Wasting time at the airport

Larry Burchall gets it spot on. How many more people will have to say that it takes too long to get through Bermuda's airport before someone does something about it?

Comments

[Raptor on 21.08.05 at 17:52]

I agree. Burchall's comparisons are amazing--and not surprising.

Just from a visual point of view, I cannot think of one place/country I have EVER been where I've walked into a large room that has been filled with those guide posts and tapes that make passengers snake around an ENTIRE big hall. It feels like a prison.

I simply cannot imagine how long a person would be there if those snakes were full, and they came in towards the back--it's looks like the whole weekend to me.

It's just plain scary!

[write on 21.08.05 at 20:26]

Excuse me, what seems to be the problem? People actually have to wait for something... It that is correct, perhaps we should check in people in their cars. That would save time. Hey, perhaps we could out do other countries and have people drive right up to the plane, ask the skycap to take the luggage out of the trunk and load directly on the plane. That effecientcy would save money and make us a leader in fast check it.

[save d cut on 21.08.05 at 21:37]

SOMEONE put so much money to making the builing and the customs desk beautiful. Perhaps they should have put a bit of that money into the system and process or flight schedules and left it an ugly airport. There was something charming arriving at an airport that looked like it was on an 21 square mile island.

[Bermuda 4u on 21.08.05 at 22:05]

Write, the problem is it that it pisses off tourists (aswell as everybody else).

Last time I visited the island I had a similar delay. There was a 50 minute wait in the Arrivals Hall, by which time all the tourists around me were already calling Bermuda a banana republic (even before they had started their vacation and had little idea of the pleasures of the Customs Hall).

This was followed by a similar delay in Customs. This seemed to be caused by an apparent policy that anybody who confirmed they had been to Bermuda before was subject to a detailed baggage search.

The officer who checked my bags had, shall we say an attitude problem. The instruction to put my bags on the table was not the polite verbal request normally received, but consisted of repeatedly tapping the table until I complied.

Following detailed questioning about 2 CD's and whether they were presents for anybody, the officer took my passport and disappeared to conduct some kind of check. I've not had that many baggage checks on my travels, but in the ones I've had, the customs officers have unpacked and then replaced the contents themselves. This guy dumped everything on the table and then rudely told me to repack myself.

Baggage checks elsewhere seem to be a rare occurance that may happen to a few persons, if any. However, on this flight it seemed to me that well over 50% of passengers were being searched.

When I finally left the building I was surrounded by tourists who couldn't find their pre-booked transport (presumably the drivers had waited to long and got pissed off too).

I've travelled extensively (over 50 countries) and only Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport comes anywhere close to the delays experienced in Bermuda. Those responsible should note that British Airways stopped flying there because of such delays (changing to the alternative Domodevovo). Although, there is obviously no alternative aiport in Bermuda, it should really be noted that delays piss the airlines off too.

I try to promote Bermuda as much as I can on my website, but journalistic integrity is leading to a serious consideration of issuing some kind of warning about these delays.

And while we're on the subject of Immigration, somebody should give them a quick geography lesson. On the latest list of those requiring a visa they list separately the 'Soviet Union (fomer)' in addition to 'Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan' etc. etc. Well all these were actually part of the former Soviet Union, so there's really no need to list them all if the generic description is used. And if they insist on listing them all, they shouldn't forget Latvia, Lithuania etc. which were left off. One would think that those responsible for imposing blanket visa restrictions would have knowledge of the countries concerned.

[Martin on 21.08.05 at 22:57]

I hate to say this - but I suspect that other than speeding up the residents line, we will never have a "faster" Immigration process. The lines at Gatwick for those who have to go through the Immigration process can be quite slow.

Customs, however, is a different matter. I am truly convinced that most Customs Officers are on a power-trip.

I recall emptying my cases once, and being questioned about 5 books I had brought in. Strange - since my understanding is that books do not attract duty.

Why do these demi-gods think that the only way they can do their job, is to be officious and insulting.

[scabby grass on 21.08.05 at 23:20]

Bermuda 4u
I wouldn't hang on everyword said by tourist, we are all guilty of bringing down a place we're visiting eventhough we may paradoxically love it. Mind you the airport has been in a state of shambles for eon's its so sickening most local's probably have got to the point were they've accepted it. I can understand the process but, simplifying it should be at least a goal.

[Amin Swan on 22.08.05 at 02:17]

Try coming through MIA (Miami Intl)from a foreign country - Nightmare!!

[Somers on 22.08.05 at 08:36]

The last two trips I have taken, upon return I have spent 32 mins (total) in the airport. Once with paying duty and picking up checked baggage. The last time with not bags checked and nothing to declare I was out in 12 mins flat.
The system does break down under the pressures of 5 flights all landing in the space of an hour... but we can't do anything about that.

[Raptor on 22.08.05 at 08:37]

Write: These lines are a big turn-off for tourists because they are so far beyond anything anyone of us has experienced elsewhere (not just for travel even). Immigration should double the number of agents they have working. There is space behind the current desks for a whole other row of agents.

Amin Swan: Yes, Miami airport is awful. I know many people who refuse to fly through there. They'll go to North Carolina or Houston instead. It has a bad reputation, and Bermuda is joining it.

