February 10, 2009

THE Minister of Tourism, Dr. E. Brown paints a wonderful picture of the state of tourism in Bermuda when in reality, our tourism is the worst it has ever been. How long can he continue to hoodwink us into believing his spin?

NOT FALLING FOR IT

February 8, 2009

I HAVE been reading with great interest the transcripts of the commission of inquiry taking place in our sister dependent territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The allegation of corruption, political patronage, self enrichment, dishonesty and unethical behavior astounds me.

The people of TCI are at wits end. The granting of development rights of their precious land at a fraction of its true value has resulted in a shortfall in the government's coffers.

The government now has cut back on programs such as health, education and social services. It has been wildly reported that government has had difficulty in making payroll. They have also been threatened with litigation over nonpayment of monies owed to hospitals and health institutions in the United States. Overseas, government education scholarships are in jeopardy as the government is not meeting their financial obligations.

To add insult to injury the government has raised taxes dramatically to try and make up the shortfall that they have created with their reckless, frivolous spending.

All this, while the politicians continue to live lavish, "Jet Set" lifestyles paid for by the hard working tax payers. (Sound familiar?)

Had the previous Governor and Foreign Commonwealth Office listened to allegations put forward by the opposition party and ordered the Commission of Inquiry earlier, perhaps they could have prevented the dire situation that now exists.

Will we, Bermuda, find ourselves in the same state as the Turks and Caicos, or will the powers that be act soon enough to save us all?

IN THE SAME BOAT

PS: The TCI Commission of Inquiry transcripts may be found at http://www.tci-inquiry.org/.

All concerned Bermudians should be following the breaking developments as they are similar to the allegations here at home.