Trust needs to be re-established
Leaders in the local business community say what’s good for international business is good for them too.Ronnie Viera, president of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, said the same concerns and issues that international businesses have apply for local companies as well.“The priority must be the economy,” Mr Viera said. “The new government must consult stakeholders, particularly in the business community, to develop a tactical plan for growth in economic activity and jobs.“The government debt is the next critical issue to be addressed, specifically minimising the need for further debt and developing a plan for paying down that which has accumulated.”Mr Viera added that trust needs to be re-established.“Government must give reassurance to the international business sector that they understand their needs and will implement new policies to make it easier to do business here and encourage employment in Bermuda.”Mr Viera also agrees a shift in attitude — both within Government and among the Bermudian population — is critical. He says perhaps an educational campaign to highlight “the significant contribution of international business to the Island’s economy” and how it affects most people on the Island regardless of where they work.“Tourism contributes five cents of every dollar earned in Bermuda. International business contributes most of the rest. Collectively we need to be more welcoming and do whatever it takes to keep business here.”