[sandgrownan on 22.08.05 at 09:23]

You know immigration isn't that bad. Even on a British passport flying into Canada or the U.S., immigration can be a nightmare. Fly anywhere outside of the E.U. and it's the same. All they could do, realsitically, is employ more people or stagger flight arrival. Some immigration offcials are unbearably slow, but what can you do?

Customs, however, is a different matter. Apart from the legendary rudeness, and they really are rude, there is no need for all the lines.

Here's the solution: A bank of machines, into which you enter the value of goods you have purchased overseas in whatever currency, it calculates the duty, you swipe your card and away you go. You can still fill in the form if "they" want to analyse what is being bought overseas. The duty line will be much smaller, and faster, and we won't have to wait while the lady with the 6 inch long finger nails takes 10 minutes to key in your data.

Those customs officers can then be employed speeding up the final process. Deciding who is selected for search, and conducting that search.

It's not much but it would help. As for the celebrated rudeness? I don't know what to do about that. It's Bermuda afterall, the friendliest people alive.....

[Somers on 22.08.05 at 09:36]

I think government needs to regulate finger nail length. Some of them could be seen as dangerous weapons you know. ;)

[ruby tuesday on 22.08.05 at 09:48]

Maybe if that ethically challenged charlatan Ewart Brown and his colleagues had to do the cutoms and immigration kabuki with us proles then maybe the experience might be made more pleasurable.

[TJL on 22.08.05 at 09:57]

I have to say I've been very impressed with the airport lately. I remember as a kid returning from vacations we could easily spend an hour and a half in the airport, about the length of the flight from Newark, but in the last five or six years the service has really improved. And not just relative to what it was, but compared with airports all over the world.

Of course, so far this blog thread has amounted to little more than personal anecdotes, which don't really prove anything beyond the luck and tolerance of the poster. Is there any way we can quantify the service provided at our airport and others over an extended time period, to see if we really do have a problem on our hands?

[sandgrownan on 22.08.05 at 10:07]

TJL - I think we've all had good and bad airport experiences. But when it's bad, it's really bad. Immigration isn't really the probelm. It's customs, and it has to be thorough since we live a consumption tax based environment. Import duty is what prevents us from paying income tax.

I think the customs process could be improved with automation. But if you're a lucky soul selected for "random" inspection....

[Full Fullish on 22.08.05 at 11:08]

I agree with Sandrownan! Immigration is usually not much longer waits than at other airports, and you are always greeted with a smile and a "Welcome Home", which is always nice. However, the delay starts when you hit the duty line and then customes. The duty line is not making you calculate the amount in Bermuda dollars, which can be a pain as I don't usually travel with a calculator. What's really annoying is that they sit there and calculate it again themselves, so why don't they just do it in the first place?

Customs, I've never had a good experience with them. The worst case was this one "Top Cop", who I think was the first day on the job and was overly keen. She pulls me out of line, goes through my stuff. I'd just come back from dropping my Fiancee to a hospitol in Boston and was a bit unorganised. So, normal questions, did you pack this yourself "Yes", Is this everything you declared "Yes". So she starts rummaging, low and behold, and unknown to me she pulls out a package with 4 hair bands totaling $4 and some change. She then asks me why I didn't delcare them. I told her that my Fiancee must have put them in there without my knowledge, it was an accident and I'd be more than happy to pay for it. So then Top Cop is now on to me and asks me "I thought you said you packed your bags". This of course set her right off. She was now tearing through everything. When I though she had finished, she then put the clothes back and proceed to send my luggage through the ion machine looking for drug residue. She then got out some swabs and started swabbing me down (in full view of everyone else in the customs hall) and sent those to the ion machine. The whole process took about 50 minutes. Know what she found? A little bag containing 4 coloured hairbands costing $4 and some change, that was accidentally put in my bag by mistake. Duty cost like 25 cents. The end result was me leaving there totally pissed off and vowing that if she ever came to my job needinig help that I would happily return the favour.

Just another example of how stupid they can get at the customs hall. Something else needs to be done.

Can't they just get an ion machine to send the luggage through, insstead of going through the whole "Raping of the luggage" episode? I'd even be in favour of more drug sniffing dogs than a repeat of this process again.

Customs officers do have a power trip going. They are in their own little world and they want to show it to you.

[Pitts Bay on 22.08.05 at 13:41]

If I remember correctly, the persons manning the immigration desks at the airport are actually customs personel, not Dept of Immigration Officers.

Wow - seems like the nice customs people are on the Immigration desks and the not so nice take care of the rest.

[sandgrownan on 22.08.05 at 13:56]

Pitts Bay - that's exactly the case, or perhaps the immigration desk is a better posting, so they're surly when on the customs desk. Who knows?

Although rare, I have encountered rudeness on the immigration desk too.

"What makes you think you have the right to enter the country?" could have been rephrased as "Can I see your work permit/status letter/landing permit please".

[Smith on 22.08.05 at 14:33]

CO:"What makes you think you have the right to enter the country?"

Me:I was born here, to Bermudian parents.

CO:"That doesn't make you a Bermudian"

Me: In awe.

[alexbda on 22.08.05 at 15:15]

I am tired of everyone always complaining about the airport!

