September 5, 2013Dear Sir,I really can’t understand why we in Bermuda are so anxious to keep people out. Bermudians are leaving the country in droves, and yet it is almost impossible to get permission to live here. When foreigner buys a home or condo in Bermuda it is like having full time tourists. There is no such thing as an ethnic Bermudian, we all come from somewhere; it is time to open up and welcome more people to our shores.I am a firm member of the OBA, but I think that this idea of having executives signing papers saying they will never be allowed to live here is not a good idea. Imagine someone who has worked here and contributed to the economy for maybe ten years, and then being told they will have to go. Permanent residents who can afford to live here contribute far more the economy than tourists. They employ plumbers, electricians, builders, maids, cleaners, painters etc and they use the restaurants, hotels for their guests, shop in the local shops, and contribute to the economy in many ways. Obviously they would not be allowed to vote, but more people means more prosperity.I understand that the ARV has been raised recently; perhaps it should be lowered let us say for a period of two years, just to give a boost to what we all recognise as an ailing economy.I remain yours in anticipation of immediate disagreement, but please think it over.E.Raben