drivers, ferry personnel, waiters and waitresses, customs and immigration officers, shop assistants etc) is wearing A badge with his/her name thereon and rudeness to our guests should be reported;

14. Make it easy for a tourist to use the bus service: avoid unnecessary road-blocs such as "having the right change"; and have inspectors spot check buses by taking a poll of the occupants regarding politeness and attitude;

15. Get to grips with the enormous parking problem for tourist vehicles in Hamilton which should have been foreseen and been resolved 25 years ago.

Just as important are pleasant attitudes and verbal courtesies which should be extended to all tourists by all Bermudians. It is a matter of education at home and at school. Good manners and respect don't cost a thing, but they can make a big difference. Without these core-level changes, there is no future for tourism in Bermuda.

Stick with the Crown

October 30, 2004

Dear Sir,

Today, while skimming through the news, I became puzzled and angered to read what former Senator Calvin Smith had to say about a letter to the Premier from the heads of ABIC concerning Independence. He was basically saying that ABIC, being foreigners, have no say in our matter of Independence.

Well mister "Former ... Government Senator Calvin Smith" sit back and let me tell you what myself and others think of your response. Is it not the foreign companies, based in Bermuda, that produces more that half of the islands revenue? I mean, as it stands right now, we are no longer a tourist retreat but have converted to an "Exempted Company Haven" (remember that while reading the rest of this letter mister "Former Government Senator Calvin Smith"). I, and others, believe that these people/companies who have invested hundreds of millions ... I'll say it again ... hundreds of millions of dollars in our country, who also help support many pay checks including government ones, should have a say in the matter of an Independent Bermuda.

Are they not the ones who offer education, job opportunities and advancement for Bermudians? Are they not the ones that are providing the income for approximately 25 percent to 30 percent, directly or indirectly, of Bermudian workers? This includes business for bank tellers to catering companies to owners of business in Bermuda. As a matter of fact, thinking more about it, I would say almost everyone in Bermuda is effected, indirectly, with the presence of the foreign companies. Are they not a big contributor to the reason Bermuda is still a great place to visit, work and live?

In saying that, here is my simple message to you mister "Former Government Senator Calvin Smith" and others who think like you ... Don't bite the hand that feeds you, because you just might get a slap in the face. And to the Government of Bermuda ? as far as an Independent Bermuda goes, my vote stays with the backing of the Crown.

Here's the challenge part ? What I would like to see is something from the Government explaining to me, like I was a 5 year old child, what can possible be good about an Independent Bermuda. We all know why we shouldn't, but what is the "People's" benefit in Independence? Oh, and by the way, just to give you a heads up ... the "People", mean Bermudians, they are the ones you say you are thinking about (in case you forgot).

BDA ONION

Smith's Parish

Common sense needed

October 30, 2004

Dear Sir,

I'd like to bring to light what seems to have become a very precarious but prevalent and sickening subject here in Bermuda. That being the inability of our present resources to help maintain what should be strong and vibrant family units. The erroneous lack of action and poor methodology by those we entrust to make cognisant and concise decisions does nothing but compound the issue.

It's very disheartening to see, currently with all the information, that is available to us. There are still some individuals in this community who still have a mind set of a barbarian. As baffling as this may sound, this same tunnelled mind set even exists in our courts. Which would clearly explain some of the illogical behaviour, we tend to witness when appearing before some of our Magistrates.

The true crust of the matter is the fact legislation has been produced to allow matters arising from family disputes to be handled in a gender-neutral fashion. This unfortunately is certainly not the case. Some of our Magistrates seem to have been caught in the "Drama Web", of our society. Hence, their inability to comprehend truth from well dressed lies. Evidently they find it easier to settle for some of face value and completely neglecting to determine its worth. In the process of this, they do not even attempt to utilise the present legislation. The same of which specifically mentions the words, "gender neutral".

Maybe we should all call over to the courts and request that Mr. Kelly issue the relevant documentation to these individuals. Clearly they have problems with differentiation, logistics and common sense.

SHANE E. SIMMONS SR.

Southampton