BDA Statement On New Premier

October 30, 2010

Craig Cannonier, leader of the island’s newest political party the Bermuda Democratic Alliance [BDA], issued a statement congratulating our new Premier.

Mr Cannonier went on to say that the “new Premier has been involved from the start as a Cabinet Minister so it will be hard to say there is now a clean break from the past. The new Premier will essentially be trying to clean up the very mess that the PLP created.”

The BDA Leader continued by saying the BDA will assist wherever needed, as they believe in country before party.

Mr Cannonier’s full statement is below:

Congratulations to the new PLP Leader, Paula Cox. The BDA looks forward to some constructive dialogue with the Government to move Bermuda forward.

There are serious challenges ahead for Bermuda. The economy is on the brink of collapse, the education system is in shambles and crime is spiralling to the point the Regiment may be required to assist. This cannot be the new Bermuda the PLP envisaged in 1998 when they came to power.

Sadly the new Premier has been involved from the start as a Cabinet Minister so it will be hard to say there is now a clean break from the past. The new Premier will essentially be trying to clean up the very mess that the PLP created.

Having said that the BDA will lend assistance in any way it can since we believe in country before party. We are ready with an extended hand to ensure Bermuda’s survival. We have the experience, the expertise and the desire. Call on us

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Comments (50)

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  1. terry says:

    “Call on us”.
    Please. Ewart has been gone 24 hours. Lets wait a while before we cal Ghost Busters.

  2. White Jesus says:

    Sorry Mr. Cannonier, you and the rest of the UBP cough I mean BDA supporters have failed to establish evidence that there is a “past” in need of being ‘broken away from’ other than the era of white supremacy (UBP). Your rants and tantrums along the way have not come off as anything except pathologic nostalgia of the pre- one man-one vote era. That’s the past that Bermuda chose to ‘break away from’. Hurry up and fade away already, it’s a new day!

    • Todd says:

      “…pre- one man – one vote era.” You are kidding me right???!!! Where did you see your precious one man-one vote when it came to selecting the leader of our country??
      “The economy is on the brink of collapse, the education system is in shambles and crime is spiralling to the point the Regiment may be required to assist.” This is only a small sample evidence for you, without getting into the deeper issues of corruption within our Government etc.

      • King Solomon says:

        @ Todd. You’re kidding yourself! I saw my precious one man vote when the party I voted for selected their leader which is what my vote entrusts to them just like UBP white supremist days of old, case closed bigot! Do you not understand how these matters work? Or do i smell the stench of double standard here?
        The education system went to shambles when the (UBP) white supremist party decided that it was best to lump all of our children together like a chicken farm into a ‘mega’ school ‘project’ designed to do nothing but keep them back while their own children prgressed in the private schools they could afford. When the UBP destroyed the technical institute.
        The economy is a global issue in case you’re just waking up, does that mean all other governments globally are corrupt too?

        • dhunte says:

          this one is bra.. however so was the previous …

        • Todd says:

          @ the wise King Solomon.
          What you are saying is that there are only a select few that are qualified to select the leader of our country? Is that not the arguement used by the landowners of old where they were more ‘qualified’ to vote than the other peons? Are you allowed to select your favorite flavour of Kool Aid?That ‘stench’ you smell is Cherry flavour I think.
          When the PLP took over the Government in 1998 (thats like…. 12 years ago) one of their main promises was to fix Education. Umptine Ministers and a dozen years later, we are in WORSE shape, with not one but TWO mega High Schools (without getting into all that we went through getting the newest one) and now we are looking at combining Primary schools into that ‘Chicken Farm’.
          The Global Economic downturn was predicted by many (Bob Richards in particular) well before we felt any real effects, but that was just “Scaremongering” according to the PLP leadership, including Paula Cog, and the overspending continued along with the corruption.

          • King Solomon says:

            @ Todd. You are flipp flopping. The issue here is not whether or not I agree with the method of selecting the new premier. The issue is that when we all voted we knew exactly how the selection process works therefore there is no question as to whether or not I saw my ‘precious one man vote’ like you suggested to ‘White Jesus’. So don’t pretend that this is an issue which is related to the power of my one man vote. My one man vote was for the PARTY. If we want to change the way the Premier is selected that is another issue. Your attempts and appendices won’t effectively cloud that fact. you fail!

          • Todd says:

            @ King Solomon. (Was not able to reply below ur post)
            You created your own issue then, because I WAS refering to the method of selecting the new leader and it was directed at what ‘white jesus’ was saying. re-read.
            My main point however was the later part of my statement about the evidence ‘white jesus’ failed to see …. something that I see you were unable to refute. EPIC FAIL…. on your part.

