Dear Sir,

Maybe the time has come to review our Constitution and make some changes.

Viewpoints are being expressed through your columns and final decisions are made by the 40 people in the House of Assembly.

One of your recent correspondents expounded on the Swiss governing body utilising referendums to settle major decisions.

There appears to be a large body of opinion objecting to the use of green spaces, many of which are disappearing.

There is a call for more housing, but in reality there is no affordable or cheap housing in Bermuda. It was usual in the 1950s and 1960s for Bermudians to build their own homes with the assistance of friends — this does not happen today. One only has to look at the affordable housing project in Warwick. Only two units were sold out of, I believe, 40. Now it is being redeveloped for tourism.

When one considers the reduction in the population because of emigration of Bermudians, the disastrous policies of not renewing work permits — thereby reducing the numbers in the workforce and the subsequent revenue from employment tax — the reduction of pension contributions, rental units and the money expatriate workers spend in Bermuda, is there any wonder government income has gone down and expenditure has risen?

The Tucker’s Point development is really only available to foreigners and not for local residents. We certainly do not need such a development in Southampton.

Walking through the Washington Mall and other areas in Hamilton, it is apparent there are many empty spaces.

The economy has been hit badly by internet shopping, reducing the income of local retailers.

If the adversarial form of government does not work, not only in Bermuda, the time has come to decide major issues by referendum.

Let Bermuda lead the way.

There already have been two referendums on independence when the people spoke — let us adopt the Swiss method of government!

ANTONY SIESE

Paget