PLP Blog | Bermuda Progressive Labour Party

It's fitting that we celebrate emancipation just days after passing an historic democratization of our local government. On Friday, we stood up to the old oligarchic interests and put power in the hands of the people. This week, we celebrate emancipation. We hope you can join us for the following events:

Tuesday, 27 July at 5:30 PM
Film And Discussion Liberty Theatre
A screening of the film “500 Years Later” directed by Owen Alik Shahadah.
Discussion panelists: Dr. Quito Swan, Dr. Llewellyn Simmons and Ms. Victoria Pearman. Discussion Moderator: Dr. Radell Tankard.
Light Refreshments at 5.30 PM. Film begins at 5:45 P.M followed by discussion.

Thursday and Friday, 29th July and 30th July from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
“Cup Match Heritage Tent” Somerset Cricket Field
A tent showcasing information on Emancipation. Open from 1 to 5 P.M. both days of Cup Match. Located next to the Somerset Cricket Club.

Sunday, 1 August: Emancipation Day at 6:00 P.M. “Service of Praise” Barr’s Bay Park.
Music, readings and dance. Dramatic performance by TROIKA. Members of the public are encouraged to wear white. Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation, the Hon. D. Neletha I. Butterfield, M.B.E, JP, MP will be in attendance for this event.

Today, MP Terry Lister announced his bid for leadership of he Progressive Labour Party. His remarks, in full:

Good morning. I want to thank everyone for coming today for the launch of my campaign to win the leadership of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party.

While I am standing for election, it is not my turn. The truth is ITS BERMUDA’S TURN.

It is time to give government back to the people. Our people must feel empowered. The PLP must allow the people to feel a part of our decisions.

I am optimistic but more importantly, I am a pragmatist. I am ready to deal with the problems where they lie and to get on with the job.

Government must be in step with the people and bring the people with us if we are to succeed.

Let me say at the outset that I am proud of many of the accomplishments of the PLP Government; these include better programs for seniors, free schooling at the Bermuda College, the building of the new Berkeley Institute.

However there are some dark clouds as well. One might ask what is our future? Closing hotels? Failing schools? Gang violence? General lawlessness? No, this will not be if we ensure that It’s Bermuda’s Turn.

As I stand before you today the Bermuda economy is troubled. We have seen some companies leave our shores and others reduce staffing. These moves hurt the Bermudian people, the Bermuda economy, and the national psyche.

We find ourselves carrying a debt that is far greater than one would have imagined just a few years ago. Yet we can turn it around and we will turn it around because It’s Bermuda’s Turn.

It’s Bermuda’s turn to create a green economy, embracing renewable energy sources, and adopting a sustainable Bermuda approach will see many new jobs added to the Bermuda economy. The green economy will see the flourishing of new Bermuda companies allowing Bermudians to build successful ventures.

Capital spending will be cut to reduce the country’s debt burden. Each project will be reviewed to determine the necessity of moving the project forward now.

Taxes have become a burden to the people of Bermuda. I will authorize a tax review to determine how the amount necessary to operate the government can be collected in a manner that is fair to all.

Along with a tax review, must come program reviews to determine the effectiveness of government’s spending. We must ensure that programs established years ago still effectively address needs in our society.

We must rebuild tourism. To do this we can start by fishing where the fish are. This means intense concentration on the north eastern corridor of the United States.

Because It’s Bermuda’s Turn, we must engage our taxi ambassadors, seeking their expertise as we strive to provide a wonderful Bermuda experience for our tourists.

If we are to restore our economic standing we must engage the international companies. We must dust off the welcome mat and start over, listening, facilitating and sharing.

Almost on a daily basis there are reports of gunshots somewhere in our previously peaceful island. This gun violence is foreign to Bermuda but is now becoming commonplace. We need to bring this to an end.

Government has moved to address the problem by bringing in experienced police officers, increasing training levels, starting the use of tasers, for example. These are all good initiatives.

However we need more. Consideration will be given to trials without juries allowing the judge only to hear the evidence and to render a decision.

More importantly, we must look at the root causes of crimes as the band aid approach will no longer be sufficient. Enough studies have been done on this problem now we must work more effectively in implementing the studies’ recommendations.

Consideration will be given to increasing the time spent in jail before release on parole. Rehab programs in prison will be made mandatory and those offenders refusing to participate will see their opportunity for early release fade away.

Drugs continue to be a scourge on the community. If it is to be Bermuda’s turn we must all get serious about the drug problem.

Families must encourage their substance abusing relatives to seek rehab and support them through the process.

Persons who currently are benefitting from other family members’ drug involvement must now break the cycle and turn the offenders over to the authorities.

This is the time for change.

Far too much time has been spent looking over our shoulders at the Bermuda that was with all its flaws and ills.

Now is the time to recognize that all of us who call Bermuda home have a collective responsibility for its success. Bermuda needs all of us getting in the same boat rowing in the same direction. Together.

The time for the different races pulling against each other, the time for the Bermudian verses the foreigner argument has passed.

For Bermuda’s turn, we must recognize each other as brothers and sisters and work towards a Bermuda that sees each person succeeding based on his skills and work ethic, these factors should lead to success not past privilege or assumed social status.

This not to say that I do not recognize that there is racism among us. Rather it is to say that effective utilization of the CURE legislation can address much of today’s employment issues and thus we should move confidently in a future where each is to be measured by effort put in rather than race.

In order to have this Bermuda we must continue to push on with educational reform. The results of both our senior schools for the past academic year were very pleasing. I wish to congratulate both principals and their staff but that is the start not the finish.

To ensure our children get off to a sound start the testing of two year olds by the child development team will be made mandatory.

Students’ reading levels will be closely monitored throughout primary school to reduce the possibility of children falling behind and staying behind.

We will encourage physical programs for middle and senior school students to help develop healthy lifestyles.
The community must get behind vital health issues such as fighting obesity and diabetes, which is often the result of an unhealthy lifestyle.

But this will come to naught if parents do not come on board. Remember, Its Bermuda’s turn. To make it happen parents must work with schools to enhance their children’s chances of success.

Parents must not be afraid to seek help and government will do its part in working together for solutions.

Accountability is a stand that I am committed to.
Government will be accountable to all citizens. I will encourage and support the work of both the government internal audit team and the Auditor General. Both of these units assist the public in understanding how well government has performed and all departments will be expected to operate at a high standard.

Since 1998 I have been turning ideas and concepts into policies and legislation to improve lives. CURE reporting, consumer affairs legislation, mature student scholarships, Energy White Paper are but a few of these ideas.
In future I commit the government to continue to bring programs to benefit the people because It’s Bermuda’s Turn.

Responsibility. My administration will not blame others but will accept responsibility for building a better Bermuda.
My administration will address problems. We will place sustainable development in the forefront as its tentacles reach so widely that this approach will cause us to make fully integrated decisions that will look at all impacts of our decision making.

Together we will achieve. Together we will succeed…because It’s Bermuda’s Turn.

Today I stand for hope, for opportunity, for fairness.
My administration will ensure that Bermudians have confidence in their government and have a belief that that government is always acting in their best interest. Remember It’s Bermuda’s turn.

Our future must be one of meaningful jobs for Bermudians, affordable housing, effective social rehabilitation and quality education.

Over the next three months Bermuda will look at me and my campaign. We know that you will not just judge us by what we say but by how we conduct ourselves. I have met with the chairman and deputy chairman of our great party and have given them my assurance that my campaign will be about issues, not attacks on the other candidates. Attacks are not my style and have never been. I have instructed my team to focus on issues and to share with all who will listen what our candidate has to offer.

