Streamline: Creating a Nimble Government With 36 Members of the House of Assembly, 11 Senators, 12 Ministries, 72 Departments, 13 quangos, 16 related entities and approximately 5,300 employees, the SAGE Commission believes the Government of Bermuda has become bloated, jeopardising the Island’s ability to compete on the global stage. In order to emerge from a crippling burden of debt, the country needs a government that enables a nimble response to emerging opportunities. This section outlines the SAGE Commission’s recommendations for redesigning a Bermuda Government for the 21st century, one that the Island needs and can afford. The recommendations are also designed to refocus and realign Ministries to achieve value for money, improve the quality of service, increase the speed of delivery, heighten the level of accountability and achieve Government’s objective of increasing transparency. In addition, the reduction of duplication of effort and resultant efficiencies will see staffing levels reduced over time. This section does not review or comment on: • Specific staffing levels within Departments, • Programmes managed and staffed within specific Departments, or • Government Boards. While all of these areas warrant review for further efficiencies and cost savings, there is ample room for efficiencies and expense reduction within the Ministries and Departments reviewed by the SAGE Commission. However, even before the organisational structure of the Bermuda Government is considered, we believe our elected and appointed representatives should show Bermudians they are serious about tackling the country’s debt by reducing the cost of governing the country.
House of Assembly In 2005, when there were 40 Members of the House of Assembly, the Legislature consumed .45% of Government revenue. In 2014, with 36 Members of the House of Assembly, it is projected that the Legislature will consume .70% of Government’s revenue. These numbers do not include accrued liabilities for Members for GEHI and their pensions. The budgeted amount for the Legislature is $6,079,000, of which $4,604,000 is spent on Ministers and Members.
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