PLP Blog | Bermuda Progressive Labour Party

In today's Bermuda Sun, Financial Secretary Donald Scott takes Larry Burchall to task for his irresponsible and incorrect column in Wednesday's paper. Mr. Scott:

The column headlined ‘Gov’t money mess includes $1bn in wrongly handled funds’ [Larry Burchall, Wed. Aug. 4] was brought to my attention yesterday [Wednesday] afternoon.

To begin, I was stunned that a reputable newspaper would allow an op-ed column to be given a headline that was a falsification of facts. Do you have independent verification from a professional accountant/auditor that $1 billion has been ‘wrongly handled’ by the Government of Bermuda? Do you have independent verification that Mr. Burchall has done his sums correctly?

Mr. Burchall, as any other individual, is entitled to his opinion. However, the handling of facts should be transparent and responsible. Mr. Burchall has failed on both counts with respect to his handling of the facts pertaining to Government finances for the period April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2010.

Our review of the column indicates that Mr. Burchall’s handling of information pertaining to the financial affairs of the Government of Bermuda is both careless and imprecise:

• Mr. Burchall does not show the detailed workings of his calculations. The audited financial statements of the Government of Bermuda contain several schedules including a schedule that shows a comparison of expenditure (adjusted for non-budgeted, non-cash items), expenses and adjusted budget estimates.
• The audit of the financial statements for 2009-2010 is presently underway and final figures have not been released. What then was the source of Mr. Burchall’s figures for that period?
• It is clear that Mr. Burchall either has not read or did not understand the notes to the financial statements. These notes provide a summary explanation of the accounting treatment upon which the audited statements of the Consolidated Fund are presented. In particular, the notes make clear that the annual Estimates are prepared on a modified cash basis while the financial statements are prepared on an accrual basis.
• Mr. Burchall compounds his own confusion by implying that the recent financing/refinancing associated with the $500 million bond issue was not in accord with the Government Loans Act 1978.
• What are the “financial shenanigans” that Mr. Burchall alleges to have occurred since March 31, 2010?

The upshot is that Mr. Burchall has concocted an arithmetic mess from which he draws his preferred conclusions.

Mr. Burchall’s handling of such an important matter could have the effect of misleading members of the public as to the correct state of Government finances. This is irresponsible. It also embroils the Bermuda Sun in his mischief.

Your mission statement asserts: ‘The Bermuda Sun will bring you the most relevant and engaging stories that will enlighten and entertain. We will go beyond the headlines to bring clarity and unique insight to the issues that affect your lives.’

In the view of the Ministry of Finance, Wednesday’s column aborted that mission.

Larry Burchall is entitled to his own opinions. But, he is not entitled to his own facts.

Today, the Deputy Premier & Minister of Finance the Hon. Paula A. Cox announced her intention to vie for leadership of the Progressive Labour Party. Here are her remarks in full:

Good Morning.

A couple of days ago I submitted a letter to the Party Chairman and to the Party Leader advising that I intended to be a candidate in the upcoming Party leadership election.

Today I publicly affirm my decision to contest the election for the position of the Leader of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party.

I stand here today to announce my desire to serve the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party as its next Party Leader and to lead our country as the next Premier of Bermuda.

When we first became Government in November 9, 1998, we excited the imagination of the country. It was felt to be our time. I remember saying on the Cabinet grounds on November 10, 1998 that the air smelled better, and that even the French fries tasted better, post a PLP Government. So expectations were high and we were excited.

Since that time, we have had some casualties. Some of our veteran Members are no longer with us, but they will always be remembered as standard-bearers for justice, equity and integrity. These included former Tourism Minister, the Hon. David Allen, JP MP, the Hon Dame Lois Brown-Evans DLBE, JP MP, the Hon Nelson Bascome, JP MP and my father, the Hon. C. Eugene Cox, CBE, JP MP.

Today I stand on the shoulders of all those who have gone before us, including, former Opposition Leader, L. Frederick Wade, JP MP and all our founding PLP founding members.

My task, if successful, at the PLP Annual Delegates’ Conference will be to carry the torch our earlier stalwarts lit into a new era.

Since 1998, I have served my country as an advocate for education, a guardian of our nation’s labour force as Home Affairs Minister and as an innovator and enabler in economic empowerment and economic development.

I believe that Government is most successful when we are accountable, while standing united as a Government, working together for the good of our country.

