Dunkley: ‘The Facts Speak For Themselves’

June 16, 2011

Michael-Dunkley bermudaResponding to criticism that his “statement bears no reflection of the facts,” Senator Dunkley said, “The facts do speak for themselves: Under the PLP Government, gang and gun violence mushroomed into a major crisis. The Government has been slow to respond. In the midst of the onslaught, Government reduced the Police budget.”

Senator Dunkley, the Shadow Minister for National Security, criticized Government’s progress on fighting crime earlier this week saying, “We have had a Government that, in effect, is all talk no action, and action is what we need.”

Yesterday Minister of National Security Wayne Perinchief said, “Mr. Dunkley’s statement bears no reflection of the facts. Targeted and sensible police deployment has yielded significant results and the people of Bermuda have noticed it and applauded it.”

Today [June 16] Senator Dunkley said, “We have always given credit where credit is due. Recent statements show I do not shy from acknowledging Police and criminal justice system successes.”

“In late February, I said the following: ‘We are encouraged by indications the Police are getting on top of the situation, with arrests made and witnesses coming forward, something that was not happening at this time last year. It indicates private citizens recognize that the scourge of gang violence will not be curtailed without their help. We commend them for their courage and community spirit.”

“We are also encouraged by the advent of the Joint Select Committee on Gun and Gang Violence, whose hearings have shown not just that we can work together on national challenges but also that the successful fight against crime must involve the community.”

Just this week I commended the Government for finally looking into Operation Ceasefire-like programmes “to help Bermuda get a grip on gang-related gun violence and, equally, the social dynamics that give rise to it.”

“But I have to repeat the point I was making: Without a comprehensive plan that deals with the totality of the gang problem, Bermuda’s Police will do nothing more than put their fingers in the dyke of a social problem that will not go away. I suggest that the Police Commissioner himself would not disagree with this pressing need.|

“So, if the Minister has a comprehensive plan then perhaps it would be good to share it with the people. The scatter of initiatives announced in recent weeks comes across as a political plan not a public safety plan. The Minister’s statement that “The people understand what’s on the table” says to me there is no plan; some ideas yes, but no plan.”

“And yes Minister, the facts do speak for themselves: Under the PLP Government, gang and gun violence mushroomed into a major crisis. The Government has been slow to respond. In the midst of the onslaught, Government reduced the Police budget.”

“I recognize the Minister has only been on the job for a couple of months, and I will work with him because I am sure that he too wants to put Bermuda first. But to do that we have to be honest about where we stand on this issue and demonstrate that we understand the fears and concerns of Bermudians.”

“If Bermudians agree with the Minister that Bermuda is safe once again, then show it by taking bars off windows, walking neighborhoods at night without looking over your shoulder and allowing your children to go to parties without concerns for their safety,” concluded Senator Dunkley.

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Comments (77)

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  1. Credit says:

    oh take a break Senator Dunkley really.
    to say that the gang violence has escalated under the PLP government is an attempt to blame it on the PLP government and that is irresponsible and reckless behavior.
    his attempts to politicize the issue when most right-thinking bermudians know that it is a societal issue that we all have contributed in some way to, is ridiculous. But let him continue to spout his rhetoric. The people know his deal.

    • sandgrownan says:

      Gang violence has escalated under the PLP. The PLP have failed to deal with the societal issues (despite being the “people’s party”) and significantly have failed to address the root causes in their own key constituency, i.e. poor, underpriviliged black people.

      If they were not so concerned with linig their own pockets…..

    • LOL (original) says:

      Just a thought civil unrest such as crime is a sign of political missmangagement which produces an unhappy society.

      LOL

    • My two cents says:

      “o say that the gang violence has escalated under the PLP government is an attempt to blame it on the PLP government and that is irresponsible and reckless behavior.”

      Actually the PLP government IS DIRECTLY partly to blame. The reason they are PARTLY to blame is because they blew through the money by frivolous spending and not heading the warnings to cut spending when they were warned back in 2008. Crime ALWAYS goes up during economic downfall and PART of the economic downfall IS the PLP’s fault.

