It just doesn't cut it

June 26, 2008

Dear Sir,

First of all, I completely agree with economist Craig Simmons's analysis of the economy and the present PLP administration's approach to easing the burden on the poor. I too arrived at a poverty datum line (PDL) median of between $55-$60 thousand (BDA) annually. It is a complete nonsense to speak in terms of a GNP in excess of $85,000 p.a. as this indicator does not speak of the distribution of this GNP to those who need it.

It is also, on the issue of an equitable distribution of income, a complete nonsense and a distraction to speak of narrow group- targeted, piecemeal programs like Future-Care, free Day Care etc. in isolation and in the absence of a wider overall approach which would alleviate in a comprehensive way the astronomically high cost of living in Bermuda affecting particularly fixed and low-income groups.

However, Ewart Brown's administration is doing what every administration has done since 1620. His administration is making a conscious and political choice not to put under modern scrutiny the archaic monetary and fiscal policies of Bermuda's economy that are skewed in favour of Bermuda's merchant and entrepreneurial class. Bermuda's taxation policies and practice is regressive, that is to say that a person making $500 per week pays the same price for its 'basket of goods' that a person making $5000 per week.

Moreover, Bermuda's predatory interest rates are, and have been for centuries, set by private financial institutions and loan sharks at rates as high as the market can bear. This is contrary to how modern democracies operate to alleviate the high cost of owning homes and other life's necessities for those of low incomes. Modern democracies utilise a government-controlled Central bank, or its equivalent, to fix appropriate, even 'low' interest rates to assist persons to own homes, etc. How modern and sophisticated are we really? Our local Banks do this now for its employees so what's wrong with our government?

Bermuda's Minister of Finance today has the power to adjust interest rates under the Interest and Credit Act 1975, and together with the Bermuda Monetary Authority and creative auxiliary legislation, to neutralise or control the excesses of the outmoded free-for-all 'free-market' approach to setting interest rates. Bermuda needs a Minister and Ministry of Economic Affairs and Fiscal Management which is staffed primarily by competent monetary and fiscal economists who understand how to truly and equitably manage and distribute the wealth of Bermuda's economy.

Balancing a budget every year in the manner we do just does not cut it. It's not enough! It's the narrow, outdated, undemocratic management with old worn-out tools of an economy and polity that has moved on to the 21st century. The perpetuation of this system only benefits the 'haves' and not the 'have-nots' as it has always done. The PLP can and should do better in its third term of office. Our economy and taxation system is in dire need of review and overhaul.

In closing let me ask if anyone saw last week's newspaper highlighting the $10-$15 million annual incomes of exclusively white males between the ages of 44 and 54, not counting stock options etc. What about the billions of dollars earned in the international business sector which by and large faces 38-40 percent profit, corporate or capital gains taxes in the U.S.A. and abroad? Just think if the Bermuda Government had the political fortitude to tax those high rolling CEO's and the billions earned by these companies at ¼ of 1 percent for the privilege of making all this money in Bermuda?

The proceeds would allow the Bermuda Government to reduce or remove altogether the burden of having to pay taxes and duties from the backs of Bermudians, particularly those who earn less than $100,000.00 per annum. These proceeds would also permit us to easily service our government programs. And let's face it, what company is going to move away from Bermuda if they are facing higher taxes etc. elsewhere? Give me a break!

Unless and until we fundamentally change our economy by employing appropriate monetary and fiscal policies we will never change the 'daily grind' of living in Bermuda. We will always be chasing our tails. Voting in a PLP Government that continually practices the same monetary and fiscal policies that the UBP did, as did the elitist white oligarchy before it; is only replacing one conductor with another who drives the 'economy train' down the same track to the same destination with the same debilitating effects on the poor.

A truly Progressive Labour Government would not do that. A truly Progressive Labour Government would make taking care of the 'working poor' the top priority and persuade our corporate community that that is the right and humane thing to do as good corporate citizens benefiting from operating on our well-regulated and hospitable shores. To do less, is to 'spin wheels', dupe the unwary and pay lip service to pious platitudes and 'quick fixes'. We can and should do better than that.

Let's begin with the poverty line, minimum wages and truly distributing equitably the wealth of the economy of the third richest country in the world. Many of us, almost from birth, grew up being brainwashed by the UBP, those who went before it and unfortunately, in respect of two of these ' noes' today, by some very senior persons in the PLP. We, without any conscious or informed thought accepted, even dreaded, these three ' noes' because ' yesses', we were told by those who benefited from these distortions, would doom us to purgatory.

We were repeatedly told, and now some still believe, that there should be No PLP government, No taxation (income, profit or capital gains variety included) and No Independence for Bermuda. Well, we have a PLP government and if it does what it was meant to do then no one can deny that its presence is a definite plus. It is my view that once we implement a proportional and progressive fiscal or tax policy that focuses on income tax above an acceptable minimum (say above $ 250, 000.00), capital gains and corporate profits but waives taxes etc. for all other income groups, then we will be well on our way to an equitable society.

Modern societies like the UK, Canada and the USA take such things for granted. The well-to-do in Bermuda have made us all think otherwise. Let's fix this pronto so that we all can feel safer in our beds at night. Let's return to being a truly Progressive Labour Party and Government not just in name only. Then, let's deal with the last No. Let's move to Independence!

PHIL PERINCHIEF

Parliamentary language

June 26, 2008

Dear Sir,

How dare Minister Burch plant himself on the front page of your newspaper talking about expats/guest workers speaking fluent English! When we can sit through any member of parliament and understand their English then Minister Burch will have a valid point. Sitting through Members of Parliament speeches leaves much to be desired. One must have a University degree to understand most of what is being said – you have to sift through all the "umm umm's" and bad English to determine what they are saying and what point they are making! Premier Ewart Brown will need to apply the same standards for his members of Parliament! Give me a break! Unbelievable!

BUSHWACKED

Pembroke

We already remember

June 25, 2008

Dear Sir,

In reply to Mr. Zuill Sr.'s letter 'Heroes Day in November'. November 11 is the day on which we remember the men and women of Bermuda who gave their lives in two World Wars and other conflicts. We who also served do not consider ourselves as heroes.

FRANK FARMER

President

Bermuda War Veteran's Association

Praise for KEMH

June 27, 2008

Dear Sir,

The King Edward Memorial Hospital has its share of criticism. Today it's time to send praise and appreciation for the outstanding surgical facilities and staff. My battle with breast cancer has exposed me to a number of operating rooms and hospitals overseas. As a Bermudian, I've been raised to think little of our King Edward Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Christopher Johnson, my reconstruction surgeon has been so meticulous that my loyalty to him led to an on island operation. Well, King Edward Memorial Hospital surgical area was immaculate! Even the sharp corners were dust free. The walls are painted in soothing colours. There were pictures of Bermuda's landscape on the ceilings to occupy you during the very short wait before surgery! The nursing and support staff were professional, caring and friendly.

The recovery room staff and facilities were even better. Nurse Joy and other Bermudians were at my beck and call. They never faltered during a rather messy recovery. The nurses made it quite clear I was welcome to stay with them until I felt completely comfortable leaving. Other patients came and went that day and every comment I overheard was positive. The nursing staff was friendly to each of us as individuals.

Finally, the safety procedures and practices were clearly communicated throughout the surgical unit. Nurses wore the hospital's mission statement on their uniforms, and the beds, linens and equipment were clean and superior. Thank you to the King Edward Memorial Hospital for proving themselves worthy of my patronage.

SUSAN E JACKSON

Assistant Vice President,

Corporate Communications

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