Project: Addressing the Challenge of an Ageing Populatio...

ASHLEY PITMAN 3 years ago

Russell David3 years ago A. Emigration – the retention and repatriation of able-bodied Bermudians. This aspect of the policy is admirable; however, realconsideration needs to be given to widening the scope of the definition ofBermudian. For example, those British Overseas Territories Citizens that wereborn here have no chance to get Status through Naturalisation and have no rightof Abode in Bermuda after they are 18. This lack of permission to remaincreates a migratory loss that is out of step with the needs of this policy.Given the pressing need to raise the working age population, thepolicy is in danger of suffering from a lack of ambition. This will furthercompound the loss of the resident population if migratory pressures increasethe lack of internal demand for goods and services - we know it will! We are also reminded that mainly onshore jurisdictions aresuffering similar population decline. Bermuda is not unique in this regard! Inthis context we will be competing to attract Bermudians back and also facingstiff competition to attract inward non Bermudian migrants. We should therefore be more open to the idea of offering amigratory path back to Bermuda for Status holders and BOTC Bermuda bornnationals. The policy cannot simply rely on Bermudians leaving their new homesto return to the very harsh and challenging cost of living in Bermuda. In summary, the policy instruments do not currently seem likelyto reach the aspiration set out in the policy preamble. Namely, to increase ourresident population. At this stage,Bermuda cannot afford to fail in its aim to increase its resident population.

Lindsay Aarts3 years ago There are many trailing spouses already living and contributing to the Bermuda economy who cannot easily find work. Make it easier for spousal dependents to work and decrease the closed category to spousal dependents. Your extra workforce is already on island. Also, the cost of entrepreneurship is so high that it is a deterrent to many. Eliminate the Bermuda % ownership (or decrease it drastically). Why should a non-Bermudian have to relinquish financial ownership of a company/ideas simply because of status?

Julian Smith3 years ago A quick win would be to give Bermudian Status to children born in Bermuda who have been residence in Bermuda for the last 10 years. This is consistent with the UK immigration act to children born in Bermuda.If a child born in Bermuda can get a BOTC status and British Citizenship why then can’t they get a Bermudian Status or even a PRC when in the first place its their Bermuda ties which got them the BOTC status. But in return Bermuda don’t want them or even acknowledge them as their own. These kids would make a huge difference to the population. We are losing them when they go to college because even though Bermuda is the only home they know, they are reminded that they can’t qualify for scholarships, they can’t work, they will need a work permit, they are second class citizens. Its traumatizing for them, its like having a parent who loves you but rejects you when it matters the most. Bermuda is losing out on these these pool of people which would be a quick win to increase population. Bermuda helped raise these kids, Bermuda schooled these kids but in the end Bermuda is loosing out on this future generation. I think Bermuda should also reap the benefits of this population group.Imagine born here in the year 2000 but have nothing to show for it 23 years later. What would make anyone come back to Bermuda after college, nothing as they would need a work permit.Then imagine born here 10 years ago and you are welcomed and reminded this is your home, have your Bermudian status. That little 10 year old will sure be back to his home and friends after college.

Ronald Viera3 years ago Good to have the opportunity to provide suggestions. Retain existing log term residents - currently one has to wait until being resident for 20 years then apply for the PRC whilst paying $ 10K. In any customer service strategy, one of the main objectives is to retain the customers you have as gaining new customers is much more expensive and difficult. In this vain, the current PRC requirements are not enough of an incentive for someone to stay. In addition, children of PRC holders should also receive PRC status. They too may stay and in fact bring back a spouse from University etc. Yes, we want jobs for Bermudians however we also need to solve the ageing population crisis of there will be no jobs for Bermudians Reduce the PRC residency requirement to 10 years. I strongly believe this will have an immediate effect on retaining people who otherwise would leave. Provide incentives for employers to bring people to work on island. The cost of bringing someone from Canada inclusive of a moving expenses, cost of living adjustment, health insurance and payroll tax are significantly higher than letting them work remotely. So payroll tax relief for the first year, discounted work permit cost for those which are over 2 years (currently it is the reverse to discourage long term permits). Additional incentives for married couples to move here. Reintroduce Bermuda Status- again we need to keep the people that are already here, to stay. PRC is second class citizen status...this needs to be addressed or we watch them leave. I know of people who are eligible for PRC but won't pay the $10K because they have already invested in the islands economy for over 20 years and the PRC is not full status. The children of these same people have long gone because they had no access to PRC. In one case alone, we have lost at least 5 people possible 8 if the children had brought spouses back to live here. Getting 8,000 people to move here is not going to be easy and will require some bold decisions. The term limits policy several years ago started the remote working process as many employers just moved jobs overseas. Covid has further exacerbated that as remote working is now entrenched. Further, the cost of living in Bermuda is extremely high. Government can't simply have a wish for more people without offering significant incentives to employers.

