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It’s been slow work on the peoples’ business

News

By Craig Cannonier, Leader One Bermuda Alliance, May 3, 2012

When I was sworn in as Leader of the Opposition in November at Government House, I made a brief speech in which I said: “Government must be about the business of the people.”

That one statement lies at the core of my political beliefs. A government elected by the people must be a government for the people. Stick to that rule and good things will get done.

My colleagues and I have been critical of this Government for not conducting the business of the people with any sense of urgency.

Yes they can point to this and that, and to lots of activity here and there, but on the big issues – jobs, crime, education – they have moved without urgency; and the lack of results has meant a lack of results for the people.

As Leader of the One Bermuda Alliance, I took my seat in Parliament in mid-November and what I have seen since then has only deepened my concerns that the PLP Government is not really about the business of the people.

This really hit home in February when the House debated the Joint Select Committee report on education reform. This was a report on the recommendations of the 2007 Hopkins Report that contained the shocking conclusion that the public education system was “on the brink of meltdown.”

That was five years ago and yet only at the start of 2012 was the Government bringing Professor Hopkins’ recommendations before the House.

The failure to move with urgency on education is not a one-off.

Look around.

Recently, the Prison Officers marched on the Cabinet Office to appeal to the Premier and the Attorney General for help with perimeter breaches at Westgate, where gang members are throwing weapons, cell phones and drugs to inmates. The officers’ main concern was their increasingly unsafe working environment.

Their well-documented case could not have been clearer, but one month later they felt the need to demonstrate again saying the Government was “not listening” and showing a “total disregard” for their needs.

There are other areas of concern.

Crime is one. Bermuda has been knocked sideways in the past three years by gang wars that have seen 300 shooting incidents, 70 people shot and 17 killed. During the summer of 2010, the concept of Operation Ceasefire was introduced locally. Operation Ceasefire is an American programme that has achieved amazing results in US cities – cutting homicide rates among gangs by as much as 60% within months of the programme being introduced.

Despite its record of success, the Government ignored calls for its adoption until late last year when the National Security Minister saw a documentary on Ceasefire’s effectiveness in Chicago. Shortly after, he announced that Operation Ceasefire would come to Bermuda this spring. We’re still waiting.

Continue looking around.

In late April, the House of Assembly debated a change to the Motor Car Act to improve road safety – the result of a terrible accident in which a young girl was struck down by a car some nine years ago. We supported the change. It was a good Bill, but nine years! Where is the urgency?

There are many other incidents I could touch on – the failure to act with any coherence to stop our ten-year tourism decline, the failure to nail down a new hotel deal, the failure to put forward a real plan to get the thousands of out-of-work Bermudians back to work.

My colleagues and I have spoken often about the need for a government that puts Bermuda first, and by that we really mean people first – “not me first, not party first, Bermuda first!” Only with that mindset – a real and sincere commitment to doing the people’s business – will we see our way to a Bermuda that works better for all its people, not just the few.

That’s my commitment, that’s my pledge – the people’s business, once and for all, with urgency.

Public safety - Some headway, crisis remains

Crime

By Craig Cannonier, Opposition Leader and Shadow National Security Minister, April 27, 2012

We appreciate a couple of facts behind this week’s release of Police crime statistics for the first quarter of 2012:

Police appear to be making relatively quick arrests on some serious crimes and they are netting more convictions.

These are encouraging developments because the increased possibility of being caught and jailed, if sustained, may start deterring would-be lawbreakers. This is how law enforcement is supposed to work.

But beyond the statistics of an overall downward trend in crime, there is the reality that crime continues to plague Bermuda. We are, in short, not out of the woods, not by a long shot:

• Crimes against the person are up, with 36 firearms incidents, 16 “confirmed”, one gun murder and two woundings – all unacceptable.

• Crimes against property are up, with burglaries still rising, and

• Crimes against the community are up.