I will listen to the country and this will be achieved through a series of town hall meetings to start soon after Cup Match. Although only the PLP delegates will decide the leadership issue, it is my intent to secure a mandate to lead this country by this means of engagement.

At the end of the day, it will come down to the delegates. I will show them the respect they deserve and will engage them openly and honestly throughout this campaign.

This leadership election is not just about the candidates, it’s about you…because It’s Bermuda’s Turn.

Good afternoon to members of the press, ladies and gentlemen – thank you for your attendance.

The redevelopment of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) represents one of the most important capital projects ever undertaken on our island shores. It is also one of the most costly and its success is paramount to the Government.
To this end the Government has committed to provide a guarantee in support of the Bermuda Hospitals Board’s financial obligations related to the contract with a private sector partner to design, build, finance and maintain new facilities at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital site. The KEMH Redevelopment Project is on schedule and it is anticipated that the contract and financial close for this project is scheduled to take place in late November or early December 2010. My colleague Minister Roban will elaborate on this later.
The Government guarantee is an important feature of the KEMH Redevelopment Project. The advisors to the BHB for this Project had indicated to the Ministry of Finance that having this amendment approved by the legislature prior to the House recessing for the summer was key. The benefit of this was to clearly establish bidders’ certainty and confidence with respect to the Government Guarantee in the context of the KEMH Redevelopment Project. To this end I introduced the Government Loans Amendment (No. 2) Act 2010 into the Legislature, which was passed in the House of Assembly on July 19th, 2010. The sole purpose of this Bill was to provide the level of certainty sought by bidders on the KEMH Redevelopment Project.
The KEMH Redevelopment Project will be the first public sector capital development project being delivered as a Public/Private/Partnership (PPP) in Bermuda. The Government has long supported this model and considers the concept of public/private partnerships as an innovative financing mechanism to deliver high priority capital projects. The PPP delivery model traditionally softens the impact on the taxpayer of significant capital development and also provides opportunities for private enterprise to be participants in the public good. This represents a new paradigm- a new model that embraces inclusion of the public-private sector, working collaboratively and taking responsibility together. We expect the KEMH project to be the first of other PPP projects for the Bermuda Government and that it will set the benchmark for future PPP projects.

The KEMH Redevelopment project is necessary and needed for the people of Bermuda. Like all capital projects, financial commitments are not entered into haphazardly and it is important to note the importance of follow through at this time on this project. A decision was based on a proper assessment and needs analysis and the obvious collateral benefit is job creation.

Please note that Government guarantees are charged against the statutory debt ceiling. For instance, the Government guarantee for the $200 million Butterfield Preference Share offering is counted against the debt ceiling despite the fact that there is little chance of it being called following Butterfield’s recent successful capital raise. Also the Government has a loan guarantee of $10 million to the West End Development Corporation. This loan was taken out by WEDCO to facilitate the completion of the new Sewage Treatment Plant at Dockyard. Currently Government guarantees total approximately $211 million, which also includes student loans which are guaranteed by the Government. These amounts are contingent liabilities to the Government and are not included on the Government’s balance sheet; rather they are noted disclosed in the Financial Statements of the Consolidated Fund.

There has been some discussion in the public domain on the matter of Bermuda’s level of debt and indeed on related issues of public finance. It is important that, as the Minister of Finance, I address this matter and provide some reassurance to the public that the Government is committed to prudent long term financial planning and to maintaining a robust debt management policy.

In general Government’s strategy is to plan its annual budget to achieve a surplus on current account. This current account surplus is used to fund capital expenditure and service existing debt. The long term borrowing requirement arising from budget deficits is traditionally used for investment in hard assets such as public sector plant and equipment, infrastructure and vehicles including bus and ferry fleets.

Additional prudence to long term financial planning is provided by the Government Borrowing Sinking Fund (GBSF) which was established to reduce or cancel public debt. During the tenure of the current Government, the balance on the Sinking Fund has grown from $17 million to $79.7 million as at March 31, 2009. At the end of this fiscal year it is anticipated that the Sinking Fund balance will total approximately $51 million. Following the 2010-2011 contribution the Sinking Fund balance will be around $82 million.

The Sinking Fund balance will continue to grow during the next few years and is projected to reach about $160 million in 2014. At this time it is anticipated that the Fund will be used to payoff $75 million and $45 million Senior Notes that mature in 2014. Further it is anticipated that most if not all of the $90 million Senior Notes maturing in 2016 will be paid off at that time. Therefore it is the Government’s plan to pay off $210 million in debt by the end of 2016.

This illustrates the Government’s commitment to a sustainable debt management policy. What this means in layman terms is that the Government is paying down on its outstanding debt.

When used prudently, debt provides the Government with more affordable financing by matching the repayment term to the economic useful life of the project, instead of funding the entire cost from current revenues.
Government remains committed to prudent and sensible borrowing for investment in infrastructure and other hard capital assets. Our debt levels still remain low when compared to other developed modern economies.

I will conclude by briefly touching on the issue of sustainability of the public debt.

When one turns to the fundamentals of a Debt Sustainability Analysis the discussion should zero in on the use of debt, debt interest and debt service ratios – wherein the use of ratios helps us to put the country’s debt in perspective, as they set debt-related obligations in the context of the country’s ability to meet these obligations. More specifically, numerators alternatively measure debt stock or the attendant debt interest or debt service obligations, whereas denominators capture measures of the country’s wealth (GDP), fiscal revenues, foreign exchange earnings, etc.

The focus in Debt Sustainability Analysis is on leverage and liquidity ratios: the first puts the weight of the country’s public sector’s overall debt burden in the context of the size of the country’s wealth, with debt-to-GDP the premier ratio. The liquidity ratios focus on the country’s ability to meet its more immediate obligations vis-à-vis its creditors.

At the end of fiscal year 2009/10, Bermuda’s net debt, excluding guarantees, was $764 million, the actual net debt to GDP ratio was about 12.7 per cent. This is manageable and sustainable for a small country with a GDP of an estimated $6 billion.

Other countries with which Bermuda is often compared have much higher debt/GDP ratios. In the Cayman Islands, the debt/GDP ratio was 23.5 per cent of GDP. In Switzerland, it was 44.4 per cent in 2009, 71 per cent for the United Kingdom and 83.9 per cent for the United States.

I share the debt/GDP ratios of these other jurisdictions for comparative purposes only. There is no intent for Bermuda’s debt to mirror such levels, but for context and balance.

Another key ratio used in Debt Sustainability Analysis is the debt service ratio which is the ratio between interest on long term debt plus the sinking fund contribution relative to revenue collections. For this budget year, even when including both Sinking Fund Contributions, this amount will be approximately 8 per cent. What this means is that for every $1 collected 8 cents is paid to service debt. Again I suggest that this is manageable and sustainable.

The Ministry of Finance is constantly analysing these ratios and the Government recognises that over the last few years these ratios have amplified, but it is this Government’s strong intent to reverse this trend over the medium and longer term horizon.

There is no doubt that the global recession has had a negative impact on Government debt levels worldwide. Bermuda has not been immune to this economic and financial crisis. We really are not another world that is insulated and untouched from global impacts. form The higher than anticipated debt levels for the fiscal years ending 2009 and 2010 were driven primarily by the sharp downturn in economic conditions over these years, along with the financing of much needed improvements in infrastructure and other hard assets that will provide service to people and businesses in our community for many years.

