Dear Sir,

A taxi driver, a fisherman, a farmer, a teacher and a parent walk into a room…

If you think that sounds like the start of a bad joke, I think the government of the day is likely to agree with you. What do all these people have in common? Why did representatives from each group gather yesterday at Kindley Field?

There is no one solution to the issues these groups all face. But the common thread joining them is that the Government has not listened to their concerns in a way that fosters true participation. Performative consultation, box-checking, green/blue washing, vague blandishments and reassurances of best intentions are the bread and circuses of the day.

It’s time for some deep introspection on the part of this government to examine the way it deals with stakeholders. Bermuda is just too small not to come to talk to people.

There is no reason the Minister of Education cannot show up to a smattering of PTA meetings throughout the year — not to present his plans, but to listen to concerns.

The Minister of Home Affairs, covering the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources, should be talking not only to the president of the Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda, but, hey, once a month, go talk to a different fisherman — one who does charters, or pulls a bait net, or hauls lobster pots. Mix it up. Same with farmers.

I hope the Minister for Transport takes a ride with a taxi driver every so often. All of these people feel completely disrespected, as if their years of experience give them no expertise in their fields, and no say over how their industry is managed.

When all these groups, and more, are having the same problem of ineffective public consultation, that means there is a systemic issue with how this government is run. When Civil Service is complacent — or forced to be to protect their jobs — and complicit with elected egos, real problems go unsolved. Good intentions are not enough. Different perspectives must be acknowledged and honoured.

No one is perfect. When we all live on a tiny island together, we need to be able to honestly examine our relationships, come to terms when things are not working, admit when we misstep, and be willing to work together to move forward. I sincerely hope to see more co-operation in the near future. I’m trying — real hard some days — to keep my optimism that it’s never too late.

JAMIE McCRAE

St George’s