Letariat Pro3 years ago Court Bermudians that have moved abroad, set up job placement service, shipping facilitation and no duty on the moved goods if they return to live.Court PRCs who left because they could not invest here, change the term at which they can apply at least by half, make it retroactive for anyone who has spent the allotted time here, set up job placement service, shipping facilitation and no duty if they move back on shipped goods for the move. Provide a pathway to status...no taxation without representation...Bring back Status...for PRCs and for those who are willing to invest significantly, figure out a competitive price against other similar jurisdictions...set a manageable number cap per year. Suck up the bruised ego and look to what Cayman has done with their IB industry to lure businesses to set up there.Stop with the divisive politics, lead by example, treat guest workers and visitors with respect and welcoming arms. These folks will help us pay down the debt...

Chris Cook3 years ago

Matthew Goodwin3 years ago One quick but significant solution to this problem would be to give status to people born on the island. To avoid any 'birth tourism' it could be made only available to people born to parents who were legally in Bermuda at the time of their birth ie: living there on work permits etc... This is a particular issue for me. My brother and I were born and grew up in BDA to British parents who were legally working there on work permits for many years but now we are not welcome there, even though that is the place we consider 'home'. If there was a change in law and we could move back permanently, I'm fairly sure we would both do so immediately bringing our hard work and money to the island; which by the sounds of it, Bermuda desperately needs. This would be great for the economy. After all, children born there have a connection with the island; An affinity with the place and yet we cannot live in the place we were born. It makes no sense.Other places do this, so why not Bermuda?

L D3 years ago One suggestion is to retain the current work permit holders. This could be done by changing the rules for naturalising and gaining citizenship, to make the period shorter and more attainable. Many of the younger expat work force would stay if one could gain PRC after 5 years, and status within 7, for example. Cayman and the UK is popular because of their more flexible citizenship rules.Encouraging work permit holders to stay could mean:1) their savings and investment get put back into Bermuda economy (instead of keeping savings overseas) 2) rental prices could normalise as there is not such a revolving door of people (most of whom get high housing allowances which drives up rental prices)3) instead of living in Bermuda for many years on a renewing work permit, people would make it their permanent base and contribute to society in a more meaningful way if it was considered as homejust to name a few…

Peter Sanderson3 years ago I've been at the coalface of this issue now for some years. It's all very well to say "we need policy x, y or z" to sort out population issues. But the best policy in the world is no good if you don't have the political means to implement it.The OBA blundered with their pathways proposals by underestimating the strength of public opposition, and the importance of bringing people along. Since then, we have had various extensive consultations. And we have had more than one PLP Immigration Minister attempt to implement the results of those consultations - but again coming up against political obstacles that they could not surmount. We have a divided community, and a political system that favours the festering of those divisions rather than the bridging of the divides. These are fatal to meaningful change on these issues. So my modest proposal is you have to focus on these things first.Instead of a consultation on this policy or that policy, how about a deep delve into what makes Bermuda so divided, and what could be done to address this? How about a Citizens' Assembly, drawn randomly not just from the electoral register, but including a proportionate number of non-Bermudian residents too, with a mandate to explore how to bridge the divide (which may include population / immigration reform, but putting it in a broader context), and come up with recommendations. Bring in expert facilitators from overseas to run the Assembly, and guide the members on how to get the most out of it.The benefit of a citizens' assembly is that it brings in voices which would not otherwise come to the fore, and is free to delve into areas that the established government and opposition parties aren't so interested in, but may prove vital to figuring things out. Its recommendations come with moral weight, because the rest of the population can see that it reflects the people as a whole. Whereas bipartisan committees merely reflect the two party political positions.