    • PR says:

      @credit, I agree with your comment insofar as we all share the blame for allowing the social issues we are facing to spiral out of control. However, if you pay closer attention to what Senator Dunkley is saying you will see that he is not blaming the problem on the PLP government. He is criticizing the PLP for not responding earlier and for responding with a comprehensive plan to address the problems and their causes. These criticisms are very valid and justified.

    • Skeptical says:

      They know yours now too :)

    • C. Helmsley says:

      @Credit

      “to say that the gang violence has escalated under the PLP government is an attempt to blame it on the PLP government and that is irresponsible and reckless behavior.”

      - How is pointing out the truth “irresponsible” and “reckless”? Since Gang violence HAS in fact escalated since the PLP took power, denying so would be akin to saying that the sky isn’t blue, then getting angry at anyone who tried to casually tell you it was.

      “his attempts to politicize the issue when most right-thinking bermudians know that it is a societal issue that we all have contributed in some way to, is ridiculous.”

      - “most right-thinking Bermudians” is an empty statement that you just pulled out of thin air, with absolutely nothing to back it up…do you have a poll? Survey? Anything? Also, please explain in detail how we’ve “All” contributed to gang violence. I’m not saying there aren’t tremendous social implications to combatting it, but you cannot with a straight face tell me that a majority of Bermudians are somehow, even remotely, affiliated with gang members and/or drug dealers. Saying we’re “all” responsible for this is just as stupid as accusing Dunkley of being irresponsible and reckless.

      Based on your other comments throughout this site, you are skilled in the art of derailing an argument. That is, you intentionally and groundlessly go on the offensive, accusing the opposite side of whatever you think that they’d blame YOU for, so that when they do, you can claim: “Look, I said it first! That means I’m right and they’re wrong!” It is a classic Republican tactic in the realm of US politics, and one that the PLP has taken to relentlessly since the Ewart Brown years. Its also the sign of a person who has inner conflict about his/her beliefs. Take a look inside and ask if you truly believe the bizarre, emotionally-driven meta-narratives that you so brazenly propose.

      • Stop Pointing ya Fingers says:

        Actually we are all responsible in some way. Regardless if we are not directly related to gangs or drugs. We have all turned a blind eye at some point. Like most commenting on this site, have you done anything other than complain about the issues on this island? Have you put a real effort into having a better Bermuda?? 95% I am sure it is no, but you will continue to comment and criticise every and anything. That goes for both sides as well. Get out of the clouds everyone and own up to your share! Seeing those youths on the side of the road cursing and doiing nothing about it. Seeing youth riding recklessly and doing nothing. Seeing youths out to all hours at night and doing nothing. Saying its not your child when it is! Refusing to admit and turning a blind eye to current and past racial issues plauging our whole community. And the most infamous point of all, sitting at your computer complaining on this site and others and failing to take real action for what you beleive in, right or wrong!

        Fun fact:

        We all quickly forget that under UBP rule violence escalated to an all time high back inthe 60′s and 70′s to a point where the Police Commissioner was assasinated along with others. Also a point worth noting was when a foriegn brigade of soldiers were brought in to stop the voilence which saw several members of public murdered by said soldiers.

        • WTF ? ? says:

          Are you attempting to rewrite history here ? No locals were killed by any overseas troops !

          All the killing was done by wannabe local Black Panthers, with all white victims.

          And further to your idiotickly inaccurate posting..’we are all responsible for in some way … blah blah ..’

          NO WE ARE NOT …We are affected by it , but that’s completely different than being responsible for it .

          Try to be more literate in future .

        • Frances says:

          @stop pointing

          Well done.

      • 32n64w says:

        Bingo.

    • Onion says:

      He is telling the truth it has escalated under the PLP. Part of that statement may be politically charged but show me where it is wrong. Senator Dunkley also acknowledges that this is a societal problem too.

      “Just this week I commended the Government for finally looking into Operation Ceasefire-like programmes “to help Bermuda get a grip on gang-related gun violence and, equally, the social dynamics that give rise to it.”