    • Mark Pettingill says:

      The only nonsense I see being banded about right now is the new Premier stating that she will “restrain spending”, something she was Constitutionally bound to do as Finance Minister. At least Terry Lister was honest enough to state publicly that the PLP has had a turn for 12 years and in “2010 it must be Bermudas turn” . I have not seen any “rants or tantrums” coming from the BDA, just truths based on evidence much of which was provided openly by PLP Members, no one made up “the cog in the wheel line”, your Premier admitted to it. I have obviously had issues with the UBP and been quite vociferous about them…AND left the party as a result! How about a little honest reflection on the PLP and its performance?Bermuda needs a new day and a new approach. Why should the Country accept that the PLP will now give it to them when for the last 12 years the admissions have been made that Party came before Country?

      • dhunte says:

        I suspect that she will be more prudent, however her term in Finance is good reason to be concerned.

        The problem with politics are politicians and many of those participating on this board have been guilty of being compliant in the past. They are hard to take serious because most neutrals believe that they, like many in the PLP, are more interested in the residuals versus doing what is in the best interest of Bermuda.

        I see no discernible difference between the UBP and BDA and there lies the problem as many that seek change in leadership have problems seeing the current opposition as viable options.

    • Rainbow Jesus ... says:

      So tell us W/J …
      Do you ever see the PLP getting voted out ?
      If the answer is ‘No’ you obviously need to learn what democracy is.

      • White Jesus says:

        @ Rainbow Jesus. I think YOU need to learn what a democracy is because it was exactly democratic process that elected the PLP into power.
        This comment of yours only exposes your hatred for black leadership. You are only concerned with getting the PLP “voted out” which does not suggest anyone else to fill the post. In fact, you don’t care who fills the post, just as long as they are not black, PERIOD! So don’t pretend that you care about anything other than destroying black leadership period!

        “Rainbow Jesus” LOL give me a break, Jesus was not rainbow coloured. Are you really so inclined to fallacy as you appear?

        • Rainbow Jesus ... says:

          W/J ..you’re a dreamer ,to put it nicely …

          There is a smug but pervasive belief amongst PLP diehards that they’re in for life.

          Do you belueve this to be true ? Do you believe that they’ll never get ‘democratically’ voted out ?

          C’mon now .. put your mountain of hate aside and just answer …

          • LOL says:

            Sorry White,

            I am LOL not Rainbow. Do not know how you use my Load’s name the way you do? You remind me of those that cast stones. “Let he how has no sin cast the first stone” mean anything to you. Look in the mirror and ………..

            LOL

          • White Jesus says:

            @ Rainbow Jesus……..Rainbow Jesus??? And you are calling ME a dreamer? You need to come back to earth from somewhere over the rainbow where ‘dreams really do come true’. Dreama bie!

            Anyways, It’s interesting that you draw your answers first and then decide to ask the questions. You do not answer a presuppository question categorically. I’m not interested in your inductions. I never implied anything regarding how long I believe the PlP would or would not be in power. There are four types of questions: Those you answer categorically, Those you answer with an explaination, Those you answer with a counter-question, and those not deserving any answer. “Twaaanngg”

            So “Rainbow Jesus”, when you find your pot of gold empty, don’t blame me. Just pick it up, make you a pot of soup…………..and simmer in it!

        • White Jesus says:

          @LOL. You remind me of the typical Christian who thinks that that statement of Jesus “let he who is without sin cast the first stone” meant that they should not carry out the law….ever! WRONG! Those who wanted to cast the stones were casting it for all the wrong reasons. They were not carrying out the law, rather they were behaving like a self righteous lynch-mob and took a personal gratification in punishing someone for a crime that they were guilty of, but simply hadn’t been caught doing. It’s like telling Judge Mathis that he should not punish criminals because he was also once a criminal. Idiots! It means that you should have regard for the fact that you are a sinner too and it is only through the mercy of God that you have been saved, now carry out the law for the sake of God and not for your self-righteous hypocrisy.

          • LOL says:

            So did you answer the question about weather you would be happy in Heaven with white people? I do follow the law and its great when it works but at some point does not the criminal get a second chance at a clean slate and new life? Please if you have so much hate in your heart for white people why not move to a country where there aren’t any whites? This country would do better without you trust. Racists are not welcome. I don’t care if your black, white or yellow. Race is after all a figmint of your imagination. I’m proud to be a Christian, Jesus is my Saviour. Are you also a PR for the Party? I find it hard to believe that you are a regular person with no stack in Government. Just keep on haten hater….

