November 14, 2013

Dear Sir,

In reference to the comments made by Mr. Doug Soars, I must strongly disagree. The problem is not a lack of educated and “smart” local applicant pool. In fact many Bermudians go to University and return home only to find that we are at a disadvantage having to compete with the international community. Further relaxing immigration policy will only cause a greater disparity.

As a young Bermudian having graduated university I have to say what was it worth. I have come home to Bermuda only to find that there are no entry level positions for me to start a career in the discipline I have obtained my diploma. There are many young Bermudians who share my dilemma. What I find discouraging is that guest workers are not only here in the blue collar industry but the corporate arena as well. Bermuda being as small as it is, makes it hard for Bermudians to compete with the rest of the world when opportunities to gain experience are few and hard to come by. Bermudians who study in the US are granted one year to work abroad and try to obtain meaningful experience in order to return home and acquire or continue a career, only companies are usually looking for professionals with experience of 3 or more years with proven job abilities. When they are unable to fill their needs with the local pool of applicants, which is usually the case, the job is offered to a guest worker. Unfortunately this is a problem that many more will face if something isn’t done. A friend recently posted on Facebook that Brown & Co. placed an employment ad on craigslist in the US. It is a shame that there potentially isn’t a qualified Bermudian (experienced) to fill that position. In my opinion this is due to a lack of experienced applicants and not because of a lack of unqualified, “smart” or educated persons. Since “governments around the world liberalised their immigration policies to remain competitive,” I would like to see Minister Faye negotiate with the US to increase the Optional Practical Training (OPT) for Bermudian students from one year to five years or at least three. I assume we have a good enough relationship with the US that it would be given serious consideration. Given the size of Bermuda I can’t imagine this putting a strain on jobs for Americans. It would definitely provide more opportunities for students who need options and experience in their chosen industry after university. I believe this would also diminish the need for guest workers as Bermuda would have a more experienced local applicant pool. Canada and other countries should be an option as well.

It’s time to start thinking outside the box where traditional methods have not provided results. Fresh and innovative ideas are needed to push the Bermuda Economy forward instead of being a victim of this global recession. Further opening our doors to guest workers does what for Bermudians I ask you Mr. Soars? It certainly doesn’t create more job opportunities.

I think it is useful to compare Bermuda statistics to countries with similar populations. When you compare Bermuda statistics to the likes of the UK, Canada and Singapore, countries with far greater populations, the picture is only made convenient to fit the argument. It does not tell the truth.

If we want to have a more qualified and experienced or “smarter” local workforce we have to send them off island to gain the necessary experience after completing university … Minister Fahy I pray you are doing your best to make Bermudians the Priority.

Shelton Williams