Confusion over work permit statistics

A Chamber of Commerce report released at the end of last year stated that more than 3,500 work permits had been lost since 2007 — costing the country $350 million over three years.

But the figures have called “misleading” by Kim Wilson, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

She said they had been taken out of context, adding: “While there were less work permits issued during these years, there are actually more active work permits which have not expired.”

UBP MP Bob Richards has now waded into the debate, accusing Government of sleight of hand over the statistics.

The Shadow Finance Minister said: “We call on the Government to stop misleading and confusing people. This is not about politics. This is about providing the people and businesses of Bermuda with an accurate picture of just what is happening on their island.

 “We have repeatedly called for an accurate picture of the employment situation. Government can produce this but our concern is that they do not want the people to know how bad the situation has become on their watch.”