PLP Blog | Bermuda Progressive Labour Party

The PLP Government created the Technology Leadership Forum Internship Programme to create opportunities for our young people. And, we're pleased to report that they're embracing that opportunity.

Friday's graduation ceremony culminated an intensive 12 week summer internship where they acquired experience in the ICT industry through both classroom learning and fieldwork as members of staff at participating companies.

Minister Michael Scott noted that the programme is good for Bermudians and for Bermuda's economy. There's a shortage of Bermudians experienced in the ICT sector and plenty of opportunity. Minister Scott:

ICT can lead to significant advances benefitting society such as in the fields of telemedicine, e-democracy, coordinating relief efforts in times of disaster, public safety, protecting the environment, sustainable energy, and so on.

I would like to congratulate this year’s TLF graduates and have no doubt that they have been inspired by the possibilities, the power and the important role that ICT plays, not only in business but in these other important areas as well. I hope they will help to create ICT solutions to solve some of these pressing problems of society, not only for Bermuda, but for the benefit of all.

The public-private partnership involved companies including BELCO, RENRE, Bermuda Hospitals Board, the Departments of E-Commerce and E-Government, KeyTech Group, EGL - Edmund Gibbons Group, Nova, Northrock, Quo Vadis, Department of Labour and Training, Bermuda College, ICS and the Accountant General’s Department.

For more information on the Technology Leadership Forum’s Intern Pilot Programme, and how you can take advantage of this opportunity, please visit www.TLF.bm.

Premier Ewart Brown called for Bermuda to continue the big conversation in an opinion piece in today's daily.

Today, people of conscience gather around the world in recognition of UNESCO’s International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. While slavery, the most evil, vicious and despicable system of oppression devised by man has managed to survive in various forms across the globe and into the 21st century, here in Bermuda we are celebrating almost 200 years of freedom from bondage.

During the slave trade, slaves who were rebellious, disrespectful, or bold could be whipped, maimed, disfigured or killed in front of the other slaves. This would send a message that the African slaves were to know what the slave master called, “their place.” As a result, many of us learned to whisper when we should be outspoken, smile and joke when we should be angry and self medicate to hide our pain. We learned that intelligence, confidence and self –respect were characteristics to be feared and despised rather than admired.

Both blacks and whites have been damaged by the practice of slavery and post abolition practices. Unearned privilege and expressions of indignation on any mention of race have been the dominant theme. As a product of a racially divided Bermuda I made the decision early in my tenure as Premier that I would not preside over the economic and technological advances in my country without instilling in my people a healthy understanding and knowledge of the truth – past and present. For that reason we initiated the Big Conversation, to break down the walls of silence and our cross racial fear of addressing the real issues that continue to divide our people.

Since 2007 the Bermuda Race Relations Initiative has tackled the issues of racial disparities in wages, unearned privilege, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, racism in the media and other relevant and timely topics. The initial conversations have been raucous and have caused discomfort but for the good of all Bermudians had to happen. Some Bermudians, both black and white have chosen not to engage in the conversation. Others have chosen to argue that simply discussing race creates division and hatred between our people. Therefore there is a stalemate of sorts where those of us who have encouraged the Big Conversation have had to wage an uphill battle to keep the dialogue going. It is encouraging however that a significant number of whites have chosen to engage, having seen that the Big Conversation was not about platitudes and revenge but about having a real, substantive and sometimes uncomfortable conversation about race in Bermuda. Getting past the discomfort that these discussions caused required courage, determination and commitment and we salute those who pressed on and helped to keep the conversation going. This will lead to the next stage; greater cross racial understanding and counter-racist action by both black and white Bermudians. This will lead inevitably to policy changes that acknowledge and address the reality of racial disparities between black and white at the systemic level. This will not happen overnight. Patience will be required.

The challenges before us are clear. In 21st Century Bermuda many college educated black Bermudians still make less money than non-college educated whites. This is not only unacceptable but is a contributing factor to racial tension. A society that accepts the notion that white skin is more relevant to economic opportunity and success than education and hard work will see increasing social unrest, rising levels of social alienation and a perpetuation of the cycle of division and hatred that has afflicted the relationship between blacks and whites for hundreds of years.

