Bermuda sucks

Does Bermuda really suck? This site seems to think so.

Comments

[Full Fullish on 05.09.05 at 00:11]

(Taking out my big stiring pot stick) Found out the site's owner as well with a quick lookup on the web hosts site. Go to http://www.enom.com/help/ and type in "bermudasucks.com" in the reseller information retrieval tool. It comes up with a local cell phone number. Did a search in the white pages section on www.bermudayp.com and found out it belongs to Will McLay. Shame on him.

While I totally disagree with his site, one as deplorable as this, I will still defend his right to put it up. That being said when you express your opinion such as this, you should also be prepared for a rebuttal, debate or argument of those who disagree with you. So if you are so inclinded to give this poor sad person a call his cell phone can be found in the reseller information as well. The BermudaYP comes up with his place of employment. Feel free to tell him exactly what you think, as he has done the same thing in a very public forum. Enjoy. :)

[Cancundreaming on 05.09.05 at 00:11]

Denfintely..

One could literally list off the many things that suck about Bermuda. But that's life, nothing is perfect and everything sucks, every single country has its problems and 'sucks' in some aspect.

But on the scale of things, i think it’s still probably one of the better places to live and it gives its citizens a whole dose of opportunities, you can’t ask for more then that, the rest is up to you. (I know i know, Smokey... forest fires blah blah blah)

[SmokingGun on 05.09.05 at 00:12]

I find Bermudasucks.com a very disturbing site.

Yes on the face of it it comes accross as crass and ignorant. But what's more upsetting is to find that an individual feels they needed to be so vocal about these issues. In reality alot of things mentioned are based on truths. He's just totally bent out of shape over them.

There are a ton of people posting on this site, writing to the papers, talking in the street etc. harping on about many of the same things. Long lines at the airport, high rent, blaming the expats for our social problems, white on black, black on black, everyone on the "others". He even compares North Korea to our Government in our, topic du jour, freedom of speech.

In some cases it sounds like he feels he is a victim, maybe of servitude. Brought to this island to labour in obscurity where no-one welcomes him or wants him. Maybe, in fact I know, there are many others just like him, after all just because you are an expat doesn't mean you are a VP of some multi-million dollar offshore business. I am still outraged over how many elderly Portuguese people have been treated in Bermuda in the past few years.

I for one will not be calling to harass this individual.

[Slowhand on 05.09.05 at 00:16]

I went to have a look at this site.... bermudasucks.com but can't see how to get to the comment section....

[Full Fullish on 05.09.05 at 08:35]

Of course there are aspects wrong with Bermuda. This can be said for each and every country. There are two ways you can handle this though. You can either attempt to do something about it (local or not) or roll with it.

What really bothers me about this site is the time and effort he put into it to put something online in such a negative way. That effort could have been used in a more positive way. As an expat, Will is subjected to the same labour laws as everyone else, if he feels he's been treated unfairly then he should have made a few phone calls to rectify the issue. Same thing for the racism, which unfortunantely is here, however he could have at least put some positive notes in, or at least a few suggestions on how to tackle it.

As for the comments against the society in general, such as smoking weed etc. Well that's the law here, you should have found that out before you came. If you don't like it, then this isn't the place for you.

If Willie feels this strongly about something then where is his conviction to help with a solution, or is he just one of those people that come down to complain about another way of life. His own words "speaking out will mean going directly back to that rat race jail without collecting that salary and without getting your overpriced air fare refunded. " From this comment alone, it seems that Bermuda is by far better than his own homeland. Where is the web site "Wills_home_country_sucks.com". I wonder if Will has a bit of dip for that chip he's got on his shoulder?

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 05.09.05 at 08:35]

Yes Bermuda sucks and we wouldn't change those perfect Bermuda Tits for any others in the world....Where else in the world do you see such pretty pink nipples? Me myself and I will stay with the PINK.

[Alex on 05.09.05 at 09:17]

Let's be at least a little kind to this guy - judging by his comments about his roomates he's likely to be homeless soon as well.

[Roger on 05.09.05 at 09:50]

It's a little harsh but the guy has a point.... I nearly set up a webblog with amusing taxi stories about the abuse I have suffered due to their inefficiency and incompentence. Obviously I realised it could be tracked-back and would be suicide with immigration!

There are some things about Bermuda that suck big time and this guy has a freedom to express these... not sure what he's trying to achieve though....

