Bermuda must accept that the world has changed as a result of the economic downturn and no one person is owed a living without putting in the work.

That is the view of Graham Redford, outgoing president of the Bermuda Employers’ Council (BEC), who was speaking at the Bermuda Employers’ Council annual general meeting held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess yesterday.

Mr Redford has been replaced by Keith Jensen, former The Royal Gazette managing director, following the completion of his three-year tenure.

“We must recognise and accept that things will not be the same as they were before 2008,” said Mr Redford. “No single person is owed a living and no one should expect a decent living without putting in a decent effort.

“The change in the global economic climate and the difficulties that Bermuda is now facing requires a change in attitudes. Such attitudinal changes are becoming more evident and there is great potential for all participants in our economy - individuals, charities, employers, unions, and the Government - to develop what are currently fledgling conversations into a meaningful collective collaboration.

“This collaboration must leave partisan and sectoral concerns behind, and concentrate on the issues at hand for the sake of the common good of Bermuda.”

Mr Redford said that now was the time to work together to determine how the Island would respond to the challenges it is facing and make the difficult decisions necessary for its ongoing economic and social well-being.

“Bermuda has faced many challenges and embraced many opportunities over the past 400 years, and we have been fortunate that our business and government leaders have identified and acted on these opportunities,” he said.

“Now is the time to realise that there are still opportunities for success and progress in difficult times.

“And now is the time to recognise these opportunities and, working together, seize them.”

Mr Redford said that the working relationship between the BEC and Government remained one of critical importance and the BEC would continue to provide the necessary data and logic in support of business causes to enable the country’s leaders to be well-informed in their decision-making.

“By nature we are not a confrontational organisation,” he said. “Such postures may create headlines but rarely enable solutions. We will continue to be a strong and public voice when we need to be, but our driving force will be towards co-operation, collaboration, persuasion and data driven positioning.”

Mr. Redford said that Government needed to take care of the less fortunate, the disadvantaged and the alienated sectors of society in a fiscally responsible way that does not prejudice any future generations’ economic birthright.

“Like businesses, Government needs to fund development and initiatives but not spend more than it earns,” he said.

“Government’s policies and legislative agenda needs to support and maintain business and employment for reasons already stated. This can be a challenge when politics are involved. While underlying politics are often well known and understood, pandering to grass roots beliefs and perceptions in policy matters which might negatively impact business continuity and development, cannot be tolerated.

“Government and the business community need to work together as this is the only way we can continue to sustain our economy.”