We take no comfort whatsoever in the downward trend in crime. Extremely serious problems remain, and they will require continuing and unprecedented efforts to reduce criminal activity to the point that we can take back what the Police said a few short weeks ago, that “No place is safe.”

We continue to support the Police in their work, and the growing number of residents stepping forward to assist, but we want to be clear about one thing: Bermuda remains in a crime crisis, and no one should be led astray by a statistical overview that suggests otherwise.

BPSU concerns - Leadership is key

News

By Shawn Crockwell, OBA Shadow responsible for good governance matters, April 25, 2012

It is extraordinary but not surprising that union leaders have told civil servants that they can turn to the union for support when Government ministers and senior officials pressure them to break the rules.

This has become a problem in recent years and the advice to civil servants issued last week by the Auditor General and yesterday by the president of the Bermuda Public Services Union underscore its reality.

The root of the problem lies with Government ministers operating without regard for the rules or concern that they will pay a price for breaking them. The fact that no one has been held accountable for any rule-breaking can only deepen their sense of impunity.

The OBA has always maintained that leadership by example is the key. If the people at the top set the right example, then the line between right and wrong will be more clearly understood and respected. But the Government has not been doing that.

The best, most immediate way to re-set the table is for the Premier to publicly intervene to correct wrongdoings and secure resignations of ministers. Rules are rules and protocols are protocols and they must be upheld.

We support the Auditor General’s advice to civil servants to do the right thing and “stand your ground”, as we do the BPSU president’s reminder that civil servants confronted by ministerial interference are not alone; that their union and the rules are on their side.

The OBA has called from Day 1 for stand-alone whistleblower legislation. It is obviously needed. The fact that the Government has moved so slowly to bring it to pass, as well as other much needed good governance reforms, speaks volumes.

In addition to specific whistleblower protections, there is a need for a separate piece of legislation establishing a framework for individuals to consult and take advice as well as whistle-blow.

We appreciate the BPSU reminding its members that their union is there to support them, but we feel it is important that civil servants know that their government is also there for them.  

Do something!

Crime

By Craig Cannonier, Opposition Leader, April 24, 2012

The problems raised by the prison officers are serious and echo larger problems felt by the people of Bermuda.

We are very concerned for the safety of prison officers. They have an important job to do, yet they are not getting the support they need to make their working conditions safer. Their situation echoes the same safety concerns felt by Bermudians across the island.

Is government listening? Last month, the prison officers took their well-documented concerns directly to the Premier. They specifically called for help with perimeter breaches, whereby gang members are throwing weapons, cell phones and drugs to inmates. Since then, we’ve heard that government officials have said the prison officers are exaggerating the situation. Today, the POA, backed by 100 officers, showed photographs of weapons, drugs and cell phones seized inside the prison.

What does it take to get the Government to listen? It’s the same situation Bermudians have felt time and again on any number of issues – the Government simply does not do anything until they are forced to.

Finally, we have to ask: Where is the will to change? Where is the will to make things better?

The Government’s failure to listen and respond is at the root of so much that has gone wrong in Bermuda today.

We applaud the POA for taking strong action to make their case clear.

To the Government, we say: Deal with the POA’s concerns. This is about the health and safety of the men and women who do an important job for Bermuda. Wake up and govern! They have been voicing these concerns for years.

Dump Fire Trauma May Affect General Election Voting

News

By Scott Stewart, One Bermuda Alliance candidate for Constituency 15, April 16, 2012

As I have canvassed in my area, Constituency 15, during the last few weeks, residents have told me that the Pembroke dump fires of the last few years, and the Government’s promises to do something about them - all so far broken - are destroying their faith in the political system. They are telling me that they now have little faith in the political process.   Many have decided that going to the polls is an exercise in futility.

The psychological trauma and cost of having to clean homes and roofs in the wake of the smoke and soot damage from the most recent fire, which was so serious that firemen, police and soldiers from the Bermuda Regiment had to turn out to avert the threat that the fire might spread to nearby homes and businesses, are going to be with my constituents for a very long time. There is the fear that one day they will not be so lucky and will lose everything they have worked so hard for all their lives, if not their lives.

