The data entry in the Labour Force Survey on unemployment produced by the Department of Statistics and which reflected the 2013 numbers, said it all. Black unemployment stood at a persistently high 9% in Bermuda last year, while unemployment levels for whites and PRC holders had dipped to 2%. In other words unemployment for whites and PRC holders for all intents and purposes was nonexistent.

In fact most countries would give everyone a national holiday if they were able to get unemployment down to even five per cent; yet here in Bermuda some appear to be more employable than others. Could it be that over employment which was the norm in Bermuda only recently, is now reserved for a select few. The 2% figure seems to suggests that may indeed be the case.

Most of my colleagues and friends however, scoff at the 9% figure cited for black unemployment. They insist that there must be some under reporting going on, as they are convinced that black unemployment has to be at the 15% level or higher.

They could be on to something for if former Premier Cox is unemployable; notwithstanding her unimpeachable qualifications, than who is?

The survey also indicates that the relative gap or disparity between white and/or PRC unemployment levels and that of blacks has widened in comparison to the 2012 figures.

What is almost as disturbing from my viewpoint has been the relative silence of the OBA’s Bob Richards and Grant Gibbons on this issue. However, the real and in some cases lasting damage is being done to black households all up and down Bermuda. During my canvassing I am increasingly meeting mainly black Bermudians who are transitioning from short term unemployment of three months or so to a more damaging long term status.

And note that unlike most other “Western” countries our unemployed do not have an unemployment insurance scheme available to cushion the blow of short to mid-term unemployment.

Growing numbers are now entering into their first and in some cases second year of unemployment. This is producing consequent strains on households and family members which will only grow over the coming months.

Another, likely by-product of the OBA’s failure to facilitate job growth after two years in power is the presence of strong, albeit anecdotal evidence that growing numbers of black Bermudians are concluding that they have no other option, than to pull up stakes and emigrate from Bermuda in search of work and opportunity.

As Shadow Minister of Finance David Burt said recently on Sherrie Simmons show on Magic FM, it is one thing to leave the country to broaden one’s horizons and to gain work and other types of experiences. This is what we would characterise as “good” emigration and we should encourage it, especially among our young people.

But it is another thing when the young and the not so young are emigrating because they feel that they have no choice then to leave or migrate, due to a dearth of real employment opportunities in the country of their birth.

Are we experiencing a so called “brain drain” in this regard? Many on our side of the aisle and most objective observers, tend to think so.

What is sobering is that after nearly two years of waiting for the election commitments of the OBA to materialise in terms of jobs, it is clear that their promise of “shared sacrifice” was a hollow one.

After all, a sacrifice that is falling squarely upon those least able to bear the burden of its demands, is a sacrifice that is perverse by its very nature.

In part two, I will explore the growing implications for Bermudian workers and for workforce development in Bermuda as a consequence of current OBA policy and legislative initiatives. I will also briefly highlight the PLP’s commitment to real reform and solutions which are at once progressive and sustainable.

This is the first of a two-part series by PLP MP Rolfe Commissiong