May 7, 2002

Dear Sir,

This letter is in response to the letter dated May 1, 2002 titled 'Stop Bashing Expats!' by Wife of Expat worker in the May 2, 2002 Royal Gazette.

Bermuda has always welcomed both visitors and guest workers to our shores. In fact so much so that we have lost respect, regard and value for our fellow Bermudians. The suggestion of keeping a database of the jobs filled by expatriates along with their qualifications and experience is less cumbersome than a database of qualified Bermudians that are underemployed, or unemployed. And this excludes the added requirement of tracking the applications that Bermudians make to numerous job 'openings'.

I, like you, have household expenses that are just as high except that I do not have an income. It is the norm that two incomes of Bermudians will enable the coverage of the living expenses of a family. Certainly the situation is far more complicated then you suggest in your simplistic view, however I will keep my response simplistic as well.

Has it occurred to you that if there is an overemployment of expatriates that Bermudians are being displaced? Bermudians wish the same opportunities as expatriates, we have the best Island in the world, and there is no real reason for us to move out of our home to another country. Our children should be raised in a safe environment in the best climate, with people around them who will know them well enough to love and be involved in their upbringing. All the things that you see as a benefit for you to stay here is what we as Bermudians should enjoy as well. Whilst expatriates move here for a season, Bermudians are here for a lifetime therefore should not be pushed down and out or aside in our home. Face it, you are compensated well, your life-style improves. The expatriate worker, their spouse and their children are given opportunities that most Bermudians have not begun to be invited to partake. Whilst, this life improvement occurs for the expatriate, Bermudians' find that their lifestyles are declining. Why? Because we welcome you to our shores. Something must be done to prevent the continued degrading of lifestyle and opportunity for Bermudians.

Did you know that despite a decline in our educational systems over the years, more than 75 percent of high school graduates continue their education beyond the high school level and in fact many beyond an undergraduate level? Did you know that employed Bermudians gain experience beyond one area of specialisation when working in Bermuda, unlike in the US and Canada? Did you know that many expatriate people come to Bermuda to train or develop their career because of the breadth of experience that they gain here? Bermudians go to the same schools, earn the same degrees, and yet are not considered as valuable. Did you realise the amount of expatriates that have come to Bermuda because their fellow expatriate friends have told them it's a good pre-retirement place to work - "just send your resume or give me a call! We will get the paperwork done."

Yes I agree expatriates do make significant contribution to Bermuda. One obvious demonstration is the volunteer organisations. We can demonstrate the contribution right there - both in terms of personal time and in terms of company funding. However, there was a time when so many volunteer organisations were not required: when Bermudians voluntarily looked out for each other. The lifestyles of the average Bermudian makes it difficult at best and at times to challenging to find the funds and personal time required to participate and commit to volunteer organisations. And we won't even begin to discuss the tax savings.

So yes, it will not benefit us to eliminate all expatriates from Bermuda, but there needs to be a sensible balance. We will not find sensible balance until we identify and accept that in fact there is a real problem. I am encouraged by the recent comments, actions and suggestions of Derek Burgess MP, Dale Butler MP and Arthur Hodgson MP, in bringing this issue to the forefront.

I can say from personal experience that it is not a perceived problem. Others may not share this same position. So, let's find out factually. But of course, you could give me your husband's job and you guys move back and not pay those high expenses - I have to pay them anyway! (Smile)

UNEMPLOYED QUALIFIED BERMUDIAN

Hamilton