Constituency 15 has a ‘professional politician’ representing them at the moment who is not putting the safety of the constituents first. He is not interested in creating a beautiful park in this area but seems content to allow it to continue to be a dangerous eyesore. They are not blind to the significance of the fact that he seems to care so little about such matters that he tried to enable one of his fellow Cabinet colleagues to develop the Devonshire marsh as an industrial zone.

I challenge him to persuade the Government to get busy on this plan of theirs to stop fires on the dump for good.

I challenge him to demonstrate for the residents of Constituency 15, and the other constituencies that border the Marsh Folly area, that he can get things done for them.

In the absence of any such activity, I hope he will forgive the residents if they conclude there is no plan, and that talk of one was just another attempt at election time to appease the voters and maintain the status quo.

Crime today - Reaping the whirlwind

Crime

By Craig Cannonier, Opposition Leader, April 4, 2012

I want to express our serious concerns about the new and extreme violence that is shaking Bermuda today, where families now fear their homes may be invaded by gun-carrying criminals.

I do so because people need to know their political representatives share their concerns and understand their fears.

There have been three home invasions in recent weeks, with some horrendous acts being committed on householders; some in the presence of children.

The image of a small boy telling his mother he doesn’t want to die, as the home is   raided by hooded men, is all you need to know about how far off course this island has veered.

We know these events are deeply traumatic for the people affected – our sympathies go out to them. They are also deeply worrying for the rest of us.

Most of us are making doubly sure at night, and even during the day, that we keep our homes locked for fear we could be next.

This new wave of extreme violence is a major threat to our way of life. We are losing peace of mind, and we are watching our island lose qualities that set us apart from the rest of the world.

Everyone should keep in mind that these crimes, coming in the wake of a three-year shooting spree by gangs, pose an immediate and lethal threat to our economy.

Our customers, whether they are international business people or tourism visitors, do not come to Bermuda to be part of a crime scene.

What can we do?

The first thing we can do is to admit we have a serious problem, with growing numbers of men and women, mostly young, who are deeply alienated from society, and for whom the norms of civilized behaviour are falling away.

There are complex reasons for this development, but we know many are the victims of an education system that has failed them and that they are on the wrong side of an economy that has fewer and fewer jobs to offer them.

Unfortunately for Bermuda, the Government, with all the resources at its disposal to make a difference, shows no sense of urgency or commitment to getting to grips with the situation.

Instead we’ve seen ministers in recent weeks complain when crime stories appear on the front page of the newspaper and the PLP trumpeting Police statistics showing an overall decline in crime.

You cannot solve a problem if you are in denial.

Bermuda needs a government focused on the people; that will do what is necessary to develop and maintain conditions that keep people on the right path.

The Government has not done that.

These house invasions – the daylight stabbing at Devonshire Bay – are just one more thing that says Bermuda needs change more than ever.

I want the people of Bermuda to know that the One Bermuda Alliance will not drop the ball on public safety. The safety and security of your neighbourhoods and your homes is our priority.

• We will make sure Police have everything they need to get the job done.
• We will urge the toughest possible sentences for those convicted. Bermuda must send the strongest signal that perpetrators of extreme crime will not be tolerated.
• We will get this economy working again. People need jobs. That’s the best social programme we know, and it’s needed now more than anything.

New Tourism Board a step in the right direction, just not far enough

Economy

By Shawn Crockwell, Shadow Minister for Tourism, March 29, 2012

The One Bermuda Alliance welcomes any action to improve the performance of Bermuda’s tourism industry.

The drift and inaction that has characterized this Government’s ‘involvement’ in the tourism industry has been tantamount to a dereliction of duty. They have been in the driver’s seat for more than 13 years and the state of Bermuda tourism today says they have failed this all-important job-creating arm of the economy.

