Judging Dread

Bermuda is looking to the American city of Nashville for ideas on how to implement legislation to regulate taxi driver behaviour.

According to an article in today's Nashville City Paper, Nashville Councilman-at-Large Adam Dread has been invited to speak in Bermuda about his recent bill which seeks to revitalise the city's tourist industry by improving the image of its taxi drivers. According to Mr. Dread, Nashville is "the first city in the world to codify all of the cities' best rules and combine them into one enforceable law".

Nashville’s legislation prohibits drivers from smoking, eating, burning incense or taking personal cell phone calls while carrying passengers, and requires them to use the most direct route to their destination or the route specified by their fare.

According to a letter from Permanent Secretary Marc Telemaque of the Ministry of Tourism and Transport, Mr. Dread has already shared details of his legislation with Bermuda's Transport Control Department. In the letter, Mr. Telemaque acknowledges that Bermuda has had "some very challenging times with our taxi industry" and indicates that the Ministry would be prepared to facilitate a visit to Bermuda to allow Mr. Dread to share his insights with "relevant stakeholders". Unsurprisingly, the letter indicates that the Ministry is particularly interested in learning how Mr. Dread managed to secure the endorsement of the Tennessee Taxi Cab Association for his bill. A visit is rumoured for mid-January.

Bermuda's taxi drivers already have to comply with certain restrictions on their attire while they're on the job and next year it's likely that GPS technology will imposed on them by the Government. I can't imagine the drivers being too happy about the possibility of further regulation.

But as long as it doesn't mandate country music in every cab, I suspect most Bermudians won't mind.

Comments

[ace on 11.11.04 at 19:04]

Irie Dread.

A little Taxi Driver Engineering. That'll do the trick and teach them not to mess with the Doc.

lol.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[jake on 11.11.04 at 19:55]

Guiliani did the same thing in New York. One fare from JFK to Manhattan for example cut down on the taxi fraud that had been taking place, and made it useless for drivers to take the long route. Aligning incentives, is what it is.

We could use rules on cell phones etc. in the name of the service, and not just the service providers. We must remember that while they work in the industry, we pay for it.

[Jonathan on 11.11.04 at 20:05]

I live in Nashville, and the taxi drivers I've spoken with gripe about it, but basically agree. The great majority of people visiting a city (or country) have their first impression of their destination formed from (i) the airport, and (ii) the taxi ride from the airport to their hotel. As such, these clearly form two key elements that it is necessary to optimize if one wants such travelers to return.

Style over substance.

...and what's wrong with country music...? Could it be any worse than Bermudian music?

[Peggy on 12.11.04 at 08:00]

Snore...

Anyone know if Mr. Telamaque or anyone at the ministry can tell us exactly what the "challenges" are with taxi drivers? Other than not taking the GPS stick, that is. This is such an annoying merry-go-round. Instead of attacking them through legislation for superficial things, why not champion the cause for better ambassador service? Why not introduce a significant incentive for good service? Why not heap real praise on taxi drivers who do a superlative job? Point out those drivers who are the icons of the business. We throw millions at a ferry service that is unprofitable, but you think of the geniuses would come up with a plan to subsidize drivers who stake out the late night shift?

You'd think the Ministry would have learned by now that working with the industry will bring around better results than whipping them with unjustifiable and near impossible to police legislation.

[jake on 12.11.04 at 10:26]

Peggy,

The challenge that the island faces is that hte Taxi industry is notoriously independent and fragmented. Fantastic, in that it gives real power to the owners. Terrible when you want to effect positive change.

Be sure that even in the face of economic subsidy, there were a staunch base of Owners who believed that GPS was bad - without a real logical basis to that belief. Their focus is on 'their' rights and not the rights of the consumer.

As for your criticism of the Ferries, you obviously do not make the Somerset to Hamilton run often enough to see the massive effect this service has had on those of is in the West End.

Of additional progress is the idea to allow the Schools to have buses. The Moms and Dads who drive the little angels to school and then go home make up a significant number of the cars on the road.

They are to be contratulated on their approach to a Ministry that has often the the home of dispair.

Well done Mr. Telemaque. Well done Dr. Brown.

now all we need is a fresh approach to the bike issue - both local and rental, and we will truly have a job well done.

