March 17, 2012Dear SirPutting politics and race aside for at least a paragraph, it’s often said but just as often disregarded, that we are all Bermudians and we are in this boat together. As I said, politics and race aside, there can be very few who don’t see this ship heading for the rocks of the Third World. And like every passenger headed for disaster before us, the word ‘hope’ comes to mind.It’s been said by every business person, international and local, that the Progressive Labour Party have no clue what they are doing and simply have no ability to actually solve the problems we face. Sure, all of you who think (Premier) Paula (Cox) and (Transport Minister) Derrick (Burgess) walk on water will object to that comment but, come on, other than Zane (DeSilva), who in the PLP has any experience in business? Half of them are employed by either the Government or the union and the other half get fed all the Government contracts to keep their collective heads above water. Not one of them has any idea how to create a business plan and nor do any of them have the confidence to even implement a plan.So the question is: We know the PLP is completely incompetent but what does the One Bermuda Alliance have in its stable? Are they any better? Do they have any better talent? Even if they are untested, a fairly cursory glance at the OBA candidates gives most of us a great sense of ‘hope’. I didn’t say ‘perfection’ and I can’t predict anything but the mix of youth, experience, business acumen and social sensibility does demand that they be given a shot. Look at the candidates the inexperienced are untested but they are well educated, well travelled and well read. They are from a generation who doesn’t want to decide every issue and solve every problem like (Environment Minister) Marc Bean does. on the basis of pigmentation. And the experience of the old guard will give them a far better chance to succeed than anything, and I do mean anything, the PLP can conjure up.If the people of Bermuda vote for more years of hopelessness and incompetence they will be saying to their fellow Bermudians that there is no hope. That will be the end of life as we know it on this island. It may be wonderful for the cronies of (former Premier Dr) Ewart Brown, Paula and the other Alaska Hall denizens but it will be the end for the other sane and civilised people. International business may take advantage of our laws to make money but they will not put their staff here to live in a crime ridden, overpriced, unwelcoming country run by incompetents. Born Bermudians who are well educated and well travelled will also start to move you think I’m kidding but when they go, you will know I’m not.Some of your letter writers continue to rant about Bermudians and their ‘right’ to jobs, wealth etc. They may have a point but no country, much less a dinky little economy like ours, can exist without foreign workers working and living here. Who do you think provides the money, the taxes, the intellect, the competition, the expertise, the mentoring, the rents, and virtually everything else that keeps our heads above water? Take a big guess and it is not Bermudians. Sure, we have a big role to play but it’s a part of a bigger equation and we need to have leaders who understand and can implement these not-always politically correct policies. All I can say is the sooner this election is called and held, the sooner we can all get on with the business of life because as far as I can see, those rocks are just off our bow!POLLYSouthampton