Article published December 4. 2008 01:10PMIsland in a 'global war for talent' says BEC study By Alex Wright
The number of Bermudians filling jobs in the domestic market will not be enough to sustain the Island's economic prosperity over the next two decades.
That was the stark message from the Bermuda Employers' Council (BEC) survey entitled 'The Shift: An Examination of Employment Trends in Bermuda', which reveals there is an impending labour market shortage due to a falling birth rate and a low projected population growth for the country in the next 20 years.
The study, which was carried out in June 2008 and presented to delegates at the BEC's Annual General Meeting held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess hotel yesterday, also shows a shift to a more knowledge-based economy which has created additional pressures on the private sector to secure the level of skilled resources needed to sustain and grow their businesses.
Allied to this there is already some evidence of offshoring jobs to other jurisdictions due to the shortage of certain skilled workers in Bermuda, a trend which is set to continue and accelerate in the future as worldwide demand for talented employees increases.
The report found that even at modest growth rates in the economy of one percent per year, the projected rise in the amount of jobs will lead to an inevitable drop in the percentage of Bermudians in the total workforce, with the percentage of working black Bermudians expected to decline to less than half the workforce over time.
"Even conservative economic growth will lead to a higher demand for workers than Bermuda can produce domestically," it read.
"Public policy must recognise this and should focus on efforts to maximise the employment opportunities for all Bermudians, with strong emphasis on training and education to prepare future generations, especially for the higher level knowledge-based job opportunities that are being created."
The survey called on employers to think about repatriating Bermudians working overseas, while it said Government's "disproportionate employment" of available Bermudians should also be considered given the negative impact it has on the availability of Bermudians in the private sector in a bid to mitigate the need to import additional workers.
"Bermuda is faced with a significant dilemma: the need to maximise the job opportunities for its citizens, balanced with the need for continued economic growth that is insufficient to meet economic growth even at modest levels," the report continued.
"Government policy really must recognise and focus on this reality and develop strategies that will prepare the next generation of Bermudian workers with the necessary skills and education to take full advantage of an increasingly sophisticated job market.
"At the same time Government must recognise that it is a global war for talent that is becoming more competitive with each passing day and work hard to ensure that Bermuda remains a place of choice for those willing to relocate to the Island to help build the country's long-term prosperity."
The report concluded that the reality of a growing economy and the need for more workers than the Island can produce was that Bermudians were increasingly likely to be a minority group in a range of occupations and professions, dating back to 1994 and set to continue.
It said Government needed to ensure that Bermudians are well-prepared to take on the highest level of employment and the most desirable jobs in the economy, using a long-term strategy focusing on training and education to maximise job opportunities for Bermudians.
"Bermuda's economy has outgrown Bermuda's domestic workforce and both the country and its citizens must adjust to this reality if economic prosperity is to continue," it said.
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Friday, 28 November 2008
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Island aims to lead with GIS technology
Bermuda is aiming to become a world leader among small island nations in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), according to Telecommunications Minister Terry Lister.
Police and Fire Services use the technology to quickly determine the locale of an incident, while Government uses it in planning applications, land valuation and protecting the Island's healthy coral reefs, the Minister said.
Speaking at a press conference marking International GIS day, Mr. Lister said: "GIS in Government is a collective and co-operative effort driven by a number of departments.
"The Government has made exceptional progress in the use of Geographic Information and Bermuda is well positioned to become a worldwide leader among small island nations in the use of GIS. Our main challenge now is to effectively meet and manage the increasing demand for GIS services as more Government departments and businesses begin to realise the value of GIS.
"As Bermuda's environment becomes more complex, emergency services are becoming increasingly dependent on the ability to access multiple layers of geographic data, which can be provided by several departments as for instance, roads, addresses and buildings are provided by the Ministry of Works and Engineering.
"The GIS Committee created the following vision statement as part of its strategy. It states that: 'The Bermuda Government will be, and will be recognised as, a world class provider and user of geographic information and services. With our collaborative, accessible and reliable spatial data infrastructure, we will enhance efficiency and promote integrated decision making to positively impact Bermuda's society, environment and economy.'
"I am confident that the collective efforts of the Government departments on Government's GIS Committee and the strategy we are now embarking upon will make this vision a reality and will position Bermuda to take advantage of the many opportunities and services that can be provided by this technology."
Demonstrations of GIS in surveying, habitat mapping, conservation, planning, archaeology and tourism will take place at Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo on Monday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
By Tim Smith
Police and Fire Services use the technology to quickly determine the locale of an incident, while Government uses it in planning applications, land valuation and protecting the Island's healthy coral reefs, the Minister said.
Speaking at a press conference marking International GIS day, Mr. Lister said: "GIS in Government is a collective and co-operative effort driven by a number of departments.
"The Government has made exceptional progress in the use of Geographic Information and Bermuda is well positioned to become a worldwide leader among small island nations in the use of GIS. Our main challenge now is to effectively meet and manage the increasing demand for GIS services as more Government departments and businesses begin to realise the value of GIS.
"As Bermuda's environment becomes more complex, emergency services are becoming increasingly dependent on the ability to access multiple layers of geographic data, which can be provided by several departments as for instance, roads, addresses and buildings are provided by the Ministry of Works and Engineering.
