21 Square: Comments

Is Buy Bermuda dead?

xStoremen — 2012-01-22T17:53:36-04:00

"There have been far too many cases where ordering online becomes a necessity because because Bermuda simply doesn’t have the selection and retailers refuse to do custom orders. Knowing that retailers are perfectly willing to shift the pain elsewhere makes it evidently clear that they’re out for themselves, not for offering better service. "

You hit the nail right on the head. I buy online because retailers do not have great selection.

Is Buy Bermuda dead?

R Masters — 2012-01-22T16:10:28-04:00

I totally agree with you. These local retailers are looking for a boycott by Bermudians of their stores if this insane proposed tax goes through!

Non-mariner's race - Bermuda

Bermysinceday1 — 2011-11-08T19:03:55-04:00

This was thrown by the Volcanic guys - they threw by far the best parties on the island from Fright Night at Fort Hamilton, several raft ups at non mariners and Film Festival events. Unfortunately our island kept shutting them down and I think the guys just got fed up. Last I heard one of the promoters is now state side in NYC. When will this island invest in the young ideas that the people enjoy?

Relaxing Sunday shopping restrictions

Tryangle — 2011-10-10T13:10:53-03:00

It's a simple common sense initiative. If a store owner can, allow them to open on Sundays.

I can't see why a church or other individual would or should object.

Crime and punishment

puma sneakers — 2011-09-15T04:56:46-03:00

I think it's a generally agreed idea that it's safer to have a legal and regulated trade in something than an informal backstreet trade. Thats why liqour and cigarettes are all under government regulation, the government can set age limits, can decide who,when or where it can be sold and can even ensure that help for addicts is readily available. What kind of street corner dealer is going to tell an addict that they can't buy anymore? That they need to go get help? None. Realisitically neither would a buisness though UNLESS it would be directly responsible under the law for doing so and in a regulated market such laws would be possible.

Monaco style exemption zones could rejuvenate our economy

J Galt — 2011-09-08T14:18:11-03:00

"The largest issue with offering residency and ownership rights to non-Bermudians is the fear that Bermudians will be priced out of Bermuda."

My fear is the government will keep trying to subsidised those that can not make it here, while driving those that can away. The poor produce more poor people. It needs to stop.

How do we get our economy rolling back?

JP — 2011-09-07T09:14:37-03:00

I'm not convinced why 'zones' would be needed. I agree that Bermuda should encourage talented people to live here and invest here. This could be done, though, by issuing a limited number of permits each year and then letting people live where they choose, or limit it to the top x % of arv. Zones could create resentment as it would be an official separation of classes of people.

How do we get our economy rolling back?

Alex — 2011-09-06T22:33:36-03:00

There's a huge difference between "foreign wealth" and "foreign income". Bermuda has been very successful at least in part by importing foreign income and exporting Bermudian wealth (and in turn earning a return on that investment).

With the hospital project and Bermuda government both able to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars through different avenues it's hard to make an argument that Bermuda is capital constrained.

Done right, protecting Bermudian's ability to earn capital returns domestically while increasing foreign income is the way forward and to building a Bermuda that is successful independently of the ebb and flow of the world economy and local industries.

Monaco style exemption zones could rejuvenate our economy

Kathy — 2011-09-06T19:14:16-03:00

Sounds like another Jamaica in the making. Shove some Monaco type high wealth individuals behind a guarded gate at Southside and make sure the shanty towners outside don't break in. I think his idea was well served in the 1930's but in 2011 Bermuda has to get its crime under control, put the average blue collar worker back to work and get the economy rolling back. I do like the idea of residency certificates, but not to the elite...Bermuda is and never will be a Monaco I am afraid!

Jobs don’t grow on trees

CERP — 2011-09-02T16:06:19-03:00

What I despise about Union management is that few if any have ever started and run a successful business. Hell this union boss can't even keep his books up to date. It is easy for him to stand on the shoulders of his members, the working men and women, but his proclamations ring hollow.

Jobs don’t grow on trees

Denis Pitcher — 2011-09-02T09:17:13-03:00

I'm seeing the light? What light? That we're doomed?

Jobs don’t grow on trees

Justin — 2011-09-02T08:34:03-03:00

Denis,

Is it just me or are you sounding a whole lot more anti-PLP these days? Wow, what a stark change from your posts prior to the last election... Nice to see you're finally seeing the light.

Benevolent meddling

CERP — 2011-08-17T10:22:08-03:00

Vision and planning are what will reap positive results! It is an age old solution, but too many simply see what they want, but don't plan; turns out they were just dreaming. Then there are those who plan, with no clear vision of how to achieve the final objective, and they were just wasting time and money.