If one looks at the Government’s debt management record pre the financial crisis (fall of 2008) it is one of prudence and restraint. Since April 1st, 1999, the first full financial year that this Government came into office, to March 31, 2008, relatively all debt targets were achieved and gross debt at that time stood at $345 million. During this period $793 million was invested in capital expenditure; $608 million of the cost of these capital items were covered by current account surpluses and $185 million was financed by borrowing funds. During this period taxes collected in excess of budgeted amounts were used to finance the ongoing capital expenditure plan. This reduced the borrowing requirement.

Post the financial crisis, gross Government debt has increased by $481 million and stood at $826 million at the end of the 2009/10 fiscal year. The simple reality is that Bermuda is not unique in facing the economic challenges that are being faced globally. Around the world, fiscal deficits and government debt have been rising sharply to levels not seen since the Second World War.

To clearly illustrate the severity of the financial crisis on government finances worldwide, one should examine the sharp increases in budget deficits of OECD countries from 2008 to 2009. In 2008 the average budget deficit of OECD countries was 3.5 per cent of GDP. In 2009 this increased to 8.2 per cent of GDP, a staggering 134 per cent increase. In countries across the world, because of the economic crisis, it will take longer for budget deficits to come back into balance.

This Government’s debt management record is one of prudence and restraint. We have borrowed and invested the borrowed funds in hard assets that will continue to deliver value to the community for generations to come. Consequently, this Government has continually received strong reviews from the major credit rating agencies on its debt management performance and indeed on its record of overall economic management. The Government is rated Aa2 (stable) by Moody's Investor Services and AA (negative) by Standard and Poor’s, placing this country among the most creditworthy sovereign borrowers in the world. In September 2009, Fitch Ratings affirmed Bermuda's sovereign rating at ‘AA+’ with a stable outlook.

Though it is difficult, we are maintaining the focus on sound social policy and programmes and are continuing to preserve key delivery of Government services. It was important to help people and businesses through one of the most challenging economic downturns in our lifetime.

This KEMH Redevelopment Project is an important one for Bermuda. We intend to manage it both properly and prudently to achieve value for money and to provide an enhanced health care facility for the people of Bermuda.

Thank You.

26 July 2010
Good morning. I want to thank everyone for coming today for the launch of my campaign to win the leadership of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party.

While I am standing for election, it is not my turn. The truth is ITS BERMUDA’S TURN.

It is time to give government back to the people. Our people must feel empowered. The PLP must allow the people to feel a part of our decisions.

I am optimistic but more importantly, I am a pragmatist. I am ready to deal with the problems where they lie and to get on with the job.

Government must be in step with the people and bring the people with us if we are to succeed.

Let me say at the outset that I am proud of many of the accomplishments of the PLP Government; these include better programs for seniors, free schooling at the Bermuda College, the building of the new Berkeley Institute.

However there are some dark clouds as well. One might ask what is our future? Closing hotels? Failing schools? Gang violence? General lawlessness? No, this will not be if we ensure that It’s Bermuda’s Turn.

As I stand before you today the Bermuda economy is troubled. We have seen some companies leave our shores and others reduce staffing. These moves hurt the Bermudian people, the Bermuda economy, and the national psyche.

We find ourselves carrying a debt that is far greater than one would have imagined just a few years ago. Yet we can turn it around and we will turn it around because It’s Bermuda’s Turn.

It’s Bermuda’s turn to create a green economy, embracing renewable energy sources, and adopting a sustainable Bermuda approach will see many new jobs added to the Bermuda economy. The green economy will see the flourishing of new Bermuda companies allowing Bermudians to build successful ventures.

Capital spending will be cut to reduce the country’s debt burden. Each project will be reviewed to determine the necessity of moving the project forward now.

Taxes have become a burden to the people of Bermuda. I will authorize a tax review to determine how the amount necessary to operate the government can be collected in a manner that is fair to all.

Along with a tax review, must come program reviews to determine the effectiveness of government’s spending. We must ensure that programs established years ago still effectively address needs in our society.

We must rebuild tourism. To do this we can start by fishing where the fish are. This means intense concentration on the north eastern corridor of the United States.

Because It’s Bermuda’s Turn, we must engage our taxi ambassadors, seeking their expertise as we strive to provide a wonderful Bermuda experience for our tourists.

If we are to restore our economic standing we must engage the international companies. We must dust off the welcome mat and start over, listening, facilitating and sharing.

Almost on a daily basis there are reports of gunshots somewhere in our previously peaceful island. This gun violence is foreign to Bermuda but is now becoming commonplace. We need to bring this to an end.

Government has moved to address the problem by bringing in experienced police officers, increasing training levels, starting the use of tasers, for example. These are all good initiatives.

However we need more. Consideration will be given to trials without juries allowing the judge only to hear the evidence and to render a decision.

More importantly, we must look at the root causes of crimes as the band aid approach will no longer be sufficient. Enough studies have been done on this problem now we must work more effectively in implementing the studies’ recommendations.

-

Consideration will be given to increasing the time spent in jail before release on parole. Rehab programs in prison will be made mandatory and those offenders refusing to participate will see their opportunity for early release fade away.

Drugs continue to be a scourge on the community. If it is to be Bermuda’s turn we must all get serious about the drug problem.

Families must encourage their substance abusing relatives to seek rehab and support them through the process.

Persons who currently are benefitting from other family members’ drug involvement must now break the cycle and turn the offenders over to the authorities.

This is the time for change.

Far too much time has been spent looking over our shoulders at the Bermuda that was with all its flaws and ills.

Now is the time to recognize that all of us who call Bermuda home have a collective responsibility for its success. Bermuda needs all of us getting in the same boat rowing in the same direction. Together.

The time for the different races pulling against each other, the time for the Bermudian verses the foreigner argument has passed.

For Bermuda’s turn, we must recognize each other as brothers and sisters and work towards a Bermuda that sees each person succeeding based on his skills and work ethic, these factors should lead to success not past privilege or assumed social status.

This not to say that I do not recognize that there is racism among us. Rather it is to say that effective utilization of the CURE legislation can address much of today’s employment issues and thus we should move confidently in a future where each is to be measured by effort put in rather than race.

In order to have this Bermuda we must continue to push on with educational reform. The results of both our senior schools for the past academic year were very pleasing. I wish to congratulate both principals and their staff but that is the start not the finish.

To ensure our children get off to a sound start the testing of two year olds by the child development team will be made mandatory.

Students’ reading levels will be closely monitored throughout primary school to reduce the possibility of children falling behind and staying behind.

We will encourage physical programs for middle and senior school students to help develop healthy lifestyles.

The community must get behind vital health issues such as fighting obesity and diabetes, which is often the result of an unhealthy lifestyle.

But this will come to naught if parents do not come on board. Remember, Its Bermuda’s turn. To make it happen parents must work with schools to enhance their children’s chances of success.

Parents must not be afraid to seek help and government will do its part in working together for solutions.

Accountability is a stand that I am committed to.
Government will be accountable to all citizens. I will encourage and support the work of both the government internal audit team and the Auditor General. Both of these units assist the public in understanding how well government has performed and all departments will be expected to operate at a high standard.

Since 1998 I have been turning ideas and concepts into policies and legislation to improve lives. CURE reporting, consumer affairs legislation, mature student scholarships, Energy White Paper are but a few of these ideas.
In future I commit the government to continue to bring programs to benefit the people because It’s Bermuda’s Turn.

Responsibility .

My administration will not blame others but will accept responsibility for building a better Bermuda.

My administration will address problems. We will place sustainable development in the forefront as its tentacles reach so widely that this approach will cause us to make fully integrated decisions that will look at all impacts of our decision making.

Together we will achieve. Together we will succeed…because It’s Bermuda’s Turn.