[hester fan on 12.11.04 at 13:55]

It's about time they had the school buses in, I fully applaud that idea - and if Dr. Brown spends as much on school buses as he did on ferries those children will really be arriving in style. That is certainly something we should all support Government on, however, school buses and the sooner the better. While they're on that track, they could also set up a bus to collect people in the east/west end and drive them to the ferry stops in the morning - I would probably use the ferry every day if I had a way to get there.
As for the taxis, there is now so much bad blood between Dr. Brown and the taxi drivers that it almost doesn't matter what miraculous regulations the Ministry comes up with - the BTOA will do its best to fight against them. I personally have never had a problem with taxi drivers talking on their cell phones (let them talk, so long as it's a hands-free, I don't mind) or the music they play (in fact one taxi driver I caught a ride home with on Wednesday night was playing such an amazing jazz CD that I had to rush out to find a copy of it the next day). The only problem with our taxi drivers is that you generally can't get one when you need it. We all know computerised dispatch - including GPS - is coming and there's nothing that can be done to stop it. Hopefully they'll take care of that and then leave the taxi drivers alone for a while without adding all kinds of other regulations that just keep stirring up the malice.

[Lemony Snicket on 12.11.04 at 16:10]

Jake,

Actually the financial incentive was not really a financial incentive. Alex Scott went to the press spinning that he offered to give them the equipment for free, but then was "caught" having to clarify that it was a delayed payment for one year. Effectively he was offering zero percent financing for a product/service his Government had not made economic sense of. That's not an incentive, that's slipping a Mickey.

"As for your criticism of the Ferries, you obviously do not make the Somerset to Hamilton run often enough to see the massive effect this service has had on those of is in the West End."

Massive effect? Quantify how the expense has been justified please, and don't do it by telling us how popular it is with those who take public transportation - especially those who already were taking the old ferries or the busses (which reported a reduction in passengers this year, by the way).

This fast ferry system was supposed to have a significant impact on traffic coming into Hamilton, but no one at the Ministry has provided estimates on the number of cars that are being left home, neither has anyone produced hard figures on how much tax payers are paying for people to ride our luxurious new ferry system. All they ever tell you is how much the passengers like the ride.

As for school busses, meh. Anyone who drives the route could have told them what the problem was. After six years they should have had school busses small enough for neighborhoods put to bed. Bravo for finally doing it, but it it' about as revolutionary as putting water on fire.

[Slowhand on 12.11.04 at 16:30]

The Ferry service is a farce for some of us. I live right next to a ferry dock, but it is of no use to me (not the lovely fast ferry!)The Ferry will not get my kids to school in time. In fact I have proof, in the form of an older schedule, that the ferry comes to us less now than it did before. The Fast ferry from Dockyard does not start until 10AM and that should change.The shuttle that picks up people for the ferry only goes from Somerset bridge and Barnes' corner to the Rockaway stop, so if I've to drive that far, I may as well keep going. Increased ferry runs are needed..... did I read that the two "older" fast ferries are idle in the morning? If this is true, there is a solution.Put them on the Rockaway run(they need the special dock) and get the new ones to run from Dockyard, or better still, hit some of the other stops.(I suppose I could have used a better word than "hit")
As far as the Buses, I'm all for it. The difference in traffic is wonderous on Private school public holidays.

[Slowhand on 12.11.04 at 16:38]

As for good comments about Dr. Brown.... please don't, one good comment and that will give him the mandate(in his mind) to do whatever he likes.

[Roger on 12.11.04 at 16:48]

Leave the ferries out of this it's the taxis that are up for discussion:

Two points:

1. During the Olympics, I KID YOU NOT, my taxi driver watched a mini TV mounted on the dashboard for the entire journey... had I have not been blind drunk and happy for the entertainment it may have occurred to me how totally wreckless this was and

2. The number of times taxi drivers take me a random longer route and look at me like I'm an idiot when I groan as they miss a turn off... I mean I'd hate to think they're right and that I'm taking the longer route to work everyday!! (Initially I assumed the drivers didn't know the Bermuda roads but obviously that can't be right).

I don't care if drivers double their fares on a Friday night it would be nice to just have a cab available to be ripped off by.

Have a good weekend everybody.

[ruby tuesday on 12.11.04 at 16:49]

Here here - could the media please stop giving Ewart Brown thge credit for introducing cheaper airfares to Bermuda? As the administrative functionary he has the power to negotiate landing fees with new airlines but in the end the economic decisions to fly here are solely in the hands of these private corporations that use cost of capital criteria only. He has the power to deny them them but did absolutley nothing to bring them here. In my former life I was a investment banker specializing in Aviation and transport sectors so I understand a little of how this process works... His hair brained scheme to deny the use of a car to expats is another gem - sure, do something to control car ownership if you want but apply it across all citizens not just those without a vote.