The Mincy Report has revealed that many of our young black males are lacking in “soft skills,” the personal attributes that improve and enhance job performance, social interaction and the ability to work with and interact effectively with authority figures. Lacking these skills, our young men are condemned to struggle to gain and maintain meaningful employment and more likely to become alienated from our society. We will need to provide our people with these skills and the relevant training to eliminate this obstacle to opportunity and to protect the stability of our island and our economy.

These are just a few of the challenges that we will need to address as we move from conversation to action, but without addressing the issue of unearned privilege real progress will never be attained. In a system and culture developed through white supremacy, all whites enjoy the benefits of their skin color whether they are overtly racist or not. Consequently, there is a major role to be played by the white community. By continuing the Big Conversation, engaging in meaningful, constructive dialogue, challenging racism whenever it appears and recognizing the impact that unearned privilege continues to play in our country the goal of racial reconciliation will become a more likely reality.

Let us go forward united in the principles of justice and freedom, committed to tearing down the structural and institutional barriers that reinforce old wrongs. I urge Bermudians to continue the Big Conversation and move Bermuda forward!

The conversation goes on. The work continues.

It's a fact that distracted drivers are more likely to get into accidents. It's a big problem, especially on Bermuda's narrow and winding roads. That's why the PLP Government took action to make our streets safer by banning cell phones while driving.

Today, the Ministry of Tourism and Transport reiterated that the use of cellular phones and other hand held electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle is unlawful.

Driving in Bermuda requires driver attention. This law is designed to keep us all safe. Let's follow it.

Bermuda's commitment to our gateway markets continues on Monday night for the second Bermuda Night of the year at Boston's packed Fenway Park.

‘Bermuda Night’ will bring a taste of the Island to New England as the Boston Red Sox compete against the Seattle Mariners.

Premier Ewart Brown, who will attend this weekend’s event, hailed the partnership as “vital” in marketing the Island to key visitor markets. In fact over the past few months bookings to Bermuda from this area have shown an increase. Premier Btrown:

The Boston region is an incredibly important one for the Island. This is the second year that we’ve hosted the Bermuda Night promotion and the second one this year. We have successfully showcased Bermuda to thousands, and we are thrilled at how warmly the Island has been received by the audiences at these events. We have a busy weekend planned, featuring all of the traditional offerings that our Island is known for, and we can’t wait to share the sights, sounds and flavours of Bermuda with our Bostonian friends.

Bermuda’s celebrated Gombey Dance Troupe will once again welcome Red Sox fans into the stadium with their signature hypnotic drum beats and bottle-whistles, while talented Bermudian singer Sheila Smith, also known as “Bermuda’s First Lady of Soul,” performs the US National Anthem for the audience.

Following the anthem, Jon Crellin, Fairmont Hamilton Princess general manager and president of the Bermuda Hotel Association will do the honor of throwing the first pitch.

Also in attendance at next Monday’s event will be Pop And Sizzle Ambassadors Ross Smith and Edward Swan.

Bermuda festivities will kick-off on Sunday, August 22, with the sailing of Bermuda flags from the prestigious Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel along with a lighting of the building in Bermuda’s signature pink color.

On Monday, August 23 starting at 12.00 p.m. (Bermuda time) in Copley Square, Island partners will feature displays to showcase their properties alongside the BDOT’s exhibit where visitors will have a chance to sign-up to win one of three Bermuda vacations.

Additionally, servers will provide samples of authentic Bermudian rum cake and the Gombeys will perform for the lunchtime business crowd.

Monday’s Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners game featuring the Gombeys and Sheila Smith can be seen on NESN, CableVision channel 142 and WOW channel 221.

A few days ago, it was Toronto. Now, it's Boston. We're blitzing our gateway markets with innovative tourism campaigns. And, while the global economic crisis continues to ravage our tourism sector, our efforts are helping the tourism turnaround.

Premier Ewart Brown is hosting a special luncheon for Bermudian students enrolled in colleges and universities in the greater Washington, DC area on Saturday, September 18th at 1 pm.