[Gray on 05.09.05 at 10:36]

I feel for the guy (a bit). He was obviously fed the line of "working in Bermuda isn't like working at all, it's paradise". I've actually never worked harder, but I came over with my head screwed on, and yes there are many irritating things over here, but it's no different anywhere else. And how can he complain about social insurance - it's a pittance?

I'm surprised people still trust recruitment consultants, especially with something as important as moving thousands of miles away. Recruitment consultants are only in it for the money. Never trust them. Do your own research.

As for his site, let him rant, it may make him feel better, and it may stop him boring people about his life in bars (I've met quite a few Wills).

[SmokingGun on 05.09.05 at 12:40]

"I'm surprised people still trust recruitment consultants, especially with something as important as moving thousands of miles away. Recruitment consultants are only in it for the money. Never trust them. Do your own research." Posted by Gray.

I agree wholeheartedly Gray, and having BermudaSucks.com out there it will offer up at least a half-dozen more pertinent questions one can ask the recruiter about before making that huge transition.

Now if I were the Premier, with impunity now that the guy's name has been thrown out there, I'd ask him to visit and discuss the specific issues an "ex-pat" in his standing might have. Heck I might even offer a copy-writer to help clean up some of his ideas.

[Will McLay on 05.09.05 at 15:03]

Tip: don't bother with the "ID Protect" service at e-Nom.

OK, I've been outed. Funny it was by a person using a nom de plume and a Hotmail address...

Full Fullish is right, I should be prepated for rebuttal, debate or argument. It was my intention to create a forum for discussion on the website for that very purpose. Oh, pass the dip, please.

Please let me draw your attention to the last paragraph on the homepage, "So where can you vent without fear of retribution? Why, www.BermudaSucks.com. Hear what others say about life on the rock or post a rant of your own."

What I wanted was a forum that would allow anyone to "rant" without fear of other people looking up their phone numbers. Because, as Gray points out, it may make you feel better.

Will

[jake on 05.09.05 at 16:19]

Website has changed from the last time I viewed it.

I guess Will doesn't have the balls you have, Phil (or the Bermudian spouse...).

Shame that he has found it so terrible, but then he does have the option of (a) leaving, (b) working to make it better, or (c) continuing to whine and complain.

Let's hope he goes with (b) as sometimes we in Bermuda have no idea how we are perceived by the newly arrived foreign worker. We have keep in mind as well, that we have seen many iterations of foreignors come and go, and many of those experiences left much to be desired (think colonial mentality) and so perhaps we have to keep in check our annoyance that might be better reserved for people long gone.

Stick around Will, you may miss out on all the fun!

[Guilden M. Gilbert, Jr. on 05.09.05 at 16:53]

Will,

"So where can you vent without fear of retribution? Why, www.BermudaSucks.com. Hear what others say about life on the rock or post a rant of your own."

May I ask why you entitled your site BermudaSucks? Does that name not cast Bermuda in negative a light in all aspects? Surely you could have thought up a better name than that. Maybe, www.BermudaExpatsRant.com

If things are as bad as you make them out to be why have you remained in Bermuda? There must be something you like about Bermuda otherwise I'm certain you would have left a long time ago. It can't be the money because it gets to the point where money is not as important as your happiness and comfort.

I concur with Jake, there may be some in Bermuda who do not take kindly to expats but those of us who are "sensible" realise that being part of a global economy means having to entertain foreign employment within your economy. In many ways that is a good thing.

If you truly have concerns with the way you have been accepted, shouldn't you let us know so that we understand the impression we are making on you. You don't know how someone feels unless they tell you.

I remember seeing a sign in a bank that read:

"If you like our service tell someone about it, if you don't tell us so we can correct it"

I have no problems with you ranting, my problem is the name you used to do it under and the image that name portrays. It is much like going through a rough spell in a marriage, you may vent but you do not want to lable your wife as a b**ch, especially if it is your desire to work through the problems and try to make the marriage work.

As far as retribution, are there any real examples out there of expats who have spoken their minds and found their work permits were cancelled or non-renewed? I would be very interested to see some examples.

I ask that because no matter who you are you should be able to speak your mind without fear of retribution. People becoming angry with you is one thing but we get over anger, to revoke or non-renew a work permit, however, is taking it too far and Bermudians should not allow that sort of thing to happen.

[Will McLay on 05.09.05 at 18:50]

Oh, yea; I forgot something important...

My employer has requested I remind you, regarding the website, "This doesn't reflect the opinions of my employers, or reflect my experience with my current employers."

Which is all true - I like my current job and everyone I work with. I apologize to them if I have caused embarrassment or regret.