The formation of a new Tourism Board appears to be a step in the right direction. But until its statutory powers are made clear – that is, what powers it will have to actually direct the activities of Bermuda tourism – we cannot comment in any conclusive way.

We support the inclusion of members of the Bermuda Hotel Association who will be on the board to represent the views of the hotel industry. It will help close an unnecessary gap between government and the industry that over the years tragically weakened the marketing of the Bermuda tourism product abroad.

But we must stress that the new Board, with new but not-yet clear authority, does not go far enough.

The One Bermuda Alliance remains firm in its belief that a Tourism Authority is the best way to rebuild Bermuda tourism and grow visitor numbers to create more jobs for our people, both within the industry and in the many businesses that serve its customers.

Mr. Furbert tries hard to disparage our call for a Tourism Authority. We only note that he once unreservedly supported the formation of one, not just in his specific call for one as Leader of the United Bermuda Party but also when he was a UBP Government minister. He can twist that history all he wants today, but the history is the history.

For the record, our call for a Tourism Authority was echoed by the very Tourism Board Mr. Furbert disbanded earlier today. His Cabinet colleagues clearly do not support the formation of one so this is a major point of distinction between the OBA and the PLP.

The fundamental reason we want an Authority is to put in place professional leadership of this once-great industry – top flight executives who can be held accountable (ultimately by the Government) for driving up visitor numbers. While the new board includes five representatives from the BHA, nine others are appointed directly by the Minister, meaning its work will still be tied to political oversight that has so completely failed the business needs of Bermuda Tourism and all the job opportunities that that entails.

The PLP like to say an Authority will lead to job losses in the civil service. But this is absolutely not true. We will still need a Tourism Ministry to regulate the industry – cruise ship and hotel licensing, property inspections, etc. And you can have executives working within the system, just like the current government has with their Director of Global Operations.

OBA single mothers’ dinner promotes understanding of the challenges

News

Future Bermuda Alliance, the youth wing of the One Bermuda Alliance, recently hosted a dinner for single mothers, the purpose of which was to hear firsthand from people facing significant challenges every day.

We believe you cannot help people unless you first understand their situation, and that is the basis on which we organized the event. More than 100 single mothers and their children attended the March 8 dinner at Vasco Hall

Single mothers are the unsung heroes of Bermuda. Raising a family alone is a major dawn-to-dusk challenge with constant pressure to organize children, counsel them, feed them, transport them and provide for them. Single mothers do this every day.

The OBA believes it is the role of government to help people in need, and we believe single mothers need all the assistance they can get. They are the anchors of this society and their success helps determine Bermuda’s success.

The big lesson for all of us in the OBA was to hear just how much the system was letting down single mothers and, more specifically, how programmes like financial assistance was not really serving their needs.

Here is a list of some of the issues discussed at the dinner:

• Family courts. We heard that single mothers face a large amount of red tape, consuming huge amounts of time, energy and inconvenience.
• Financial Assistance. We heard that it is not working for many, with some unable to qualify despite dire need; and for those who do get it, it takes an enormous effort.
• Nonpayment of child support by fathers often places a huge, unfair burden on mothers.
• Wages. We heard that many single mothers barely make enough to cover their expenses. The OBA has already made a public commitment to eliminate the payroll tax deduction for people making less than $50,000 per year. This alone could put up to $2,000 more in your pockets each year.
• Government payments. We heard the Government can be late in paying child care bills. As with all other payments, the OBA has already made a public commitment to pay government bills on time.
• We heard concerns about school discipline and concerns about daycare and pre-school.
• We heard about health insurance deductions shrinking paycheques dramatically.
• We heard about high-rent costs taking an immediate bite out of paycheques.
• We heard about the lack of financial assistance for further education and personal development.

The One Bermuda Alliance will place special emphasis on easing the pressures and improving the conditions for single mothers and their children.

At the dinner earlier this month, single mothers had the opportunity to sign up for the forums that applied to their particular needs. We are thrilled with the number who signed up and look forward to working with them.

