Sauce for the Goose, and the Gander too?
In 2004, the Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA) delivered a report to the Bermuda Government, titled Campaign for the Future of Bermuda: A Review of Youth Violence. In the report, BIBA called for the assessment, management and planning of growth in the International Business (IB) Sector. The same analysis should be applied to the Tourism sector. A reading of Chapter 5 of the Report substituting Tourism for IB illustrates clearly the need for comprehensive planning and managing of expansion in the tourism industry. At the moment, there is no master plan for tourism.
5. Assessment, Management and Planning of IB Growth
Different sectors of the community have conducted research at different times on sustainability issues in Bermuda. One such survey is currently being carried out by the Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC). We suggest that its findings be used to produce a plan as regards the management of the growth of the International Business Sector.
Continued expansion within this sector impacts substantially on housing, education and the overall cost of living - all factors that influence the very issues this report attempts to address. Implementing and adhering to a sustainable plan would prove highly beneficial and is now critical to the success of Bermuda as a world class financial centre going forward.
We recommend that discussions take place with combined input at the outset from multidisciplinary groups. Suggested representatives could come from Governmental departments such as planning, housing, environment, together with private sector groups such as construction companies, social services and the business community to devise a plan for managing Bermuda’s population size, limited space and resources.