Newsletter - Sept 2014 Public Evaluations

8/10/2019 Newsletter - Sept 2014 Public Evaluations

1/4

The Peoples Campaign will seek to assess the Government & the Opposition through public evaluations.

Public evaluation will allow the Peoples Campaign to assess how effective those who sit in the House ofParliament are in addressing the issues raised by the people. In the Month of September, we reviewed

Ministerial statements, statements from the Opposition, articles in the media and public reports. We re-

viewed them with an aim to produce a summary of our elected officials activities. This process will beused by the Peoples Campaign to keep the people of Bermuda conscious to the decisions that are beingmade and how they are aligned with the Peoples expectations.

WHY PUBLIC EVALUATIONS?

ublic

Peoples Campaign for equality jobs and justice

For the Month of September 2 14

Evaluat

ion

Labour Day AddressSeptember 1st, 2014

Senator Fahy

On this auspicious occasion, as we salute each and every worker for their contribution to Ber-muda and recognize the crucial role that our unions play in advocating for the rights of workers, Iwould like for us to truly reflect on this year's theme, "Solidarity for Equality, Jobs and Justice". Tome, this year's Labour Day message is about one simple yet crucial concept one to which I fullysubscribe collaboration. Collaboration is about us all coming together for a greater good. In the

words of Henry Ford, "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working to-gether is success." This Government recognizes that Labour has played a huge part in driving oureconomy as we seek to re-engage all Bermudians in the workforce so that we can all contribute toBermuda's future. We all want the same thing the Public Sector, the Private Sector, the Unionsand, ultimately, the People and that is embracing the diversity of Bermuda's Workforce and Tran-

scending all cultural barriers to unite the entire community. Since last Labour Day this Government has put in placemany initiatives to assist the Bermudian worker many of which I am pleased to say involved collaboration between

Unions, Government and the Private Sector and demonstrate this concept of collaboration.

Opposition Leader Marc BeanWe must also bring forward an agenda that elevates the condition of all Bermudians, breaks the cycle of depend-

ency and work towards moving from those who are labour to those who hire labour. From thosewho consume to those who produce. All while never forgetting our core principles and continuing

to fight against those who would marginalize Bermudians or mistreat workers. When you lookback at the sacrifice of those who have brought us this far can you still be silenced? When youlook at your brothers and sisters, neighbours and friends and witness firsthand their marginaliza-tion and suffering can you still be silenced? When you look ahead to future generations of Ber-mudians and the Bermuda we will leave behind can you still be silenced? We recognize the threatwe face. We recognize that moving backwards is not an option. Our unity is our strength. To-gether, our numbers give us economic, social and political power if we are willing to use thatpower. Representing the hopes and aspirations of so many Bermudians is an awesome responsi-bility and the power we share must by necessity be used without fear, without permission fromthose who oppose our progress and without apology, in the best interest of our people. On this

Labour Day 2014, let us break our silence, let us commit to being courageous in the face of wrongdoing, resolute inthe face of injustice and united in the struggle for a Bermuda that works for you.

OUR LEADERS SPEAK
http://www.google.com/url?url=http://bernews.com/2012/04/senator-fahy-on-planning-appeals-review-delay/&rct=j&frm=1&q=&esrc=s&sa=U&ei=nMQxVN7sPPe1sQTglIGYDA&ved=0CCIQ9QEwBg&usg=AFQjCNEVwEcnQVLJew7SYioBYXOYdUBbJg


2/4

Pension - Seniors told, Money does not grow on trees

September 15th, 2014

In response to seniors concerns expressed at the Age Concerns annual general meeting regarding governmentpensions, Finance Minister MP Bob Richards said: Money does not grow on trees...The social insurancefund is underfunded and so is the Civil Service pension fund. All the money comes from people abroad.

If I increase pensions, I will inflict pain and discomfort for people who come after us.

Age Concern Executive Director Claudette Fleming told The Royal Gazette, that in response to a question do yousee an increase in pensions any time soon? The Minister basically said not any time soon. That was ablow. People are struggling. It has been a few years now since an increase. She said the Minister spokeof theshared sacrifice that everyone in Bermuda needed to make to improve the Islands economyand help pay off the Islands huge debt. We understand that its a shared sacrifice but you have got toremember that this is a generation thats made a sacrifice while its working, said Ms Fleming.

Health and Seniors Minister Jeanne Atherden added: I suspect that seniors will be disappointed at not re-ceiving a pension increase, but I also believe that Bermudas seniors understand the importance of be-ing careful with the national purse. They have grown up budgeting carefully for their households, andthey expect the Government to do the same with the money in the pension fund.