I am committed to my fellow Bermudians and I am committed to our Party. However, I have a greater commitment to reaching our potential as a country with integrity, honour and openness. A Bermuda whose people see what is possible and are not afraid to reach beyond themselves to achieve it.

Bermuda must be a great place for Bermudians and those that work and reside here. Bermuda must also acknowledge her global status and embrace the change that is required to be a top class global player. We have to be willing to open some doors that we may have shied away from in the past but we have to hold hands and we have to walk into the future together, respectful of each other’s differences but prepared to push the differences aside in order to make Bermuda the best place to be.

We have an economic downturn and we have to devise ways to be even more innovative in providing jobs and expanded opportunities for those who have lost employment. Our system of concessions and relief can be an enabler here. We have to be prepared to dialogue and to consider ways to interact that can be mutually beneficial, not just when there are ‘hot’ issues. We accept that there are challenges, but there are also opportunities.

I know that many of you see this. I am heartened by the knowledge that you are willing to stand with me; work with me; and succeed with me, in serving our Bermuda.

We have many challenges to face as a country and as a Party. Our community is changing. Keynes once asked: “When circumstances change, I change my mind: what do you do?”
Well, when circumstances change, the Progressive Labour Party Government that I am a proud member of, rolls up its sleeves and gets on with doing the job.

As we turn the page and prepare to bid farewell to our current Party Leader and the country’s Premier and open the chapter to a new administration, we will press forward to work in the people’s interests. It will not be business as usual or politics of usual. So, what next?

I intend to bring together a team that will believe as I do- that to serve one’s country is a noble undertaking. Together, we will transform Bermuda into a place of greater opportunity, harmony and social progress, with a team of Ministers and Parliamentarians who will be responsive to your needs and who will never forget that we are the people’s servants.

People are aching for another wave of change following the high of 1998. This is normal. Familiarity can sometimes get dull, even in the most dynamic of relationships. So this next wave of PLP Government has to bring not just substance with style. We have to recapture some of the dizzying heights of the November 1998 aura. This we will do. We will re-connect and we will need all hands on deck- youth and experience, wisdom and wit and energy.

We have a job to do and we will get on with it. Let us build one another –together. I believe that Bermuda will move forward together with this brand of leadership as we turn the page and start a new chapter.

Premier Ewart Brown has a busy weekend planned for his farewell. You're cordially invited to join us for a star studded weekend that we won't soon forget.

The Premier's Farewell Gala Weekend kicks off with the Green and White Beach Party on Friday, September 10th featuring special guest hosts Terrence J and Rocsi from BET's 106 & Park and our very own Thaao Dill from HOTT107.5. The party kicks off at 7 pm at Snorkel Park and will feature special guest appearances by Tichina Arnold, Tisha Campbell-Martin and Duane Martin.

The star studded weekend continues on Saturday, September 11th with four great events you can't miss! We kick things off bright an early at 8 pm for the Premier's Golf Tournament at Port Royal followed by the First Lady's Luncheon at Noon.

Saturday night, the hottest ticket in Bermuda will be the Premier's Farewell Reception and Black Tie Gala Dinner and Show! The ticketed event will feature a performance by Gladys Knight with special guest appearances by Star Jones, Pauletta Washington and Lynn Whitfield. Local vocalists McCartney Darrell, Toni Robinson and Gene Steede will also entertain the crowd. The event kicks off at 6 pm at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel.

There's more. On Sunday, September 12th at 11 am, you're cordially invited to join us at the First Church of God in Pembroke for a Worship service followed by the Platinum and Gold Dinner at 7:30 pm at the Premier's Residence. The weekend draws to a close on Monday, September 13th with a special Platinum Sponsors & Celebrity Brunch Cruise on The Venetian.

Event hosts include Mr. Robert L. Johnson, Mr. Michael Douglas, Mrs. Shirlene Bascome, Mr. David Burt, Ms. Cathy Hughes, Mr. Stephen Kennedy Smith and Mrs. Ianthia Wade.

For more information and to RSVP, please send an email to gala@plp.bm or call 292-2264.

Update (8/5): Download and print out the event RSVP form and fax it to 295-7890.

The PLP Government is committed to providing educational opportunities for our people. That's why we introduced free Bermuda College. And, it's why we've been aggressive in providing scholarships, training, certification and advancement opportunities.

Today, Minister Walter Roban honoured eight deserving students who received the Dr. Barbara Ball Public Health Scholarship. Minister Roban:

The Dr. Barbara Ball Public Health Scholarship is named after a local legend.