If you're a student and will be in the Washington area on September 18th, please RSVP to the lunch by sending an email to dcoffice@gov.bm.

Premier Brown commented on the lunch:

As Premier I have made it a priority to meet, encourage and address the concerns of Bermudians seeking higher education overseas. I believe that students must be made aware of the opportunities available to them in their own country and that they be encouraged to bring their new knowledge, experience and skills back to Bermuda. It is always a pleasure to meet with our students and I am glad in the final months of my tenure as Premier to have the opportunity to address our students in the Washington DC area.

The event will be held in conjunction with the events of the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference. During his tenure, the Premier has strengthened relations with Washington and worked to protect Bermuda's interests.

Today, Minister David Burch announced reforms to the work permit process to ensure that Bermudians get a fair shake from employers. After a number of complaints that employers overlook Bermudians, Minister Burch took action. Minister Burch:

Beginning with the ‘Reinvent Yourself Expo’ in April last year followed by the very successful Taking it to the People series of forums, held across the Island last summer, and in December last year “The Employee of the Future” Forum at the Berkeley Institute to help members of the Bermuda workforce to become better, more employable, more effective, productive and retainable employees both today and in the future.

Since last year Companies in the domestic arena have been required to consult with the BIU, the Department of Labour & Training and the Hustle Truck before submitting work permit applications in these categories for consideration by the Department of Immigration. I am pleased to report that the coordination effort between these three entities and the Department of Immigration has led to improved over sight of these types of jobs.

That coordination notwithstanding, the challenging economic environment has seen a decrease of employment opportunities in Bermuda and concurrently, there must also be a reduction in the number of work permits issued. Sadly some employers have attempted to exploit this situation.

Clearly, there is a balance that must be struck in the application of any policy to protect Bermudian jobs while also supporting business. We have examples of all sides – the good, the bad and the ugly - it therefore falls to me to create that balance.

The Department of Immigration has recently received a considerable number of complaints from various sources regarding the construction industry in particular but business in general and their reluctance to hire Bermudians. As one example we have received information on a master mason who had applied to 10 different construction companies and only one called him back. Happily the firm who did – hired him and are quite happy with his craftsmanship.

We have been provided with the names and adverts of all those companies where he applied. They have been red-carded – which means all their Work Permit applications – new or renewal are on hold and must be approved by me.

Clearly these firms are not serious about hiring Bermudians and as such – they cannot expect the cooperation of the Department of Immigration. In each case a Company profile of the firm has been requested – so that we can see how many staff they employ and the breakdown of Bermudian or non-Bermudian.

May I also add that similar concerns have been raised as it relates to lay-offs and the sub-contracting of non-Bermudian workers to other local companies in the construction industry. These firms are also now subject to closer scrutiny.

Needless to say – there are exceptions to this type of behaviour and there are employers who have hired unskilled workers and are training them.

The social impact on this country and Government services cannot be minimised when people lose their jobs – there is an increased strain on all the helping agencies. The stress impacts on health. An unhealthy population puts stress on the health care system which increases the cost of health care in the country.

I urge employers to not only look at their bottom line when deciding whether to hire Bermudians or not, but to also look at the social impact to the entire community of displacing Bermudians with foreign workers.

Of course there are also both types of Bermudians as well – and while I will not support those whose work ethic is lacking – other than to ensure the Department of Labour and Training provide them with the opportunity to improve – I cannot continue to allow Work Permits to be approved in these areas while Bermudians are not even being given an opportunity at jobs.

As such, effective immediately, all applications in these categories are on hold pending a full investigation of each case. Concurrently, those applications suitable for processing will be reviewed and approved by me and the Appeals team...

It is not the desire of Government or the Ministry to see a business shut down, wind up, cease to operate or not be profitable.

To the contrary, this Government has launched numerous initiatives aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship; new business start ups; educating existing and new business owners; assisting new businesses and small businesses with access to financing; assisting new businesses with bidding for jobs; the list is endless.

