Premier's warning to rule-breakers

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2: Government employees who break the rules on contracts could face being fired and criminal proceedings, Premier Paula Cox warned this week.

Ms Cox said that new rules governing the Civil Service had raised the bar for conduct — and Government would not hesitate to use them if needed.

Ms Cox added: “The legislation wasn’t intended to be a paper tiger — what we have is that there now can be criminal sanctions.

“Part of changing a culture is letting people know about what the rules of engagement are. Before, if you breach, that’s not a good thing — but we have raised the stakes in terms of sanctions.”

Ms Cox singled out new legislation on good governance as a key piece of legislation as she marked her first year as Premier.

She said: “While it may not necessarily have sex appeal, good governance legislation is important. People are still worrying how they can be sure the money isn’t walking out the door with people it shouldn’t be.

“We have controls, checks and balances, but let’s see how we can enhance that… People want accountability and fiscal prudence. One of the key issues for me over the last year has been getting the framework right.”

Ms Cox said that Bermudians were “reeling” from the effects of recession — although Bermuda had weathered the global storm better than the US and Europe.

She added that Government had fought to preserve jobs in the public sector — but that Government workers had to respond by being more efficient. She added: “The Government’s position has been to seek to enhance and preserve jobs, particularly in the public sector, as well as to seek to provide for the private sector some initiatives which can assist them in retaining people they employ.”

Ms Cox cited payroll tax breaks and special assistance for the hotel and retail sectors, as well as child care allowance, free tuition at Bermuda College, as well as 10-year work permits for key overseas employees as ways Government has sought to increase opportunities.

She added that the new Special Development Order process also offered people “transparency and the right of people to know.”

Ms Cox said: “The aim is to try and stem the bleeding and continue to provide opportunities for business to hold on to their people.

“Government doesn’t create jobs in the private sector, but we can assist.”

She added: “Apart from helping here, there is capital stimulus — we have to provide conditions which help maintain employment levels where we can and by fiscal policies and tax relief.

Bugbear

“The issue really is about jobs — and that’s the same everywhere. The challenge is it’s like a see-saw – we have got to get the perfect balance where you can assist and stimulate, while keeping in mind the big bugbear, which is that Governments also have to work towards deficit reduction.

“While it would be wonderful to just turn on the tap and spend, that just creates more problems for the future. We have to provide the conditions for growth without having to increase our spending.

“Doing more with less isn’t just a soundbite — it’s about how we can be more innovative so we can get more value. People are demanding greater efficiency in our public services and in how we deliver them and greater responsiveness — a public service which is more responsive to their needs.

“We have sought to insulate our public sector employees, but that doesn’t mean they are off the hook in terms of productivity and raising standards. When the public is in need, they want to know they can get help and access services.”

Ms Cox added that the struggling economy would play a role in the General Election, which has to be held by the end of next year, but that her decision on when to call it would not be influenced by it: “I don’t think the issue of timing of the election is going to be so much influenced by that. You just have to look at the US and Europe to see the main issue is the economy. Bermuda hasn’t been insulated from it, but in Bermuda, notwithstanding the cost when people lose jobs, we have weathered the storm pretty well.

“We are dependent on the private sector to create jobs. What Government has to do is get out of the way and provide streamlined processes. Let’s get rid of some of those procedures that are a hindrance.

“The economy will play a role in the election and clearly when people aren’t feeling good we have to act to reassure them.

“But the election will be about who people trust to get the job done, who has the compassion and sensitivity to further Bermuda for her people. That’s what it’s going to come down to.”