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We’ve only just begun

‘We’ve only just begun’

By E.T. (Bob) Richards, Minister of Finance, April 5, 2013

When I became Finance Minister I knew the job ahead was going to be very challenging.

Our goal as a new Government was to get the economy working again for the benefit of Bermudians – creating jobs and career opportunities; and enabling government to build toward a society that delivers social and economic equity for all.

That is no small task.

The economy had been shrinking for four straight years – easily the worst performance amongst all our trading partners, from the United States to our many neighbours to the south. We had thousands out of work, businesses shutting down, a daunting rise in government debt and a crisis of confidence in the Island as a place to do business.

Our aim coming into office was to follow a two-track strategy to get the Island moving forward again – implementing measures to grow the economy (and the jobs that come with it) while imposing discipline on the management of the public purse.

I am pleased to report that we are holding to that plan.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

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Work Permit Policy Changes Move Forward

In order to keep the public abreast of progress made with work permit policy reforms, the Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that it is in the process of finalizing the Declaration which will be signed by guest workers who begin employment in Bermuda on or after 1 August, 1989.

The new declaration, according to the Ministry, will be signed up front, that is it will be issued to all current work permit holders, regardless of when their work permit expires.

It will be recalled that with the elimination of the term limit policy the Ministry committed to introducing such a Declaration, which essentially confirms their understanding that Bermuda law does not confer residency rights on a guest worker and that they should have no expectation of such a right.

By April 30, 2013, all employers will be required to return signed declarations; including a full listing of all current work permit holders employed at their place of business. Each declaration will be filed on each work permit holder's immigration file.

To help people, we need to grow the economy

By Thad Hollis, Chairman, One Bermuda Alliance, March 11, 2013

Opponents of the One Bermuda Alliance Government want people to believe it favours business over Bermudians.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Everything the Government is doing is to get Bermuda working again for the thousands who are unemployed, the thousands earning less than before and the thousands looking to grab onto something, anything that can help them pay their bills and feel better about their lives.

To make these things happen, the Government is doing all it can to grow the economy, which is the number one challenge facing Bermuda today.