However, at the same time we have a duty to protect the interests of Bermudians, who must be given the first opportunity for jobs. We are here to assist employers with finding good employees and running successful, law abiding businesses, in a spirit of fairness in industrial relations, which creates win-win situations for all.

As such, the Department of Immigration will continue the close liaison with the BIU, the Department of Labour & Training and the Hustle Truck - those entities charged with securing jobs for Bermudians and work with business to a mutually satisfactory outcome.

The PLP Government is committed to balancing the expansion of business in Bermuda with the creation of opportunity for Bermudians. This action will ensure that our companies continue to have access to a high quality labour force while ensuring that job opportunities are available to Bermudians.

The Premier's Press Secretary, Jamahl Simmons, made the following announcement earlier today:

Recently, it was discovered that a so-called 'joke' about assassinating the Premier was published on an anonymous online messaging board with a history of hateful comments against the Progressive Labour Party.

The comment, which did not receive condemnation from fellow commenters on the message board, read, "OK... point me to the grassy knoll then... actually that would be better now thinking about it... I'll actually have a better shot view, and no one will ever see me... and I can leave without a trace..."

Assassination is no laughing matter. To this end, we have notified the Bermuda Police Service about this threat and asked for an investigation.

For years, shrouded in a cloak of anonymity, a small cabal of angry opponents of the PLP has spewed venomous hate toward the Party and its members on this message board. These anonymous online hypocrites claim to be beyond race, but, use it at every opportunity to highlight our differences and advance their agenda. Consider this recent post, published in full:

"Yeah... it's like the qLq (derogatory term for PLP) has forced Bermudian whites to 'circle the wagons' and separate protect themselves from those in power. Including the Gangsters, as they have much power as well. A giant step backwards, but perhaps necessary for survival...."

Remember when the banks used to pull mortgages to advance their political interests? Well, this anonymous commenter wants to bring back those tactics:

"Been calling for a boycott a long time.... you will not see my money going to any business or service owned by anyone related to the PLP Government. Meanwhile I'll cash in on any and all the services they care to provide and jack the price up on anything they have to get from my businesses.

Finally, it's not just about the PLP leadership to these people. It's about PLP members and supporters. They have deep disdain and a fundamental lack of respect for the thousands of Bermudians who support the Progressive Labour Party:

"Many have been accused of referring to PLP voters as ignorant sheep or blind followers. If the shoe fits..."

While we encourage and support freedom of speech - including anonymous speech - comments alluding to violence and assassination must be taken seriously. Assassination is never a laughing matter. Given the tone set by commenters such as those on the anonymous message board and in the media, we must not deny that the potential for political violence exists in our society.

Bermuda is big in Toronto. First, we introduced WestJet's non-stop service. And, months later, local media remains entranced with our beautiful island home.

Last Thursday (August 12), BDOT Director William Griffiths and the members of the overseas Tourism office hosted 28 media representatives in Toronto. The media stemmed from a range of outlets which included Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, National Post, Globe and Mail, Discovery Channel Networks, Elle Canada, Parents Canada and Today's Bride, to name a few.

At the gathering, the Tourism Director sold Bermuda big. He offered insight into Bermuda by highlighting our hospitable culture, revitalised and sophisticated hotel properties and natural beauty.

He explained to the group that these are just some of the driving factors behind why Bermuda is considered "a go to vacation destination". Mr. Griffith:

Bermuda, is just under three hours from Toronto and we view the Canadian market as a very important one for Bermuda tourism. The media are the ones who have their fingers on the pulse. And here in Toronto we wanted to ensure that the group was fully aware of all of the wonderful things happening on the Island.

We ensured that they had the latest information on all of our events and promotions, including the Endless Summer Programme, the new WestJet direct flight, the upcoming Bermuda Music Festival and the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. We ended the presentation by telling them that Bermuda is easy to get to, has unlimited hospitality and quite simply, Bermuda is the place to be in the upcoming months.

Thursday's media event was held was held at Toronto's celebrated Sassafraz Restaurant, where a Bermudian-style fare which included fish chowder and rum cake were featured on the menu.