If you fly commercial DEAL WITH IT~

Otherwise, fly PRIVATE! And everything which you complain of disappears. Unable to fly private...then deal with it.

Respect

[smith on 22.08.05 at 15:22]

"I am tired of everyone always complaining about the airport!"

Then ignore them...DEAL WITH IT!

[SmokingGun on 22.08.05 at 16:31]

"Hey, perhaps we could out do other countries and have people drive right up to the plane, ask the skycap to take the luggage out of the trunk and load directly on the plane. That effecientcy would save money and make us a leader in fast check it."

Posted by: write | 21.08.05 20:26

Write on!, that's what we've been saying all along!
Alex & Ewart.

[sandgrownan on 22.08.05 at 16:34]

Alexbda - come on - give me a break, what sort of ridiculous comment is that? If you don't have the ability to fly on a private jet you are not in a position to complain when something is shit? You, my friend, are an idiot.

[SmokingGun on 22.08.05 at 16:48]

As a courtesy to Bermuda's "Guests", maybe they could have all Bermudians, residents and those people working in Bermuda via visa, permits etc. go through two lanes and all other visitors go through the other six or more lanes. If there is a light load on either lane then open them up for the other.

The most important thing is to get the tourists through as quick as possible. Heck they pay out-rageous money to get here, why set them off with a bad taste from the get go.

Also, I'll never understand why Bermudian's with Bermudian passports have to stand in the visitors lines just because they are not currently residing in the island. Talk about a snubbing.

[Oscar on 22.08.05 at 16:50]

There is simply no excuse for the length of time it takes to get through immigration and customs here in Bermuda. As for Alexbda - good grief what an idiotic comment! But I believe Sandgrownan has summed it up already.

The fact that we are such a tiny island and it still takes an hour and a half at times to get out of the airport is simply ridiculous! As someone who flies to the UK regularly it takes me about 20 minutes to get out of Gatwick every time. An international airport that has dozens of flights arriving all the time!

Part of the problem is that hardly ever are all the desks in the Immigration occupied with an employee. Also, the lack of desks is also a problem. When all that money was spent on expanding the Departure area of the airport perhaps they should have expanded Arrivals and made the Immigration Hall bigger. More staff on hand with more desks = more incoming passengers served in a shorter time. Not to mention that half the staff seem to think that it is social hour and when their friends and family arrive at the desk they feel the need to spend five - ten minutes discussing the trip they just went on. I mean I am all for friends and family but talk about that on your own time.

Finally as for customs I do think that we need something faster, perhaps automated customs.... and also is it really necessary to pull 50 - 70% of an incoming flight over to rifle through their belongings and oh yes... as someone mentioned earlier dump everything out on the desk while they paw through it at the speed of molasses and do it all with a look of sour apples on their face!

I am sorry but this is one area that needs drastic improvement and the airport officials need to stop getting on some kind of power trip and realize that they are public servants.

Nuff Said!
:)

[SmokingGun on 22.08.05 at 16:54]

sandgrownan - me thinks that was a joke. "Alexbda?"
If not then.... what kind of snob are you Alexbda!!
TycoTwit maybe?

[sandgrownan on 22.08.05 at 17:02]

Smoking Gun - I hope so..but you never know these days. Maybe I'm just getting touchy in my old age!!

[Alex Scott on 22.08.05 at 17:14]

I too am sick of hearing about you peasants moaning about the airport. You should be lucky that this fine Gov'ment supplies you with one.

Just make sure you are out of the way of my car so I can drive right from the runway home.

I'd like to thank you all for voting me into office for this special priveldge. After all, if the govenor can do it, so should your elected King!

[Cancundreaming on 22.08.05 at 18:27]

Complaints.... yawn... extra yawn, really though. It's funny because they make me scratch my head, not the complaints per se, but the volume and intensity of the complaints. Yeah we all have the right to complain, one that we take full advantage of, but i just find it strange that we seem to complain equally about the time spent at the airport and crime in Bermuda. One I have to say is significantly more important then the other, but you couldn’t tell that by the reaction. I travel about 4 times a year, and I never really had a problem, never waited for more then 10-15 minutes, but I don’t think any of you are lying about your experiences, but I really have to ask what’s big deal.

I think you’re right, how we treat our tourists is especially important for a tourist destination like Bermuda, although I think how we treat Bermudians is equally important.Many of you may be right, tourists may complain about the wait, and I think any tourist destination should always strive for perfection, or minimally, yearly improvement. But the standard that would warrant the reaction that I have seen on this site isn’t if a tourist complains about it, tourists will always complain about some aspect of a destination, or a resort/hotel etc; not merely tourists that come to Bermuda, but Bermudians who become tourists in other foreign destinations. I think if we all looked back on some of the best vacations in our lives, few of us can say they were absolutely perfect. There will always be something, something that bothered you or something that you didn’t like. But if the overall tourist product is good, you accept imperfections, because you realize and accept the imperfections in life. The standard I was referring to earlier is if at the end of their vacation a tourist cites the reason why they hated Bermuda and why they’re not coming back was because the had to wait at the airport. I simply think it is very rare to hear a tourist say “I’ve never coming back to Bermuda because I had to wait an hour an a half at the immigration counter”