[Simon on 12.11.04 at 17:07]

Roger,

Surely you mean 'ripped off more than usual', not simply ripped off.

Is there a possibility of a 'British Airways, their lack of seat sales and jacked up fares' thread?

[Tiger Bay on 12.11.04 at 18:03]

I agree that the taxi industry should be better regulated; this is common in most jurisdictions.

But taxis are only part of the problem; Bermuda lacks a cohesive transportation strategy. We have new ferries but, with the exception of Rockaway, the ferry system has not changed much. It is not optimized for commuters (times, parking, or locations) or adequately linked to the bus network.

I don't think you can restrain people from buying cars -- boosting the tax on vehicles only increases local indebtedness and inflation. But you can make a balance where its more convenient for people to take public transportation.

Nor do I think you can restrict expats from owning cars; if we want to attract the best people in their fields, along with their families, they need to be able to live normal lives.

[Xando on 12.11.04 at 19:54]

In many parts of the US, the public transit departments use small vans. If you can get a group of seven people together, they will assign a van to do scheduled pickups at a fixed time/ custom location. It allows the system to adapt to where people want to go. This works for densely populated neighborhoods but needs flex time drivers to work cost effectively.

We also need to do more to encourage people back onto bikes. More central parking for bikes!

[Peggy on 12.11.04 at 21:06]

The more and more you look at the Doc's resume, the more and more you see his incompetence. Alex Scott needs to take lessons from him. There is a way to fool the public, and there is a way to make yourself look like a fool. Doc knows the difference - Alex doesn't. We the public are suckers anyway.

[Fornicator on 13.11.04 at 09:54]

Riddle me this: Is it that Ewart Brown is that great, or is it that his colleagues are that incompetent? It's easy to shine when your associates are complete nimrods.

[jake on 13.11.04 at 15:52]

Peggy, that is nonsense.

Dr. Brown has acheived much in his term, but it is the bias of people like

And ruby tuesday, no one says that he can take all credit for the flights - they give him credit for getting the regulatory part right. Surely when you were in banking they still looked at the role of regulators and government agencies?

[Fornicator on 13.11.04 at 17:58]

C'mon Jake :-)

List his many accomplishments. Let's separate the hype from the reality. Placing Dr. Brown next to say, um, Alex Scott and he looks Warren Buffet. But ask what he's really worth and you'll be scratching your head. For the last fourty years our average politician has mostly been incompetent or mediocre. Just measure Dr. Brown by the standards that any of us have to reach in the corporate world, and it's plain to see that he'd been fired by now.

[jake on 13.11.04 at 21:46]

That is ridiculous.

What has he failed at? What is his "BHC" or "Berkerley" equivalent? The Airport is winning awards, flight prices are down (he gets credit for his part), TCD is faster and more efficient, plans for progress for the taxi dispatch are coming - notwithstanding much opposition, new ferries, and a new approach to school buses.

And the failures are...

By the way, the corporate world is not necessarily the best place to see meritocracy in rewards. There are huge political games in big companies. We all play the same games.

[Fornicator on 14.11.04 at 08:14]

Where is his Berkeley or BHC? That's my point, Jake. Compared to his colleagues, who mostly are completely nimrods, Dr. Brown does indeed shine. I have no idea what his contribution are with the airport or airlines, but they did happen on his watch. TCD is faster and you can get custom license plates. I have no idea by how much it is faster, and I think that custom plates says more about the Doc than many would care to admit. Overall, I can't say that such accomplishments inspire confidence, but he certainly has outdone the likes of Alex Scott.

He's taken six years to consider school buses, six years to implement a real penalty for poor driving, friction with the Road Safety Council, been a real jackass with the taxi industry ever (read the Independent Senator comments on the issue), asinine behaviour at the airport (twice I believe), highly suspected of corruption in the BHC and tens of millions (and counting) on a half-ass fast ferry system that would have been much better spent on projects the PLP is apologising for now (social agenda).

I'm not impressed, Jake.

