A danger to Bermudian jobs

By Craig Cannonier, Opposition Leader, January 30, 2012

The Auditor General’s report on misuses of public money reflects poorly on Bermuda.

It highlights two instances in which the system was manipulated to move public money into private hands, and reports the Deputy Premier ignoring the Premier’s directives to straighten things out at the BLDC.

The reaction of the Government since the report’s release has only deepened our concerns, with

• The Premier and her Deputy Leader openly disagreeing about wrongdoings at the BLDC, and
• Its shoot-the-messengers attack on the Auditor General and anyone who voices concerns.

These reactions call into question the credibility and the unity of the government.

What does this mean for Bermudians?

Bermuda’s good reputation is essential if we are to remain attractive to local and overseas investors, whose plans and activities generate jobs.

If people perceive the Government of Bermuda to be untrustworthy, they will not start a business, they will not build a hotel, they will not participate in the redevelopment of Hamilton’s waterfront – all things that create jobs and career opportunities for the people of this country.

The behaviour exposed in the Auditor General’s report hurts Bermuda’s attractiveness to job-creating investment. It endangers our future, and that is something that every Bermudian should keep in mind.