We have to reign in government spending. We certainly cannot simply print more money, or raise taxes, especially regressive taxes. Now we watch and listen...

Bruce Gordon's accountability ladder

Denis Pitcher — 2011-07-04T12:33:30-03:00

Finally found a copy of Bruce Gordon explaining the accountability ladder: http://thewebbuilder.com/movies/ladder.htm

OBA - Actually something different?

Dark n Stormy — 2011-05-27T15:21:29-03:00

Does the OBA have a new philosophy?
The OBA does NOT have a new philosophy:
They DO have UBP old guards such as: Sir David Gibbons, Sir John Swan, Grant Gibbons, Trevor Moniz, Dr.. Teceria, Alan Marhsall, John Barritt, Et Richards, David Dodwell, Michael Dunkley & with that group comes, yes, the old UBP philosophy So what's new, glad you asked? UBP philosophical elected MPs Louise Jackson, Mark Pettingill, Donte Hunte, S. Crockwell, Patricia Pamplin, Suzanne ( Weathergirl)
So what is revitalizing? Thought you'd never ask? The remaining supporters of the UBP. They stand for transparency, integrity and the belief of a One Bermuda. The others had the opportunity to level the playing fields, did they? They had the opportunity to substantiate equal rights, preserve green spaces, perfect education, but did they? Can one say, their evaluation marks could possibly read: 2011 self successful stories?

We can't and shouldn't support mega cruise ships

J Galt — 2011-05-03T21:16:30-03:00

Well said.

Our problems are more cultural than fiscal, thus every dollar counts

Dennis — 2011-04-26T08:39:40-03:00

Well said Mr Pitcher.

The same "low hanging fruit" rationale has been applied to policing in Bermuda for many years and has greatly assisted in the development of todays gang culture.

If we catch the 3 or 4 most prolific house burglers then all is well...

Perhaps a little research on Change Management by our government would be helpful.

Our problems are more cultural than fiscal, thus every dollar counts

J Starling — 2011-04-25T07:01:08-03:00

I think this problem isn't just confined to Bermuda though; I think it is throughout the Anglophone world, and perhaps further afield. There is a sense of instant gratification and living on credit - it leads to a growing credit bubble which then bursts, and then we have the mess we're currently in.

It's not clear to me how to change the culture though. There are still many people who don't use credit except in extreme emergencies, but there seem to be many more people who use credit all the time.

Not an income tax?

Mike — 2011-04-12T13:03:56-03:00

there's a Facebook discussion on this: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/home.php?sk=group_175933949126190&ap=1

Not an income tax?

Renaissance Man — 2011-03-24T17:39:44-03:00

What, on top of the 15% we already pay on our salary, plus the 25% or more we pay on everything else?

I'm all in favour of universal healthcare, but not when it costs more and delivers less than private programs. Plus, we don't have the money, the government has already wasted it all. Better to find the money first, then think about other things.

UBP should not give in to the BDA's demands

Justin — 2011-02-26T14:47:42-04:00

When the UBP was warning about the financial storm brewing the PLP and their supporters brushed it off and labled the UBP "scaremongers". I admit that the UBP has a tarnished social legacy, but those days are long over. The only people that can't get past it is the PLP themselves. Why? Because that's their bread and butter to win elections, and the people fall for it everytime. Ewart Brown must be laughing all the way down Front Street while driving his new Lexus.

The people don't realize it, but the PLP have them in shackles and they don't even realize it. The shackles are owned by HSBC ;)Brace yourselves, this summer Patrice Minors and Paula Cox will be dusting off her Plantation Speeches. Let's see if the people will fall for it again.

Lunch with the Premier

Tryangle — 2011-02-18T13:54:01-04:00

Glad to hear Denis, looking forward to any of your findings/thoughts.

Lunch with the Premier

CERP — 2011-02-18T09:47:51-04:00

Frankly Denis, I am surprised to learn that we now have a progressive PM who encouraged a dialog, even with opposing ideas and comments.

The youth in Egypt and Nubia in general have risen up to confront their political leadership, and with much blood shed; it is heart-warming to know that our leader is willing to sit, sup, and listen to some of the brightest young minds in our island home. I'm very encouraged!

Next thing to watch? Food costs

Letariatpro — 2011-02-15T17:08:05-04:00

The global food shortage is not likely to get better soon and will exacerbate the economic distress felt globally. It will be particularly acute here where we have to ship or fly most everything in.