[jake on 14.11.04 at 11:40]

That is the most one sided approach to progress I have ever seen. How do you think real change in the real world occurs? There are agendas for the first term and then more long term objectives. Your "it has taken six years" is bunk. He did the higher tier things in the first term, and now is getting down to the nitty gritty. Your smear that he is highly suspected of corruption I could equally apply to you. I have no proof of it, but I can just as easily assert it. Larry Dennis is all over that thing, the Police have been all through it, and the DPP of the day - all have been through it. When the investigators were falsely reported to have said that there was some hanky panky going on, but nothing constituting crime, they came out directly and said that they never insinuated any such thing. They did their jobs (honourably, I might add) and left it there. But you know better? Please, inform us.

I could equally state that everything the UBP complains about today they failed to do for 30 years - but of course, with 6 years in Opposition everyone wants to forget their record, and cling to the Christian Dunleavy line of the "new" UBP. It always makes me want to ask...did you vote for the "old" one too, and if so and they were admittedly so far gone, why should I trust your judgment now?

[Fornicator on 14.11.04 at 12:58]

Chill out Jake - OJ Simpson is "innocent" too. I'm just pointing out that his name was raised in the scandal, and that it's foolish to say that he is sqeaky clean just because he was never charged. Same as OJ getting acquitted.

The Doc gets all of this praise for doing such a great job, and I think it is more that he stands out amongst the better from the PLP record, which is terrible for the first six years. The social agenda discussion is first and foremost a death row confession/repentence, and Dr. Brown's tens of millions of dollars spent on fast ferries and attempt to shove GPS down taxi driver's throats, are excellent examples of the PLP forgetting why they were put in power in the first place (as is custom license plates!).

You demonstrated the point yourself when you articulated that he hasn't had a Berkeley or BHC fiasco. You effectively lowered the bar, which is precisely my point. It's sort of like some of our boys who brag about how they get their payment to their baby's momma on time, or have never been up to West Gate. Well I'm not the kind of person to congratulate another for not ending up in prison this year. Likewise, I take no comfort in Dr. Brown not having a fiasco on his hands (actually the taxi situation was a fiasco).

This is not about the UBP either - I'm talking about Doc's record over six years. People say Doc's done so great with the ferries, taxis, airlines and TCD. Now try to quantify that success or justify the expenditure on his projects and no one has answers. Why? Because the Doc is a smooth operator. He runs television and radio adverts, does PR for his projects, gives free rides to the public, throws parties for his staff, etc. Some of us call that pimping the audience. But subject his "accomplishments" to real scrutiny, and he appears to be just as good as or a little bit better than his predecessors and associates (which isn't good enough).

[jake on 14.11.04 at 15:50]

What has OJ Simpson got to do with Dr. Brown. Oh right, both are black men, one charged tried and acquitted and then found responsible by a civil trial, and the other never charged with anything, but exonerated by a thorough investigation.

Ask yourself why there is a parallel for you? Do the words "self" and "hate" come to mind?

If we were to judge our politicians on the basis of allegations and innuendo we should just abandon the court system, throw away democracy and forget about the rule of law. The whisper of corruption should be enough, and since Bermuda is such a rumour free society we should be fine with that.

He has a good record with the people because they are happy with the job he is doing. Your standard is juvenile. The license plate issue is actually huge. It is a walk away from the historical line of we will tell you what is best. It is getting away from rules that have no basis in anything other than over regulation, and it produces revenue for the Government.

But it is pointless to debate this with you as you would prefer the lack of evidence of corruption over the evidence in front of your face of progress. I look forward to your comments on subjects like Mandela and Gandhi who failed to solve world hunger and the failure of Mother Theresa in India to do the same. I am sure you can find some mud on them too, I guess, so we should prepare the show trials. You can be the judge.

P.S. Your views and perspective will be welcome at your next "new" UBP meeting. Here's a hint, they will be held at the Oppositions Leader's Office on front street for quite some time to come.

[replicator on 14.11.04 at 21:10]

I'm with fornicator, although the OJ thing was a bit over the top.

But was is well known Jake, and was pointed out by Auditor Dennis (who you cynically invoke to declare Brown's innocence), is that Dr. Brown did not declare his transaction with the BHC as required.

He did that deliberately and refuses to admit he was wrong. Now why would he not declare his interest when he sold a house for twice the market rate to the BHC after they rejected it multiple times only to have the Minister (Bascome) intervene? What else has he done that he hasn't declared?

The answer is plain for us all to see, except yourself.

Dr. Brown is responsible for the cloud of corruption over his head, no-one else.

[Fornicator on 15.11.04 at 09:42]

"What has OJ Simpson got to do with Dr. Brown. Oh right, both are black men, one charged tried and acquitted and then found responsible by a civil trial, and the other never charged with anything, but exonerated by a thorough investigation."

