Future looks grim

February 26, 2010

Dear Sir,

Much of what we read in the Budget Speech this morning was like watching reruns of old movies. But then it is too early to be over critical to ask when we should expect a balanced budget, as we assume this will come during the debates on each government department. We had a lump in our throats when we read about the cost of having an unused office in Washington and only a few lines on tourism something that is close to our hearts. The Finance Minister's billion dollar plus action plan to "save our souls" can be compared to what Forrest Gump's momma told him: "Life is like a box of chocolates you never know what you're gonna get."

Wouldn't it be wonderful if politicians were like Boy Scouts" "On my honour I promise that I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country. To help other people at all times." Instead, we get seasoned members of parliament who hope to get water from stone. What our country needs is for "all party loyalty" to be put aside, and difficult decisions be made for the good of all the people. There must be some "in-betweeners" who can govern our Island with honesty and integrity.

In closing, there is an old axiom about growing up you know the deal it was a time when we thought we knew everything. "It is as old as the hills," our parents would say when we pointed out how young so and so was doing in climbing the success ladder, much quicker than most. They would agree but then say: "Does he have wisdom?" Unfortunately some on Parliament Hill lack wisdom and some pull the wool over our eyes.

The future for Bermuda looks pretty grim. With an ageing population such as ours, we wonder how it is that so many forget what life was like in the 1940s and 1950s. Few jobs, food rationing, and common for many, wearing shoes with cardboard inside to insulate from the holes. Sounds extreme? Well, so is having an economy out of control!

TOPPY AND SAUNDRA COWEN

Southampton

Full-time Minister

February 27, 2010

Dear Sir,

When it comes to the public purse all Bermudians have a right to voice their opinions on how the Budget is being managed. However, what struck me as most odd was a statement made by the Premier with regard to the Minister of Finance's new salary scale. The Premier stated that the Finance Minister's listing as a part-time minister has been "repealed", so she is now deemed a full-time minister thereby raising her salary from $120,000. (part-time) to $170,000. (full-time) these salaries were stated in an article dated February 28, 2010.

As Ms Cox was always very careful to note that she is a full-time employee of Ace Insurance Ltd., does this mean that Ms Cox has resigned her position at Ace to become (by "repeal" of Cabinet to take immediate effect) a full-time minister? Because if not, there no justification for raising Ms Cox's salary without her being the full-time Finance Minister. The Premier stated clearly that all Cabinet level positions are now full-time, so it would sit very uncomfortably with members of the public who have been asked to sacrifice and except additional pay freezes, or to work shorter weekdays for less money, whilst the Finance Minister gets a 50 percent increase in salary for doing the same capacity of work and while she retains a full-time or even part-time salaried position in the private sector. There is not enough time in the day to maintain two full-time positions of this calibre without a steep drop in the level of performance or significant loss to the operations, the human toll is just too great.

The public is well acquainted with Sir David Gibbons' precedent of holding both the Premier & Finance Minister portfolios simultaneously, but these "perks" should have been withdrawn from public administration by the PLP government, not exacerbated! And, yes, it can be argued that Dame Jennifer Smith held both Education and the Premier portfolios for a brief time, yet she was mature, professional and honest enough to realise and accept that it was too much for her. And the current Premier holds three portfolios including tourism and transport ... this too shall pass.

VALIRIE MARCIA AKINSTALL

London, UK

Waiting for October

February 26, 2010

Dear Sir,

When Dr. Brown finally hands over the keys to his BMW and Camden, his Government Credit Cards, and whatever else in October ... then perhaps we can see some "positive" changes coming to the Island! I am sure most level-headed Bermudians look forward to that day with great anticipation! I also assume that Rolfe Commissiong will no longer be required. Finally, perhaps someone who actually has good old fashioned "tourism experience" can also be found, to try and sort the mess out in that Industry, before the final nails are put in the coffin! One thing is for sure ... things can only improve but keep your eye on the Finance Ministry as well!

BRUCE McCLARRON

Arizona