Dr. Barbara Ball must be recognized for her contribution to Bermuda both as a healthcare professional, a trailblazer for human rights and a renowned labour advocate.

Dr. Ball led the way in race relations, she led the way as a female, she led the way as a physician and she led the way as a labour leader. There could have been no more fitting person for whom to name this scholarship.

It is hard to believe that in just three years we have awarded some 15 scholarships worth a total of four hundred and twenty thousand dollars.

6 scholarships awarded in Nursing, 1 in Dentistry, 4 in Speech and Language Pathology, 1 in Health Services Administration, 1 in Public Health Practice, 1 in Physiotherapy and 1 in Medicine.

The Government established this scholarship recognizing the worldwide shortage of healthcare workers. Additionally, we wanted to provide assistance to Bermudians who might not have the financial means to pursue their academic goals.

The Dr. Barbara Ball Public Health Scholarship is in line with the vision of this Government to ensure that our community is served by our people.

Although we highly value the contribution of all of our international healthcare workers, it is a matter of sustainability to ensure that as many Bermudians as possible enter our local healthcare sector.

Today we recognize 8 individuals who have made a commitment to return to Bermuda to make a contribution to the healthcare profession...

Unfortunately, we hear so many negative stories involving our youth and they do not do justice to the excellent and well rounded youth who make up the greater proportion of this community.

Our eight recipients are but a microcosm of all that is good in Bermuda.

I would like for our 2010 recipients or their representative to stand when their name is called so that I might know who you are and so that you might be known to each other.

1. Jonae Jervis – Speech and Language Pathology – third year recipient - $13,190
2. Lindsay Lodge – Nursing – third year recipient (presently in school) - $11,000
3. Keira Hill – Dentistry – third year recipient (presently in school) - $20,000
New Recipients
4. Keenan Van Putten – Nursing and our first male recipient - $13,000
5. Jennifer Wilson – Nursing and one of two Department of Health staff who will receive the scholarship this year - $7,800
6. Samaè Williams – Nursing - $11,000
7. Debora Oriol – Nursing and also a Department of Health recipient - $7900
8. Char-Lee Simons – Health Services Administration - $16,000

These 8 scholarships represent a one hundred and twenty thousand dollar commitment of the Government generally and the Ministry of Health specifically to assist you to achieve your academic credentials.

Congratulations to the students. We wish you the best of luck with your studies.

Minister David Burch reached out to those who were confused about the land licence issue. He offered to hold a public meeting on Thursday, July 22nd. Only two people responded. Minister Burch:

The original deadline for validation of land licences has been extended from 22 June 2010 to 31 December 2010. I encouraged persons, who missed the June deadline, to work diligently to meet the revised December deadline.

Prior to this extension – they said the Minister would not listen to reason.
Prior to this extension – they said that conveyancing in the land would cease.
Prior to this extension – they said the Act was confusing.

Madam President, you will know that in response to these claims the Ministry offered to conduct a series of information sessions for those who wished to attain more knowledge on registering their land. You will also know that the first of these was scheduled for Thursday 22 July 2010 and persons were asked to reserve their space. Madam President, how many people do you think responded? Unfortunately, in spite of all the criticism - there were two responses from lawyers who are friends of the Ministry legal consultant.

Madam President, I am pleased to note an increase in the number of restricted persons applying for Bermuda Status as a spouse of a Bermudian since the extension. This confirms our belief that several persons qualify for status and thus do not require a licence but had just failed to apply. I encourage those who hold registered land to also surrender their licences once status has been granted.

Madam President, I am not deterred – we remain willing to offer information sessions to any interested party that thinks that they might be affected by the legislation, they can visit the Department of Immigration website at www.immigration.gov.bm to access all legislation related to land holding and can access this material by clicking on the heading "Land Acquisition." Or they can reserve a place by calling 297-7819 and if and when there is sufficient interest – we will schedule another session.

Madam President, I must repeat how important this exercise is to the future of Bermuda, not only from the point of view of simple compliance with the law — but more importantly to ensure that there are land owning opportunities for future generations of Bermudians.

Ours is a government that respects our guests, but, puts Bermudians first. Reasonable restrictions must be put in place to ensure that future generations of Bermudians can achieve the dream of land and home ownership in Bermuda. We look forward to continuing a dialogue about land licences and encourage those who have criticized or are confused about the policy to reach out, have their questions answered and their concerns addressed.

On Friday, the Government of Bermuda hit back at “baseless and reckless” allegations regarding funds earmarked for Haitian earthquake relief.