John Hindess3 years ago Its very simple. The government must do some basic things that will increase our population and prosperity for all. Entice Bermudians living abroad to return; increase immigration and guarantee timely responses to work permit requests; grant status to all children of Bermudians; reduce red tape for business such as forget this idiotic idea of increasing payroll taxes. Some are easier than others and some involve more detail and some were already promised by the PLP! Just do it already otherwise we will all suffer.

Anon C3 years ago The solution is very straightforward - allow individuals who have lived here for an extended period of time and their children the right to have permanent status. Anything less will not have any meaningful impact on the island. This is one of the few places where I've lived wherein ethnicity = legal status. I find it quite sad really. What makes someone a Bermudian? Who can really answer that? There's obviously a host of people who have lived here their entire life while being born to an expat. I'd argue they are Bermudian. There are a host of people who have met their spouses here, work here, live here, raise their kids here, invest in the community. They should also be considered Bermudian. There are children born to Bermudians who have never stepped foot in this country but live abroad. They are actually legally Bermudian. Legal Bermudians are from all over the Caribbean, Africa, UK, and Portugal. There is no common ethnic ties that connect these groups of people other than living on this rock - which is the same as a large number of other people living here. If most expats come here between the ages of 25-30, then by the time they are eligible for PRC they will be 40-45years, and most will be considering retirement in the near future. It makes no sense at that point in time to put the money down to get PRC when its main benefit to most is the ability to buy a house. If I was an expat living in this country, I would have no intention of spending $50k for the right to have PRC. After living here for 10-15 years, most people have squirrelled away savings in their home country, and the ties to keep them in Bermuda are not strong enough. Allowing people to invest in having a home earlier in this country does more to keep them and their dollars here than anything else.The question then turns to why do we not want to grant people status and let's be serious. The answer is power. Votes and power. Plain and simple. This island is headed toward a trajectory of being too old to sustain itself. The economy is based on capital and labour. The IB sector has tons of capital flowing in, but this is not going to hit the local economy because the incentives to spend money in this country are limited to all the expats living here. Labour is getting older and the only way to reduce the trend is through immigration.

Neil Couper3 years ago By allowing greater work permit freedom for IB employees and other controlled industries we will creat a larger tax paying work force. An Increased IB workforce will encourage greater AIR LIFT and encourage more TOURIST activity. This in turn will increase Bermudian employment opportunities. An increased IB workforce will greatly increase use of rental properties, restaurants and other Bermuda businesses. I am pleased to see Government actively endeavoring to increase our tax paying workforce. Neil Couper

Sharon Davis3 years ago Further my earlier submission approximately 2 weeks ago, I did a brief research online, and in the UK mandatory retirement was outlawed in 2011. There is no legal retirement age and employers cannot force their employees to retire at any particular age. It is up to the individual to decide when they wish to retire. I am of opinion that Bermuda should adopt a similar ruling. This would be beneficial to all stakeholders. Also, I believe that a working group be established consisting of older members of the public workforce. This would allow for a better understanding to be achieve in order to strike a proper balance with decisions of this nature. Again, thank you for allowing my participation.