The parts about the head-hunter, the room-mates, and taxi strike are what I'll call journalistic license.

Will

[Alex Scott on 05.09.05 at 19:28]

Full Fullish

Seems quite ironic you have gone to great lengths to expose this guy while using a pseudonym yourself.

Quote "That being said when you express your opinion such as this, you should also be prepared for a rebuttal, debate or argument of those who disagree with you."

Come on then, what your real name, phone number and place of work?

[Just Another Bermudian on 05.09.05 at 19:49]

Will

Could you change that to BermudiansSuck.com...Bermuda is a lovely place it's the people in it thast suck. Not a day goes by where at least one of Bermudas majority citizens shows me their hatred and contempt even though I am Bermudian myself.

[Bill Cook on 05.09.05 at 19:56]

Guilden

Are there examples of ex-pats who have suffered retribution for speaking their mind.

Surely you jest sir ?

That was not really a serious question was it ?

[Full Fullish on 05.09.05 at 21:52]

Will - You could have picked a better way to rant, or at least attempted to not be so abbrasive. Your site has no where for others to rant at all. The entire site consists of a few pages of negativity. To be honest, it has shocked a few people and in my place and a few others, kinda ticked me off. Bermuda is my home, and as such I take pride in it. Sure it has it's faults, but it is still and always will be my home. I take offence when someone comes here with the idea of easy working and getting rich quick (These are your words), only to bash our culture as a whole by electronically shouting "Bermuda Sucks, Don't Come Here!". Who you should really be pissed off is with your recruiter (Where is his sucks.com website?!?). Sorry, but this would tick off anyone with any sense of national pride. Just a suggestion, instead of complaining about it, as you have obviously choose to stick it out here, you could help out with the issues that you rant about, or at least attempt to be more constructive with it. You got lemons, now you gonna make some lemonade?

Alex Scott - Uh hello pot, this is kettle......To tell you the truth, I didn't go to great lengths, someone else actually brought my attention to the website, and they did the digging for the name. I just brought it up here. I choose not to use my real name, just as you have done. This is my pen name that I have used for a good many years. If you don't like that, then it's too bad.

Guilden/Bill - As far as retrobution goes, I would trust that this isn't the case, as all it would do is prove this site right, and then, in my opionion, Bda Immigration Sucks... As I said before, Will has the right to say these things if he so chooses.

[Will McLay on 05.09.05 at 23:09]

Not my words...

Full Fullish, please. I'll discuss this, but don't misquote me: "the idea of easy working and getting rich quick (These are your words)", is wholly inaccurate. You may have inferred that from the home page 'editorial', but those are not, nor ever were, my words.

OK, you've baited me into a reply; allow me to respond.

I've now added a forum to the site to allow submissions, please visit and let your voice be heard.

I knew the domain name would be inflammatory. The word sucks is powerful. I recall when a younger co-worker who reported to me exclaimed, "Will, you suck." It still rings in my ears, years later. It ticked me off. It hurt my pride.

But, he was right.

I'd made a mistake and he pointed it out. Abrasive? Yes. It obviously made enough impact I still remember it. However, it made me stop and think. Now, I know I'm better for it.

[question on 06.09.05 at 00:09]

"just another bermudian"

maybe it is you who sucks, but just because you do, doesn't mean that all bermudians do.

the way you make your case, would you rather the site be BlackBermudiansSuck.com? Sounds like it to me.

[Bill Cook on 06.09.05 at 08:11]

Why do people not use their real name when posting ?

There are no prizes for a correct answer but inquiring minds want to know.

[Raptor on 06.09.05 at 08:57]

Bill, People don't use their real names for a variety of reasons: Bermuda is a tiny place, and sometimes there is a very real need to remove oneself from (in no particular order) the context of family, relatives, friends--all of whom may have different points of view; to avoid recrimination from employers, fellow workers, or government; also to be listened to in a more open way outside the context of the colour of one's skin, or one's gender, or one's sexual orientation. There are lots of locked-in identities. In Bermuda it sometimes seems as though one's opinions are measured and weighted on a kind of sliding scale, depending on the above. I used to feel as you do, that people should use their real names. I thought it was gutless not to. But now I believe it is freeing. As another Bermudian once said to me, "Here, you are always someone's son/daughter, someone's brother/sister, someone's relative--you're never just yourself." Given that, I would like to be a voice, instead of an attachment. That may change in time. Some other people, like you, or like Guilden, use their real names. Different situations, that's all.