How unoriginal, Jake. That's like the oldest scam in the book. If you can't defend your leader, then label the critique as unpatriotic or call the person a sell-out. The point re OJ was to clearly demonstrate that the outcomes of a court proceeding or investigation are NOT absolutes. One can do something quite immoral that is also quite legal. And when it comes to the BHC, only a party sycophant would hold Doc Brown in the light that you have.

You've presented him as being some accomplished, sqeaky-clean guy, despite the record. I've asked that you really take a look at his projects to evaluate him, and now all you can say is, "He has a good record with the people because they are happy with the job he is doing." Well Jake, you've just described John Swan, which amounts to [insert expletive] if you want to talk about REAL progress.

I'll recognise real progress when I see it. If you can't see the social agenda as a confession, then you are in SERIOUS denial. I for one sincerely doubt that anyone voting PLP in 1998 had fast ferries or custom license plates on their "things long overdue" list. But if you want to hold these things up as validation of a PLP Government, then more power to you. Clearly John Swan politics are alive and kicking, even in the PLP.

You know, from a party standpoint it's pretty hypocritical of you to level the self-hate line at me when you waste no effort to shoot down the party leader whenever it suits your own need. At least when I talk about Doc Brown, I try to drill it down to specifics. You on the other hand throw spitballs at Alex Scott without reservation, and that does far more damage to the PLP than my critique of fast ferries. And for the record, my allegiance is not to the PLP.

PS: Lowering the bar is one of the greatest forms of self hate.

[jake on 15.11.04 at 11:10]

That your allegiance is not to the PLP is obvious from your ridiculous comparison of Dr. Brown and OJ Simpson, and your continued refusal to consider what has taken place as progress, and what is planned as more to come. You swiftly ignore the arguments on the rule of law, which you conclude don't apply to cases you - with no sight of the evidence - know better in. Perhaps I am wrong. Perhaps the fact that they are both black had nothing to do with your comparison. Perhaps your comment that we should judge him on the basis of evidence not before us or any other competent tribunal is indeed fair. Or perhaps not.

As for my criticism of Alex Scott, it is directed at him, not at some lower base analogy. It is fair comment, as not every black face presented to me will I herald as the next best thing. His record IS the Berkeley project, and so he is quite responsible for the criticism he receives. I need no false analogy to make that point.

[Fornicator on 15.11.04 at 11:36]

Answer three simple questions Jake. If a person is found innocent by the courts, does this mean that they have not committed the crime? If a person has not broken the law, does this mean that they have done nothing wrong? If the PLP has accomplished real progress, what is the point of having all this social agenda hoopla?

Don't try to turn this into some kind of endorsement for the UBP, because this is not. Just answer the growing list of questions you have failed to answer.

[jake on 15.11.04 at 11:57]

If found innocent no crime was committed by the accused. In other words, the acts complained of do not amount to a crime, or the evidence was not enough to convince the trier of fact that a crime was committed by the accused. A basic standard in our system of law.

If they have not broken the law, then they have done nothing illegal. What is right and wrong is a moral judgment and not the business of the courts.

The social Agenda is a continuation of a social program the PLP has had at its heart from its inception. This is a continuation of that policy. One person one vote was equally a part of that progress, but its significance was lost on most people. That was one of the most potent accomplishments.

Now you answer my questions: how many times does a person have to prove their innocence before you will accept it as done? Why did you compare Dr. Brown to OJ Simpson instead of people who were once thought guilty and then set free? What evidence have you seen to suggest that he is guilty of some crime, and that Larry Dennis, the Police Department, Scotland Yard and the DPP are all wrong? What makes you think you are better qualified to make an assessment of guilt than the forum which has seen and heard the evidence tested by the advocacy of those who put it forward and those who reject it?

[Slowhand on 15.11.04 at 12:32]

As I read it, there is no established "law" against what was deemed to be an immoral act. The fact that whatever happened, did not occur in the "sunshine of scrutiny" is a pretty good indicator that something is or could be perceived to be amiss. Along with the comments from the auditor's report stating that there were moral issues involved, one can easily conclude that there was indeed some foul play, despite the fact that there are no laws in place NOW. I'm sure that is being rectified.(closing the barn door...)
The good Dr. is notorius for 'ignoring' the law as it is, from his US citizenship issues, Airport security, Planning regulations (without mentioning his "younger days". After getting his hand caught in the cookie jar, returning the crumbs is more an admission of guilt.