Kristen C3 years ago

Susan Symonds3 years ago Good dayIt would be best for the retirement age remain at 65 or lowered down to 55 early retirement age. The seniors home need to do better forthe seniors to help keep them active. Also the younger generation 20, 30, 40 year old cannot get jobs in their field of work when seniors are still working simply put to their death. If seniors are insisting on working they could work no more than 20 hours per week.Our work life needs a major overhaul in order for the seniors to live comfortably

C M3 years ago Digital Nomad – The work from Bermuda Certificate has been popular, offering an opportunity for those who work/study remotely an opportunity to reside in Bermuda for 1 year, with the possibility of renewal. According to https://www.investopedia.com/countries-offering-digital-nomad-visas-5190861 there are 24 jurisdictions offering similar programs. Cayman, Antigua & Barbuda, Costa Rica and Norway offer residency for 2 years with renewal options. Taiwan and Mexico offer programs for up to 3 and 4 years respectively. As will be discussed below, when Mexico created its program they designed it to attract Canadians. I would suggest that the Digital Nomad program be reviewed with the objective of considering improvements targeted to attract desirable market segments.With this in mind, I considered that a 1 year visa is not long enough to attract wealthy UK/Canadian/etc. professionals who wished to reduce taxation by severing their tax residence. Accordingly, it is suggested that Digital Nomad program be amended to enable initial applications for terms of 3 years or longer for the following reasons: Longer programs are necessary for the applicant to sever their tax residency. According to the Investopedia website the Mexico program was designed to attract Canadians. In a recent discussion with a senior Canadian tax lawyer they opined that a 1 year residency is far too short for a Canadian to take the position that they have severed their Canadian tax residency, a necessary requirement to stop Canadian taxation on their worldwide income. As it currently stands, a Canadian is more likely to select Cayman due to the longer visa. However, if Bermuda extending the visa to 3 or 4 years, then a Canadian will prefer Bermuda over Cayman, Bahamas, Barbados, Curacao, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, etc. See the following link for info on the Mexico program https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/leamington/index.php/non-mexicans/visas/115-temporary-resident-visa The Bermuda Private Client sector will benefit since it will be an ideal opportunity for the HNW applicant to engage in succession planning, establishing trusts, holding companies, etc. This is especially true for those individuals who are no longer subject to taxation in a high tax jurisdiction. For example, lawyers in UK/Canada/etc. recommend that the individual prepare a Bermuda Will, PoA, and other estate planning documents. UK professionals would like to see the ability to extend the visa since: In some cases, they may need to be non-UK resident for the 3 proceeding tax years. See residence tests at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rdr3-statutory-residence-test-srt/guidance-note-for-statutory-residence-test-srt-rdr3 capital gains arising while in Bermuda will be subject to UK taxation if they have been out of the UK for less than 5 years. A longer program will differentiate the Bermuda program, generate a new round of publicity, etc. Bermuda population numbers are still decreasing as Bermudians and expats emigrate. The impact of the pandemic is going to continue for many years. Bermuda will benefit from granting 3+ year visas to applicants who have material disposable income. Applications for longer term visas will be an opportunity to introduce requirements that will target HNWI such as higher asset/income levels, and higher fees for the application and/or issuance of the visa would be possible.

Sharon Davis3 years ago This extension would prevent a drain on Financial Assistance. The world has changed in many ways. Most persons beyond 68 are young in many ways and they still have a lot to offer. In my view, this would greatly benefit Bermuda as other countries have changed their laws to allow older persons to remain in the workforce. Bermuda needs to change with the times and see the bigger picture.The Superannuation Fund would also grow tremendously in a short time if the extension to work until 70 or 72 was granted, and this would give the Government time to present a well balance strategic budget plan for the country.At this delicate stage, Bermuda needs critical thinkers and of course this would be a positive step in the right direction. Also, taking the unnecessary pressure off the Government as this would allow the citizens of Bermuda to be able to survive with dignity, and not worry about how they will pay for rent, food, insurance, doctor's bills and prescriptions if they are forced into retirement.I sincerely hope that the powers of the Bermuda Government give my comments favourable consideration. Thank you for allowing me to participate in forum.

