Listen to two expertsJune 28, 2011Dear Sir,Your story of June 27 headlined “Island needs a ‘game changer’ — hotelier” should be compulsory reading for everyone involved with tourism, especially the dysfunctional Tourism Board. Departing Fairmont boss, Norman Mastalir, went straight to the point by stating that Bermuda needs to turn round its struggling tourism industry before it is too late. His comments were echoed by his colleague Jon Crellin of the Hamilton PrincessBoth were too diplomatic to say that the Department of Tourism is not up to the job. This is not only because they unceremoniously fired Tony Brannon, one of the few brains on that benighted institution, but because it has conspicuously failed in its task for at least 20 years. Failure and excuses have become its main product, not tourists happily engaged in enjoying themselves in what was once a world premier resort.The question is why is the Department of Tourism such an abject failure? That same question could be asked about the Department of Education, Home Affairs and Finance. Why do so many government departments fail in their task? May I suggest the following reasons why Government does not work:* Because government is compulsion, orders, regulations, really a bunch of bullies dressed up as philosopher kings.* Because Government departments are designed to enrich the politically powerful — the pompous guys (and gals) you see in Armani suits who walk around town concentrating on their BlackBerries.* Because voters cannot control Government and make it do what is right because MPs and Senators pay no attention to the law. Just think of the response by Senator LaVerne Furbert to the failure of the BIU to file its accounts on time. Twelve years late — come on?* Because there is no way to measure the effectiveness of government programmes.* Because bureaucrats and politicians do not come up with new ideas or efficient ways of doing things. They never have and they never will — that is not their talent (indeed another question might be what are their talents).* Because they do not have to please the customer; money comes from taxation or more recently unlimited borrowing. The only people who get fired from the Department of Tourism are those who come up with sensible ideas. The drones continue until they retire.* Because politicians eventually misuse the power they are given. Dr Brown was a past master at using the Tourism Ministry to indulge his passion for exotic travel, and to hobnob with the rich and famous.For the above reasons, it is inevitable that no Government department will ever deliver on the promises the politicians make for it. That is why that tourism will never revive so long as the Department of Tourism exists. That is why Bermudians will continue to see their standard of living decline. Thank you, Mr Masalir and Mr Crellin, for being so frank and helpful in your desire to see Bermuda tourism prosper. Unfortunately, your advice will be totally rejected by the stumblebums in office.ROBERT STEWARTSmith’s