[jake on 15.11.04 at 13:00]

This is a show trial before a Kangaroo Court.

I will happily submit each of your lives in their entirety to the "younger days" until now test and if you are found guilty - not of breaking any laws, but of being somehow on the wrong side of my moral compass then you will be publicly castigated and the words "corruption" and "immoral" forever attached to your name.

Now, who shall be the first?

[Slowhand on 15.11.04 at 14:25]

Oh Oh!! Me Me..... pick me!
sad to say though you may be a bit disappointed

I have no US citizenship to denounce if I were to become a Member of Parliament, I'd be skerred to mess wiff the erport security, politricktion or not and nor would I threaten or racially attack a planning official trying to do his job (the latter was not in the headlines but was witnessed first hand)
you could castigate me for that traffic ticket I had fixed back in the 80's all you like.
The Good Dr. is in public service..... he works for Mr. and Mrs. Bermuda, or so we are told....
I'm Mr Bermuda! I'm worried about keeping him in my employ. Yes I have other people that need to be consulted and as far as I'm concerned they need to know ALL the details. In my mind there are others that can do a better job, so hopefully others will agree.... but if not, I'll still complain.

[Fornicator on 15.11.04 at 14:27]

"What evidence have you seen to suggest that he is guilty of some crime, and that Larry Dennis, the Police Department, Scotland Yard and the DPP are all wrong? "

Jake, I'm sure you are smart enough to understand that I am not saying that Brown is guilty. And I'm sure that you are educated enough to understand that there is a gulf between that which is legal and that which reflects genuine integrity. You need no better example than OJ Simpson's case. No one knows his guilt or innocence, but the courts say otherwise, because the legal system is imperfect.

Fact - Doc Brown's name was caught up in the BHC mess. Fact - the BHC only purchased his property after Ministerial pressure was applied. If you are satisfied with the legal outcome of this matter despite the moral implications, then so be it! I am not, and it has nothing to do with which party I might vote for.

Further, I'm equally certain that you know that One man One vote was lost on most people due to the PLP's own cocking up pre and post implementation of the constitutional changes. That is PRECISELY the reason why they had to put forward a social agenda like it is some kind of "watershed event" (to quote the Premier) in the first place.

If Ford Motor company promised some "revolutionary announcement", only to reveal their 2005 car line-up had brake pads that actually can stop a car, they'd deservedly catch hell for their announcement. The PLP is no different. There'd be no reason to be grandiose about a social agenda if they'd been running one all along.

Back to the original point - make a case for Doc Brown if you can. I stand by my own, which is that he only looks so great because the rest of the Cabinet's performance has been so incredibly poor.

[ruby tuesday on 15.11.04 at 14:46]

Jake I agree that some perspective is in order when looking at the merits and competence of Ewart Brown. My balanced ( I hope) view of him is that he is a competent administrator who is suited to the office of Transport but his almost overwhelming ignorance of market dynamics makes him very ill suited to Tourism. His desire seems always to try and impose a solution which is fine for making the trains run on time but wholly inappropriate for dealing with enterprises such as airlines and hotels. These organizations can only thrive with the very lightest of government intervention - the vast majority of studies demonstrate that elected officials can very little to create a tourist market but can do a lot to screw it up. The current and previous administrations have done nothing to create cheap airfares but have stubbornly done all they can to prevent private aviation developing here.

Indeed, anyone who wonders why this is the case should not be surprised at how often ministers are off the island with the help of comps from the airlines....

Recent pronouncements from Ewart Brown have done little to dispel this impression of someone out of his depth when dealing with market forces. His views on creating a replica Monaco and defining new tourist seasons are ludicrous sleight of hand - tourism here is in decline at a far faster pace than he will admit and the pace cannot be slowed with these distractions but must involve a a wholesale plan to deregulate property development and employment regulations for tourist workers.

While I realize he has to play to the gallery I was taken aback by his idea that expats should be limited to cycle ownership only - talk about biting the hand that feeds one...

[jake on 15.11.04 at 14:52]

Your lack of an answer to my questions speaks volumes. Equally your inability to take answers I provide as given. fornicator? A play on a comment supposedly made by Dame Lois, and repeated ad nauseum by those who ignored her accomplishments and chose instead to ridicule a woman who accomplished much, fearlessly. And here we are with Dr. Brown. All this time I thought your name was in irony at that history. Having had this discourse, now I understand just where you are coming from.

