Amend Timeshare Act, Swan Urges Government

Opposition Senate leader Kim Swan again urged Government to get on with amending the Timeshare Act.
Timeshare owners who bought years ago are worried they might lose their property as their 25 year leases are up this year.
He said Government had been promising law changes since 1999 but had done nothing and were now saying they didn’t want to rush into hasty legislation.
He said: “We have seen the Minister for Tourism of Transport – when he wants to do something he gets on with it, irrespective of public opinion.”
Speaking in the Senate’s motion to adjourn yesterday Sen. Swan said: “Those who made the ultimate commitment to Bermuda by purchasing multiple weeks were given the impression this matter would have been dealt with sometime ago.”
But he said the earliest it would be done would be three or four months down the line.
“It will do further damage, this Government is procrastinating.”
Sen. Swan also spoke about the need to clamp down on beggars, particularly those who intimidate people by gripping or blocking them.
He also complained about Government not giving notice about changes to the Bail Act made since the House session before yesterday’s sitting.
Senate leader Larry Mussenden said notice had been given to the Opposition spokesman on that area but he agreed temporarily withdraw the bill until today’s sitting.
Today Senators will also discuss the Criminal Code Amendment Act which aims to bring in automatic three year prison sentences for those caught carrying knives and weapons in public without reasonable excuse.