Customs, I think, is somewhat of a different matter because their job is inherently invasive. There’s nothing quite as bothersome as someone going through your stuff, it makes you feel powerless, as for the most part, most of us are, you have to stand their answer their questions and watch them go through your stuff. I’ve had friendly customs agents, ones that smiled, didn’t have a attitude, even asked me how university was going, but at the end of the day, their still going through your ‘shit’. I understand that I’m never going to have a great customs experience, that’s the nature of the beast, the best I can hope for is an ok one. I do think we have some areas needing improvement, presentation is a big one I think, and I think some of the ideas where quite good. The person who mentioned using an automated machine to pay your duty had the best I think. But for those of you who are angry at the fact even had to go through customs agent or that they went through your stuff, I have little sympathy for you, because yes their job is too ensure proper duty was paid, but another aspect of their job is to seek out things on Bermuda’s prohibited list, which is pretty important.

On a side note, sometimes this site makes me sad, yeah I know some asshole will mention that if that’s the case I don’t have to come here, and they would be right, but still though, sometimes I feel as if people who are considering public office should be shown this site and shaken wildly and asked “You want to govern these people? Are you Insane?” Sometimes, just sometimes, I wonder whether the site ‘a limey in Bermuda isn’t so much getting Bermuda talking, rather getting Bermuda complaining. This probably isn’t a fair comment, but it’s just how it comes off sometimes.

[on 22.08.05 at 18:34]

"Complaints.... yawn... extra yawn, really though."

...and then you go on to complain about this site....yawn is right.

[Cancundreaming on 22.08.05 at 18:52]

"...and then you go on to complain about this site....yawn is right."

As i said I’m not sure if what i said was fair, I’m not sure if it's even correct, it may be even hypocritical, it's just how i feel sometimes when reading the posts. Sometimes how you feel makes little or no sense, but it's just how you feel.

[The Limey on 22.08.05 at 19:26]

To me, the crux of this issue is "why can Bermudians get into the UK quicker than their own country?"

The tourist experience is important, but everyone expects to wait to get through immigration and customs in a foreign country.

Bermudians show be able to simply flash their passports at an immigration officer as they walk past (as they can in the UK), then pay their customs duty using a machine while waiting for their bags to be delivered to the arrivals hall.

[Martin on 22.08.05 at 22:26]

Limey is right on this one.."why" indeed.

And oh yes - for all you who have suggested we shouldn't moan about Customs and their attiitude..."because they have a job to do"....please remember that there are always at least two ways of achieving the same outcome.

Sadly - Bermuda Customs people choose the wrong one each time. As I said earlier, they are on a power trip...they love it!

You don't get treated that way ANYWHERE else in the world to my experience.

And to think - we want tourists to come here. Yikes - no chance.

[robert on 22.08.05 at 22:38]

Well said in support of our customs agents. Drug carriers don't fit a common mold they could be your everyday common brit or a middle class white american or anyone else the mind can imagine and for this reason it's common sense that customs can't watch face if it wishes to be effective. The airport is one of the main ways small time dealers move their drugs its well known and for this reason alone its normal to expect that you would be searched or at least asked questions.

[Martin on 22.08.05 at 22:48]

Josh,

Travelled far and wide my friend...

No airport I have been through comes even close to BDA - believe me.

Just pop next door and exit through to the US. They get the job done without the arrogance and the rudeness. All in the same building too!

[loki on 22.08.05 at 23:42]

The immigration system in Bermuda is an unmitigated JOKE. Does anyone else think that it's utterly ridiculous that Bermudians still have to present our passports to the immigration department in the Government Immigration Building to get a little (easily faked) stamp saying "The holder of this passport has the right of abode in Bermuda"? I don't travel too much and recently had my British Passport renewed at the Department of Immigration. Upon returning from a vacation with my wife in April, I was confronted by a female immigration officer at the airport, who pulled me aside, made me sit in her office for half and hour, all the while declaring in raised tones that I "wasn't a Bermudian". Her basis for this? My passport didn't have the aforesaid stamp in it. That would be the very same passport issued by the Department of Immigration - HER DEPARTMENT! Presumably, the Department is aware of whether a passport that they are issuing is being issued to a Bermudian. Does it not make sense that they should stamp it when the issue the damn thing in the first place? I had no idea that we were still supposed to have the stupid little stamps in our passports. I naively though that the Immigration Department had evolved out of the dark ages. They put a bloody barcode in the passport, a barcode which, incidentally, US Immigration were able to immediately scan and ascertain that I was a Bermudian! But, alas, it seems that our own Immigration Department is incapable of doing such a thing.

So, for half an hour, this awful woman (she was genuinely offensive and was throwing 10,000 pounds of attitude at me) is telling me to my face that I'm "not Bermudian". She tells me that I have to buy a round-trip ticket, as I'm "not Bermudian" - despite the fact that my wife, who was travelling with me, is also Bermudian and has the aforesaid stamp in her passport. The kicker - after sitting me there for half an hour and telling me that I needed to buy a round-trip ticket, she announces, "I'm going to call the office in Hamilton to check if you're on the Register of Bermudians". Hello? I'm sorry? You couldn't have checked that half an hour ago, before putting my wife and I through the wringer, you dozy ass!? So, she calls Hamilton, puts the phone down and announces, "It's OK. You're Bermudian." Me: "I know."