[jake on 15.11.04 at 14:56]

ruby,

I agree that limiting expats from cars is stupid. They are not just here to give us money. They are people with families and lives just like us. It rains on them and us. It gets cold for them and us. We can restrict parking like in London and New York, and do other measures, but discriminating against families on the basis of national origin is a non starter.

[Fornicator on 15.11.04 at 18:33]

Oh PLEASE Jake. You are actually going to place Doc Brown's "accomplishments" next to Lois Browne Evans???? There is NO comparison. You are really reaching for a personal attack and have accidentally smeared someone who actually did something of merit. Get a grip man and take of those PLP convenience glasses.

[jake on 15.11.04 at 18:59]

How have I smeared Lois Browne Evans? You really need to engage with some logic before responding. I am not comparing their accomplishments. I am demonstrating your lack of respect and fairness. You named yourself fornicator. Again the question: why?

But you know nothing of Brown. His work in the USA with health clinics in poor communities, and work with Howard University where he was recognized and sat on the Board. His work in Jamaica with Sunsplash for over 15 years! Each time for free. His work - yes - in Bermuda modernizing transport so that the airport wins awards, upgrades the Ferry stock, makes TCD efficient. Your disconnect from reality and this debate is astounding.

[Fornicator on 15.11.04 at 22:42]

You smear Lois Browne Evands by bringing the merits of her public service into a debate on Doc Brown's effectiveness as a Minister - something which has absolutely nothing to do with what he did at Howard, with sunsplash, health clinics, etc. The two, three, four have nothing to do with his performance, and neither does my pseudonym of choice. But your rabid desire to place a personal attack via my pseudonym provided the insult to LBE. You were salivating far too much to realise what you were effectively doing.

La de daa... As is all too common, your first tactic is to defend on the issue, but when that fails brand all criticism as unpatriotic/disloyal. Should that fail, go for the jugular - self-hate, attacking icons, blah, blah, blah, rinse and repeat. You aren't demonstrating anyone's lack of respect and fairness but your own. It would be amusing if it wasn't so passe'.

If you think that popularlity is enough for Doc Brown, then you must think that John Swan was the second coming. And if you think that the transport portfolio justifies a PLP Government, then why did you bother voting out the UBP in the first place? Really, Jake - They would have given you custom plates and fast ferries without much bother.

[jake on 15.11.04 at 23:32]

I welcome the Passé over your Naiveté.

[Fornicator on 16.11.04 at 08:10]

Naivete' yeah right, Jake. Just point to a project that shows that he has done great, and not that he just looks better than his associates. John Swan had personal popularity down to a science. How is Ewart Brown any different?

Fast Ferries? Explain to me how tens of millions of dollars on an ineffective ferry system can be justified when real social issues like a proper Bermudian history curriculum has trouble getting funding? Show me validation of the project other than how popular it is amongst those who use it. How did it really impact traffic coming into Hamilton Jake, and how is the expense justified?

GPS? Shut down twice by the independent senators. Both times, because they felt that basic business principles were not being applied to the "solution". Both times PLP members abstained, or in the case of Burrows, completely agreed with the Independent Senators' assesment of the business justification - there is none. Both times Ottiwell Simmons declared that the party had not genuinely sought to work with the drivers.

TCD?/Airport? How much better is it Jake? Give me figures. What were the problems he corrected? Offer something measureable that validates a PLP Government. Custom licence plates? How about sustainable development? Oops, that one got missed. Road safety - that's the Governor's job, right Jake? Leave it up to the Road Safety Council, right Jake?

Corruption? His name was soiled on his own accord. He sold a house to the BHC that they thought was inappropriate for the kind of people they see in need of housing. Totally legal, but without spot, Jake? Please, the DPP called for a modernization of laws to control unethical behaviour.

Ahhhh. I get it now. To question the performance of the PLP is to hate myself. WHy don't you make it easy on all us sellouts? How about plaing "Sellout by Numbers". Just tell me what PLP issue and which PLP MP I can critique without being deemed a sellout in your eyes.

- Alex Scott is fair game
- Rolfe Commissiong is fair game
- Calvin Smith is fair game
- If I'm indifferent, ambivalent or pro independence, bascially anthing other than anti-independence, I'm an idiot (I wonder what Doc thinks of independence?)
- Jennifer Smith is not fair game
- Ewart Brown is not fair game
- Fast ferries, custom license plates and GPS, must be supported to prove my blackness
- BHC and Berkeley fiascos are/aren't proof of PLP mismanagement/incompetence?
- Renee Webb's resignation is/isn't proof that the Social Agenda is well overdue?
- Or should I just support the Social Agenda anyway?