Today I stand for hope, for opportunity, for fairness.
My administration will ensure that Bermudians have confidence in their government and have a belief that that government is always acting in their best interest. Remember It’s Bermuda’s turn.

Our future must be one of meaningful jobs for Bermudians, affordable housing, effective social rehabilitation and quality education.

Over the next three months Bermuda will look at me and my campaign. We know that you will not just judge us by what we say but by how we conduct ourselves. I have met with the chairman and deputy chairman of our great party and have given them my assurance that my campaign will be about issues, not attacks on the other candidates. Attacks are not my style and have never been. I have instructed my team to focus on issues and to share with all who will listen what our candidate has to offer.

I will listen to the country and this will be achieved through a series of town hall meetings to start soon after Cup Match.

Although only the PLP delegates will decide the leadership issue, it is my intent to secure a mandate to lead this country by this means of engagement.

At the end of the day, it will come down to the delegates . I will show them the respect they deserve and will engage them openly and honestly throughout this campaign.

This leadership election is not just about the candidates, it’s about you…because It’s Bermuda’s Turn.

On Friday, Premier Ewart Brown delivered a heartfelt farewell address to the House of Assembly:

Mr. Speaker, let me first thank you for your indulgence and that of this Honourable House in permitting me to formalise my final speech as Premier in this great Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, 17 years ago I made my maiden speech from a seat almost directly opposite the one I will occupy for just a few more minutes.

Opposition in 1993 was exciting. Everyone knew we were on the cusp of victory. I shall defer to others any comment on the ready symbolism of my own victory in Warwick West. For me, it cemented my gut feeling that Bermuda could and would embrace change.

That change started with the fine people of Warwick West and has ended with the wonderful people of Warwick South Central. The constituents I have been honoured to serve have been loyal, patient and genuine.

Mr Speaker, there is no greater, humbling honour than to earn the people's trust and I am eternally grateful to my constituents who on four occasions have sent me to represent them.

Mr. Speaker, the modern political history of our Island records that change did come, and in three successive elections the people of Bermuda have entrusted the Island's affairs to the Progressive Labour Party.

Mr. Speaker, a child born on the day that I was first elected to service in this Honourable House will be eligible to vote in the next General Election. That child knows virtually one Government, for them we represent their status quo.

Mr. Speaker, as I reflect on my parliamentary career and more particularly on my service as a member of the Government, I believe that so much has been done tangibly and symbolically for this country that the accurate historian will label it growth, change and empowerment.–How my Government is judged seems based on a number of factors, and that is as it should be. For those still intent on judging me, permit me to commend to you the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt: 'I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made.'

Mr Speaker, it is important to recognise that I do not consider members opposite as enemies. The Opposition has a vision for this country with which I strongly disagree; that is the nature of our business and that difference of vision, no matter how sharp the debate, cannot make us enemies.

Mr. Speaker, a contest to succeed me is likely to start in earnest once your gavel adjourns these proceedings. The movement to unseat me would seem to have started in November 2006 and persists beyond my declaration of departure.

I am no prophet, nor have I a crystal ball like one honourable member. I cannot say who will next address you from this seat. What I can say is that the only guarantee of full, unbridled affection in this office is to do nothing and do it very well.

Mr Speaker, if one proposes to cut one blade of grass from this seat, rest assured, there will be special reports. Cause one new idea to see the light of day and cedar beams will appear in your home. Seek to govern in any sense of that word, and your spouse and family become fair game.

For whoever assumes this yoke of service in my stead, fret not at what your new enemies say and do. Lead in this Honourable House by example and from the front. Be measured by your oratory, your record and your legislative commitment to improve the lives of the people.

The great work that remains undone is the psychological freedom of Independence. The veil of affluence and material comfort has numbed the senses of the people, and for that we are all to blame.

True self-determination can be achieved, and I am as strong a believer in its merits today as I was in the 1960s when our brethren to the south were making the transition.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of my service. I am grateful for the camaraderie of these hallowed halls and for the working friendships it has allowed me to form. As I close this chapter in service to my country to looks of relief on the faces on the walls my regrets are personal and not political. My list of checked boxes far exceeds the undone and even those welcoming my exit will concede that all my effort has been put into this work.

Mr. Speaker I close with the words of the American poet Robert Frost, words which speak to me at my sunset but equally challenge those still in the morning of their service:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever turn back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Thank you Mr. Speaker and may God bless you, my honourable colleagues, and the work of this Honourable House.

Thank you, Premier Brown, for your service, your love and your dedication to our island home.

This summer, the PLP Government launched Summer Experience 2010 to provide opportunities for at risk kids. The programme employs young Bermudian adults and helps Bermuda's teenagers continue their education through the summer and puts them on the road to success. Minister Neletha Butterfield highlighted the programme on Friday:

MR. SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY TO SHARE WITH MY HONOURABLE COLLEAGUES THE LAUNCH OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES ‘SUMMER EXPERIENCE 2010’, FOR AT RISK CHILDREN AGES TWELVE THROUGH SEVENTEEN WHO ARE CURRENTLY CONNECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES AND OR COURT SERVICES.

MR. SPEAKER, EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IS A PROCESS OF OBTAINING MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE FROM BEING DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN A SITUATION OR CONDITION. THE ‘SUMMER EXPERIENCE 2010’ COMMENCED ON JUNE 28TH AND WILL END ON AUGUST 27TH. A TOTAL OF 30 CHILDREN ARE ACTIVELY AND DIRECTLY ENGAGED IN ‘EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING MODULES’ THAT INCLUDE FARMWORK; CARPENTRY; WILDERNESS SURVIVAL AND SKILLS BUILDING. THE LEARNING MODULES ARE DESIGNED TO FUNCTION SIMULTANEOUSLY ON A WEEKLY BASIS. THERE ARE ROUGHLY 4 to 6 CHILDREN ASSIGNED TO ONE MODULE WHO ROTATE TO A DIFFERENT MODULE EACH WEEK FOR A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE.

FOR EXAMPLE: LOOKING AT THE FARM EXPERIENCE MODULE, THE CHILDREN ALONG WITH THEIR ‘EXPERIENCE COACHES’ LIVE ON A FARM FOR ONE WEEK TAKING TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE OPERATION OF THE FARM. THIS INCLUDES, SCHEDULING THE FEEDING OF ANIMALS, CLEANING CAGES AND STALLS, GROOMING THE ANIMALS, TAKING AND RETURNING THE HORSES TO AND FROM THE PADDOCK, AND PLANNING AND COOKING THEIR MEALS USING THE RESOURCES OF THE FARM SUCH AS EGGS AND VEGETABLES.

MR. SPEAKER, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE ‘EXPERIENCE COACHES’ ARE UNIVERSITY SUMMER STUDENTS HIRED THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR AND TRAINING SUMMER EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME, WHO ARE CURRENLTY STUDYING IN THE AREAS OF SOCIAL WORK OR HUMAN SERVICES. TO PREPARE THEM AS ‘EXPERIENCE COACHES’ FOR THE WORK, THEY PARTICIPATED IN INTENSIVE TRAINING, COVERING THE CORE PRINCIPLES USED WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES: THERAPUTIC CRISIS INTERVENTION ALSO KNOW AS TCI, CHILDREN AND RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCES, ETHICS AND CONFIDENTIALLY, CPR AND FIRST AIDE.

