February 3, 2014

Dear Sir,

No one would quibble with the idea, as detailed in The Royal Gazette today (February 3rd) under the heading “Training is Key to OBA’s Jobs Policy”, that job training is important to ensure young Bermudians are able effectively to compete in today’s labour markets.

However, as a member of the public, paying taxes, should I be forgiven for asking the following questions?

What, over the past 10 years, has been the contribution of the following to the issue identified by the Minister?

* Department of Education.

* Small Business Development Corporation.

* The Bermuda College.

* Department of Economy, Trade and Industry.

* Department of Labour and Training.

* Most of all, the Department of Immigration.

Clearly, the answer is either nothing or very little. I would hope that such bureaucracies be closed down for reasons of indolence and incompetence.

But then, like the SAGE Commission, I jest.

Yours faithfully,

ROBERT STEWART