Keren Lomas3 years ago

Francesca Hanig-Dill3 years ago If the government wishes those of us who have left Bermuda to come back, they have to deal with the reasons we left. Most of us left due to a combination of the three issues named above. We can't afford to live there, the island is not welcoming to those of us who are queer (and indeed, the government made clear they don't want us. Why else spend £23 mil on banning gay marriage?), and the culture is violently sexist. Domestic abuse and sexual assault are massive issues that are hardly ever prosecuted and whenever a victim does come forward they are met with at best derision and at worst threats of further violence. The government won't even create a sex offender registry. You want us to come back? Fix this.

martina minarik3 years ago Focusing on sustainability across all sectors has the potential to create many new jobs! Hotel & tourism. 1. Focus on the blue economy, as per the existing consultation 2. Redevelop Elbow beach hotel, with a focus on sustainable travel, to create a point of differentiation versus other hotels on the island. Elbow beach could be a potentially large employer.Financial services 1. Bermuda has the opportunity to lead the way in green financial services, reinsurance products, carbon accounting etc!Renewable energy 1. Developing renewable energy such as solar and wind presents and opportunity to up-skill (Belco) workers and transition them into future-proof job, which ensures employability longer-term. It also has the potential to save Bermudian residents and businesses money and transition the island towards net zero. Agriculture, with focus on e.g. 1. Regenerative agriculture, has the potential to create new jobs whilst also improving public health 2. Aquaculture3. Food labelling to support local produce Transport 1. Expanding and improving public transport, including bussed and boats2. Implement a school bus system which would employ people, reduce emissions and traffic congestion and also has the potential to improve quality of life for working parents Health1. Remunerate unofficial “carers” such as family members who care for elderly, disabled and family or friends in poor healthWaste management & recycling 1. Collect food waste from residents and food & drinks businesses and turn it to compost and using the compost to support regenerative agriculture2. Focus on circularity of products and materialsEducation 1. All the new job above will require teachers and programmes to upskill or educate people. Where possible, look to offer these trainings and qualifications on island. Support small businesses 1. Food & drinks vans eg in the waterfront space next to car park 11. A Cafe in the botanical gardens and other high frequented parks and beaches

Pamela Doherty3 years ago Then issue of an ageing population is that at this stage it is going to happen no matter what we do. In the short term we must be fiscally ready to look after them. Many more healthy, young workers need to continue to pay into the system to support the increased healthcare and social welfare needs. A much more open and simpler approach to immigration could be introduced on a temporary basis to see if it radically effects the bottom line. There is a feeling that we must gatekeep Bermuda, but there has to be jobs for them to come to, that or they are willing to start up a business. Keeping good statistics will help track the patterns of workers, emigration and funds paid into public purse as a result. Reporting this to the public is important as they need to buy in to the idea. In the medium to long term, we must address the health issues that we can have an impact on. Lets focus on one system eg Diabetes or heart disease. If we are to have an elderly population, let us get them and their family healthier so they can be cared for with dignity at home. A serious change in health needs to be addressed but this will take years to show results, but we must be patient. Finland started the North Karelia Project 45+ years ago to effect heart health and the results have been outrageously successful.

Rupert Lang3 years ago Huge emphasis on retaining the people that are already on this island, especially the non-Bermudians. It is much easier and cost effective to give them a reason to stay then to attract new people (but obviously we need more people too).Thoughts include making an easier route to PRC (shorter period of time), reintroducing routes to get Bermudian status and extend work permit periods to give more certainty. Once non-Bermudian workers retire, they often leave the island, but instead give them a reason to stay.Solve the housing crisis – there are not enough properties ready for these 8,000 new people, especially if they are going to have to rent. Encourage more investment in the property sector, NOT by building new houses on greenfield sites, but restoring and renovating old dilapidated buildings, for example these exist all over St. Georges. Change the rules for property purchase to allow non-Bermudians access to buy/invest/renovate these properties (with strict conditions), otherwise they will never see a new lease of life. There are not currently enough Bermudians to make this happen.This should not be a blanket allowance of letting non-Bermudians to buy houses, but allow a certain selection of properties that would benefit from restoration.Nurture and encourage the insurance sector to continue to grow as well as focusing on all of these new great ideas.Encourage immigration, and more jobs for locals will follow, not the other way around. To stop emigration – reduce the cost of living eg reduce energy costs by introducing more green energy.Encourage other investment on the island through stimulus programs, tax breaks etc.