MR. SPEAKER, AFTER CHILDREN COMPLETE ONE OF THE WEEK-LONG MODULES, EACH GROUP IS REQUIRED TO PRESENT THEIR EXPERIENCE, IN PARTICULAR THE LEARNING THAT OCCURRED. THEY ALSO MAKE SUGGESTIONS TO THE NEXT GROUP ON HOW THE EXPERIENCE CAN BE ENHANCED. THE PRESENTATION IS INTENDED TO TEACH THE CHILDREN HOW TO VERBALIZE THEIR EXPERIENCES AND WORK FROM A STRENGTH BASED PERSPECTIVE.

MR. SPEAKER, THE ‘SUMMER EXPERIENCE 2010’ HAS PROVEN TO BE VERY SUCCESSFUL THUS FAR. THIS IS EVIDENCED BY THE MANY REQUESTS FROM THE CHILDREN TO LENGTHEN THE TIME THEY SPEND IN EACH MODULE, AND ALSO TO EXTEND THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE SUMMER MONTHS INTO THE SCHOOL YEAR AS A WEEKEND EXPERIENCE.

MR. SPEAKER, THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES ‘SUMMER EXPERIENCE 2010’ HAS IMPACTED THE LIVES OF NOT ONLY THE ‘AT RISK’ CHILDREN BUT ALSO THE LIVES OF THE ‘EXPERIENCE COACHES’ WHO ARE SUPPORTING THEM IN THIS PROCESS. THIS EXPERIENCE HAS UNDOUBTEDLY DEVELOPED THE HUMAN POTENTIAL OF THE ‘AT RISK’CHILDREN. AS ARISTOLE ONCE SAID “FOR THE THINGS WE HAVE TO LEARN BEFORE WE CAN DO THEM, WE LEARN BY DOING THEM.”

This is a win for Bermuda's young people as it provides them with job opportunities to help improve our communities. And, it's a win for Bermuda's teenagers who benefit from this exciting programme.

At Friday's March for the Oligarchy, Minister Zane DeSilva was confronted by a group of angry and unhinged protesters. They were blinded by their rage and lacked the slightest bit of decorum and respect. Minister DeSilva commented on the incident:

On Friday July 23, my family and I experienced yet another episode of the racism that this White segment of the Bermudian population continues to deny exists.

We constantly hear from the combined Opposition how divisive this Government has been, especially since the introduction of the Big Conversation.

The people, along with those who paid for and supported the media ads that have been splashed across the newspapers and radio these last few months, are the ones who continue to divide this country.

Do these individuals believe these types of actions will bring our people together?

I have seen many marches and protests in my life and I don't recall a Minister of ANY government being treated the way my family and Premier, Dr. the Hon. Ewart Brown and his family have.

I refer to the march/protest last year on the Cabinet grounds and again yesterday at the House of Assembly.

What do you think the Black people of this country think when they witness such hatred and nastiness?

They chanted 'coward' at me - why? Because I didn't address them?

Anyone who witnessed the abuse that our Premier and his wife, along with my wife and I, had to endure last year on the Cabinet grounds, would certainly agree that no Government Minister let alone a human being should be subjected to such abuse.

In no way was I going to be subjected to that experience again. Had my wife not been able to restrain my son we could have an all out bloodbath yesterday.

Look at a replay of the ZBM news last night (Friday, July 23) and you will get a little taste of what happened yesterday.

I'm tired of pleading to this segment of the white community and am convinced they will never change! As MP Mark Pettingill stated yesterday he was 'ashamed to be White'.

My faith is in the remainder of the White people in Bermuda, many of whom have called over the last 24 hours, with support and sympathy.

These are the people who I am placing my faith in to make a change and embrace our Black Bermudian people as our brothers and sisters - and as Race Relations advisor Rolf Commissiong and I have said repeatedly over the years until the White community start to embrace and mix with the Black community, AND we don't close the wealth gap in this Country, we will remain divided, long after our current Premier is gone!

Watch the video posted on the Premier's facebook page and see for yourself the anger and disrespect of last year's crowd.

On Friday, the PLP Government fulfilled it's long time commitment to bringing sunshine to government. We did something that three decades of UBP governance failed to do: we passed a comprehensive public access to information law.

Premier Ewart Brown:

Today is the fulfillment of this Government’s long standing pledge to operate in the light of public scrutiny; it is the expansion of the limits of democratic citizenship characteristic of Bermuda’s not so distant past.

We have always had a vision for Bermuda, and the Public Access to Information Bill brings us closer to the Bermuda of our imagination. Some may perceive this Bill as a lofty concept, one for politicians and journalists. And while I’m sure that there are many who are anxious to peer through the files of the Office of the Premier, the benefits that this Bill will open up to all Bermudians and residents is truly for each and every one of us. Democracy and good governance are not simply ideals to be discussed and debated by politicians, but principles that must be realized by everyday people.

Mr. Speaker, Public Access to Information will not only provide a statutory right for people to request and obtain information; it will provide an obligation of review and appeal in cases where information is not provided.

There are a number of great objects of this Bill; to make government for all generations to come, more open and transparent; to develop a more efficient and engaging Civil Service; and to increase accountability to the people of all public bodies. This Bill will increase the sphere of public influence on how Government does the people’s business.

Mr. Speaker, for the single parent interested in getting his child into a particular school, or the descendants of war pensioners who want to know why they have been denied benefits of equal measure, or the hospital patient who wants access to her medical records, this legislation is for them.

For those who believe in a better Bermuda and want insight into the sustainability of our waste methods, the efficacy of zero-based budgeting or how Government’s policies strengthen Bermudian culture, this legislation will give them access to the answers.

And for those who seek justice and redress predicated upon access to information, this legislation will empower them.

The Premier went on to describe the consultative process and the changes we made to the legislation as a result of your feedback. Premier Brown:

At that time the interest in the initiative was strong, but the number of comments on the Discussion Paper was few. In spite of this the work embodying the legislation continued quietly and diligently until the Consultation Draft of the Bill was released for Bermuda and the world to review and provide comment.

The consultation was conducted not for its own sake, but to hear the views of the people and where appropriate amend the Consultation Draft for its improvement. The Government worked hard to obtain substantive and meaningful feedback on the Bill. Presentations were made to the general public, civil society groups, Rotary, and on the local airwaves. Following these efforts, we were inundated with submissions and received over five hundred comments on the Bill. The people decided to speak, and not only on talk shows and in barber shops and boat clubs; people chose to speak directly to their Government. And it should be no surprise that we listened.

The consultation submissions called for the law to be fully retrospective, for more detailed fees information to be provided, for fewer exemptions, for amending the procedures under which the appointed Minister could make regulations, and for protection for civil servants and whistleblowers.

The Government revisited its large library of research and deliberated on the substance of every single consultation submission. The issue of retrospection, the greatest concern raised during the consultation has been fully addressed with the deletion of section 13 of the Consultative Draft Bill which read in part that the Bill did “. . . not apply to records held by a public authority that were created before the coming into operation of this section.” I am proud to say that the Bill now currently covers all records, irrespective of when they were created, dating back to the time of the Charter for the Somers’ Isle Company, in other words, Mr. Speaker, back to the Sea Venture.

Exemptions pertaining to personal information, the deliberations of public authorities, financial and economic interests, and the Governor’s responsibilities and communications with the United Kingdom were narrowed to allow significantly more information to be accessed through this legislation.

The Minister’s powers to make regulations, as is common practice in a number of laws through the negative resolution procedure, are now mandated through the affirmative resolution procedure.

Additionally, the Government has not only provided protections for civil servants acting in good faith under the legislation, but affords those protections to every public authority, its employees and agents.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to announce at this time that the consultation submissions in their entirety are available at the Cabinet Office for all to see. It is important to this Government to share with the very public who participated in the development of this public policy just what was said and how.

