Here are some of the comments from people responding to Research.bm's survey when asked: "What is the real reason for Government wanting to take over the municipalities?"

"I believe the present Government can't bear the fact that there are separate entities controlling the city. They want to get their hands on the assets of the Corporation to use as collateral to future borrowings."

"So that they can do a better job. Bring in the ships and whatever. Building up the town of St. George's."

"I guess they want to get their hands on what they got so they can do what they want to do."

"The Government feels the corporations are not doing a good enough job."

"Greed is the main thing behind it."

"To better the Island."

"I just think this Government is so awful; that it's just trying to take over absolutely everything. They just want to be in charge without help from other people. I find the Government is overpowering everybody."

"Re-dress history. Re-dress racial history. It is basically the one remaining institution from apartheid Bermuda therefore there is an emotional motivation to dismantle it. It is perceived to be the last place where white people can get involved."

"Incompetence of the municipalities in general management."

"Wasn't run properly."

"Well I think they ruin and practically want to run over the Country and they just want to mess it up by taking over the corporation. It's political control is what they're after."

Several people gave one-word answers, with three saying "power", six saying "money", five "control" and one "dictatorship".

n For the full list of comments visit www.theroyalgazette.com.