In response to the announcement that our seniors will not receive a cost of living increase in pension, Shadow Min-ister for Seniors Derrick Burgess said the OBA says money doesnt grow on trees, when it comes to sen-iors, scholarships, financial assistance and salaries for government workers, yet somehow money does

grow on trees for tax concessions for businesses that have failed to translate into jobs for Bermudiansand to provide the Bermuda Tourism Authority with over $20 million while covering up how it is being

spent.

Before the election, the OBA said We have no interest in hurting anyone, least of all our seniors. In2011, the OBA said that the PLPs 3% pension increase for seniors was woefully inadequate. Sincethen they have lowered their quality of life, raised their taxes and licensing fees, refused to outlaw age discrimina-tion and allowed their friends in the insurance industry to raise the cost of health insurance.


In a follow-up statement, M.P. Richards attempted to clarify the governments decision and stated that the govern-ment pension was never meant to provide a standard of living for Bermuda and anyone relying solely on itwas in real trouble. The Minister, however, admitted that he didnt know how many seniors were reliant on thegovernment pension for their survival.

The last increase in seniors contributory pension was in August 2011 when it was raised by 3%. At the time, the

then Opposition OBA described the increase as woefully inadequate. In the meantime, the cost of living in Ber-muda has risen by 6.3 percent, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) published by the Department of Sta-tistics.

The Peoples Campaign understand the financial constraints of our current economic climate but implores the gov-ernment to look for ways to protect our most vulnerable. In light of the recent revelation that there is an estimated$35 million in government pension arrears owed by delinquent employers, the government must take aggressiveaction to recoup this money.

As per the Peoples Campaign manifesto, The Government must establish regulatory constraints over themarket to ensure that the business community share the sacrifices and participate in practices that

serve the common good recognizing that the economy must serve the people and not the other wayaround.

Page 2Peoples Campaign Public Evaluation

HIGHLIGHTING OUR SENIORS


3/4

OBA: New Leadership

Good GovernanceSeptember 2nd, 2014The Hon. Michael Dunkley J.P., M.P.,Premier of Bermuda and Minister of Na-tional Security has been elected as OBALeader. The Hon. E.T. Richards J.P.,M.P., Minister of Finance, has beenelected as OBA Deputy Leader. SenatorLynne Woolridge J.P., has been electedas OBA Chair. All were elected by beingthe only contenders for the three rolesand assumed the posts effective immedi-ately.

PLP: M.P. Kim Wilson - GenderAffairs Office

JusticeSeptember 5th, 2014

M.P. Wilson called for the formation of a

Gender Affairs Office on the announce-

ment of the closing of the Centre for

Abuse. It would be policy and legisla-

tive focused and provide funding and

support to non-profit organizations. This

can be accomplished by establishing

partnerships with charitable agencies

such as the Centre for Abuse.

PLP: M.P. Burt renews call for

diversificationJobsSeptember 5th, 2014The news that the Bermuda Economycontracted by 2.5% in 2013 is a sobering

reminder of the pressing need for con-crete action on economic diversificationin Bermuda. In the face of the joblosses, company closures, and wage re-ductions that have continued through

2014, Bermuda cannot afford for theOBA to be stubborn and stick to the UBPplaybook from 1980-1998.

The Peoples Campaign is concernedabout the lack of jobs that have been

created over the last 20 months and im-

plore the Government to make job crea-

tion their priority.

OBA: National Training PlanJobs

September 19th, 2014Two Town Hall Meetings were hosted todiscuss the National Training Plan - Part 1

(Link to report).

Page 3

IN THE NEWS

Peoples Campaign Public Evaluation

The Peoples Campaign applauds thisinitiative and looks forward to the re-lease of Part 2. With an estimated

3,000 unemployed Bermudians and38% youth unemployment rate, weimplore the OBA to make every effortto fast-track the implementation of itsrecommendations.

OBA: Ministry of Home Affairsmust pay BEST $70,000 in legal

costs JusticeSeptember 23rd, 2014The Supreme Court has ruled that gov-

ernment must pay the legal costs asso-

ciated with their Tuckers Point devel-

o p m e n t l a w s u i t .

The Peoples Campaign recognizes that

this ruling sets a precedent for other

public interest organizations to seek

justice available through the courts.

Government Travel CostsGood GovernanceSeptember 26th, 2014PLP: The public has a right to know

why it was necessary for Premier

Dunkley, Ministers Grant Gibbons and

Shawn Crockwell, and Senator JeffBaron to participate in this New York

junket and how much Bermudians paid

for it.