And we wonder why so many people complain about arriving at the airport?

[Josh on 23.08.05 at 09:38]

Martin

I've been on all the continents and can fairly say we are far from the worst. When dealing with customs agents what works for me is a smile and a simple approach of speak when spoken to. If you are there with a long face it would vex anyone that had to look at it don't you think?

[sandgrownan on 23.08.05 at 09:51]

It's a never ending cycle. Customs Agents know we hate them all, so they're discourteous, so we hate them even more......

[on 23.08.05 at 10:00]

You're right Josh...we should also be prepared to do backflips if the 'officer' demands it as well.

It's well known that those who work in the public sector in Bermuda, do so because they couldn't possibly get a job anywhere else.....see customs and immigration for an example.

[AP on 23.08.05 at 10:37]

Anyone who is bitching about the airport here must not be much of a traveller. They would have a nervous breakdown at Toronto or Boston. STOP YOUR WHINING

[on 23.08.05 at 10:39]

...and AP, you must be a world tracellor ...you've been to Boston and Toronto...wow!

If you think Boston or Toronto are worse then Bermuda, you're either a customs/immigration officer, or are related to one.

[Josh on 23.08.05 at 10:40]

10:00

"It's well known that those who work in the public sector in Bermuda, do so because they couldn't possibly get a job anywhere else.....see customs and immigration for an example".

Whats next dumping on trash truck drivers for not being international bankers?

You have issues and not much respect it seems. May you continue to have horrid airport experiences while I'll continue to have none.

[on 23.08.05 at 10:43]

I haven't had a horrid airport experience since the last time I went to Bermuda....and since it was the last time, I won't ever have a horrid airport experience again.

Good luck with the tourism guys...you're really looking third world now.

[sandgrownan on 23.08.05 at 11:02]

AP - that's a bogus argument and you know it. That's like the PLP saying nepotism is OK because the UBP did it.

I don't give a toss what it's like in Boston, Toronto or Timbuktoo. It's crap here, and there's no need for it to be crap.

[Tiger Bay on 23.08.05 at 11:07]

The forms used for arrivals and departures at the airport are confusing and repetitive.

For example, you need to repeat personal ID info (such as passport number) on both the Immigration and Customs forms. Hassle given that the two forms are reviewed at the same time.

Also, the Customs form is design to make life easier for the cashiers - not for travellers - by only showing a few very broad categories of goods. I have been chewed out several times by officers for listing my stuff in the wrong line item. How the hell am I supposed to know their classification schemes? The old way - simply listing your purchases - was better.

[Boston Baked Bean on 23.08.05 at 11:12]

Forget about the tourists - they'll kvetch about anything. What about those of us who HAVE to come back here because we live here? It's just such a thrill to be "greeted" by a disagreeable, dysfunctional, illiterate Customs Agent who threatens to put you "in the room" because you inadvertently forgot to tell them about the jar of preserves you brought back for your auntie. All that BS about Bermuda being such a friendly, happy, pleasant little place is just that -- BS. And there's no better place to find that out than the airport. How sad.

[SmokingGun on 23.08.05 at 11:14]

Limey, you are correct on the passport/immigration side. A quick pass through with a look at the passport and maybe a bar-code scan along with a friendly "welcome home' would be a great way to move the lines. This would help get the tourists through quikly as well.

Customs is whole different department anyway.

I personally feel there is a little bit of a "Big Brother" approach to immigration. The need for returning school kids to have proof, having to inform where you are staying, even if it's in your own house. The heavy emphasis and concern about being "Bermudian" etc. all comes accross as if someone's trying to keep a strict eye on who's coming and going. If it's this way now, can you imagine what it would be like if the island went independent?

In the rush to appear sophisticated Bermuda's leaders destroyed the most imporatant elemnt of it's character. The first impression and the last impression of Bermuda is at it's airport. I miss the days when people could stand up on the roof wave hello and good bye to friends, family and visitors alike.

[SmokingGun on 23.08.05 at 11:22]

Sorry for all the typo's ... long night and just getting to the coffee.

[Ethiops on 23.08.05 at 11:48]

Our leaders took over an already very much flawed system. People think we just forgot how waffless ubp was doing at running things on this island. And who knows really, maybe if we went independent this would all change. One thing for sure is I’m waiting for PLP to show us that they have the power by implementing real changes around this rock. On another note as long as we continue saying bermudians are too this or that to do this or that, they'll continue doing as they do.

(imo people in positions of power should by law be in psycho therapy to deflate their ego's esp politicians and police)

I for one don't hate customs and respect the work they do. Maybe we need more customs officers as the work they do needs to be done. A simple flash of our passports to pass immigration points is a brilliant idea and will bring us into 2005, but crossing the customs border is a whole other deal. Nonetheless customs needs to do their work and we should embrace them. Petty dealers come in all shapes and sizes, and an ounce of heroin can be hidden in almost anything. Using brits to carry drugs was in style for a hot moment and probably is still in effect for all we know. So the price of some person being irritated for a 1/2hr over maybe stopping drugs or illegal goods from coming into the island is a price well worth paying. Don't get me wrong i'm for speeding up the process it's just that I get the feeling that some can't understand the process or feel they shouldn't have to be subjected to it.