            LOL

        • Scott says:

          yeah not sure where at all anything about hating black leadership came about in his post.. unless i missed something before..

          and unclear about your last line..he wasnt white either?? what does it matter?

    • Interesting says:

      So let me get this straight anytime there is a white politician, not involved with the PLP, then they must be automatically interested in bringing back the days of “white supremacy” and must be duly ignored? So you would like to see a Bermuda where white people are ultimately silenced and played no role whatsoever in the island’s future?

      Wow people with such a thought process are brainwashed and full of hatred to the point of patheticness and where you can only be considered fanatical and dangerous When you have an electorate that refuses to addresss wrongdoings by the Government simply because they are your “team” and they look like you more than the other team, then you know democracy has failed in Bermuda. It makes you dangerous because you would rather ignore bad governance that affects the whole island and pretend like its not happening simply because the perpetrators look more like you than the ones that are highlighting these issues. That is dangerous and highlights your intolerant nature, the one so called “white gene/trait” that you claim to be fighting against.

      WJ people should not take you seriously because it is obvious your tactic of ignoring any and all issues under the current Government and blaming some imaginary enemy in ordert to distract the attention away from the intital wrongdoing.

      It is people that maintain political allegiances based on such warped thought process and inner hatred for another skin pigmentation such as yourself that make democracy the worst polictical system we canutilize.

      Brainwashed and dangerous…

      Cue racist rhetoric and incinuations that I am a UBPer and that I crave white supremacy and hate all black people argument. I don’t care what you call me or the labels that you allocate to me. My love for this island will not be diminished by intolerant and hate filled persons such as yourself that seek to silence any and all criticisms through such labels. Continue on with your self-righteous, holier than thou bullsh*t hypocrite argument of fighting the hatred that you see at every opportunity (real or not) with hatred. You are one in the same with the supposed enemy that you are fighting against.

      • White Jesus says:

        @ Interestning. Wow, your long rant shows you are not responding to me at all. Rather, you just posted a rehearsed rant of hatred saved to suppress the voice that dares to remember the days of white supremacy we suffered under (and still influenced by). Your defensive tone shows that you are indeed a white supremist because I never said anything about white people, i spoke about white supremacy and you are offended and enraged. You’ve effectively exposed yourself and your hatred for black leadership.

        • Interesting says:

          OMG WJ!! Thank you for showing me the light.

          You were so right. I reviewed my post and despite the fact that I did not infer any hatred for black people and/or a black leader I see that what i wrote is exactly that. I didn’t realize, until now, that demanding and accountable and transparent governance is no different than lynching and hating black people. You’re introspection is on point and I shall from now on refrain from Governmental criticism and/or simple observations because I know now that they stem from my inherent racist and white supremacist genes. Wow how could I be so blind to actually think that utilizing my democratic right to demand a better standard of governance which benefits not only whites is rooted deeply in racism. How stupid and naieve was I? Thank you again for showing me that despite the fact that I never have ever stated my hate for black leadership that it actually exists within my soul because the one person who portrays nothing but disdain and unbridled hatred for differing human beings told me that it does. You truly are a saviour and prophet WJ.

          Holding a conversation earlier with such an intolerant, hate filled, stereotyping bigot would have changed my overall and inherent racist perspective on the world.

          I mean I was going out dressed like a ghost this evening for Halloween until I conversed with you. Because after your last post and I thought about what you had said (the same as i predicted in my last paragraph) and dwelled upon the actual reaasoning for my chosen costum. All of a sudden it came to me that WJ is absolutley correct about my inner feelings and emotions. While I thought that going as a ghost was a good idea I came to the realization that it was just my inner conscience yearning for me to place a white sheet over my head, again due to my inherent racist tendencies.

          Thank you WJ for you deep introspection and insight. For I guess it takes a bigot to make one realize their own bigoted traits.

          • White Jesus says:

            Sarcasm. The number one defense mechanism aiding repression, disasociation and denial. Adult machinery yet paradoxically operated by the most infantile drive.

          • Interesting says:

            And calling people racists and effectively ignoring the actual message is so much more mature on your part.

