Southlands National Park is to be used by the Public not Politicians

I welcome the news that Southlands will be converted to a National Park. This idea originated with former Premier Alex Scott and was one of the campaign promises I made in the leadup to the 2012 election.

 I am concerned however by the overt politicizing of an event that should be about putting the people of Warwick first, not the politicians.

 Is it appropriate for the mother of OBA Senator and Warwick candidate Alexis Swan to be managing the fund raising effort?

 Is it appropriate for the wide and diverse community of Warwick to be excluded in the process going forward in favor of OBA insiders? 

 Isn't a more open, transparent, non-partisan and collaborative approach the more appropriate approach to take on an issue that we all agree on?

 This National Park, conceived by the PLP and implemented by the OBA is a perfect opportunity for us to unite and move our Warwick community forward together.

An Inactive Minister Crockwell must become Proactive!

MP Lawrence Scott, The PLP Shadow Minister for Transport, says that he has it on good authority that representatives of the taxi owner/operators have been given the 'run-around' for months as they attempt to achieve something as simple as a meeting with an apparent inactive Minister. The 400 strong Bermuda Taxi Association's (BTA) support the establishment of a "Taxi Authority" - and the shadows ministers believes that they deserve the courtesy of a meeting with the Minister.

Shadow Minister Scott explained that a Taxi Authority is a positive step. "Its intent is to add structure, streamline and increase efficiency, improve customer service, cut waiting time for a taxi, and most important for the viability of the industry ... stimulate revenue streams, thereby generating more profits for the owner/operators.

Mr. Scott declared emphatically the BTA have every right to be frustrated with Minister Crockwell, the Transport Minister: "reportedly meetings have been scheduled then postponed - and not rescheduled. I believe an Authority represents the way forward in creating a level playing field for a significant percentage within the transportation industry".

The Shadow Minister concluded by observing that in a modern and dynamic economy we need to be able to provide medical benefits  and at the very least the option of negotiating reduced rates and prices for mechanical parts and services for those in the public transportation service/industry; which is why we need in this instance an 'inactive Minister Crockwell to become Proactive', meet with and support the BTA in their desire to establish a "Taxi Authority".

Minister Crockwell Owes the Bermudian Public and Taxpayer an Explanation!

 

On Friday, Minister Shawn Crockwell rose to his feet in Parliament to adamantly declare that the charter ferry "Millennium" is already on the island, and should be deployed next week. An article in the Royal Gazette went on to report the Minister as saying: "The Millennium" has come in, and needs a period of time to get things ready, and will be in service next week".

However, over the weekend I have been unable, to find independent confirmation of the Minister's claim. In fact, to the contrary, I have heard from members of the public who are emphatic that the charter boat is yet to arrive in Bermuda.

Given the growing number of Bermudians who both question the current whereabouts of the "Millennium", and the wisdom of the $1.3 million expenditure (or more) of tax payer dollars for the services of a charter boat which was not used, or required, to move the large concentration of passengers from the Breakaway; both the Government and the Minister: "Owe the Bermudian public and taxpayer an explanation!"

Unless the Minister is able to confirm that the charter ferry was in Bermuda waters when he rose to speak in Parliament his credibility and that of the Government will be seriously questioned. In addition I repeated the point I made in the House of Assembly: " it can be seen that over the past five months the ministers management style has resulted in a hefty price tag that is in the millions ... and appears to become more costly with each decision he makes ."

If it proves that the Minister is willing to mislead the house and public over a relatively small issue, what will he do when it comes to the big issues?

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