[sandgrownan on 23.08.05 at 11:59]

I can't believe that I almost agree with Ethiops! Wonders never cease! All I would add is that this has nothing to do with either political party but rather a cumbersome civil service and customs officers who overstep the line in the course of their duty.

It can't be easy. But the process is shit and the folks are plain rude. That's the problem.

[SmokingGun on 23.08.05 at 12:15]

Ethiops, thanks for pretty much agreeing with exactly what I said. However you really need to try to turn off the "defend PLP at all costs" button if you want to have an open unbiased dialogue. I was very careful to state that the people responsible for screwing up the airport was "our leaders".

I did not state UBP because although they were the original offenders, it is on the backs of today's leaders to rectify the situation. I consider our leaders as the people with responsibilities to make decisions for Bermuda's over-all long term well being. Political Parties come and go but we will always have our leaders.

[Point on 23.08.05 at 12:18]

"One thing for sure is I’m waiting for PLP to show us that they have the power by implementing real changes around this rock"

Ethiops - in your view is seven years still not sufficient time to affect any type of material change for the betterment of our society (and let’s also not forget the additional thirty+ years of experience the PLP accumulated observing the role of an effective government while in their opposition capacity). Get real. The waiting is over. These guys don’t give a crap about you, me or their own supporters.

They’ve spent last seven years lining their own pockets, raiding the cookie jar and paying nothing but lip service to the idea of good governance by giving the Heisman to accountability, transparency, equality and fair play. The only real change they've implemented is to their own personal finances.

[Ethiops on 23.08.05 at 12:37]

smokingGun lmao

In the history of our country this is the first time PLP has ever been in power correct me if I’m wrong. And the line "In the rush to appear sophisticated Bermuda's leaders destroyed the most important element of its character" for me was kinda misleading it made me think of plp, my bad. As for defending PLP you got it all wrong. I could careless for either party imo their two heads of the same dragon, but, what can we do other than work with it and push for reforms.

sandgrownan humans have a large capacity to be nasty and I’m sure many that stand before customs agents are rude as hell local’s tourist and ex-pats alike. People expect custom lines to part like the red sea for them its normal humans have big ego's, life though has other plans, so its best to help the process with a smile at self first. Let people do their job. Why haven't I had these horrific custom experiences when I take airplanes like taxis? Maybe as a young black male I expect to be searched and have already welcomed the idea so it doesn't bother me anymore. Those that feel they don't fit the pic, will probably hate the idea of their things being looked at. Not saying that this is your case.

[Ethiops on 23.08.05 at 13:14]

point
(and let’s also not forget the additional thirty+ years of experience the PLP accumulated observing the role of an effective government while in their opposition capacity)

lmao@effective. Remember how much UBP spent on the airport for a new hall and two bathrooms, what was it, like round 75 million I think. As well, thanks to the UBP we chased the middle class american tourist right out of Bermuda. Now that was effective if that was the desired effect of course. I wish you would get real. The UBP track record is garbage I don't get why you're defending it; to be honest I don't even care. Cause I’m not defending UBP or PLP. The issue at hand is what can we do to push for change and yes 7yrs is more than enough time to change things. But why throw in the towel so fast. With the first time a labour party being in power in my magic mind it will take a good few years for them to get used to it lol. It was said once, the UBP took us into the jungle on a horse called self will run riot.
UBP had the wheel for years and filled their pockets so why shouldn't PLP do the same if these were the skills they accumulated while observing the role of an effective government while in their opposition capacity. ;)

[SmokingGun on 23.08.05 at 14:17]

"And the line "In the rush to appear sophisticated Bermuda's leaders destroyed the most important element of its character" for me was kinda misleading it made me think of plp, my bad."

Ethiops, what can I say.... and no, I'm not going to take advantage of this and take a cheap shot at the PLP. ;)

As our government is made up of two parties, one in power with the other in opposition, it is the duty of the opposition leaders to try to keep those in power in check. If I remember correctly when the airport was rebuilt there was some hanky panky going on with who got the contract as it may have directly benefitted John Swan some how. (I hope I'm not completely wrong on that. My memory does skip once and a while.)

[sandgrownan on 23.08.05 at 14:55]

nah, it's not a PLP problem. It's a civil service problem, the problem being that they are not a very civil service, at least in Customs.

[Tiger Bay on 23.08.05 at 15:49]

It's both. We used to put up with government inefficiency because it was poorly funded. But gov has grown massively in both budget and staffing - but service still sucks. And that's less palatable. The PLP can't come to grips with it - their answer is to hire more people and raise budgets even further ... but all that's doing is compunding the mess. We need better management in government: plans, priority, responsibility, accountability.

[SmokingGun on 23.08.05 at 16:43]

We need better management in government: plans, priority, responsibility, accountability.

Posted by: Tiger Bay | 23.08.05 15:49

amen to that.

[jake on 23.08.05 at 17:21]

Point,

That is bullshit revisionism.

If the UBP were so effective, why were they voted out?