        • Scott says:

          W/J.. .

          screw the black/white leadership/supremacy/people or outdated arguments discussion.. its old and useless.

          lets seperate the first 2/3′s of plp’s power out of this..

          im goin to ask you something very simple. how do you feel about Bermuda’s debt increase in only the last four years more than quadrupling? and what do you think in the last two years, where govt has spent over $200 mil more than theyve taken in, AND then in a recession where retails stores are hurting, they raise our taxes?

          Also please note on the 400 or so million that are unaccounted for by this Govt?

          what is your opinion on all this? is this good governance? is this a fair “payback”? or is this just “the global recession hitting us”?

        • LOL says:

          Why don’t you and your boyz just go and lynch a white boy and get it over with it. Might be therapeutic for you and your hater crew. I’m sure from all your posted that you would enjoy it. I figue once this happens and you’ll get off scott free you and you peeps could take Bermuda for your very own. Be proud that you are a racist for thats what you are. I still forgive you though.

          LOL

      • ok says:

        I have a question for you interesting. Back in 1998 when PLP won the election, did you vote for them? because back then they had good arguments about the then Government and it was time for change. Did you vote for change and improvements? For 30 years UBP “allegedly” did alot of the same things PLP have been accused of i.e. over spending etc. Did you beleive it was time for change then or did you vote for more of the same? Just wondering

        • Interesting says:

          OK,

          No I didn’t vote for the PLP in 1998 for one reason only. That reason being in 1998 I was still riding around on pedal bikes, just learning that I liked girls and trying to duck out of school at any and every opportunity.

          I only became eligible to cast a vote for the 2003 election, which I didn’t because I was away at University at the time and truthfully I didn’t give two **** about politics at the time and I now wish I never did as it is nothing but a nasty, polarizing and divisive process.
          The only time I became truly politically aware was in the run up to the 2007 election and this was down purely to the highly aggressive approach by the PLP in regards to labeling of all white Bermudians as individuals who wanted to place black Bermudians back in chains upon the plantation and that we were all neo-fascists that wanted to lock all black people up. That really upset me as I felt that I was being unfairly labeled and attacked as the language did not state that they were referring to SOME white Bermudians but rather that ALL white Bermudians are inherent racists and white supremacists. I imagine the emotion being akin to the black people who experience ignorant stereotyping of their race as a whole. If it’s wrong for one segment then it is wrong for all.

          See unlike the older generation that voted for the UBP solely you cannot place that tired old argument on my generation about why you didn’t voice the same concerns that you do now when “your beloved UBP was in power.” My generation did not grow up in an era where one race was subjugated by another and thus both black and whites of my era are superior as compared to the majority of the past generations in regards to tolerance and acceptance of others that differ. I played mini-minors, minors, ran cross country and was ever present in the majority of sports teams for the public schools and sports club in Bermuda which I attended or was a part of. I have “Uncles, Aunties and Cousins” from all walks of Bermudian life as these people were my old man’s crew and by extension my family. My family not once spoke about politics at the dinner table or any other family functions(s). My father hated all politicians and routinely stated his belief that they were all crooks and not worth discussing in the first place. And yes he was referring to the previous Govt as he left Bermuda before the PLP got in power.

          So I apologize if I get severely irritated when I hear on the radio or other sources of media that white Bermudians are the natural enemy to black Bermudians and thus should not be trusted and duly ignored when voicing their genuine concerns due to the genuine love that they hold in their hearts for Bermuda. This is despite the fact that it appears that these comments stem from pure propaganda rather than actual experience. It’s the old tactic of divide and conquer and politricking (i.e. create an enemy to shore up support and thus votes). If you or anyone else honestly think that all whites today are out to get blacks then I guess s we are deeper in trouble then we already thought,
          Don’t get me wrong there are racist whites still about as well as hate filled blacks that could not even contemplate mingling with the “other side.” That is the sad reality of the world in general unfortunately and down to a sinful past that must not be forgotten but rather learned from and never repeated.

          But my generation has grown up under PLP leadership and that is all we know. And when some desire to show a love for their country by utilizing our democratic right to voice concern and which are them manipulated into being automatically called a racist, bigot and white supremacist for doing so. This rhetoric trickles down to the masses who then turn hostile on ordinary, innocent citizens (speaking from personal experience). You must understand as to why some will get defensive (i.e. White Jesus’ response that I hate black leadership). I imagine it would be the same feeling that a black Bermudian would get if a white person told them that they were not good enough for a position simply because they are perceived to be ignorant or untrustworthy simply due to the darker pigmentation f their skin. Those scenarios are one in the same and both totally unacceptable.