As you may recall, on Monday March 8, the West Indian Association hosted the ‘To Haiti With Love’ telethon, and the Bermuda Government was proud to support the Association’s telethon efforts.

From the outset it was ALWAYS stated that the beneficiaries of the telethon would be organisations that were doing specific and meaningful work to assist the people of Haiti in their recovery.

These organisations were the Caricom Disaster Emergency Management Agency, the Salvation Army, Philip Rego’s ‘Feed My Lambs’ and Haiti Health Village.

Just over $102,000 was pledged by the community. Of the amount pledged, just over $94,000 was successfully collected. This represents a 92% collection rate.

Each charity received a total of $23,640 and ALL of the beneficiaries received their monies in June. A Government spokesperson:

The Bermuda Government can confirm that the funds were evenly distributed among the four charities. Information circulating to the contrary is baseless and reckless. Instead of focusing on the good work that was done to assist the Haitian recovery efforts, such careless rumours only serve to diminish the generous and selfless acts of all those in the community who donated to this worthy cause.

The Bermuda Government has done its part to help a neighbour in need, and if called upon in the event of a similar crisis, it will once again eagerly assist. It is regrettable that originators of such fabrications would rather spend their time and efforts vilifying the Bermuda Government instead of using their energy on more productive means – such as doing all that they can do as individuals to assist the Haitian people.

Thank you once again for your generosity. Haiti may be out of the headlines, but, the work continues. We encourage all Bermudians to continue to support Haiti with our donations and our prayers.

Today, Minister Paula Cox and her team met with restaurant owners and operators. The needs of the restaurant industry were discussed and Minister Cox noted that the PLP Government is considering providing relief. Minister Cox:

All restaurants are going through a particularly difficult situation and the Ministry is considering signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Restaurant Division of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce in connection with a temporary deferral of payroll tax. This temporary deferral will apply to all restaurants and will not be limited to members of the Restaurant Division of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.

The Restaurant sector is a vital component of Bermuda’s economy and provides several important employment opportunities. The Ministry of Finance is keen to assist the restaurants during these difficult times which will hopefully facilitate this sector’s return to a sound financial footing in the not too distant future. Another significant aspect of this deferral is to assist employers in this sector to maintain current employment levels.

The PLP Government is committed to protecting jobs and helping Bermudian businesses thrive.

Yesterday, Premier Ewart Brown and Minister El James presented scholarships to eight outstanding Bermudian students. Minister James congratulated the students:

As I look around the room, the feeling of pride is almost palpable. I know that the Premier is proud of you. As Minister of Education, I am certainly proud of you and of your academic success. Your families, friends and the invited guests here today are proud of you. But most of all, each of you, as recipients of funding from the Bermuda Government, should be proud of what you have done, and of what you have achieved to bring you here today! Give yourselves a hand for making it here!

Sometimes, as you worked, you might have wondered why you even bothered. Positive stories rarely make the front page of anyone’s newspaper. But don’t let that deter you. Each of you is a positive story – from Mrs. Eileen Brown, the recipient of a Mature Student Award, who has persevered because she is determined to become a lawyer, all the way to Miss Whitehurst, a Bermuda Government Scholarship recipient who graduated from CedarBridge Academy and who will become a successful doctor.

Throughout this Island, there are many positive stories – we have students in public education as well as in private education who have outstanding academic records, top-class sporting achievements and who have demonstrated social responsibility.

While these stories may not make the front page of the newspaper – I want everyone to know that we in the Ministry of Education understand and appreciate your hard work and dedication. Even while some feel that the economy is unstable, we recognize that we must continue to offer funding to students.
We believe in you and the others like you. That is why we have given out over 1.2 million dollars in new educational funding this year.

We hope that the funding you receive today will help you to continue to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Premier Ewart Brown agreed:

I don’t think that as scholarship awardees, you grasp the significance of your accomplishment.

The reality is that far too often our young people are recognised more for their negative behaviour than for their positive contributions. In fact the headlines would want you to believe that our youth are caught up in nothing but negative activities.

Well I’m looking at dozens of faces this evening which tell me otherwise.

The reality is that your Government recognises that we cannot have success without the proper investment.

That means ensuring you have the right access to training and development, employment, sporting and educational opportunities.

Young ladies and gentlemen, when I look at you I see Bermuda’s future – and that future is bright.

The following outstanding students were honoured. Congratulations on your accomplishment.