Veronica B3 years ago I am happy to understand that the Government of Bermuda is seeking feedback from the public regarding suggestions for increasing the working population as a response to our current aging population. I personally moved to Bermuda with my parents on work permits when I was 1 year and a half. Due to the recent change in immigration policies, we have finally become able to apply for PCR after residing in Bermuda for 20 years! 20 years of contributing to the economy financially through instances including but not limited to groceries, electricity, apartment rentals, fuel etc. While we are content that Bermuda is slowly offering opportunities for individuals to reside in the country permanently, the cost of $10,000 per person becomes a turn away. This is particularly significant as we consider the state our present economy, yet alone the 20 year requirement. It is important to recognize that 20 years is a very extended period of time, and one which requires a lot of sacrifice, thus not everyone stays. While current PRC rules help contribute to adding to the population, it maybe wiser to lower this 20 year requirement to 10, as well as at a lower application cost. Moreover, there should be more opportunity for individuals to invest. It is often stated that expats send all of their savings back home, however this is often the only option after spending it on life necessities such as a tank of water or bags of groceries. We are unable to invest in options such as property which can generate more money into the economy and additionally provide work for Bermudian companies. Current immigration rules require individuals like myself to leave the island once they turn 18, unless pursuing a undergraduate degree. There are no opportunities to work a summer job, part-time job or receive scholarships prior to this age and even after this age unless one acquires a work permit. This becomes very difficult for acquiring skills in budgeting, money management or work experience. Nonetheless, I am able to work in Canada as a student, and even apply for citizenship 2 years after graduating despite living my whole life, growing up in and having an attachment to Bermuda. This additionally turns young adults away who end up staying in these countries because there is more opportunity. If Bermuda changes these rules more young adults can return and contribute to the working population post-graduation. As an undergraduate student pursuing education I have been told by many teachers in Canada suggesting I stay here as the demand is high for teachers, yet again I have been informed by teachers in the Bermuda education system to return as they too need educators, yet how can I return to an island that has never claimed me?

Addressing the Challenge of an Ageing Population in Bermuda

Phases

Feedback

26 issues

Give kids of Bermudians status

Retention and repatriation of able bodied Bermudians

Allow spousal dependents to work

Give Status to Children Born and have lived here for 10yrs & Are Registered BOTC

Incentives and Immigration changes

Bring them back home

Increase Retirement Age

Give Status To People Born in Bermuda

Retain current work permit holders

The challenge goes deeper than policy - divisions must be addressed

Simple

Straightforward solution...lets be serious

Increase GDP through realistic IB work permit freedom

End Mandatory Retirement like the UK

Addressing Aging Population

Retirement

Digital Nomad

Allow employees in the public sector to work up to 70, or 72 like in Barbados.

Increasing the working population

Cost of Living/Sexism/Homophobia

Sustainable job creation

Making provisions for the inevitable reality.

Addressing the Ageing Population in Bermuda

Providing More Opportunities for Young People to Return

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Addressing the Challenge of an Ageing Population in Bermuda

Phases

Feedback

26 issues

Give kids of Bermudians status

Retention and repatriation of able bodied Bermudians

Allow spousal dependents to work

Give Status to Children Born and have lived here for 10yrs & Are Registered BOTC

Incentives and Immigration changes

Bring them back home

Increase Retirement Age

Give Status To People Born in Bermuda

Retain current work permit holders

The challenge goes deeper than policy - divisions must be addressed

Simple

Straightforward solution...lets be serious

Increase GDP through realistic IB work permit freedom

End Mandatory Retirement like the UK

Addressing Aging Population

Retirement

Digital Nomad

Allow employees in the public sector to work up to 70, or 72 like in Barbados.

Increasing the working population

Cost of Living/Sexism/Homophobia

Sustainable job creation

Making provisions for the inevitable reality.

Addressing the Ageing Population in Bermuda

Providing More Opportunities for Young People to Return

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