      “But I have to repeat the point I was making: Without a comprehensive plan that deals with the totality of the gang problem, Bermuda’s Police will do nothing more than put their fingers in the dyke of a social problem that will not go away.

      You can pick out the fact he called out the PLP or look at the fact that he is telling you that we can’t keep being reactive to this problem. As a quick analogy you can’t win playing a sport if you are always on defense, at best you will arrive at a draw.

    • 32n64w says:

      What’s reckless and irresponsible is for the PLP and their supporters to ignore the irrefutable fact that gang violence has increased considerably in the last 10+ years.

      The Government is a significant stakeholder in the community and without question shares some of the blame for our current social ills.

    • The Truth says:

      I think Dunkley is saying that the PLP are weak when it comes to tackling gang violence witch is true. However if he was in charge we would probably have marshal law.

      • LOL (original) says:

        Seems to me some people in support of the Government are calling for that now (did you see the lengthy discussions on PACE and visor ban etc..) so what’s you point if the majority keep calling for that we live in a democracy.

        LOL I for one do not like giving back my rights. Dunkley purposed a three strikes approach and was labeled a neo fascist but with that approach we would retain our rights. Guess some people I think were scared that their life style would indeed lead them to jail though and they said the UBP use scare tactics lolololol.

  2. Terry says:

    So whats the deal “Credit”. Your so full of yourself. Whats the deal.

    Fact:- “gang violence has escalated under the PLP government”.

    Fact:- It is a “societal issue”.

    “The people know the deal”……..

    What deal.

    Spot on Michael. Just doing your job in defence of “societal issue”.

    Credit where credit is due. Today and tomorrow is a due date. Deal with it.

  3. Goose says:

    There’s a defeatist attitude out there that has been groomed by the PLP to suit the needs of the party. That’s where their blame lies.

    “You will never earn as much as a white man in the business sector”
    “The white man will never take you seriously due to your skin color”
    “The successful black men on the island are all Uncle Toms or house niggers”

    Our broken education system isn’t doing much to empower our youth either.

    We need to instill the belief from day 1 of schooling that with enough dedication there is absolutely no limit to what can be acheived. We need a 95% graduation rate from all of our high schools. We need a trade school to train the carpenters, masons and electricians that we have to import. We need to look at the Bermuda College and investigate why there isn’t a larger uptake in courses with transferrable credits.

    We need to build up self belief. Not blame socio-economics or segregation or slavery. Otherwise we are stuck in the loop of a self fulfilling prophesy that does none of us any good.

    • S Brown says:

      I believe our public schools have facilities for students interested in trades. a few months ago a berkeley student made a boat. Berkeley also has a nice facility for students interested in becoming electricians.

      In all honesty, I dont think young Bermudians are not that interested in the trades anymore. We have the facilities (in secondary school) but i am not sure how many students are taking the opportunity.

      Perhaps some think that trades are ‘beneath’ them? Its unfortunate.. because there is money to be made in the trades.

      • Goose says:

        Apprenticeships are a whole other step up from a high school workshop, involving proper training, testing and certification.

        It’s cheaper and easier to import skilled tradesmen than it is to take on an apprentice who may or may not work out. Once upon a time we had a trade school that was able to produce tradesmen of a good standard. Now we have employers in the position of having to fund an apprentice going overseas to complete their apprenticeship.

        I’m not trying to take anything away from what Alton built. She was a beautiful little boat that looked solid and also looked to ride pretty well. Does that mean that you can drop him in the Bertram boatyard and he will be able to slot right in to a crew as a builder? Not yet.

        This is all just picking at details. The most important issue I tried to highlight is a lack of self belief among our youth. How many students leave middle school thinking that they can be a master tradesman, lawyer, underwriter or accountant? How many 16 year olds think the same? We need to fix that as soon as possible. Without ambition our youth have no chance of making anything of their lives.

        We also need to look at the lack of ambition in the workforce. Finishing university or high school does not mean that you have finished your education. As a whole we seem unconcerned with bettering ourselves. But that is a whole other issue to look at.

    • LOL (original) says:

      Goose, hit the mark with the above.

      LOL

  4. Dwain Smith says:

    I strongly suggest that you keep your comments to your self, need I say more?