Which party has more numbers of and/or greater dollar value of capital project overruns?

Which had more nepotism and graft?

Come off your high horse and accept that the PLP while flawed, has not run the country or our economy into the ground as was predicted. They have work to do, but you are being ridiculous.

[Better Change on 23.08.05 at 17:29]

I dread travelling away today. You queue to check in, you queue for US immigration, you queue when the flight is called - then you queue downstairs and have to show your ID AGAIN. Then you finally get on the Bda tarmac.

Coming back of course is even worse. You gotta listen to unemployable Calypsonians while the Bda Immigration line d-r-a-g-s. Then you've got the worst of all: CUSTOMS. I have never (repeat never) been anywhere that takes longer than arriving in Bermuda. Even in the Caymans - where things are real laid back, it was quicker.

[SmokingGun on 23.08.05 at 17:36]

Unfortunately Jake, Point is correct, but then again if the UBP were in power today, I have no doubt we would still be seeing the same stuff going on. The problem we have is that Bermuda has been in an economic bubble and it's been make hay whilst the sun shines for alot of our government leaders. Both PLP and UBP. Instead of reaching out to each other these two parties bicker and undermine each other so much that we get half-assed attention to the real issues of the island. Sticking with the thread though, isn't it embarrassing that our current leaders can look back at 7 years and honestly say they haven't done much to improve the efficiencies of our number one gateway for our vistors and fellow countrymen. Other than suggest that the big wigs should be allowed to drive up to the plane just like the Guv.

[jake on 23.08.05 at 18:49]

Really, Point IS correct?

So nothing has happened at all other than pocket lining?

SmokingGun, that is simply untrue, even if you don't like the PLP - they have made substantial improvement in terms of tourism (numbers up), transport (ferries and innovation), international business (key man policy), and numerous other substantive improvements.

Yes there is work to be done. No I am not happy with them. To say that all they have done is line their pockets - which is an allegation that could at best apply to one or two MP's - is simply wrong.

Not just inaccurate - wrong.

Why should the UBP work with the PLP when its supporters live in a la la land and ask for little else.

Save it for the whales.

[SmokingGun on 23.08.05 at 19:24]

Jake, I did point out that things would likely be very similar if UBP were in power today. Yes, some things have been done that should, stress should, work out for the better for Bermuda.
I'm not sure Tourism numbers are anything to go by as we are comparing with 9/11 and then Fabian. However at the same time I do accept that it is a very tough climate for tourism in Bermuda in general so I won't knock Ewart too hard. The ferries? Overkill in my book but still at least an attempt was made.
As far as lining pockets, there are most definitely a number of individuals that have done so. The trouble is in that our politicians have day jobs. They often hold positions that may have a direct conflict of interest with what they do for a living.

Do I dislike the PLP? Not necessarily, I just don't care for people who take advantage of their positions at the expense of those they are accountable to. If the party gets a black-eye for it and isn't willing to deal with those offenders, then I will lose respect for that party as well. As I said earlier, I wasn't very impressed with UBP's handling of the airport. And trust me, I had a very up-close and personal experience with the UBP whereby they completely screwed the people of Bermuda simply because they wanted to improve the lifestyle of the top dogs.
Time for third party in my book. Decent salaries and no distracting day jobs.

[Smiths on 23.08.05 at 20:07]

Jake...

I rarely respond to your points - usually you are spot on...but:

- they (PLP) have made substantial improvement in terms of tourism (numbers up)...Come on, we all know that it depends upon the point from which you take the measurement. Tourism - overall - continues to decline, and you know it.

- transport (ferries and innovation)...I can't see what the ferries have achieved - can you? They have not affected the use of the car - you still can't get from St George's and back during working hours. What good are they?

- international business (key man policy)...Tell the truth - that policy was for the PLP supporters. They backed off the main thrust pretty quickly I am told.

- and numerous other substantive improvements....What? What have they achieved?

By the way, this is not a PLP-bashing jaunt. The UBP were just as bad.

Jake - I'm an old fashioned socialist at heart. I really though the PLP was close to that. They have done nothing for the average Bermudian.

[Bill Cook on 23.08.05 at 20:33]

If you want the numbers forget the uninformed bullshit and call the hotels themselves or better still go there and see for yourself.

I have just done that and the figures are depressing, dont take my word get off your ass and do likewise !

[Point on 24.08.05 at 10:27]

jake

“Which party has more numbers of and/or greater dollar value of capital project overruns?”

If you make an apples to apples comparison then the clear winner is the PLP. In seven years the PLP has managed to overspend on most (if not all) capital projects. I doubt you could say the same for 30 years under a UBP government.

“Come off your high horse and accept that the PLP while flawed, has not run the country or our economy into the ground as was predicted. They have work to do, but you are being ridiculous”

I never predicted the PLP would run our economy into the ground. I also never predicted that 9/11 would attract tens of billions of dollars in new capital to support their excessive spending and personal graft. I do, however, accept your insightful observation that the PLP are flawed and are making no apparent efforts to improve the situation unless it materially benefits their core leadership.