If the harsh winter storms are followed by summer heat waves and droughts this year, we may be in trouble.

Grocery stores are already feeling the pressure from the reduced business with the contraction of expats on the island, this will surely feed the fire. Conditions and policy decisions do not look like they will be favourable for a quick rebound here. The budget this week will be very telling I think.

Next thing to watch? Food costs

CERP — 2011-02-13T10:29:54-04:00

Bermuda imports 100% of virtually everything necessary for life today. The few veggies and bit of local fish likely amount to about 1/2 of 1% of the imports.

It an‘ t just food that is shooting up! Everything imported has to be transported to the island; ships and planes burn oil.

The next few months will be interesting.

The media council

Tryangle — 2011-02-03T13:32:22-04:00

$100 a year for a personal blog? No, I cannot believe it. What are they thinking?

Do we, as blog owners or contributors, now need to get our proverbial ducks in a row in case government tries to regulate us outside of the Media Council framework?

Pop and Fizzle?

Alex — 2010-10-15T16:06:08-03:00

Ever considered doing an update of this post?

Non-mariner's race - Bermuda

Emily — 2010-08-10T11:39:51-03:00

I was there that year and have been for the past five and I have to agree that it is such an amazing fun party especialy if you have your own boat.

What's next for housing?

Sara — 2010-07-27T13:20:35-03:00

Your article is good. And I am glad I am not the only one wondering why government is still building "affordable housing" when I can see the many many affordable condos currently on the market. Their is no longer the demand, so why are we still clearing out trees to build more supply. The land itself is worth more than the housing slaughtered onto it. IMO, there is more to this affordable housing scheme than meets the eye. When supply and demand don't add up, something else is in the mix.

Crime and punishment

NFL Jerseys — 2010-07-20T00:21:41-03:00

You've hit the nail right on the head.

[mod: removed link to site pushing products]

What's next for housing?

Tracey Kelly — 2010-07-16T19:37:15-03:00

I have not read the employment report but your perspective on the content is helpful. I have a tenant who is leaving Bermuda only because of the 8-year rule. She would love to stay but it makes no sense for her to wait until the bitter end. I am scrambling to find a new tenant and, compared to 5 years ago when I first rented my apartments, people are looking for a deal.

The fear that I have is that the recession is not over for Bermuda. When you look at the tourist figures there is no good news. Today we hear about the massive borrowing package the government has taken. The world economy is poised for a second recession bump in the next few months.

As guest workers pack up and leave, Bermudian property owners will be stretched to meet their mortgage payments. Employment is tied directly to the housing stock and as more units come online, the problem will get worse. We are in for a bumpy ride and the value we have in our real estate will fall.

I wonder if now is the time to liquidate real estate investments and if the high prices are a thing of the past.

A foray into travel writing

Robyn — 2010-07-13T21:25:29-03:00

Danke dude! Love your header photo too!!!

where there is no Starbucks

J Starling — 2010-07-11T13:08:17-03:00

Hi Lauren,

I have been to Cayman at least twice, once as a child and more recently in 2004 as a soldier in the Regiment helping with the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ivan.

Perhaps my views are clouded by the destruction wrought by Ivan (it sure wasn't a pretty site), but Cayman in my opinion ranks right up with Nassau as my least favorite island in the Caribbean. I found that Cayman was almost indistinguishable to Florida. Not that there is anything necessarily wrong with Florida, but it just seemed so impersonal. A total rejection of their heritage and a wholesale adoption of US cultural norms.

I should say though that we were restricted to Georgetown, although we got a glimpse of Boddentown, which looked like it had significantly more charm than the capital. Kind of like our St. Georges relative to Hamilton. And I didn't get to Cayman Brac or Little Cayman, which I also understand retains more of traditional Cayman charm. All the same I strongly dislike the Americanisation of our region. While Bermuda has resisted this to a large degree, we are still Americanised significantly.

where there is no Starbucks

Denis Pitcher — 2010-07-10T17:34:26-03:00

Lauren,

This piece largely quoted a Cayman Net News editorial, highlighting points they were making. (everything indented was from it)

I can't and didn't speak about Cayman as I haven't every been there and am certainly not an expert. Hence I quoted the views of someone in Cayman from a Cayman media source to illustrate my point.

How do you perceive this as me decrying Cayman when the only direct suggestion I make is "It may be too late for the Caymans, but it isn't too late for Bermuda."?

where there is no Starbucks

Lauren — 2010-07-10T16:27:55-03:00

I understand you are using the situation in Cayman as an analogy for what could potentially happen in Bermuda.