          Anyways, my whole point (through this essay, sorry) is that if the PLP are doing what the UBP did now that resulted in the UBP being booted out of power, then it should remain as being just as unacceptable today as it was in the yesteryear. I love Bermuda with all my heart and I shall not be silenced from calling out bad governance through name calling, labels and racial insinuations. Believe it or not it does not stem (as it doesn’t for many) from inner hatred of a different race. Believe it or not

          • Scott says:

            aannnd that pretty much sums up the vast majority of the young white voters!!! well said

            we didnt grow up knowing what UBP did.. we didnt vote them in or support them.. we only starting knowing what politics was when we started hearing that we were automatically racists and evil.

            It was bad when the coin was switched.. the PLP promised change… and we just get the same thing, but with 4x the debt.

          • Away says:

            Do you people work? LOL

  3. Douglas says:

    Wow, “The economy is on the brink of collapse, the education system is in shambles and crime is spiralling to the point the Regiment may be required to assist.”

    Mr. Cannonier, did you even take a breath before that bloated statement of yours? You obviously haven’t learned anything new since your “UBP” teachings of doom and gloom. No wonder no one is taking you and the BDA seriously. You are just spouting more of the same, just as your big brother does.

    If anyone were to believe your statement, all is lost and we should all head for the seas in our life boats! Things are tough, times are changing, challeges do persist, hard work and profound positive change is needed, etc. Bermuda is NOT in the dire position you paint, your intent is duly noted though. But we are up to the changes required Mr. Cannonier, that we being Bermudians.

    Why don’t we just give our new premier a chance to assert her influence and THEN judge the results?! I’ve got a feeling even you will be pleasantly satisfied, although I’m not sure of your big brother.

    • Todd says:

      As the Finance Minister, our new Premier was an Enabler if not directly responsible for most of the financial woes we find ourselves in now. Her selection as leader of our country does not bode well for any kind of real change. So, yes, there is a great deal of concern that we have not hit bottom yet.

    • Dueane Dill says:

      Surely you cannot simply believe that “things are tough..” — things are tough due to constant and consistent mismanagement and poor fiscal planning! Mismanagement and poor fiscal planning under the Minister of Finance who is now the leader of the country.

      Believe me, I am hopeful that Premier Cox will have the “testicular fortitude” to stop the financial hemorrhaging of the last decade. However, the past to which Mr Cannonier refers is the past inability of the Minister of Finance to actually make the hard decisions necessary to be fiscally responsible…fiscally responsible with YOUR money I might add. (How much do you think will be left to pay your pension given the current and future level of debt service required?)

      Things are dire. Bermudians are losing jobs. International businesses are outsourcing certain positions (and that is a fact — it is NOT scaremongering) – that leads to less people that can pay the rents to our Bermudian middleclass to cover high monthly mortgage commitments. So yes, things are dire.

      If you are unable to see this, then the things are even more dire than we think.

      • Douglas says:

        Heck, I typed a great reply to you Dueane but of course I hit the wrong key and ………………….

        I don’t have the time to retype my thoughts but let me just say that I agree with most of all you said. I am surely looking for a change is SOME of the SOPs in Government.

        Be mindful that little no export or manufacturing Bermuda has come through (thus far) the worst global recession in a very long time fairly well. Yes, the Government could and should have done some things differently and better. But it is also a Government’s duty to financially stimulate an economy during these times, again some things should have been done better.

        I do keep my eyes wide open and it looks like there is a silver lining on the horizon. There is already positive numbers occurring in the US and Europe. Hopefully we are already on our way to recoverig, bearing in mind that we lag the US by 7-9 months, as least.

        We are still NOT in the condition Mr. Cannonier suggested. Frankly, I expected a lot more from him and his party. But I mostly get old UBP rants and mombo jumbo. As a potential voter for the BDA I’m looking for the new ideas and voices that they said would be forthcoming. So far its more of the same.

        Also, we have problems in Bermuda that are not the work of the global recession, Government, BDA, UBP, or PLP. We have to answer questions, as a people, more honestly and act upon those honest answers. Because even if a great recovery happens, the BDA get elected to run the country, tourism’s numbers improve to 1 million visitors, and every last reinsurance company comes to Bermuda’s shores to do business we will STILL have a lot of challenges facing us because of our inability to be honest with ourselves!

        In short, lol, I expected more from the BDA.

  4. terry says:

    AH!!!! I’m still good t creating contraversy. Good. My plan worked as I can see a stick has been thrown into the cog and or spoke in the wheel.

    Mark is correct even though I don’t agree with everything he has done or said.