Miss Ellen Amaral, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Amaral of, Smith’s Parish, is a 2010 graduate of Bermuda High School for Girls she also attended Gulliver Preparatory School, Florida, United States from 2006 to 2008. This fall she will begin studies towards a Bachelor’s degree in Art and English at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.

Mr. Stefan Holdipp, son of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Holdipp of Paget Parish, is a 2010 graduate of Bermuda Institute of Seventh-day Adventists. This fall he will begin studies towards a Bachelor’s degree in Biology (pre-medicine) together with an undergraduate degree in Mathematics at Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, Tennessee, USA.

Mr. Somers Brewin, son of Ms Elspeth Brewin of Warwick Parish and Mr. Jonathan Brewin of Warwick Parish, is a 2004 graduate of Warwick Academy and a 2009 graduate of Panabourne College, United Kingdom. This fall he will begin studies towards a Bachelor’s degree in English at Exeter University, Exeter, United Kingdom.

Miss Jasmine Whitehurst, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Whitehurst of Sandys Parish, is a 2008 graduate of CedarBridge Academy and a 2010 graduate of Bermuda College. This fall she will begin studies towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology (pre-medicine) at St. Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Miss Shana Outerbridge, daughter of Ms Carla Outerbridge of Warwick and Mr. Wilfred Outerbridge, England, attended Bermuda Institute of Seventh-day Adventists, is a 2010 graduate of Bermuda College, This fall she will begin studies towards a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at St. Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Miss Stephanie Hollis-Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Smith of Smith’s Parish, is a 2008 graduate of Bermuda High School for Girls. This fall she will continue her studies towards a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science at Queen Mary University, London, England.

Miss Chiara Lombardi, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nino Lombardi, is a 2009 graduate of Mount Saint Agnes Academy and a 2010 graduate of Dundee College, Scotland, United Kingdom. This fall she will begin studies towards a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom.

Miss Danielle Richards, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Terrence Richards of Sandys Parish, is a 2010 graduate of CedarBridge Academy. This fall she will begin studies towards a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Today, Premier Ewart Brown expressed his “pride and excitement” about the medal winning performances by Bermuda’s athletes at the CAC Games in Puerto Rico.

And he publicly offered congratulations to Tyrone Smith, Tyler Butterfield, Flora Duffy, Damien Matthews and Ross Roberts for their outstanding achievements at the games.

Tyrone Smith won a gold medal in the long jump yesterday, while Flora and Tyler captured silver and bronze medals respectively in the triathlon last weekend.

Also last week, Damien grabbed a bronze medal in bowling, while Ross collected a bronze medal in shooting.

The CAC Games are currently taking place in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Premier Brown:

This entire country should be celebrating their accomplishments. We’ve sent 60 athletes to these games and since the start of the event, we’ve heard nothing but great things emanating out of Puerto Rico regarding our competitors. They have represented Bermuda with dignity and I want to publicly congratulate them on their performance.

I've always said that in the past we used to do things differently with regard to sports. In Bermuda, we played games, while in other countries, they developed sports.

The PLP joins the Premier in congratulating our athletes. Job well done.

Minister Michael Scott is creating opportunities for Bermuda's businesses in exciting new markets. Minister Scott:

I rise before this House to inform the Honourable Members that on Wednesday, 14 July, the Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce facilitated a dialogue between representatives of the commercial satellite industry and space insurance and reinsurance companies...

Bermuda has sought to ensure that its telecommunications infrastructure was not only equipped to support a world-class business environment, but was vibrant enough to serve as an additional pillar of our service economy in its own right. Space – and the satellite industry – have played a key role in that, and I am proud to have played godfather to the development of both these industries in Bermuda over the past few years.

Our purpose in assembling Bermuda’s minds that matter in the Insurance and Satellite sectors was pretty simple. Last year, I went to Paris as part of the international advocacy we offer to space companies domiciled in Bermuda. At that meeting of operators, financial institutions, and insurance companies I asked one question - What can Bermuda do for you? I received the clear message that there was a gap to bridge in the space insurance market, one which Bermuda, with a foot in both the insurance and satellite camps, is well-positioned to address.

Wednesday’s meeting was a unique opportunity for government-facilitated industry brainstorming to identify new business for the Bermuda insurance market, and to tease out some of the constraints that both the space and insurance industries face as buyers and sellers respectively.

The PLP Government is committed to ensuring that Bermuda's economy continues to thrive. That's why we're working to provide opportunities like this for our partners and friends in international business.