On Monday, Labour, Home Affairs and Housing Minister David Burch issued a statement on term limits:

Mr. President, there have been some groups that have made comments which are particularly worrying to me; one group stated that: “the implementation of the key employee term limit extensions and exemptions is not being conducted in a consistent manner making it difficult for employers to manage the concept”; another group goes further to state that: “the policy is destabilising to Bermuda” making “recruiting far more difficult” and “contributes to a sense of uncertainty for senior staff”. I take those concerns seriously, and, as a result, I have decided to write to employers to clarify the position on term limits and explain the process by which applications are reviewed. Those letters will be in the post this week.

Mr. President, let me assure you and the public at large that I, as the Minister responsible for Immigration, would not do anything that would threaten the health of Bermuda’s buoyant economy. But I am painfully aware that perceptions can be as damaging as the reality, and it is my duty to ensure that I provide the information that will dispel any misinformation that might cause uncertainty and discomfort. It is indeed critical to calm concerns when we are now operating in a global environment affected by an economic downturn.

The PLP government has shepherded Bermuda's economy through tough economic waters by both looking out for the interests of working families and ensuring that our international business sector remains strong. Minister Burch reiterated that commitment on Monday and set the record straight. He continued:

Mr. President, let me assure you and the public at large that I, as the Minister responsible for Immigration, would not do anything that would threaten the health of Bermuda’s buoyant economy. But I am painfully aware that perceptions can be as damaging as the reality, and it is my duty to ensure that I provide the information that will dispel any misinformation that might cause uncertainty and discomfort. It is indeed critical to calm concerns when we are now operating in a global environment affected by an economic downturn...

Mr. President, I must emphasise that I have not amended the policy nor have I amended the published categories. Government recognises that companies must have continuity and stability, therefore waivers have been granted to persons who are in senior management and are in the categories that have been identified.

However, I have to balance these approvals with ensuring that qualified Bermudians at all levels are given the opportunity to reach their highest potential and that glass ceilings are not created by the granting of waivers from term limits.

Government's policy is a fair policy. Its one that protects Bermudian workers and ensures that our international business sector. It strikes the perfect balance and it's proven effective. Minister Burch concludes:

I have met with all the alphabet employer groups and gave them an undertaking in January 2008 that we would review the policy based on new information that they provided, most recently a Bermuda Employers Council commissioned report on Bermuda’s National Workforce. Additionally, we sought an opinion from the Attorney General’s Chambers. All of that information comprised the review which we anticipate concluding by month’s end.

Term Limits are not a Ministerial decision but a Government one – so any change in the policy requires Cabinet approval. I expect to report the Ministry position to Cabinet early in October and then on an association by association basis consult with stakeholders.

I anticipate providing a further report on this matter when Parliament returns in November.

Minister Burch's statement received high praise from the international business sector. In particular, they noted Minister Burch's willingness to maintain constructive dialogue and work with our friends in business to ensure that Bermuda's economy remains strong. President of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers Bradley Kading:

We applaud the comments by Minister and Sen. David Burch with regard to his outreach on the government’s term limits policy. His statement today underscores his government’s views on the original purpose for the term limits policy. We understand that and do not disagree with that purpose. Minister Burch has proven to be an effective organizer and leader for the Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing. His efforts to clean up work permit backlogs and expedite approvals has been universally welcomed by the business community. Minister Burch also notes his willingness to communicate and work with the international insurance sector on effective management of the policy. We know he will and we look forward to that continuing dialogue.

For ten years, the UBP's tried to scare you into believing that the PLP is bad for business. And, time and again, they're proven wrong.

If we were as bad for business as the UBP claims, they wouldn't call our Ministers effective organizers and strong leaders. And, if we neglected the international business sector, that sector wouldn't praise our "willingness to communicate and work with" them.

The PLP has and will continue to effectively manage this economy even if the haters in the UBP continue to hate.