Minister determined to 'ensure Bermuda prospers'

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8:  Senator Kim Wilson is working hard to find Bermudians work, create new jobs and help the economy to grow.

Speaking at the Sandy’s Rotary on Wednesday evening, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry outlined what has been done so far to help Bermudians find work and what needs to be done.

Ms Wilson said: “I believe that it’s always good to explore our history and consider were we’ve come from, it helps us to look into the future with a bit more clarity. 

“The story is not unfamiliar to you but as a reminder, Bermuda’s economic prosperity grew up out of the provision of leisure services to travelers arriving via ships and aircraft. 

“Subsequently Bermuda added financial services filling a niche in the offshore industry in developing markets.”

She said tourism numbers “peaked” in the 1980s followed by reinsurance, which made international business grow.

Bermuda was an easy destination to get to with hospitable people making it good for tourism and international business, Ms Wilson added. “The number of Bermudians of working age has remained fairly constant at around 28,000 people for the last 20 years and it is unlikely that this will change over the next generation.

“The most recent official data tells us that that, despite a decline in the number, there are in excess of 38,000 jobs in Bermuda, therefore the issue for Bermudians is not a shortage of jobs but rather a question of sufficient desirable jobs and/or jobs for which individuals have the appropriate education and training.”

The Minister said a report revealed a lack of skills in Bermudians has forced employers to hire workers from Europe and Asia.

“Here in Bermuda as we navigate these unchartered waters, the greatest challenge to me as Minister has been the process of determining how to match jobs and individuals; every tool in the arsenal seems to have a doubled edged. 

“In some instances human resources are simply not available and in other instances Bermudians aren’t interested in working in specific areas.”

Ms Wilson said her Ministry has worked with community partners to hosts fairs, training sessions and many more programmes to assist Bermudians in their search for work.

“Let me assure you that we are working hard to create a balance, to grow the economy, create new jobs, maintain the existing business and get Bermudians back to work.

“There are a number of very real plans and strategies in play to ensure that Bermuda continues to prosper,” she added.