[Alex Scott on 06.09.05 at 09:20]

Full Fullish

Quote: "Uh hello pot, this is kettle" "I choose not to use my real name, just as you have done."

I was being ironic. Obviously over your head.

[Guilden M. Gilbert, Jr. on 06.09.05 at 09:22]

Bill,

I was very serious with that question because I am not aware of anyone who has had their work permit revoked or non-renewed for speaking out. I am not saying that it has not happened but I don't of any cases.

I don't know about you but if I don't know I have to ask.

If this has occurred and it can be proven then Bermudians need to lift their voices to prevent this from happening.

[Bill Cook on 06.09.05 at 09:33]

Raptor,

Thanks for taking the time.

Recrimination comes in many forms and the one way to destroy democracy is to have the expression of free speech tied to often severe penalties.

Recently one hotel manager was forced not only out of his job but out of the country due threats against his childrens lives in school.

So I hear you loud and clear.

The average ex pat on his fragile work permit can easily be bullied by those not similarily threatened, and I always advise accordingly.

Of course if someone knows you and spill the beans on you you are toast.

I go on the talk shows as The Irishman as dont need the attention but most know me and respect that request.

However one man whose ideology differs from mine insists on calling my name he foolishly thinks I am afraid to have my name known and feels this may somehow embarrass me into silence but as I have nothing to be embarrassed about it fails.

I have to the best of my knowledge never been a bully and have observed the treatment of Portuguese expat workers to use one example that has disgusted me.

There is something inherently evil about attacking someone who cant strike back,and the one phrase that identifies them in Bermuda in so many cases is "if you dont like it leave"

To leave your home and cut ties with all who are dear to you and make the transition to another life culture and country is quite a task and often emotionally disturbing, but very little note is taken of that until of course one themselves has to leave and go to another country.

[Full Fullish on 06.09.05 at 09:36]

Alex - Well now, you didn't use your Limey approved sarcasm remark, it's no wonder why it went flying over my head.

[Two Cents on 06.09.05 at 09:42]

I think at the end of the day given the number of newer sites poppping up, we should feel lucky that Phil runs this great site for us to air our "grievences" and thoughts. Even if it was possible, I don't think I would post on "bermudasucks.com"

p.s Phil, has there been a problem with your site ?? I have had to post two or three times to get my message to go through.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 09:45]

I don't know Billy abuse is a two way street and there are plenty of Expats that have abused and belittled Bermudians.In some cases they have taken Bermudian jobs with bogus qualifications and without fair employment consideration....So why you spare a tear for some poor expats, remember some of them in the past have been just as abuseive to Bermudians.

[Bill Cook on 06.09.05 at 10:01]

Wolf,

Would you care to reflect on the numbers to get a balanced picture ?

Whose fault is it that the bogus qualifications were not properly checked ?

Would you spare a tear for the expats like Dave Barbour who is only one of hundreds who have given millions selflessly for the benefit of Bermudians ?

Quid Pro Quo Wolfie.

We Bermudians have not always exported sterling characters to other countries
now have we ?

Lets not get all evangelical or I'll give you names !

[Bill Cook on 06.09.05 at 10:11]

Guilden,

Bermuda has some quaint rules.

We dont often deport people we just refuse to renew their work permits.

To date no one has found a way to exist in Bermuda without a substantial income.

A novel way was found to get rid of hundreds of law abiding hardworking Portuguese ex pats who had lived here raised families and in my opinion were an asset to Bermuda.

They just failed to renew their work permits so forcing them and often theur children to leave.

Fair enough you say ? but all those people had to be replaced by others and so what did it solve ?

We will always need fresh blood in controlled numbers and the Portuguese have an historical link to Bermuda I have never for the life of me understood why we did that to them.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 10:19]

Billy the Kid I say the street is Two way and there are plenty of examples both ways.Re the Portuguese they were not singled out....permits accross a whole working group were not being renewed as there was significant Bermudian unemployment because of a recession....What were Bermudian authorities to do...Not do anything and starve the local Bermudian population out of work.Permit workers are based on permits and they should plan around that reality.

[Guilden M. Gilbert, Jr. on 06.09.05 at 10:27]

Bill,

So are you saying that anyone who enters Bermuda on a work permit should continue to have his work permit renewed simply because he is a nice guy or is deemed by soem to be an asset to the country?

I believe that there needs to be turnover in foreign workers so that we never again face the situation that was faced with so many of the Portuguese and for that matter with Rev. Tilson.

