A Bermudians only forum has been called to help determine the future of Government's controversial term limits policy for expatriate workers.
The six-year rule has drawn widespread criticism from international business bosses who say it is damaging the industry.
Now Labour and Home Affairs Minister Lt. Col. David Burch has called a meeting to explain the policy to Bermudian workers and ask for their input.
Anyone who comes to the April 8 meeting at Berkeley Institute will be required to provide proof of Bermudian status at the door.
In an e-mail circulated among international business employees yesterday, Lt. Col. Burch explains: "I have heard from every alphabet group in this country who purport to represent you and your industry and they have indicated to me that Work Permit Term Limits signal the death knell of international business in Bermuda.
"They have always cited that this will negatively affect Bermudians in the industry and so I want to hear from you...
"This is not an opportunity to whine, but an opportunity to share relevant information about the industry and discuss viable solutions directly with me.
"This is a private meeting for Bermudians only - no media - so that there can be an honest sharing of ideas."
Lt. Col. Burch was not available last night to expand on the e-mail but some industry insiders feel the move is a sign that Government may be prepared to alter its stance on term limits - if it is what Bermudians want.
Michael Fahy, secretary of the BDA and a Bermudian working in international business, said he would be attending the meeting.
He said discussing the issue was a positive step. But he added that he could see no reason to exclude expats, many of whom hold key decision-making jobs in the industry.
"The so-called alphabet groups are comprised of people at the top end of international business. Employees might have a different perspective but I believe most Bermudians employed in IB believe it is the driver of our economy and we have to be careful about how it is perceived."
A Government spokeswoman told us last night: "The Minister is very keen to receive feedback from Bermudians who work in the International Business industry. The upcoming Town Hall Meeting will be an opportunity for the Minister and Bermudian employees in the industry to exchange dialogue and share ideas."
Posted: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Comment by:
Bruce McClarron / Arizona
"Hessed"...RE: For what it's worth, yesterday's Royal Gazette carried a timely Opinion written by Kevin Comeau and entitled "Bermuda on the precipice".
This should be MANDATORY reading for every Bermudian who has half a brain in their collective craniums...The IB business sector is the ONLY thing that is holding BDA together right now...If that disappears - then 'Look Out'!! The BDA Gov't should be saying...YES SIR - How far do you want us to jump to these companies, as they have CHOICES...Get the picture!!
Posted: Friday, March 19, 2010
Comment by:
Newyorker
To say that Bermuda survived before IB is technically correct, but let's examine it.
Unless you want to go back to the 1800s, Bermuda has only had two forms of income. Tourism and International Business. These two pillars of the economy pay for EVERYTHING. It doesn't matter if you are a teacher, a mason, a bus driver, a lawyer, or you make your living on the hustle truck. The money you make all comes from these two things, either directly, or indirectly.
Tourism was the bigger of the two, but that started to fade around 1980. The world's tourist destinations were mushrooming, and consumers were facing limitless choices of global destinations that could promise better service, better prices, and better weather. The country club folks of the US eastern seaboard, Bermuda's tourists, were also fading away, being replaced by a new generation of younger-minded people, more interested in vacations that staid Bermuda couldn't offer.
Now the smart minds in Bermuda saw this looming promlem, and as a result, facilitated the expansion of Bermuda's IB economy.
So, if we say that we can live without IB, you have to realize that tourism is long dead, which means there's NOTHING.
If you have this idealistic notion that Bermuda will somehow change into this quiet little tranquil island where real estate is affordable and the roads are less congested, then you are delusional. I suspect that Black Pearl simply views IB as a lot of white people, and this is driving her view. What Bermuda will become without IB is, quite frankly, a financial disaster. I know it's hard to imagine, when everything right now looks so pretty and polished.
Posted: Friday, March 19, 2010
Comment by:
Riley
Now is not a good time to put term limits on Intl Business, Bermuda's only standing pillar, before that is done, Gov't needs to fix the other pillar of Bermuda's economy which is Tourism. Intl Business is all we have right now and we can't afford to lose it. I understand the point of Bermuda being a better place before they came and making housing affordable, but that was when Bermuda had another pillar to back it up, but now it doesn't have anything else. It's just not a good idea right now, maybe later, when the Tourism industry is more thriving. Maybe there should be a limit on the amount of companies coming in.
Posted: Thursday, March 18, 2010
Comment by:
Hessed
For what it's worth, yesterday's Royal Gazette carried a timely Opinion written by Kevin Comeau and entitled "Bermuda on the precipice". Among other things, Mr. Comeau (himself a retired international corporate lawyer who has resided in Bermuda since 1999 and is a holder of a permanent residency certificate)underscored looming challenges facing Bermuda and its high-profit-margin companies and low-profit-margin companies often termed "international business".
Posted: Thursday, March 18, 2010
Comment by:
Josseline Philip
People will start to believe they have a direct say in the matter of choices made by their Government; with such exclusive invitations. What a mockery of Democracy. There are elected MPs to discuss such in the name of the people who elected them for that purpose. Josseline
Posted: Thursday, March 18, 2010
Comment by:
Justin
Well Black Pearl, why don't you explain to us idiots why you think BDA would be better off w/out IB. Name at least three advantages that we would gain as a country if they left our shores. I bet you can't. And don't say housing prices. Because if they fall with the absence of IB so will our jobs (IB jobs and the thousands that are supported by IB) and income. Thus we still won't be able to afford a piece of the rock because we will be broke. So either take a course on economics and finance to understand what you arguing or just don't say anything (at least you won't make yourself look like a fool anymore). Please stay IB and keep on providing the numerous opportunities for Bermudians that no other industry has ever been able to. Ignore the true 'idiots.'
Posted: Thursday, March 18, 2010
Comment by:
Bruce McClarron / Arizona
Black Pearl...Your thinking is completely backward...Bermuda will NOT survive without the IB. $$$ - You had better be a good farmer and know a LOT about fishing! Also, forget about the lifestyle you now have....As you will be going back into the "Dark Ages"!! Can you live like that - I very much doubt it!!
Posted: Thursday, March 18, 2010
Comment by:
letariatpro
Ignorant posts are ignorant. Bermuda will never go back to how it was. It is too late. IB is essential to our economy now, without it we will have to fall far before we can climb back up if ever. Say goodbye to nice clothes, creature comforts, nice cars and homes. Get used to seeing homeless, jobless and shanty towns. The folks here who do not seem to care about their standard of living may stand in contrast with others who are in fact concerned about their families, children, education, safety and future. Think about it.
Posted: Thursday, March 18, 2010
Comment by:
Black Pearl
I agree with Goddy, Bermuda had survived long without the IB, and I am sure it can again!
Posted: Thursday, March 18, 2010
Comment by:
Scott
I agree with truth and bruce..im actually not too fussed about the meetin geither way.. it has its pro's and it has its cons. it does, however, smell of "us vs them" and that needs to be handled carefully. For Goddy, i can appreciate your opinion that you liked the island before IB came, and frankly i think i may too.. i love the thought of a touristy, calm, serene, friendly bermuda. The problem is, we dont have that any more. Its not like IB can leave, and the island goes back to its old ways. We have no real tourism industry. No entertainment, no real untouched land, far higher crime, lack of the old charm, etc etc. Yes its a nice thought, but we just dont have that anymore..and its not because IB came, its because people just starting caring more about themselves than the island.