    Now that Paula is the Premier she will take control of spending. Give me a break. How long has she had reins and control of spending, budgets et al. All of a sudden she has the power to take control?

    Spot on Mark and a reflection of my thoughts as I was just about to pen something similar.

    Sorta like the Commissioner of Police saying…….”I used to be Deputy and I was just part of the tier in command. Now that I have been promoted to COP, I will take over control from my deputies and Assistants and you will see a differance…Overtime budgetting excluded………………….

    Someone hold off on the koolaid…………………………………

    • dhunte says:

      Many good points here, however I am convinced that it will be a vastly different PLP under Paula. She is a loyal PLP member to the core, albeit at the expense of Bermuda. She deserves to be ridiculed and second guessed as she has, by virtue of her former dual role,been a huge contributor to the financial mess that we find ourselves in. There lies her real problem, ie, she is weak and when she raises her voice and stamps her feet it feels empty and lacking conviction.

      Having said the above, I am convinced Bermuda will be managed in a kinder, gentler, fiscally prudent manner. Big shame being that her lack of steel contributed to the awful mess that we are experiencing at the moment and like Obama she will inherit financial chaos that is ominous and potentially debilitating. Unlike Obama, she could have and should have ensured that Brown was kept in check..

  5. Michael M. Fahy says:

    Douglas – perhaps before you ranted the usual blinding propaganda, you should have examine what we said we would have done had we had the chance to deal with finances (also the Police Commissioner himself has suggested that perhaps the regiment should be involved in policing due to the rise in crime). Premier Cox could have rejected the budget every year under her watch but she failed. The US recession certainly has an effect but it cannot be the sole reason for the failings. It is not too late to look at http://www.thealliance.bm for our view or read Larry Burchall’s well researched views or look at the Chamber of Commerce website for their presentation.

    1.Reducing the purchase and use of GP cars and restricting the number per Department and making more use of car pooling.

    2. Ensuring strict adherence to the limits of spending and use of Government Credit Cards especially overseas. Set limits on hotel and travel costs regardless of who is incurring them.

    3. Cease sending teams of senior Government officials on overseas trips unless there is a predefined cost/benefit.

    4. Cutting costs by demanding discounts and promotional events from outside parties such as advertising agents.

    5. Total freeze on civil service hiring and trim consultants drastically.

    In addition we would, as a start:

    a. Define a 5-year rolling surplus target, as part of an overall financial strategic plan.

    b. Increase transparency of Government expenses through more detailed and timely public reporting and expand the influence and powers of the Public Accounts Committee.

    c. Increase the transparency and effectiveness of the Government tendering system. Increase access to Government projects for small businesses. Ensure that all Departments, Ministries and Quangos use the same procurement system and operate under the same spending procedures.

    d. Consolidate the resources of the Ministry of Tourism and the Bermuda International Business Association into a Ministry of Commerce, reducing costs, while increasing co-operative relationships with business partners both locally and internationally, and to investigate ways of diversifying the economy into other international sectors such as asset management.

    e. Undertake a competitive analysis of other similar jurisdictions; review the work permit process, seeking ways to improve results for Bermuda, Bermudians and Bermuda-based companies.

    f. Consider reverting to a duty system that defers duty collection until goods are sold – perhaps similar to VAT. This will assist small retailers.

    g. Establish a ‘Low Income’ Payroll Tax bracket for businesses with employees making $50,000 Annual Salary or less, with a reduced percentage tax on both the employee and employer.

    h. On an ongoing basis conduct an effective analysis of the budget and its impact on Bermuda’s future financial position. i.e. 5-year planning process.

    i. Explore potential privatisation of some roles/tasks performed by the civil service. Review the potential for Worker Cooperatives. Promote new industries in an effort to diversify the economy, employment, and Government revenue streams.

    j. Expand the influence and authority of the Bermuda First initiative. Explore alternate sources of Government revenue and foreign cash inflows.

    k. Support development of Hamilton as a dynamic residential and cultural hub enabling continued growth whilst limiting environmental impact to the rest of the Island. Consider a provision of incentives for companies who have workers living in Hamilton. Relocate Government services to St George’s and Southside to boost the income of the town and reduce rental of office space in Hamilton.

    l. Implement recommendations in the Bermuda First report.

    • dhunte says:

      Your problem is not your recommendations it simply is your image. Many people of colour can’t see you without being reminded of the holier than thou politics practised by the UBP. There was a certain arrogance displayed by many black and white members of that party and people don’t forget so easy.