"The GIS Committee created the following vision statement as part of its strategy. It states that: 'The Bermuda Government will be, and will be recognised as, a world class provider and user of geographic information and services. With our collaborative, accessible and reliable spatial data infrastructure, we will enhance efficiency and promote integrated decision making to positively impact Bermuda's society, environment and economy.'
"I am confident that the collective efforts of the Government departments on Government's GIS Committee and the strategy we are now embarking upon will make this vision a reality and will position Bermuda to take advantage of the many opportunities and services that can be provided by this technology."
Demonstrations of GIS in surveying, habitat mapping, conservation, planning, archaeology and tourism will take place at Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo on Monday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
By Tim Smith
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Distinctive districts for revitalised Hamilton quarter
Published: November 18. 2008 09:45AM Distinctive districts for revitalised Hamilton quarter
By Matthew Taylor
Court Street: The hub of the North Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone.
Exciting plans to transform North East Hamilton have been unveiled by Minister of Finance Paula Cox, detailing how the area will change over the next ten years.
Revitalisation will include creation of open spaces, expanding pedestrian areas, the introduction of more public art and more street lights.
Ms Cox said the neighbourhood varies dramatically from one block to the next so it was not possible to create a general set of policies and regulations.
"Therefore the innovative and creative solution is to capitalise upon the existing micro-neighbourhood structure of North East Hamilton and create 13 distinct districts."
It's hoped the redevelopment will attract more locals and tourists, improve and increase the housing stock, provide community facilities, protect areas of cultural value, consolidate neighbourhoods, increase commercial opportunities and inspire investor confidence.
The area became the Island's first Economic Empowerment Zone in November 2005.
Legislation will now be introduced to usher in the North East Hamilton Land Use Plan, to be known as the EEZ Local Plan, and see the establishment of an Economic Empowerment Zone Agency.
The next phase of the initiative will be to create a Local Plan for North East Hamilton which will contain specific, detailed land use policies and design regulations for each district.
The draft EEZ Local Plan will be subject to at least two months of public consultation and can be revised before it is brought to the House for final approval.
Ms Cox said: "North East Hamilton is an area steeped in tradition. It is an area in Hamilton that was once a hub of activity, full of vitality and energy.
"Yet regrettably over the years this area has not always reaped the economic benefits of other more recognised areas in the City of Hamilton.
"For this reason the Government determined to focus on North East Hamilton and its talented entrepreneurs in a bid to jumpstart much needed attention and capital to this multi-faceted section of our community."
To date stakeholders in the zone have taken advantage of :
• Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation guarantees on business loans.
l EEZ business loans and grants, available up to a maximum of $10,000 each.
l Reduction in payroll tax rate up to nine tax periods for new businesses established in the EEZ.
l Wealth building and financial management courses for EEZ residents.
l Grants provided to EEZ community organisations to undertake direct grassroots initiatives in the zone.
l Duty exemption for retailers on imported items for capital improvement and refurbishment projects.
By Matthew Taylor
Court Street: The hub of the North Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone.
Exciting plans to transform North East Hamilton have been unveiled by Minister of Finance Paula Cox, detailing how the area will change over the next ten years.
Revitalisation will include creation of open spaces, expanding pedestrian areas, the introduction of more public art and more street lights.
Ms Cox said the neighbourhood varies dramatically from one block to the next so it was not possible to create a general set of policies and regulations.
"Therefore the innovative and creative solution is to capitalise upon the existing micro-neighbourhood structure of North East Hamilton and create 13 distinct districts."
It's hoped the redevelopment will attract more locals and tourists, improve and increase the housing stock, provide community facilities, protect areas of cultural value, consolidate neighbourhoods, increase commercial opportunities and inspire investor confidence.
The area became the Island's first Economic Empowerment Zone in November 2005.
Legislation will now be introduced to usher in the North East Hamilton Land Use Plan, to be known as the EEZ Local Plan, and see the establishment of an Economic Empowerment Zone Agency.
The next phase of the initiative will be to create a Local Plan for North East Hamilton which will contain specific, detailed land use policies and design regulations for each district.
The draft EEZ Local Plan will be subject to at least two months of public consultation and can be revised before it is brought to the House for final approval.
Ms Cox said: "North East Hamilton is an area steeped in tradition. It is an area in Hamilton that was once a hub of activity, full of vitality and energy.
"Yet regrettably over the years this area has not always reaped the economic benefits of other more recognised areas in the City of Hamilton.
"For this reason the Government determined to focus on North East Hamilton and its talented entrepreneurs in a bid to jumpstart much needed attention and capital to this multi-faceted section of our community."
To date stakeholders in the zone have taken advantage of :
• Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation guarantees on business loans.
l EEZ business loans and grants, available up to a maximum of $10,000 each.
l Reduction in payroll tax rate up to nine tax periods for new businesses established in the EEZ.
l Wealth building and financial management courses for EEZ residents.
l Grants provided to EEZ community organisations to undertake direct grassroots initiatives in the zone.
l Duty exemption for retailers on imported items for capital improvement and refurbishment projects.
Saturday, 8 November 2008
My Inspiration
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. —Ralph Waldo Emerson —
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
OBAMA WINS!!!!!
YES WE HAVE! OBAMA IS PRESIDENT ELECT AND I SAW IT LIVE. HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE AND THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN.
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