The Portguese worker aside, one thing that has always bothered me about the work permit (professional) situation is that as a part of the work permit there is no Bermudian understudy required.

Don't get me wrong, I know that due to the number of jobs versus the number of Bermudians we will always need foreigners. However, the expertise that many, not all, of these foreigners bring in should be passed on to Bermudians. You know and I know there are many foreigners who once they arrive want to stay as long as they can and if imparting their knowlegde is going to mean competition from a Bermudian for their position they will not wilingly impart this knowledge.

What I would like to see is more Bermudians in managerial positions within the International Company sector. This would mean fewer work permits issued for senior positions. The permits would be issued to make up numbers that the companies feel they need in the employee population.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 10:28]

Billy as a final note lets just say that every case of abuse either way is a case by case study of the facts around each case.I don't think sweeping generalizations about Bermudians are in order.I think Bermudians continue to be generous people that have given much of their own land and wealth and business and jobs to people from other countries.

[SmokingGun on 06.09.05 at 10:28]

In some instances I have come accross Bermudian's who simply do not go out of their way to befriend ex-pats. Why? For a rather interesting and very personal reason. In the past they have met and gotten to know some great people, who after their permit is done, have to up and leave. All the time and energy put into developing a relationship with these families can lead to great dissapointment at their leaving. People just start giving up trying.

Bermuda has a very transitional demographic and at the end of the day maybe it's starting to show it's frayed edges. The newcomer's get the old baggage. Most unfortunate.

[Bill Cook on 06.09.05 at 10:30]

Wolfie,

I am not interested in winning arguments I am interested in solving problems (amongst other things)

Suffice to say I dont agree with you and all we did was replace all those Portuguese with other nationalities that did not have the same historical link to Bermuda.

Because they were in lower level jobs they were an easy target, they still are.

Landscapers who traditionally have depended on the Portuguese have Hell to get permits now and I fear some will go out of business I sure hope not.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 10:38]

Even better Guilden Immigration should do a monthly print out of all permits comming up for renewal that month so that any qualified Bermudian could apply and be considered for the that permitted job....In alot of cases there are qualified Bermudians doing service jobs and other work because permits are renewed yearly and three yearly.Advertising is optional and if a qualified Bermudian misses an application process they could be shut out from that job until another renewal year.The monthly print out of renewals placed at all post offices would give Bermudian job seekers a much more informed chance of applying to all permit renewals on a month to month bases rather than year to three year cycles.

[Bill Cook on 06.09.05 at 10:43]

Guilden

Just imagine if the Island was forced to have the likes of Rev Tilson and his family become a permanent fixture the very fabric of our society would be destroyed a real nightmare.

Raise the drawbridge Septimus the heathens are coming.

[SmokingGun on 06.09.05 at 10:44]

Bill, I am TOTALLY with you on the Portuguese issue. People who have been in the country for decades? Raised families here, behaved honourably, paid their taxes. Only to have "permits" revoked. Bermuda can come accross as being the most arrogant, self-centered little la-di-da land in the world. We sent back people who devoted the largest part of their income-earning years to what? Go start all over again. Tear up all those relationships. And we replaced them with who? Hello, hasn't anybody heard of "Grandfathering"?

Sorry folks, just a really sore subject. And I'm not even Portuguese.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 10:47]

Bill you won't admit that the problem is a two way street....sorry it is....I'm glad Bermuda is more multi-National and not of people from one land.I'm glad there are Irish here too...even those who drink a little too much Bush Mills.Bermuda is too small to allow every person in a yearly permit category to remain in Bermuda. Permit limits are a good thing plus there is a good turn over of people.Inward granting of Bermudian status should be based on outward yearly Bermuda migration.....Say in 2005 250 Bermudians leave Bermuda to settle in other countries than that is how many new Bermudian citizens should be made on a points system ect ect Quo ^..^

[SmokingGun on 06.09.05 at 11:03]

Will,

Please would you link your site to following:

Bermudaisforsuckers.com
Somebermudastuffsucks.com
Somebermudianssuck.com
Somebermudianssuckbetter.com
Suckmeimbermudian.com

and that's all I have to say about that.....

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 11:12]

Smoking GUN wil you please Suck Off....Who cares about all the links to Bermuda sucks or Will for that matter....One has to think is there a bullet in your gun?

[Adjustah on 06.09.05 at 11:14]

Ishouldhaveresearchedthisbeforemovingcountries.com was already taken?

