Horton sacked for 'to slow' reforms

PREMIER Ewart Brown has revealed that he replaced Education Minister Randy Horton with Sport and Environment Minister Elvin James because he wasn't moving fast enough on education reform. Mr. Horton has admitted he was asked to resign and was then sacked when he refused to do so. Dr. Brown said he had raised the problems of education two years ago when he became Premier. "I indicated to Mr. Horton at the time that we really have to consider this the highest priority. I believe that he gave it his best, but when a few months ago I really began to intensify my look at it, it was clear that we were really beginning to get behind. It was clear we were not making the kind of progress that I would like to make." Dr. Brown denied that sacking was because Mr. Horton was plotting a leadership coup. "Mr. Horton made it clear to me at that time that he was not considering a challenge," he said.

Oil seen driving up overseas spending

WHILE Bermuda is still operating at a surplus in its business with the world, worrying statistics have emerged that global economic volatility is shaking the island as well. According to the balance payments report for the second quarter of 2008 released this week by Government, Bermuda's income account surplus fell $29 million in the second quarter; there was a $15 million drop in the services transaction surplus; the goods trade deficit widened by $42 million; and Bermuda's asset accounts paid out $496 million as compared to the $425 million they took in during the same period last year. Bermuda recorded a current account surplus of $315 million, a considerable improvement over $114 million recorded in the first quarter of 2008.

Morgan's Point land deal closer

GOVERNMENT is still locked in negotiations over the Morgan's Point/Southlands land swap but is edging closer towards a deal being struck, Premier Ewart Brown said. A meeting was planned this week with the Southlands Group to discuss the issue. "With every meeting, hopefully it gets a little closer," he said. "I think the Government wants a hotel there (on Morgan's Point) as badly as anybody. We are not holding anything up for the sake of it." The Premier explained that Government planned to hand over 80 acres of the publicly-owned 260-acre deserted Morgan's Point peninsula to the Southlands Group in exchange for the 37-acre Southlands site. A golf course will take up another 130-acres at Morgan's Point. What is still being negotiated, according to Dr. Brown, is how the rest of the Morgan's Point site is Southampton will be developed. "There are 40 acres essentially left, maybe less, for whatever else the Government would like to do on that property," he said. "Before we can consummate the deal on the 80 acres we have to be satisfied and agreed on what's going to happen to the rest."

Furbert survives UBP vote

OUTSPOKEN MP Wayne Furbert will not be suspended from the United Bermuda Party (UBP) for comments he made about Southampton West Central by-election candidate Charlie Swan. The decision was made during a caucus meeting this week, called to allow the former UBP Leader to respond to allegations that he brought the UBP into disrepute. The controversy centered around statements Mr. Furbert made to The Royal Gazette following Senator Swan's nomination by the UBP. UBP caucus chair Mark Pettingill said this week's meeting gave all members a chance to speak on the issue, with a vote deciding Mr. Furbert's fate in the Party. He said: "Mr. Furbert was heard and others were able to speak. There was not the majority vote to remove him from the Party whip, so he remains part of the caucus."

Universal suffrage for city proposed

THE Corporation of Hamilton recommended to Government that every adult living in Hamilton be allowed to vote in City elections. The elected members of the municipality also want to do away with aldermen, give the Mayor less power and get paid for their services. The recommendations, drawn up by the Corporation's legislative committee after a review of the Muncipalities Act 1923, are contained in a report submitted to the Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General's Chambers and could only be implemented if Parliament agreed to change the law. Taxpayers in the capital can pick up a copy of the recommendations at City Hall or via www.cityhall.bm and are invited to submit feedback.

Free child care initiative is launched

GOVERNMENT launched its new childcare initiative this week, offering free services to families with an annual income of $70,000 or less. The Department of Financial Assistance said it has already received more than 25 applications from interested parents and guardians. The programme pays registered caregivers $800 per child, per month. Each caregiver is limited to three children and payments are slated to begin in December. Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler estimated the initiative will help between 350 and 400 families. Applications are still being accepted.