      The above is a massive problem for the country as change is critical, however I like many have real concerns about those involved in BDA. Many simply believe that the impetus for leaving the old guard was based more on being on a losing team versus genuinely interested in the plight of ALL Bermudians.

      Don’t shoot the messenger.

      • Scott says:

        the sad thing is, PLP supporters are quick to say “lets give the new premier a chance even though she was involved in/responsible for the previous administration spending”,

        yet are then quick to say “the BDA just sounds like the old UBP because some of their members started there, and we dont forget”.

        At the end of the day, the new premier has been congratulated, and warned that continued mismanagement will lead us down a dangerous road. People are scared though because she was directly in control of the funds before, and now has even MORE control over the funds.

        .. whereas the BDA consists of WAY more than just old UBP members, including PLP members and those who never chose sides… the PLP is more than willing to accept old UBP member’s into their ranks if they say the right things, yet wont take a new party made of all walks of Bermudian because they “dont forget”??? They BDA is critical of the UBP as well as PLP, but obviously there will be more critical of the current govt because they are the ones that actually are implementing some very bad policy.

  6. Black Expat says:

    BDA & Co, the opportunists Party

    Laughable. I remember meeting the BDA Leader in March 2000 up at a newly refurbished green rental unit by First Avenue. I never forgot the “I aint renting to no Foreigners”…..fast forward to 2010 and we have Team BDA fighting for jobs, equality, equal rights, justice and a better Bermuda. Even PLP supporters would rather vote for the UBP than you jokers. Sorry, I meant workshy opportunists. Shallow congrats from the BDA Leader (sorry again I meant the Ethnicly Faced Proxy).

  7. Batman and Robin says:

    Call on us!

  8. Belco Kite man says:

    Call on Us.

  9. This is directed to all of the posters who hide behind anonymity. What are you afraid of? Why can’t you stand behind your comments? Is it fear of retribution and if so from whom? It is cowardice to post such ‘heartfelt’ comments and then hide behind a pen name. If you seel so strongly about an issue stand up and be counted cowards.

    I am a proud member of the BDA and previously was a proud member/supporter of the PLP. After 12 years of unfulfilled promise, deceit and using their position for personal enrichment I decided thst the government was ‘wildin out’ because they had no opposition. Bermuda deserves a strong opposition and the UBP isn’t it. When the BDA was formed I dragged myself to one of their first meetings. Frankly I did not want to be there. It took every ounce of my being to stay in that room, looking across the table at faces I had previously identified with the UBP. But I stayed because I felt from those present a sincere desire to implement a different way to conduct politics. A way where people are not polarised by the old, tired racial rhetoric of the pastfrom both the PLP and UBP. I also saw people in the room, like myself, who had previously not been involved in party politics on a deep level. However, they were eager to create something new that would appeal to a broader segment of enlightened Bermudians who felt betrayed by the PLP and see the UBP as a non entity.

    I am nobody’s puppet. I am very much my own man. I am a leader and not a blind follower. The BDA is not the NEW BP or UBP light. This was one of my concerns when I first started attending BDA meetings and I stated this openly to the BDA caucus. I would not still be affiliated with the BDA if it was….trust me. My distrust of the UBP and their historical legacy runs deep. IMO the UBP is standing in the way of real progress politically in this country and the sooner they disappear the better it will be for everyone.

    We in the BDA are building a broad coalition of like minded individuals who are prepared to work to achieve a better Bermuda. To all those who still are uncertain of the intentions of the BDA I say to you. Watch us work. We will listen to all who are willing to talk with us. There HAS to be a better way of advancing the plight of all Bermudians both Black and White. I want my 12 year old daughter to inherit a Bermuda that is better than the Bermuda I grew up in. I wish my Premier Paula Cox God’a wisdom in all of her decision making. Failing that, the BDA will be there to hold her and the government accountable.

    Blessings.

    Sylvan Deveaux Richards Jr.

    • dhunte says:

      Lighten up bra and save the lame argument about anonymity. How does listing a name make an argument correct or false? It is a tired, boring position to take.

      The BDA is doomed to fail as the UBP stalwarts are not about to concede to you. At best you will pick up a few seats because when many of us take time to look at the faces / names they don’t see any demonstrable difference between the 2 parties..