OBA: Government is in the process of

finalising a travel website detailing Min-

isterial travel costs, which can be

viewed by the public. The website

l a u n c h i s f o r t h c o m i n g .

The Peoples Campaign applauds the

Governments efforts to improve trans-

parency on the reporting of govern-

ment spending but implores our repre-sentatives to be mindful of their fiscal

responsibility in efficiently managing

the peoples funds.

OBA: Pre-Certification

HealthSeptember 26th , 2014Minister of Health, Seniors and Envi-

ronment Jeanne Atherden: We are

seeking a centralized utilization man-

agement agency, contracted by the

Health Insurance Department [HID],

which will precertify all eligible diag-

nostic imaging and clinical labora-

tory procedures. Public and privatepayers will be required to adhere

to HIDs preapprovals for their

insurance plans.

Shadow Health Minister Kim Wilson:

There are many other ways in

which health care costs can be re-

duced, ways that would not interfere

with patient safetycompetition

drives down the cost of goods and

services and as such considerations

ought to be given to allow the intro-

duction of larger international insur-

ance companies which could not only

drive down costs but could also

prove the difference between life and

death.

Whilst the Peoples Campaign recog-

nizes the need to cut health costs,

we are not convinced that pre-

certification will reduce costs and are

concerned that it will lead to unnec-

essary bureaucratic delays in the

delivery of healthcare.

OBA: Centre for Abuse

JusticeSeptember 29th, 2014Government has located a secure

facility to be used as a temporary

shelter for those in need of emer-

gency support due to domestic vio-

lence.

While the Peoples Campaign is

pleased that a temporary shelter has

been secured, we believe that ensur-

ing the safety for victims of domestic

violence must be a priority of ourGovernment and, as such, should

provide sufficient funding for a per-

manent shelter.

Sandys South By-Election

Good GovernanceSeptember 30th, 2014Constituency #33 Sandys South by-

election will be held on November

18th, with the Nomination day set

for October 28th.
http://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/5379_national_training_plan_part_i__online_version_.pdfhttp://bernews.com/2014/09/new-website-to-detail-ministers-travel-costs/http://bernews.com/2014/09/new-website-to-detail-ministers-travel-costs/http://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/5379_national_training_plan_part_i__online_version_.pdf


4/4

Find us on the web @ http://bermudapeoplescampaign.com/

Like us on Facebook: Bermuda Peoples Campaign

THE PEOPLES CAMPAIGN MANIFESTO

EQUALITY

Every Bermudian should have the opportunity for post secondary education and should not be prevented from attainingEvery Bermudian should have the opportunity for post secondary education and should not be prevented from attaining

education due to lack of funding.education due to lack of funding.

The Government must implement an equitable taxation system that would structure taxation based upon levels of totalThe Government must implement an equitable taxation system that would structure taxation based upon levels of total

income and the value of assets and holdings.income and the value of assets and holdings.

Quality healthcare must be accessible and affordable to all.Quality healthcare must be accessible and affordable to all.

All Bermudians must have equal treatment under the law: the criminal justice system and the civil legal system must beAll Bermudians must have equal treatment under the law: the criminal justice system and the civil legal system must be

accessible irrespective of financial wellaccessible irrespective of financial well--being and must be administered at all levels in a manner that truly demonstratesbeing and must be administered at all levels in a manner that truly demonstrates

that justice in blind.that justice in blind.

JOBS

Every person should be entitled to a livable wage in proportion to the cost of living. That is to say, a wage that permits itEvery person should be entitled to a livable wage in proportion to the cost of living. That is to say, a wage that permits it ss

citizens to meet primary needs of food, shelter, clothing, healthcare and from a primary source of employment.citizens to meet primary needs of food, shelter, clothing, healthcare and from a primary source of employment.

Full employment for Bermudians must be a national priority.Full employment for Bermudians must be a national priority.

The Government must hold all employers accountable so that all workers will be respected and afforded the same stan-The Government must hold all employers accountable so that all workers will be respected and afforded the same stan-

dards and working conditions.dards and working conditions.

All workers must have the right to join Unions or form associations to defend their rights.All workers must have the right to join Unions or form associations to defend their rights.

