Dear Premier Cox,I have been thinking very much about how to stimulate our economy here in Bermuda. My understanding of the word “stimulate” is encourage something to happen, develop or improve. I want to ensure our future financial security and this is how I suggest we help Bermuda stimulate the economy.One of my major thoughts is that we provide jobs for those people who are unemployed. We can make available internships at any of the local or international companies, with the intention of landing those individuals a permanent job placement within that particular company. With this approach, I believe that the Government would benefit greatly by receiving more payroll tax and social insurance payments and the persons affected will be able to live better and more comfortable lives by being able to provide for their families in a way that does not involve anything illegal.As you and I are both aware, within the most recent months, there have been numerous crimes committed, owing to the hardship of the economy. For example, there was a mother of four who stole to buy groceries for her family.Now, if she had had a job that provided some sort of income, she would not have had to turn to crime. I have also noticed that owing to a lack of jobs, the crime rate in Bermuda has come to an all-time high, Since Bermuda is listed as one of the richest places in the world, our residents should not be faced with this type of problem.Another suggestion I have is that we should look at what our younger generation has to offer and provide our youth with the training they need to get a good job or even start a business of their own. If these young people are adequately trained, then they can begin working and contribute to our economy. Government and the private sector should support the younger generation who want to do for their country but need help in order to do so.I also think that we should not waste money on various functions and events that benefit Bermuda for only a day or two. Why not provide all-year-round activities so that locals and tourists alike can enjoy? Having entertainment throughout the year can be another means of providing jobs for Bermudians and will make more money from the tourists when they are here on the Island. Why subject this country to the bare minimum when there are many ways in which we can help one another?Let’s now consider prices. Instead of putting up taxes, why not make things more affordable? Take food, for example. I realise that there has to be duty fees for items coming into the country, but why not cut the cost in half so that the store owners can provide better or more reasonable prices for the Island as a whole?If you think about prices, a carton of milk costs approximately $5, bread costs $4.75, lunch meat costs $5.25 and a bottle of mayonnaise, $5. The total comes to $20, which is providing only lunch for a family of three for a week.What about the other meals? Now, if we were to lower the duty on products coming into Bermuda, then the prices could be cut in half and the family of three would be able to get more for their $20.Lastly, we as a country should stop going outside Bermuda to hire people to work on Government projects. Let’s trust in our people here and then we may be able to eliminate the government overspending.I know that my ideas may seem somewhat unrealistic, but I believe that if you seriously consider them, Bermuda can come out of our economic crisis a bit and possibly be able to hold our head up high and say, “Yes. We’re one of the richest Islands in the word!”Yours sincerely,Jai-Onni Outerbridge