But Cayman still remains a country that has held on to much of its intrinsic beauty. No, we may not be exactly what we once were, but we still hold our culture and heritage dear to our hearts.

You are correct in saying there are things to be done to bring our countries back to their roots. But that does not mean it is not too late for Cayman. We still have something beautiful and unique to offer. Just as I'm sure Bermuda does.

I realize the intent of this article was not malice, but perhaps you could find a way to promote the qualities of your country without decrying another?

Marketing essentials: Leverage the power of true fans, not strangers

UncleElvis — 2010-06-14T19:12:08-03:00

Isn't this exactly what the PLP is doing with their followers?
I think the real answer is to aim somewhere between "Customers" and "Listeners". Close enough to the hard core fans that they won't feel left out, close enough to strangers that they feel approached.

The answer isn't to cater to "True Fans", it's to create what's known as "Customers of Quality" that DO come back time and again.
Sad thing is... there aren't that many out there.

I dig what you're saying, but...

"Imagine the marketing power of empowering people who already love Bermuda, have visited many times and will rave about their experiences to all their friends vs. a poorly positioned billboard." is true at the moment. Sadly. Word of mouth is more powerful than the inept marketing campaign we got happening now.
However, "Imagine the marketing power of empowering people who already love Bermuda, have visited many times and will rave about their experiences to all their friends vs. a properly positioned billboard."? There's no contest. The billboard wins.
Sadly, none of these jokers know where to put the billboard.

Conscription, do we benefit?

rummy — 2010-06-13T15:07:03-03:00

@ Pringle..because people have to have something to bitch and moan about. It's all about race.

Henagulph had his own agendy.

Rule Britania.

Conscription, do we benefit?

Shari-Lynn Pringle — 2010-06-13T11:05:56-03:00

A very well written article Denis and I am glad someone had the foresight to share it with me as it went well with my Facebook status on the same day.

I agree that Why have a Regiment is a very important question to answer. I'm never one to negate any positive experiences that someone has had under this or any other system of service and duty (police, prisons, customs, etc.) but the negative too must be heard if only to facilitate change. In such a changing and challenging time, perhaps putting the regiment more in line with these types of organizations and making it a viable occupation is the thing to do - opening up careers and jobs for those so inclined - including women. Volunteerism can exist as it should normally within any orgazation. 'This is the way it has always been' is just not good enough.

I so agree with marketing the regiment to make it attractive, if agreed it is necessary to continue. I don't think I've ever seen a single ad. With the countless times the troop travels overseas - surely there has been enough footage and positive experiences captured. Bringing the regiment inline with the 21st century and using the synergies that could be created when people with a common focus get together instead of working in isolation would be beneficial. We always seem to be a day late a dollar short because there is no creativity or vision.

All that to say, my problem with this is that we have a right to conscientiously object. There are a group of people that have exercised their right and it is apparent through their actions which led them all the way to London. Why is the regiment returning their focusing on persons who have objected when there are so many more young men that qualify under the current system of conscription, but who have not lifted a finger nor uttered a word of objection or shown any support of the BAD action?

Conscription, do we benefit?

Denis Pitcher — 2010-06-12T10:00:57-03:00

Tracey,

Thank you very kindly for your feedback. I'll give a re-read to what I put together and try to better appreciate how the reader views my writing to make sure it is more coherent and easier to follow.

I'll give some thought to the larger question of why have a regiment at all and see if I can come up with a better written piece on it.

Conscription, do we benefit?

Tracey Kelly — 2010-06-12T09:42:03-03:00

I found your discussion to be a bit disconnected and hard to follow; maybe that is my fault, but there is a more fundamental question that is being overlooked: Why have a Regiment?

We are not likely to be invaded by a hostile force. If we were, the British and Americans would be here quickly (assuming they are not watching World Cup). The Police can quell all but the worst civil unrest. Most accounts including yours, claim the service is useless both to the country and individuals. Why not shut the Regiment and use the money to balance the government budget and the land for more condos?

If the Regiment is needed, here is another opportunity to outsource this need to foreigners so Bermudians will not have to deal with unpopular work. An end to conscription would mean insufficient soldiers to operate a meaningful force no matter how attractive you make it to our men and women. It seems to me that service to your country has fallen out of style for the younger generations (not that it was much better in mine).

Constituency #3... Continued

J. Starling — 2010-06-06T08:47:34-03:00

No, now its changed so that we have a third option. If you are critical of both the UBP and the PLP then you must be a BDA supporter. Obviously.

