October 10, 2011Dear Sir,I know that we need far more than a billion dollars to try and settle Bermuda’s Government generated debt and kick start the economy, so this is an out of the box suggestion to raise more than enough to do so. I don’t recommend that either party openly supports it before the General Election, but consider it for future action.Firstly, we need a couple of changes. Bermudians with negative attitudes towards foreigners need a positive attitude adjustment and all of Bermuda needs to come together to fight crime, particularly that which frightens those who are able to relocate with ease. It would also need the Government of the day to operate the people’s business within a balanced budget format so Bermuda is never again placed in such a precarious financial position. I would also like the maximum borrowing limit cut back to a year 2011 value of $250 million. No creeping increases to pay for politically motivated and ill conceived election giveaways. A maximum sum tied to a real value to be used for major infrastructure projects only and where all the people benefit. I’d rather we never borrowed again but politicians love to spend other people’s money.My plan, if we can make Bermuda sufficiently attractive again, is to offer Bermuda Status, with all island rights, privileges and responsibilities to 100 very rich people at $10 million each. 100 people represent just 0.15 percent of our population, or the same number who are soon to lose their jobs at Citi. I’d also offer Permanent Resident Certificates to 200 wealthy people for $2.5 million each. Should our offer be fully subscribed, those 300 people, even with immediate families, would represent a small fraction of those high income persons we have lost from the international business sector over the last couple of years, many because of the term limit policy. If fully subscribed, these offers of living in Bermuda would provide the Government with $1.5 billion. With this, they could pay back every cent that the Government currently owes overseas. Government would immediately have access to an additional $80 million a year that would not need to be spent on interest payments.I don’t care if these people are black, white or pink with purple stripes as long as they are of good character.Other benefits would be that 300 homes would be sold or built, benefiting the Government and realtor sectors. Architects would be engaged to design or modify homes. Builders would be engaged to do the construction works, interior designers to decorate and furnish, and gardeners and cleaners to maintain these high end properties. If we are really lucky, some of these 300 people will be entrepreneurs who would start new companies and perhaps develop a third arm to support the ailing international business and tourism sectors.There will always be rich people and poor people; it is the way of the world. Some Bermudian’s will always be poor (by local standards) but with a sufficient number of well heeled residents, all could have a share of that wealth based upon an individual’s abilities and attitude. Most Bermudians have a “can-do” attitude with a welcoming smile. It is what endeared us to millions of visitors over the years. Can those others accept that an out of box solution could save our little island from financial ruin and help rebuild Bermuda?PREPARED TO SHARE PARADISEPembroke