[ace on 06.09.05 at 11:15]

I think Will should change the name of his site to:

www.bermudianscannottakeanycriticsm.com

We've seen it in the silly reactions to Phil's article and now we are seeing it here.

I am proud to be a Bermudian but I am not under the illusion that our island is perfect. Sure there are some aspects of life in Bermuda that sucks. Same goes for the UK, and Canada where I have also resided for various periods in my life.

I think Will is entitled to his opinions and to post them on a website. I also think we should stop and listen to what he, and others, say and accept some of it as constructive criticsm and discard, with no real animosity, the things we feel to be innaccurate.

[SmokingGun on 06.09.05 at 11:19]

^..^ - please post all further comments at "suckmeimbermudian.com". Thanks. :)

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 11:20]

Ace my god!!! Your riding on the PEACE TRAIN.....I prefer to show my fangs!!! WILLO DA WIMP can post away all he likes....He is game for a little gnashing though!!! Benny says next hand!

[Guilden M. Gilbert, jr. on 06.09.05 at 11:24]

Bill,

I do not know Rev. Tilson so I cannot speak of his character. However, he may have been an asset to Bermuda but he is not a Bermudian. The reality is that Bermuda cannot allow everyone who is or could be an asset to live in Bermuda indefinitely.

I agree with Wolfie, there are may qualified Bermudians who are displaced because they have expertise but are not afforded opportunities because there are foreigners in the jobs for which they would qualify and if that foreigners job does not have to be advertised then the Bermudian may not even know it exists.

Maybe you can't see the perspective that Wolfie and I are expressing because you were not born and raised in Bermuda. Yes, you have been in Bermuda for years but remember, you came in as an expat. No disrespect.

I simply believe that given the opportunity more Bermudians would be in decision making positions. Wouldn't you agree that the ideal situation is for Bermudians to hold these positions as Bermudians very rarely leave Bermuda and it would create long-term continuity?

As I said, based on the number of available jobs and the number of Bermudians, we need foreigners, however, the ideal situation is for those foreigners to come to make up necessary numbers and to report to Bermudians.

Those that come in with expertise that are lacking in Bermudians should have to train Bermudians as a part of their work permit and when a Bermudian is deemed experienced he/she should fill that position.

Most expats make and save more money while they are in Bermuda that they ever could within their own countries. many enhance their livestyles tremendously and do what they can to remain in Bermuda for as long as possible. That's fine as long as they do not hinder the progress of a willing and able Bermudian.

Is there something wrong with that? Any small country needs to be careful of the number of persons allowed to live and work within its bounds.

[SmokingGun on 06.09.05 at 11:27]

Ok ^..^ - how about this one: "Bermudiansjustdontgetajokesometimes.com"

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 11:34]

Ok Mr. Gun....Your hitting my funny bone at an acute angle....You can lock and load and remain deadly! Sorry about my French but sometimes I like To show off that I'm Fluent in other languages.....So as they say in Bermuda Pardon my FRENCH!!!Here sense of humour, here boy...Anybody seen my SENSE of Humour?

[Fear of Retribution on 06.09.05 at 11:42]

Full Fullish says:

"As an expat, Will is subjected to the same labour laws as everyone else, if he feels he's been treated unfairly then he should have made a few phone calls to rectify the issue."

My friend did just that. His employment situation was brutal. The employer was not held accountable. He spoke to the right folks at Immigration about his issues, reported the circumstances to the Department of Labour, and engaged a lawyer to help resign without the ensuing immigration reprecussions. Everyone was appalled at the employment situation.

His employer promised job "A" and delivered job "B" with 1/2 the earnings potential agreed upon, plus stiffed him on relocation and housing expenses. He tried to work contructively to rectify the situation, but any complaints were met with retribution. He eventually was advised by all concerned - lawyer, Department of Labour and Deptartment of Immigration - to resign. He took their advice, documented the hell out of everything, and resigned.

Then came the nightmare...Department Labour was to launch an investigation, but it failed to do so in a timely manner. He applied to Immigration for permission to seek other employment. Since his original employer would not provide a letter of release, his application was denied, followed shortly by a deportation order. He was going to appeal the denial, but was told that he was not entitled to view the details of his file or why his application was denied. I'm sure that made the appeals process easier for him.

Why aren't employers held accountable for their actions? If you are Bermudian, you just move on to another job. If you are a guest worker, you have fewer options. If you try to resolve the issues through the right channels, you get deported for daring to speak out.

[SmokingGun on 06.09.05 at 11:44]

^..^ - No problem as myfrenchsucks.com :)