To continue this work, we will hold a series of forums during the month of April to assist single mothers in budgeting, legal advice, proper nutrition and parenting. The next forum – on nutrition – will be held on Wednesday, April 4^th at the Berkley Institute in classroom A408 at 5:30 pm.

Change will not happen overnight, the burden of debt that Bermuda has today will limit what can be done. The OBA, nevertheless, recognizes that people are facing serious challenges and that we have to do what we can to help. That is our approach and we will pursuit it to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

The FBA has many other upcoming events, one of which is dedicated to single fathers in the community. We look forward to continue working with community to build a better Bermuda.

We will make this economy work better

Economy

By E.T. (Bob) Richards, Shadow Finance Minister, March 23, 2012

The Budget Debate in the House of Assembly is over, but the debate on Bermuda’s economic decline goes on - on street corners, in homes; anywhere people come together. For today, Bermuda is in the grip of a crisis of confidence and the worry is widespread.

Confidence is that intangible, yet essential ingredient that makes a community, a society and an economy move forward. It is based on a level of trust and understanding that all of the important players will do the right thing to move the community, society and economy forward.

The current Government cannot renew Bermuda’s confidence. Its record is one of decline, job loss and debt. We need a fresh start, a new beginning and a new team to renew Bermuda’s confidence in itself and our future.

Government’s plan in this year’s Budget is not the right one for Bermuda. It does not address the need to grow jobs. It increases government spending. And it adds another $200 million to its debt.

When you boil away the verbiage, the latest budget amounts to a non-plan - ‘steady as she goes’. The problem is that ‘as she goes’ is taking Bermuda nowhere but down.

People want change. The Government’s non-plan is to do essentially the same thing while expecting a different result.

The Premier claims her Budget is pro-growth, but the facts show the Government’s policies have been anti-growth; facts like year-to-year declines in retail sales, government revenues and the number of Bermudians jobs.

Their policies are leaving us with a mountain of debt, out-of-work workers and diminishing public services. In answer to the situation, their response, as put forward in this Budget, is to make decisions that add to the debt and stick with policies that keep Bermudians unemployed.

This is the bitter harvest this Government has planted, nurtured and grown.

The system has to work for people.

News

By Louise Jackson, Opposition spokesman for Health in the House of Assembly, March 19, 2012

The OBA agrees with the intent of ending upfront payments for medical patients.  These payments put a particular burden on many patients, particularly those who are severely ill and those with limited financial means.

But the proposed Government legislation to do this is flawed. Its compliance deadlines are driven more by the Government’s political agenda than the critical need to put a system in place that actually works for all concerned – patients, health care providers and insurers.

We have an opportunity here to avoid problems down the road if we just take a step back rather than forcing this legislation through in its current form. This is a question of measuring twice and cutting once.    

The OBA would like to see the legislation reconsidered to enable insurers and health care providers to actually get their electronic billing and claims systems further advanced before proceeding. We need realistic deadlines, not political deadlines.  We also need health service provider buy-in to make this work properly for patients.

We understand the deadlines recommendation made by the Health Ministry committee to implement the legislation were completely rejected by the Government.  

Failure to get this right may end up confusing patients and costing them more. In addition, some health care providers may shy from seeing patients on government-run insurance programmes such as GEHI, FutureCare and HIP. Why? Because the programmes have historically taken a long time to make claim payments, sometimes up to a year after the fact. It’s one of the reasons doctors started asking patients for payment at the time of service.

This is one of the ironies of this particular legislation – the failure of government-run insurance schemes to pay on time creating payment problems for patients and health care providers that the Government is now trying to fix with this legislation. Instead of fixing its own insurance programmes that gave rise to the problem, it is imposing new rules on the industry leaving the original problem still in place. To compound the situation, it has adopted unrealistic deadlines that are driven by its political needs and not by what will work.

Let’s make sure we get this working right for the people most affected. The proposed August 1st deadline will not achieve that. The system has to work. Surely that should be the point.