JUSTICE

The Government must implement a program specifically designed to provide true economic opportunities for persons whoThe Government must implement a program specifically designed to provide true economic opportunities for persons who

historically have been prevented access.historically have been prevented access. The Government must establish regulatory constraints over the market to ensure that the business community share theThe Government must establish regulatory constraints over the market to ensure that the business community share the

sacrifices and participate in practices that serve the common good recognizing that the economy must serve the peoplesacrifices and participate in practices that serve the common good recognizing that the economy must serve the people

and not the other way around.and not the other way around.

Equal rights must be the same for ALL citizens in Bermuda, as such age cannot be a barrier for access to services, capital,Equal rights must be the same for ALL citizens in Bermuda, as such age cannot be a barrier for access to services, capital,

and employment.and employment.

The Government does not own public property but holds it in trust on behalf of the people and therefore should exerciseThe Government does not own public property but holds it in trust on behalf of the people and therefore should exercise

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Retail Sales Index (RSI) - Retail sales in July 2014 decreased 2.2% below the $99.1 million recorded in July2013, and after adjusting for the annual retail sales rate of inflation the volume of retail sales decreased by 3.9%.Building material stores registered the largest decrease in sales of 8.6%. In contrast, retailers of apparel stores re-corded an increase of 1.8% in sales. (Link to report)

Consumer Price Index (CPI) - Consumers paid 2.1 per cent more in August 2014 than they did a year ago forthe basket of goods and services included in the Consumer Price Index [CPI]. The level of inflation increased 0.2

percentage points from the 1.9 per cent measured in July 2014. The Health & Personal Care sector remained thelargest contributor to the twelve-month rate of price increase. The annual increase in August 2014 measured 5.9per cent. (Link to report)

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - GDP, which measures the total value of goods and services produced in Ber-

muda, edged up 0.7%, however when adjusted for inflation, the growth in economic activity declined 2.5%. De-spite an increase in job losses compared to 2012, six of the fifteen industries recorded growth in value added led bythe hotels & restaurants and international business industries. The modest increase in economic growth translatedinto a 0.4 per cent rise in GDP per capita which was measured at $85,747 per person in 2013. (Link to report)

2013 Tourism Satellite Account Publication- Last year, tourism contributed $289.4 million to Bermudas GDP,employment directly related to tourism declined 10.1%, Government spent $30 million to provide tourism servicesand a total of 579,808 visitors to Bermuda translated into $412 million spent within the local economy, a decreaseof $3 million from 2012. (Link to report)

2013 Information Communication Technology (ICT) Report- showed that the ICT sector contributed 4.1% to

Bermudas GDP, or $229million, a decline of 3% from 2012. There were 838 ICT-related jobs in 2013, the same asin 2012, 89% of all businesses use computers during their daily operations and 56% of businesses reported havinga web presence. (Link to report)
http://bernews.com/2014/09/retail-sales-decrease-2-2-in-july-2014/http://bernews.com/2014/09/retail-sales-decrease-2-2-in-july-2014/http://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/July-2014-Retail-Sales-Publication.pdfhttp://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/July-2014-Retail-Sales-Publication.pdfhttp://www.govsubportal.com/images/Cabinet_Office/Dept_of_Statistics/Docs/ConsumerPriceIndex/Consumer%20Price%20Index%20-%20Jun%2014.pdfhttp://www.govsubportal.com/images/Cabinet_Office/Dept_of_Statistics/Docs/ConsumerPriceIndex/Consumer%20Price%20Index%20-%20Jun%2014.pdfhttp://bernews.com/2014/10/consumer-price-index-inflation-increased-0-2-2/http://bernews.com/2014/10/consumer-price-index-inflation-increased-0-2-2/http://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/GDP-2013.pdfhttp://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/GDP-2013.pdfhttp://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/TSA-Executive-report-2013.pdfhttp://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/TSA-Executive-report-2013.pdfhttp://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/TSA-Executive-report-2013.pdfhttp://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/TSA-Executive-report-2013.pdfhttp://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/TSA-Executive-report-2013.pdfhttp://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/TSA-Executive-report-2013.pdfhttp://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/GDP-2013.pdfhttp://bernews.com/2014/10/consumer-price-index-inflation-increased-0-2-2/http://www.govsubportal.com/images/Cabinet_Office/Dept_of_Statistics/Docs/ConsumerPriceIndex/Consumer%20Price%20Index%20-%20Jun%2014.pdfhttp://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/July-2014-Retail-Sales-Publication.pdfhttp://bernews.com/2014/09/retail-sales-decrease-2-2-in-july-2014/

Newsletter - Sept 2014 Public Evaluations

Documents

Transcript of Newsletter - Sept 2014 Public Evaluations