And so on this day, it is intended that Bermuda take another step towards joining the 70 plus countries with Public Access to Information legislation. We will join the company of countries as large and vibrant as India and as small and tranquil as the Cayman Islands.

Every Ministry and Department of Government, every Quango, every Parish Council, and every Board and Committee will be covered by this legislation and required to provide information to members of the public both proactively and upon request. From Government House to the Office of the Premier to the Bermuda Police Service, to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, the light will shine on these and every other public authority.

Mr. Speaker, I have already heard the question “when will access be provided?” The issue of just “how” to provide access to members of the public has been a key component of our proposals thus far, and must be addressed before the question of “when” can be correctly answered. The Government has carefully examined implementation of Public Access to Information in many other jurisdictions and is currently concretizing these efforts through the drafting of a comprehensive plan by the Permanent Secretary seconded to the Cabinet Office for oversight of Public Access to Information implementation. This is further demonstration of the value that we place on making this legislation a practical reality.

The public will be able to exercise their statutory right to access information within the next two to three years. Efforts are already in train to establish a Public Access to Information Unit to lead implementation across all public authorities. The Unit will also have ongoing responsibility for monitoring and evaluating the legislation’s effectiveness and will provide ongoing support to public authorities to ensure that they are ready to meet and exceed their statutory responsibilities with regard to providing access to the public.

The Bill will also establish an independent Information Commissioner who will hear appeals and have the power to make binding decisions on any denied requests for information. The Commissioner is also responsible for promoting Public Access to Information to the general public...

Mr. Speaker, on this special day, a day whose significance and impact will not be fully appreciated for some time to come, I would like to close with the following remarks. We have long been a Government that strived to advance Bermuda among modern, western democracies; and today we continue in this process. This Bill fulfills our promise to give back to the people access to the information that is truly theirs. The Government will become a spectrum/prism through which information will be disseminated in all its shades and colours for all to see. This is but one of the many paths that we have chosen for a better Bermuda.

This is an historic accomplishment. It brings more accountability and sunshine to government. And, the PLP Government made it happen.

For decades, the Corporation of Hamilton operated as an undemocratic old boys' club completely uninterested in reform. They catered to their clubby friends and neglected the back of town. On Friday, the PLP Government fulfilled one of it's long time pledges: we democratized the Corporation of Hamilton and brought to an end a government that one former councillor described as "cliquey, racist and discriminatory."

One man, one vote. It's a simple concept at the heart of every democracy. A democratic government does not derive it's power from corporate interests - it derives it's power from the people. On Friday, we put the power in the hands of the people.

Minister Zane DeSilva addressed the myths and hysteria advanced by the Corporation and outlined the historical backdrop to this legislation:

Mr. Speaker, the Bill before this Honourable House represents the ultimate challenge to us as legislators. The challenge presented is whether we will consider, debate and vote on the Bill or whether we will join the manufactured hysteria that does not match that which we are required to consider today.

In rising to this challenge Mr. Speaker, we are confronted by polls that indicate that 82% of Bermudians are against what the Mayor told them we would do. That is the Mayor’s responsibility and I hope that in the week since the Bill was tabled he has told them that his crystal ball is also out of order.

Mr. Speaker, this Bill is the takeover that takes over nothing. This Bill is the land grab that does not affect any land. This Bill apparently hurts residents by giving them the vote. Mr. Speaker, the people of Bermuda have been misled by the hype and hysteria and the responsibility of Honourable Members is to focus the discussion in this House on reality and not the fiction of the Corporation’s PR efforts.

Mr. Speaker, the principal purpose of the Bill before the House today is to reform the Island’s Municipalities. From the announcement of this Government’s intentions in the Speech From the Throne in November 2008, we have engaged in a comprehensive exercise designed to bring to bear experienced hands in the area of municipal reform.

Mr. Speaker, in a campaign reminiscent of Delaey Robinson’s face in the bulls eye in 1998, distinguished, professional men and women, engaged to advise on this Government’s plan were subjected to personal and false attacks on their integrity and ability. This was wrong and is the first of the apologies the Corporation of Hamilton should make.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will be aware that an RFP was issued in June of last year by which proposals for an open and transparent scope of work related to the reform of the municipalities were sought. Mr. Speaker, bids were received and a committee of technical officers, mainly senior and experienced civil servants, conducted a series of interviews, entertained presentations from the bidders and thoroughly examined the proposals. It is important to note, Mr. Speaker that while overseas entities were free to respond to the open tender, evidence of local partnership was a requirement for consideration. I am pleased to say that each of the respondents met this criteria and the vote of confidence in the local legal fraternity that that indicated was a source of some pride.

Mr. Speaker, that committee made a recommendation to the Minister who was then responsible, the Honourable Member Mr. Roban.

The Minister then brought that recommendation to Cabinet, who while supporting the Minister’s recommendation, directed that the precise terms of engagement be vetted thoroughly to ensure that best value for money was achieved. Mr. Speaker, after a presentation to Cabinet by the recommended bidder, Cabinet approved the engagement of McKenna, Long & Aldridge with Attride-Stirling & Woloniecki as their local partners.

Mr. Speaker, from the time of their engagement, the team of consultants set about interviewing a wide variety of stakeholders to glean the sentiments of those affected and not by any proposed reform. The need for wholesale reform of the electoral process was unanimous. Many respondents were simply unaware of the intricate nature of the Corporations’ holdings, ability to tax and levy fees and the manner in which their operations were enhanced legislatively.

Mr. Speaker, jurisdictional reviews were conducted as part of the research. In Barbados, the local government structure was abolished in 1967 with full absorption of local government into the central government in 1969. In St. Lucia, local government structures have been suspended since 1979. Mr. Speaker, throughout the Region countries and territories have wrestled with this issue of local government but even where there have been moves to decentralize certain of the functions, the model adopted has been one of best practice in democracy and efficiency without prejudice to the function of the national government.

Mr. Speaker, in an interesting footnote to this entire exercise, the development of Hamilton’s waterfront was a constant feature in the discussions with interviewees. When pressed about a transformational impact on tourism in Bermuda the development of the waterfront was raised. Even those suspicious of the aims of this reform effort admitted that the protracted manner in which the development of even a plan for the waterfront had been conducted to the exclusion of the duly elected government of Bermuda, responsible for the economic pillar that tourism represents was in a word, odd.

Mr. Speaker, perhaps at this stage some history of the formation of the Corporations will be useful. Both Corporations are bodies corporate, created by statutes in the 1790s. All powers and rights the Corporations enjoy, such as the power to hold and purchase property, levy rates and operate generally, were granted to them by statute enacted by the Legislature. As a matter of general principle, therefore, these powers and rights can be varied in whole or in part by the same Legislature that created them.

Mr. Speaker, the Municipalities Act 1923 consolidated all the legislation related to the Corporations and repealed all previous Acts.

Mr. Speaker, Hamilton was formally established as a town in 1790 and under a statute of that same year, 145 acres of land were purchased using public funds and vested in the Government of Bermuda for the use of the new town of Hamilton. The land was eventually divided into lots and sold at auction with the exception of 44 lots on the waterfront designated public lots.

In 1793 Hamilton was incorporated by statute with a Mayor, three Alderman and five common councilors to be elected by the freeholders only of Hamilton. Once established, the land in Hamilton was to be vested in the Mayor and those other officers of the Corporation for the use of the city.

Mr. Speaker, St. George’s was incorporated by statute in 1797, with a similar structure. In 1814 the courts were moved from St. George’s to Hamilton and in 1815 Hamilton replaced St. George’s as Bermuda’s capital.