Constituency #3... Continued

Tryangle — 2010-05-31T22:25:10-03:00

"I fail to see how being critical of the PLP instantly makes me a UBP supporter. Or being critical of the UBP makes me a PLP supporter. This is the thing that most annoys me about the Bermuda political system, it's always the Us vs. Them and I'm very tired of it."

Denis sums up in a nutshell a prevailing sentiment among many people in the online community (as well as many others) and I agree with the above statement 100%.

The original post was in 2007 and I think that nothing's changed even slightly. Us versus Them.

2010 Hurricane Outlook

Letariatpro — 2010-05-17T18:48:01-03:00

I wonder if the oil spill will have an effect on things.

2010 Hurricane Outlook

rummy — 2010-05-17T17:01:47-03:00

Well I guess the answer is, just nuke Africa. No more dust, no more hurricanes, and Einstein was right..it's all relative.

Government is looking for a good forecaster in all areas.

As for Sun Spots...I look at it everyday and can't see a spot.

1984 was a good year. Wonder how George feels today.

Constituency #3... Continued

UncleElvis — 2010-05-10T19:43:54-03:00

"This is the thing that most annoys me about the Bermuda political system, it's always the Us vs. Them and I'm very tired of it."

Got it in one. This is exactly right.

Ken's posts are evidence of this "if you don't glowingly massage the current administration, you're a huge UBP supporter/opressor" mentality.

Constituency #3... Continued

not tyu — 2010-05-07T14:54:26-03:00

u people can never give wat other people want wat the hell i wrond with u

Getting your message across

rummy — 2010-05-07T14:13:32-03:00

Your basically frustrated as you have just said.

"I want to improve".

No need. You already do a good job but the "frustraion" part takes over because youy think you have to prove your knowledge and feelings.

Your wrong and that is why the local blogs and forums are filled with the same 9 people who know everything about everything yet they hide in a closet with their friends and actually believe that they have the power.

Bullshit. Thats why their investments et al are not where some may expect.

Don't worry about spelling mistakes. I make them all the time. Does that mean something to others? Are you challenged when you stand before a group and say " FOR SAIL"....?

Read what I wrote before accusing me of of things.

As for wasting your time I think your not and many of your posts are spot on but we "MUST" if possible, sort the wheat from the chaff or else we get what we have today.

That last comment is not a riddle or whatever. It's a fact.

Opinions are like the Tourism Ministers Budget and his new Airline comming next month "EwartMoscow" if he can cut a deal with 'Starlin Air'.

Gotta run....pick up the letters of the floor from my spall chack ting. So much four goin two Vitney Hinstatute.

Getting your message across

Denis — 2010-05-07T13:17:09-03:00

Rummy,

My frustration is not getting constructive feedback.

I thrive on feedback because I want to improve. However often times you douse your feedback in riddles to which only you know the meaning and thus I have no clue what you're saying.

Feel welcome to criticize me, hell, I want more criticism and feel I don't get enough. However, make it in means that I can understand and appreciate the point your making along with a suggestion for how I can improve.

Accusing me of slinging mud without any examples isn't very illustrative. Tear my writing apart like I do to others. If I make a personal attack, call me on it with an example. Same with grammar errors, call me on it. If you think my logic is flawed, point it out and suggest how it should be revised. I welcome it.

However, if I can't interpret what you're trying to explain to me with regards to the faults with my piece then it's frustrating. I want to improve, I want feedback and I want criticism but if I can't figure out the feedback you're giving then I largely question whether I'm wasting my time.

Getting your message across

rummy — 2010-05-07T13:01:39-03:00

I'm not right Denis. Those are my opinions and may vary and differ from yours.

You don't have to "drop everything". I imagine you feel the frustration as well as others but your background in numbers is clouding it.

As for "card carrying" that means nothing to me. Maybe too you. I carried the UBP card and the PLP card but I was never a "yes man". And to this date I still have back stabbing via the net by many in high UBP positions who work and do research for Government under the PLP umbrella. As for the PLP, Jennifer and I socialised quite often and screamed and bitched at each other. She never treated me as most think she did. We were friends and I always thought that she did have the best interest of the community and island in her works but I know of certain things and never brought them up. We all change and I must say from research she............

Now where was I.

Oh yeah..... Why not comment on a card carrying UBP or a card carrying PLP. Why not.

You have a good voice but I can tell it is not being heard and that is the substance of your reply.

Have a great day and thanks again for the priviliage of using your site.

Getting your message across

Denis — 2010-05-07T12:18:29-03:00

Clearly you're right rummy. Why should I ever question BDA's approach? Instead I should drop everything, say only good things and become a card carrying yes man.