“the PLP…have made substantial improvement in terms of tourism (numbers up)…”

If you are such a fan of numerical comparisons, try comparing the decrease in aggregate tourist dollars spent versus a modest increase in visitor numbers. We may have a handful more visitors but they are spending less and less. Why? Well for one reason our government hasn’t come to grips with adequately managing our inflation rate which outpaces all our major trading partners. We also continue to rely upon the government to allocate resources in accordance with the wishes of a bloated civil service and a myopic minister. This money should be put in the hands of tourism professionals (in the form of an independent advisory board comprised of members of industry and related service providers) who have a far greater comprehension of the product and will certainly make the dollars stretch further and earn a greater return.

And if you really want to drill down in to those numbers, ask your buddy Ewart to clarify how many of our visitors are here for recreation and how many for business. This will provide a much clearer snapshot of our tourism success (or failure).

“… transport (ferries and innovation)…”

I completely agree there has been a marked improvement in the quality of the ferries in government’s fleet.

“….international business (key man policy)…”

The success that we have been fortunate to enjoy as a result of an increase in international business is absolutely unrelated to anything the PLP does or has done. 9/11 has been the greatest boost for economy. And the reason all of those companies chose to establish a Bermuda presence is firmly rooted in the solid foundation built by the UBP over their tenure in government. However, I will agree that the continuation of that success will certainly be impacted by the PLP providing they chose to continue to do nothing to disrupt it.

“…and numerous other substantive improvements….”

such as…..oh….I don’t know….how about affordable housing?...yah right!..…accountability?…..no….how about transparency in government?...nope….updated criminal code?....not any time soon….sufficient pension for seniors?.....no again…..

[jake on 24.08.05 at 12:38]

As usual you have little use for the truth. The industry was successful in attracting new capital after 9/11 beacuse the political situation had remained stable. It is an economic farce to say it supports the PLP's personal graft, but there are morons who will buy that crap when you sell it. I am not one.

If the tourism board is the panacea, why did the UBP not create it? They had 30 years during which the decline was both marked and measured. We all knew tourism was in decline, so is the fact that PLP has begun a reversal of those numbers a cause for celebration? Not for you.

Capital projects? Let's see, the Incinerator, the Airport (twice), the National Stadium, the East Broadway Extension, the New Bus Depot...need I go on?

Please.

Keep in mind that each problem you fault the PLP for not fixing is a problem they have inherited from...the UBP.

Now let's get to the crux of the matter. Where is the causality here? When things are good they are from the UBP foundation. When things are bad it is because of the PLP last seven years. Am I the only one who can see through this crap?

The reality is that the PLP are working with Bermuda's problems and working to maintain its success. It is to be congratulated for building on the past wins (business) and to criticized for not doing more to alleviate social problems that ALSO have their root in the UBP 30 years (a whole generation) and the years before. I will not buy into the revision that all was honest under the UBP. You are out of touch with reality if you maintain that with a straight face. The PLP folks who have done the same tarnish all its members and deserve condemnation, but it is a LIE to say that all they have done is line their pockets. It is the same LIE that is repeated on this website day in and out. No matter how many times you repeat it Point, it is still a LIE, UNTRUE and FALSE.

With one capital overspend and two allegations of dishonesty (both of which REMAIN unprosecuted or anyone convicted of anything - in a system where the PLP do not control the Police or the Courts) it is crazy to keep the lie going. Are they all angels and innocent - no, the smoke leads to the conclusion of some fire, but they are also not Nigeria or some cleptocracy, which is what you and others seek to portray on a daily basis. In this context you are the fraud.

Either you can return to honest debate or you cannot. I can call a spade a spade and I challenge you to get even to that stage.

[The Limey on 24.08.05 at 12:51]

Can we keep this thread about the airport, please, rather than having another PLP vs UBP debate? Thanks.

[save d cut on 24.08.05 at 13:50]

I see many have referred to other airports ei:Boston, NY, Miami and Toronto. One thing to keep in mind is we have the approximatly the same wait time, however the other airports are servicing hundreds more flights and thousands more people.

[Triforce on 24.08.05 at 14:49]

This was mentioned earlier - I've found the waiting in the Duty line to be the most miserable of tasks. I recall there was a sign saying something to the effect of "we're remodelling the system to make things more efficient - there will be a slight delay while we do this".

First time I saw it was February.

Next time I saw it was May. So the remodelling is still going on. Sheesh.

sandgroman offered a worthy suggestion regarding automating the process - I'd be in favour of that.

[Bill Cook on 24.08.05 at 16:44]

Limey,

All governments regardless are not in the business of making money by developing industries to create wealth.

That is the role of the entrepreneurial visionary like Fred Reiss who introduced the re insurance business which saved our ass when the hotel industry started by people like Juan Tripp,Billy Butlin, John Moore and Daniel Ludwig etc started to falter.

Where government serve best is to step aside and allow business to take care of itself but ensure that infrastructure is in place and a nurturing atmosphere exists.

That is why something as important as our airport is made to be as welcoming and effecient as possible because they control the civil service who manage it.

Some of the major mistakes made by governments of Bermuda would be in my opinion a lack of forward planning.

I think we may be about to do just that by catering to these mega ships.

It seems crazy to me a bit like the tail wagging the dog.

In the final analysis nothing is more important than the quality of our lives in Bermuda and we need to re examine just what exactly constitutes that.