As Hamilton’s boundaries were extended through the acquisition of two islands in Hamilton Harbour and other properties west of Front Street, the lands were vested in the Mayor and the officers of the Corporation for public uses. Hamilton became a city in 1897.

Mr. Speaker, the history of the franchise in Bermuda is familiar to Honourable Members. It includes such unenviable eras of slavery, age restrictions, dual seat constituencies and eligibility to vote based on property ownership. Mr. Speaker, our national democracy has emerged from these discredited methods of electoral politics to the point where we now enjoy single seat constituencies and one man, one vote; each vote of equal value.

The same cannot be said for several acres of this country we know as Hamilton and St. George’s. Mr. Speaker, the requirement that voters in Corporation elections be landowners was retained after the property qualification for voting in national elections was removed in the 1960s concurrent with the introduction of The Bermuda Constitution Order 1968 and the introduction of Cabinet-style Government. In 1978 the qualification for voting in Corporation elections was extended to the leaseholders as well as freeholders and also to local businesses and to this day remains based on property ownership.

Mr. Speaker, this Government rejects the contention that the exercise of a democratic and fundamental right such as voting should be based on the ownership or other commercial interest in land. There cannot be hybrid forms of true democracy. The Bill before this Honourable House seeks to correct ancient wrongs and establishes a principle recognized throughout history’s struggles; that those who are bound by the laws ought to have a voice in making them.

Mr. Speaker, I am able to summarise the findings of the considerable work that has been conducted. Mr. Speaker, the current framework of the Corporations as reflected in its modern operations under the 1923 Act is not in the best interests of Bermuda. Mr. Speaker, this can be seen in three main ways:

1. the absence of a democratic governance structure has disenfranchised the majority of the Corporation of Hamilton’s residents;

2. the advancement of the basic principles of accountability and transparency that are at the core of good government are left to the discretion of an undemocratically elected group of representatives; and

3. the fragmented system of service delivery and policy integration in a limited geographical area inhibits the opportunity for advancement of a fully integrated economy.

Mr. Speaker, I thought it important to provide Honourable Members with the considerable background that gave rise to the Bill before turning to some of the specifics of the legislation itself.

The Minister continued by explaining the true contents of the reform:

Mr. Speaker, the Bill confirms the municipal boundaries. It is useful to add at this point, that in his haste to further his ill-informed campaign, the Mayor of Hamilton reacted to and supplied to the Royal Gazette a DRAFT of the Bill whose maps were different to those in the Bill before this Honourable House. Yet another example of hype and hysteria bred of misinformation.

Mr. Speaker, it is a mark of shame on Bermuda’s democracy that into this second decade of the 21st century unjust electoral processes continue to be permitted under our laws. The disenfranchised residents of the municipalities could not match the vested interest of business. Even as the Mayor of Hamilton leaves the city to lay his head at night, leaving those residents behind, he and many others do so having greater electoral power than the men and women who live in the City. That, Mr. Speaker, is not right.

I hope for unanimous support on this Bill, Mr. Speaker, because when the history of this country is written the people of Bermuda should reflect on our actions today with pride as we remove the last vestige of a system designed to preserve an unnatural imbalance in favour of the few. I referred earlier to the challenge that is posed by this Bill, Mr. Speaker. The challenge is crystallized in this section headed electoral reform. This Government is the Party of Universal Adult Suffrage and one man one vote each vote of equal value. This Government is the home of Dame Lois Browne-Evans, Dr. Barbara Ball, Freddy Wade and Roosevelt Brown and any vote or action that preserves this unjust system is an insult to their legacy.

Mr. Speaker, for Honourable Members opposite, the challenge is real also. The judgment of history will also rest upon their shoulders. Is their cry of reform, openness and transparency only for some or is it universal in its application? Mr. Speaker, having an Honourable Member who speaks for “public administrative reform” is one thing; but the commitment to such reform is manifested in a vote for it.

Mr. Speaker, this Bill seeks to repeal and remove the ability of the Municipalities to levy wharfage and port dues. Mr. Speaker, as an island, there is precious little that we do not import. Every Bermudian is affected by the activities at our ports and the effects are seen in the price of every bottle of mayonnaise or child’s toy that we purchase. Mr. Speaker, by the time an item reaches the warehouse and before it hits any shelf, its price reflects all of the charges that a supplier has had to pay before factoring in his profit margin. With that it is then made available for the consumer.

Mr. Speaker, unlike customs duty which is levied by the elected Government in accordance with a formula reflective of the nature of the item and the need to raise revenue, port dues and wharfage are levied on every Bermudian without question and are culturally accepted as the price of doing business. This too is not right; it is taxation without representation.

The Honourable Member, the Minister of Finance regularly entertains requests from industry to waive or defer the payment of customs duty. The Honourable Premier as the Minister responsible for tourism is charged with overseeing concessions for hoteliers and hotel developers. The represented appeal regularly to their representatives and owing to the relationship their appeals are often allowed.

In spite of their ability to do so nationally, these Honourable Members have virtually no mechanism to affect the imposition of fees and wharfage on goods coming into Bermuda. It is not right that a reduction in customs duty be the only alternative Mr. Speaker, because the responsibilities of the taxing entities are poles apart. This Government has the responsibility to its citizens for the paving of roads island-wide, for free day care for hardworking families and healthcare for its treasured seniors. These deserved benefits cannot be sacrificed to preserve the Corporation’s desire for a healthy balance sheet.

Mr. Speaker, the Mayor of Hamilton has referred to this provision as “death by financial strangulation”. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my ministerial statement when the Bill was tabled, these provisions do not come into force until 1st April 2011. In the interim period, as much as it might pain him, it is the responsibility of the Mayor to cooperate with the duly elected Government of this country and determine how best to ensure that the City of Hamilton can continue to receive the services it needs and run efficiently as a centre of commerce, employment and residency.

I look forward to that discussion because it will open doors to better management and it is likely to accelerate the pace at which people north of Church Street have their concerns addressed.

Mr. Speaker, the Bill also requires an independent audit to be performed on the Corporations. This process is mandated and certain of its provisions are mirror images of the Audit Act 1980 that governs the activities of the Auditor General for Bermuda. Mr. Speaker, as impressive as the balance sheets may be, they have not contained full details of the financial position and in the absence of that information the best decisions cannot be made.

Mr. Speaker, the non-payment of land tax by the Corporations, without more, is a historical anomaly. The estate of the Corporations must be assessed to ensure that again, fairness is applied. It cannot be right that sites used for turning a profit enjoy an exemption from land tax while other businesses in this country must factor that charge into their annual operating expenses.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that, like other entities who make the appropriate case I expect that the Honourable Member responsible for land valuation will entertain considerations of land tax issues for buildings like St. George’s Town Hall, whose existence and use is as much a tourism novelty as it is headquarters...

Mr. Speaker, this Bill presents opportunities on both sides of the House. For the Government it represents the chance to recapture the spirit of 1998; the mandate of change for the improvement of the lives of all Bermudians. This Bill is another step towards perfecting the vision of those of our forbearers who lived and died for justice and fairness.

For Honourable Members opposite it represents the opportunity to demonstrate that they are not wedded to business for business’ sake and that the people do matter to them.

Mr. Speaker, I have taken the increasingly personal attacks on me in stride. They are unfortunate and hurtful but if this is what I must endure in the name of providing the dignity of the vote to men and women in the City of Hamilton and the Town of St. George’s then I am equal to the task.

The Minister completed his remarks with a clause by clause explanation of the bill:

CLAUSE 1

Madame Chairman, clause one is the standard citation clause and cites the Bill before the House as the Municipal Reform Act 2010.