What else do I have to do to be down with the revolution? Help me be black, Jake.

[jake on 16.11.04 at 09:14]

Here's a top five list for your blackness:

1. See the fight for progress as an evolution in efforts. Do not identify as failure, the first missteps of a new Government. Consider the historical significance of political power - for the first time in our almost 400 year history - not just 30 years of political parties.

2. Do not use pseudonyms that have been used against us as individuals and collectively. If your name was selected as irony, it has worn off long ago.

3. Keep in focus the role Government has to play in protecting our economy and standard of living, over nationalistic fervor and flags. Recognize that when the least talented of us speaks angrily at our international companies, it is often mistaken for the collective's assessment. Insist on level headed representation from our leaders. Failure to do so can threaten the rest of us.

4. Allow for people who are alleged to have done something wrong the mere possibility that nothing, in fact was wrong (that innocent before PROVEN guilty, thing). Opinions can differ over value and purpose for real estate. Allow due process to run its course. Accept the results of impartial assessments and move on.

5. Never compare any black man to OJ Simpson. We are not responsible for his situation.

As for which PLP MP you can criticize - all of them. Just recognize that the manner in which this is done will give testimony to your own inner beliefs.

As to your invitation for me to provide you with data, I am happy to do so.

Data Points:

It used to take hours to get done at TCD that which now takes less than 1. Progress.

It would take an hour plus of driving and parking to get to Hamilton from the West. The Ferries are full everyday as are the parking lots at Rockaway with people who see a real change in the travel time and experience. Each day of use is a vote in favor of the system. Progress.

Road safety. Seatbelts came under his administration yes? Yes. The Road Safety Council has been given a freer mandate to pursue safety ideas. Progress.

Under Dr. Brown the Airport has won the Best International Award twice. Prior to him, never. Progress.

Taxi's? It is clear that the law on taxi usage is not being adhered to. The average car is not on the road for 16 hours a day as has been the law for generations. GPS will allow for better enforcement of this which will increase coverage, and generate more business for the taxi owners. A small fraction of this additional revenue will pay for the GPS system. In addition the long standing practice of lying about your location to the dispatcher to cheat on jobs, or back room deals that seek to give jobs to favored drivers will be challenged by the transparency. The system will be better for us all. Progress.

With all that progress, I guess I can see why you think he is a bad politician - if you support the alternative party.

[Fornicator on 16.11.04 at 09:50]

I don't support the alternative party. But I won't quote book, chapter and verse, from the propaganda bible either. Datapoints? Only in politics, Jake. Only in politics... Save the fantasy for someone more gullible.

[jake on 16.11.04 at 10:08]

Fair point. It is not statistical data, but anecdotal evidence. Perhaps when I have more time I will give it to you in internal rates of return, net present values, correlations with high r-squared or something more akin to economic value added. It would be interesting to quantify more precisely that which the average person can take as given.

[Roger on 21.03.05 at 17:42]

Having waited patiently in-line on Friday night by BntB on front street, I went to get into Taxi registration number T1813 as it pulled up.

The driver aggresively informed me he was going to take the couple behind me in the queue and that he would 'hit my goddamn head' if I didn't immediately move out of the way!

(I was so shocked I programmed that quote into my cell phone).

Thank heavens I wasn't a tourist! Watch out for those plates if you're out on a Friday.

[shipstones on 22.03.05 at 11:57]

"1. See the fight for progress as an evolution in efforts. Do not identify as failure, the first missteps of a new Government."

This is a first step in recognising your "blackness". Accepting the failures of an elected government of the people of Bermuda as merely evolutionary? Blacks are equal to whites and a black government as you seem to call it shoulds be able to govern as well as any so called white government! In my opinion trashing people that criticise, no castigate, the PLP for bad governance is playing the race card to say the least!

You have also, just confirmed my suspicions and those of every white person on this island and every black supporter of the UBP!!!

Jake, this is a "black" government and will always be! Its staunch supporters such as yourself see it as a black party and only interested in the interests of black people.

You only see International business as bread and butter on the table and not fellow residents of Bermuda.

[Roger on 22.03.05 at 21:57]

Is it the fault of the black government that got me abused when trying to return home?