In the upcoming weeks the BDOT plans to bring two Bermuda destination experiences to region, including a Canadian "Road Show" slated for September 13 - 16.

The Road Show which will take place in the Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal markets, will target travel agents and tour operators.

And following the success of the pink taxi initiative in London, the BDOT is taking the pink street car initiative on the road to Toronto.

From September to November, Toronto will soon witness the arrival of several bright pink double-decker street cars wrapped in Bermuda signage.

The vibrant, eye-catching double street cars will be positioned in high-traffic locations to serve as mobile-marketing branding stunts to further promote the destination.

The PLP Government is committed to promoting tourism in our gateway markets. With WestJet and Air Canada serving our island, it makes sense to target Toronto with a media blitz. While the global economic crisis continues to ravage, we're already seeing signs of a tourism turnaround. Efforts like this help to keep that turnaround moving forward.

Contrary to what we read in today's daily, the PLP Government provides a number of services to the homeless and our seniors. Throughout Government there are several agencies and services available to those who find themselves without a place to call home.

There is the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged (NOSPC). Although the NOSPC is not a direct service provider, it plays a critical role in assisting seniors who are in need to not just identify, but to manage their case to an appropriate conclusion. This includes arranging health assessments, health care, mental health assessments, advocating on behalf of that senior to the Bermuda Housing Corporation, the Bermuda Housing Trust or others for accommodation or arranging for appropriate management of their assets and property should they have particular health needs that don’t allow them to do so for themselves. The NOSPC also manages the Seniors Abuse Act to ensure that seniors are not neglected or abused. This includes those who may find themselves on the streets.

An arm of the Ministry of Health but within the Bermuda Hospitals Board is the Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute. You will be aware that the Bermuda Hospitals Board recently began implementation of their Mental Health Plan. There are several initiatives contained in that plan that impact on the wellbeing of our homeless population. Amongst the initiatives being introduced and in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation are programmes to address those who are dual diagnosed with drug/alcohol abuse and mental illness. The Mental Health Plan also speaks to assertive outreach which provides for a team of professionals to meet the client where they are to attempt to assist them with the issues they are facing that have caused them to live the way that they do.

Additionally, the Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, through the Bermuda Housing Corporation, provides assistance to those making themselves known to them. This might include temporary or emergency housing in some cases and referrals to the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation for financial and social assessment in order to determine the best way forward. The Government Rest Homes also play a role to assist when necessary and beds are available.

The Ministries of Health, Culture and Social Rehabilitation and Labour, Home Affairs and Housing work closely together through our various Departments to attempt to address the needs of this population. This is an area of concern to the Government and we are working to pull together the pieces that eliminate the need for people to live “rough.”
It is also important to note, although difficult to accept, that individuals must want assistance. There are some members of the community who, for their own reasons, do not want help even when it is offered.

The PLP Government is committed to work with all of the stakeholder agencies and our community partners to collaboratively address this issue.

Your PLP Government is committed to the fight against crime. It's why we've strengthened sentences, increased funding for preventative programmes like MIRRORS, brought in experts to train our police, given our police new technology to fight crime, and much more.

We're taking action to combat the crime crisis, but, we can't do it alone. We need your help. We need you to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-623-8477. We need you to volunteer with MIRRORS. It's going to take all of us to turn our community around.

Minister Walter Roban called for action and calm in response to the recent shootings:

As acting Minister of Labour Home Affairs and Housing, and as the MP for the constituency where the second shooting took place, I am saddened by the spate of events over the last 24 hours. This has regretfully raised the level of fear in the community and we are all horrified that a life has once again been lost. I appeal for calm in the community and for those who may have any information on these incidents to contact Police or the confidential Crime Stoppers number. We must all work together to end this cycle of violence. As a community we must come together for the common good of all residents on this island and put a stop to the senseless violence that has now taken the lives of seven people this year.

The truth is, the power to make our community safer is in your hands. We are doing our part by passing tough new laws, strengthening our police and advancing prevention programmes. And, we're committed to doing even more. But, we can't do it alone. We need your help. We need you to call Crime Stoppers now at 1-800-623-8477. Together, we can build a safer Bermuda.