CLAUSE 2

Madame Chairman, clause 2 provides for the municipal areas of the City of Hamilton and the Town of St. George to be as shown on the maps in the new Schedules A1 and B1 to the principal Act.

The maps are attached as part of the Bill before the House and I wish to thank those technical officers from the Ministry of Works and Engineering who produced these versions for the purposes of the Bill.

Madame Chairman, as the legend to the maps indicate the series from which they are reproduced is available for inspection at the Ministry of Works and Engineering during office hours.

CLAUSE 3

Madame Chairman, this clause is the franchise provision and reforms the electoral process within the municipalities to provide that all persons meeting criteria for eligibility to vote in national elections, who are resident within the municipal boundaries, are eligible to vote in municipal elections.

Honourable Members are invited to take note that in anticipation of the requirement to assign ministerial responsibility for municipal matters, the responsible minister will have the ability to make orders under the Parliamentary Election Act 1978 as may be necessary. Madame Chairman, contrary to assertions this is not unchecked power as the exercise of this ministerial responsibility is proposed to be subject to the review of this Honourable House via the affirmative resolution procedure.

Madame Chairman, Honourable Members will be familiar with the provisions of the Parliamentary Election Act 1978 and will readily appreciate that at its heart the Act applies to elections to this Honourable House and may require modifications in its applicability with respect to municipal elections.

Finally with respect to this clause, Madame Chairman, it is important to note that it does not come into force until 1st April 2011 and so there is no question of immediacy in its impact to the prejudice of the existing Corporations.

CLAUSE 4

Madame Chairman, clause 4 amends sections 18 and 19 of the principal Act to provide that all persons eligible and registered to vote in Bermuda may stand for election to the various municipal offices.

This provision is designed to encourage those committed to genuine service to Bermuda to enter elected politics even at this level. The business interests of municipal officeholders have been the unifying theme of their service and few residents have had the confidence that their interests are being served.

The manifest conflicts of interest are such that the various committees of the Corporations, charged with oversight of various functions have been staffed and in most cases chaired by those with a direct business interest in the activity. Madame Chairman, widening the pool of potential officeholders taken with opening the franchise will serve to reduce the likelihood of conflicts of interest in the running of the municipalities.

CLAUSE 5

Madame Chairman, clause 5 repeals certain provisions of the principal Act and thereby removes the power of the Corporations to levy wharfage and port dues. It is proposed that these provisions come into force on 1st April 2011.

Madame Chairman, as I indicated in my ministerial statement of 16th July, the Collector of Customs presently performs the entire administrative function required in the collection of these levies and for a modest fee. At the end of the exercise the funds are forwarded to the Corporation.

Madame Chairman, subject to mature discussions between the Government and the Corporations it may well be that this arrangement continues uninterrupted. The important point is that this Government must be satisfied that the taxes imposed on its people are just, reflective of the nature of the service provided and based upon a formula that is not motivated solely by profit.

Madame Chairman, I had occasion to share the nature of the existing arrangement with an eminent West Indian politician, whose policies when in Government bore resemblance to the Opposition’s than our own and her reaction was “man, what….you have two governments in Bermuda?!”. That is the heart of it Madame Chairman, two tax policies, two entities exercising the function of national government but only one with the responsibility for national issues and affairs. The arrangement is outdated; ill suited to modern governance and must be reformed.

CLAUSE 6

Madame Chairman, again in anticipation of the requirement to assign ministerial responsibility for the municipalities, this clause amends section 41 of the principal Act so that the annual statements of account, which are already a requirement, are forwarded to that minister as opposed to the Minister of Finance. This is essentially a housekeeping matter in the entire scheme of the Bill.

CLAUSE 7

Madame Chairman, clause 7 provides for a special audit of the assets, liabilities, income and expenditure of each Corporation to be carried out by an auditor appointed by the Internal Audit Committee within three months of the coming into force of this Act.

Honourable Members will note that unlike the much-vaunted balance sheet showing only income and expenditure of the Corporation of Hamilton, this audit will require an accounting of the assets and liabilities. Thereafter, the auditor will provide a report to the Internal Audit Committee and to the responsible Minister.

Madame Chairman, clause 7 (4) – (8) contains language lifted from the Audit Act 1980 which Honourable Members will know governs the activities of the Auditor General for Bermuda.

Madame Chairman, were the relationship between the Corporations and the Government founded on adult terms, there would be no need to mandate these provisions. Honourable Members will recall from my general comments in the House that there has been no such cooperation to date and the continuing ad campaign is indicative of the need to legislate openness on their part.

CLAUSE 8

Madame Chairman, clause 8 amends section 3 (1)(f) of the Land Valuation and Tax Act 1967 to remove the exemption from inclusion in the draft valuation list and therefore land tax, of valuation units owned and occupied by the Corporations.

Madame Chairman, this provision will require the Land Valuation Officer to conduct an assessment of the estate of the respective Corporations and advise the Tax Commissioner with respect to the Annual Rental Value (ARV) of those units with a view to a determination being made with respect to the payment of land tax.

Madame Chairman, this Government has been creative with the payment of land tax and a statutory framework exists whereby these payments can be assessed. That same framework will be applied to these units. In fairness, however, the people of Bermuda have a right to know what revenue goes wanting from this historical exemption and moreover, a right to hold someone accountable if the land tax burden thereafter is not equally and fairly applied.

Hardworking families and small businesses all across this Island are required to include the payment of land tax in their operational budgets annually and it is only fair that this be applied to other entities raising money through the ownership of their buildings.

Madame Chairman, I cannot estimate the amount of revenue this might generate as the holdings of the respective Municipalities is not known. Those facts have not been among the recent open books and meetings.

CLAUSE 9 – 11

Madame Chairman, Honourable Members will have noted that for the purposes of the Explanatory Memorandum attached to the Bill these clauses have helpfully been grouped together.

In adopting that practice these housekeeping measures represent necessary consequential amendments in light of the impact of clauses 2 and 5 previously dealt with in Committee.

CLAUSE 12

Madame Chairman, in furtherance of the necessary consequential amendments to give effect to the Bill before the House, clause 12 provides for the responsible Minister to make further Orders as necessary.

Again, Madame Chairman, this is not unchecked power as the Orders proposed to be made under this clause are subject to the approval of this House via the affirmative resolution procedure.

This section is required because I am advised that the body of laws on the national level has grown up around the functions of the Corporation Hamilton. One might be forgiven for observing that as a parody for the history of Bermuda…….the interests of business and Front Street seem to have preceded things like universal adult suffrage and other social causes.

In any event, Madame Chairman, this clause is required as the housekeeping requirements related to the many Ordinances, Regulations and other such matters may arise from time to time as the evolution of this new relationship between the duly elected Government of Bermuda and the municipalities evolves.

Friday was an historic day in Bermuda. We brought democracy to our local governments. And, we eliminated the last vestiges of government of, by and for a privileged elite.

Minister Neletha Butterfield and the PLP Government are pleased to extend an invitation to all Bermudians and institutions to apply for grants through the Cultural Legacy Fund. These grants must be used to develop programs that boost to Bermuda’s culture, heritage and arts.

Grant proposals received from individuals, new or established organizations and charities by August 6th are considered. The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs welcomes all grant applications as up to $200,000 has been allocated this year.

The goal of the Fund is to encourage innovation across the full spectrum of culture and the arts and to provide opportunities for Bermudian artists. The Department believes this event will raise the quality of Bermuda’s cultural, heritage and arts scene and raise its stature in the community.

All applicants must submit a type written project proposal with their application form. More information can be found on-line at http://www.communityandculture.bm/pages/cultural-legacy-fund .