End the divisiveness

February 14, 2009

Dear Sir,

Dr. Ewart Brown, please stop "hitching your wagon" to the popularity and success of President Barack Obama. He believes in – and demonstrates – racial harmony, inclusion, consideration for the common citizen and abhorrence of cheating and deceit.

Why don't you earn your own honour and respect by honest government and leadership? You may not believe it – or want to believe it – but most Bermudians, both black and white are looking for harmony not divisiveness.

Use your talent for public speaking to bring us more together!

UNCOMMON SENSE

St. George's

Don't throw butts

February 13, 2009

Dear Sir,

Will the owner of the Black Kia driving on Front Street just outside the Bank of Bermuda on Friday, February 13 at around 11 a.m. please note that your car DOES come equipped with an ashtray and you should not flick your lit cigarette butt on the open street because not only is it TACKY but it is dangerous and probably also illegal. Did you not think that the wind could have possibly carried the lit cigarette and landed on a person walking or riding a bike? Did you not think that there could be gasoline or oils on the street and it could ignite into a fire? You should be ashamed of yourself.

DISGUSTED

City of Hamilton

Narcissistic qualities

February 15, 2009

Dear Sir,

The following is the description of "narcissistic personality disorder" as described in the book "Caring for the Mind" by Diane and Robert E. Hales, MD:

"People with a narcissistic personality disorder are often charming, friendly, and adept at ingratiating themselves with others, but their only concern is with themselves and their greatly inflated view of their accomplishments and talents.

"Regardless of their actual achievements, they expect to be noticed as 'special'. Being so special, they believe they can be understood and appreciated only by other special people .

"These persons do not work for success per se but for admiration and acclaim.

"When they do focus on achievement, it is likely to be a pleasureless pursuit. Some choose careers in entertainment or politics, where they can bask in actual applause. Others seek frequent, quieter praise, such as a boss's positive words about their hard work. In business, narcissistic individuals may surround themselves with "yes men" or flattering subordinates. As management analysts have noted, they may try to recreate their childhood in business so they can be at the centre of an admiring world.

"Because people with narcissistic personality disorder look outward for gratification, they are exceptionally vulnerable to what others think and say. They pander for compliments with great skill and charm. The slightest hint of criticism can trigger feelings of rage, shame, or humiliation, which they may release explosively or try to mask with indifference. Jealousy of anyone who achieves greater success, makes more money, or simply seems happier or more satisfied with life gnaws at them.

"Although they may seem genuinely empathic, individuals of this disorder often have no sense of how others feel. If a friend is upset or tired, they don't see why their plans have to be changed or cancelled. Their 'narcissistic entitlement' leads them to expect special treatment simply because they don't feel they should have to go to the end rather than cutting in front. They view everything and everyone in terms of their impact on their own needs and desires."

Now, does this sound like the kind of person you would vote for, because I will never vote for such a person.

MORALITY FIRST

Smith's

Wrong Call, Minster

February 15, 2009

Dear Sir,

Minister of Labour, Sen. David Burch's comments in Friday's newspaper show a glaring disparity between recognition of a problem and resolution to the matter. Although he showed courage to explain some of Bermuda's current economic problems were based on pervasive greed, his solutions showed a blatant misunderstanding of the overall world crisis and fundamental economic strategy in how to deal with the matter.

Bermuda is affected not only by internal conditions, but huge influences are now being conducted by the global economic environment, which is in freefall throughout the world causing massive financial losses and job closures. The largest and most sophisticated of the world's economic engines are contained by the seven top producing countries in the world and represented by the G7, who recognise that survival demands actions that will stimulate the growth of the economy.

The natural position would be to consider tightening up conditions and focus efforts for the benefit of the people. Sen. Burch has expressed that stance through the personal vetting and selective elimination of some work permit categories, along with the view that housing for the people should use traditional construction technologies. This is the exact opposite of the view that the G7 and their esteemed economists are pushing governments to take. This approach has been tried in previous downturns in the economy throughout the world and met with massive failures and problems to restructure once the obstacle has been cleared.

When times are tough, the intent is to stimulate the economy through initiatives that make investors want to participate, create opportunities for job development, and start to get money circulating. Every G7 country is committed to bringing forward stimulus packages for work creation, or setting up positive conditions to encourage the private sector to get involved in the recovery. Canada's recent budget contained a $51 billion recovery package, while the US just passed a $737 billion stimulus package.

By creating barriers through the curtailing of work permits and the withdrawal from consideration for alternative building construction technologies, the Bermuda Government is effectively discouraging growth in the economy by the private sector.

The construction industry in Bermuda is a huge employer of the work force and major contributor to the economy. However, over the years, through various programme initiatives and restrictive employment procedures, it has allowed itself to degenerate into a very expensive "buyer beware frenzy" where trades people are performing work without proper certification and quasi-skills. This has resulted in many persons being employed at ridiculously high reimbursement levels for providing a product that is not warranted by the cost the general public is forced to pay.

The focus on traditional building methods perpetuates the current environment and makes it worse. Alternative building strategies and systems are used throughout the world with success. Why should the people of Bermuda be forced to accept a solution that deals with a very fundamental need, that being shelter, at a cost that is prohibitive to the vast majority? What if there are proposed systems that can meet current code and living standard challenges while also being environmentally sustainable solutions, at the same time being 40 percemt cheaper than a traditional approach? SAsk the potential home owner if they would like to be able to buy a home for $500,000 instead of $900,000; the answer is obvious.

Sen. Burch should be commended for his gutsy approach and "no-holds barred" comments at times. Unfortunately, this time the solution being procured is not correct. If you want to see growth in the work force, stimulate the building industry and maintain high levels of employment in the semi-skilled trades, do not close the door and erect barricades. You need to go the opposite direction.

Allow offshore "skilled" trades persons to enter the country and work on specific projects that cannot be handled by local forces. Locals will be able to be exposed to these skills and consider upgrading their own qualifications. This introduction of workers from away will also show locals an understanding of offshore attitudes regarding work attitudes, efficiencies and effectiveness, which can only help improve the present situation. The spinoff effect will encourage developers to create cost effective projects that in turn will employ the local trades that will always be a requirement in the industry.

Implement trade certification programmes. During these times when work is not that abundant, consider training programmes that will upgrade skills to deal with the newer technologies and changing job opportunities for the future. A smart workforce is a huge asset to the country.

Allow alternative construction methodologies to create affordable housing for the people. Consider planning strategies that will house people in non-traditional approaches such as higher rise apartment structures, reclamation of shallow water areas to increase land for this use, encourage sustainable development strategies (block and plaster construction for individual homes is definitely not one) and look for innovation in labour and procurement approaches. Through these initiatives, one can slow down the forever spiraling costs in the construction industry.

This is the time when Government capital works programmes should be implemented. You will be providing a huge stimulus to the industry while competing at a time when there is less competition due to a reduction in private developments. In effect, you will get your work performed at their best value. This strategy can be used to level out the peaks and valleys for the construction field, and one the government has a direct impact upon. Reducing the severity of the peaks or valleys in the industry will slow inflation, give better value for the work performed and sets more manageable long term and consistent labour markets.

Hard times are when some of the most creative solutions occur. The motto "change or die" has never been so true as to these tough economic times. As a representative of the people you would be doing them a short sighted disservice by implementing your programmes that are opposite to what the rest of the world is doing. A little bit of pain can realise a whole lot of gain.

BOB THE BUILDER

City of Hamilton