      You have an image problem. Don’t believe me, then wait and see…

    • White Jesus says:

      @ Sylvan. Thou hast dealt a low blow by pretending that you are of some divine brand by posting your name. Thou art a politician for crying out loud. You aspire to be a public figure for better or for worse. Fie upon thee for not respecting ordinary citizens right to remain anonymous. It simply shows the type of leader thou wouldst be if in power. “holier than Thou attitude” and disrespecting the wishes and opinions of the ordinary citizen. “‘Look at me’ everybody I’m Sylvan Deveaux Richards Jr. Everything I say is gospel because I posted my REAL name haha” “The rest of you mortals should be brought hither and slain before me”
      Booo Sylvan, that was childish
      Thou shall not run in the next election. Ok!

      White Jesus

  10. This is directed to all of the posters who hide behind anonymity. What are you afraid of? Why can’t you stand behind your comments? Is it fear of retribution and if so from whom? It is cowardice to post such ‘heartfelt’ comments and then hide behind a pen name. If you feel so strongly about an issue stand up and be counted cowards.

    I am a proud member of the BDA and previously was a proud member/supporter of the PLP. After 12 years of unfulfilled promise, deceit and using their position for personal enrichment I decided thst the government was ‘wildin out’ because they had no opposition. Bermuda deserves a strong opposition and the UBP isn’t it. When the BDA was formed I dragged myself to one of their first meetings. Frankly I did not want to be there. It took every ounce of my being to stay in that room, looking across the table at faces I had previously identified with the UBP. But I stayed because I felt from those present a sincere desire to implement a different way to conduct politics. A way where people are not polarised by the old, tired racial rhetoric of the past from both the PLP and UBP. I also saw people in the room, like myself, who had previously not been involved in party politics on a deep level. However, they were eager to create something new that would appeal to a broader segment of enlightened Bermudians who felt betrayed by the PLP and see the UBP as a non entity.

    I am nobody’s puppet. I am very much my own man. I am a leader and not a blind follower. The BDA is not the NEW BP or UBP light. This was one of my concerns when I first started attending BDA meetings and I stated this openly to the BDA caucus. I would not still be affiliated with the BDA if it was….trust me. My distrust of the UBP and their historical legacy runs deep. IMO the UBP is standing in the way of real progress politically in this country and the sooner they disappear the better it will be for everyone.

    We in the BDA are building a broad coalition of like minded individuals who are prepared to work to achieve a better Bermuda. To all those who still are uncertain of the intentions of the BDA I say to you. Watch us work. We will listen to all who are willing to talk with us. There HAS to be a better way of advancing the plight of all Bermudians both Black and White. I want my 12 year old daughter to inherit a Bermuda that is better than the Bermuda I grew up in. I wish my Premier Paula Cox God’s wisdom in all of her decision making. Failing that, the BDA will be there to hold her and the government accountable.

    Blessings.

    Sylvan Deveaux Richards Jr.

  11. Rainbow Jesus ... says:

    Thanks for your piece Sylvan and bully for you for using your real ID , but if you have any annoyances about poster’s anonominity and reasons for it , you must be very new to the world of local (bda) blogging.

    Further more , if you think that the UBP is standing in the way of real political progress and needs to go away , you must have been seriously overlooking the PLP of the last 12 years. (who is it you want to go away ? Really ? ?)

    Admittedly , if we’re ever going to get back on track someone’s going to have to go . Either the UBP or the BDA .. there is NO room for two oppositions here. It only serves to split the vote and assures the worst possible outcome. The PLP could be returned over and over again with as little as 20% or so of the popular vote .

  12. Limerick says:

    The BDA may very well be a different entity from the UBP, but frankly after a year the public appears largely indifferent. A year ago Bermudians were clamoring for another option, the PLP had/has fallen far from its grassroots and the UBP was largely irrelevant as an opposition. That was a perfect opportunity to strike while the iron was hot, for lack of a better term.

    Instead, the BDA crawled out of the gates, taking far too long to get their ideas out there with any real conviction, and relying on a now-tired phrase ‘it’s time for a better way’. The BDA could be putting themselves in the public eye by, for example, coming up with fundraisers to donate money to public schools. That kind of action would speak volumes and get them some support right there. Because its generally acknowledged by all that our education system is complete shit right now. Make a statement with action, not catch phrases( a better way yadda yadda). Or going out into the community and conducting town hall meetings, canvasing prior to the election. Talk to Bermudians, hear their concerns. For the most part I forget they exist until someone happens to make some kind of statement( like this one from Mr. Cannonier).

  13. Shark says:

    Sure are a lot of trolls here……………………… Anything has to be better than the ego maniac that was our previous PM right?

    In case no one knows what a troll is it is a poster who posts comments just to create as much drama as possible.