    • LOL (original) says:

      or what this is an online disscusion or do you think it’s ok to threaten people, need I say more Dwain Smith.

      LOL

  5. White Christ says:

    What a wonderful distraction this man has made! Senator Dunkey is simply trying to blame the PLP for the gang violence!!! Greedy Bermudians and Bankers have themselves to blame for that. When rent became impossible to pay and youths became hopeless the drug use increased and it was only a matter of time before the guns came.
    As far as I’m concerned sen. Dunkey is simply trying to assert his own relevance at the expense of our distraction, because if the ‘facts’ speak for themselves, who is sen Dunkey speaking for?
    HIMSELF!!!!
    Stop milking us!

    • C. Helmsley says:

      @White Christ

      “Senator Dunkey is simply trying to blame the PLP for the gang violence!!! Greedy Bermudians and Bankers have themselves to blame for that. When rent became impossible to pay and youths became hopeless the drug use increased and it was only a matter of time before the guns came.”

      Do you realize how childish and uninformed you sound? I dare you to find anything concrete that directly links “greedy Bermudians and bankers” (an amusing and completely arbitrary generalization) to high rent/drug use/guns. Not sure whether you knew this or not, but there’s a GLOBAL RECESSION, which directly resulted from greedy Americans, NOT Bermudians (yet it affects us all the same).

      Also, the milk metaphors are tiresome and unoriginal. If you’re spout untrue, overused talking points, and least try to jazz them up with righteous indignation or something.

      • White Christ says:

        “Not sure whether you knew this or not, but there’s a GLOBAL RECESSION, which directly resulted from greedy Americans, NOT Bermudians (yet it affects us all the same).”

        So you basically took my “childish” comment and substituted ‘americans’ for bermudians. Welcome to childhood! And thanks for pointing out that the financial situation is GLOBAL and not a PLP phenomenon, much applause to you for that.
        If you’re too myopic to accept that Bermudian homeowners (paid and clear) are charging outrageous unfair prices for rent to locals and that banks and realtors have a HUGE part to play in that then you are as moronic as I thought. If you also cannot see the concrete correlation and linear from between rise in cost of living-poverty-desperation and despair and rise in crime then you are just not worth my time. People like you and senator Dunkey are certainly not worth anyone’s righteous indignation for that matter! Are you kidding? You just aren’t to be taken that seriously.

        • LOL (original) says:

          Would like to know what race the magority of house owners are on this island? just a question.

          LOL

          • LOL (original) says:

            Would like to know what race the majority of house owners are on this island? just a question.
            LOL
            typo

            • A guess says:

              My guess would be that there are more black home owners than white.

              However , we would probably also find that there are more whites who are multiple property owners than blacks .

              But ultimately , there are a greater number of black homeowners .

  6. astounded says:

    gang violence has not only escalated under the PLP government, it has exploded (and so has National Debt)

  7. FYI-Just A Thought says:

    Playing Devil’s Advocate

    1)Perhaps what Sen. Dunkley is really saying is that the UBP accepts no responsiblity at all when this party commenced with the development of CedarBridage. We knew that it would eventually boil into an instution of mass destruction by institutionalizing a number of Black male and keeping them contained in one place. That was just the beginning of the fungus growth.

    2)I am sure that under the UBP it may perhaps be the agenda of some OBA members to seek redemption after the botch up of the Rebecca Middleton case. That case alone has received more international and public attention then any crime to-date then any other crime under the PLP. Perhaps Sen. Dunkley should’ve seen fit to have a retroactive plan then.

    3)If Sen. Dunkley recognizes that the Minister has been in occupation for a few months, how much faster would he like a plan to be implemented? I suppose no sooner than changing and/or amending the law of double jeopardy right?

    Talk is cheap. If such proof of a plan is dire need where is the plan you prepared? Show the people how willing and eager you are to work with the current Minister? And as a matter of interest I am sure that with both the resume of Minister Perinchief & Smith they can collectively devise an approach to tackle gun violence. @ least this time around a suitable guilty conviction was ascertained.

    The problem with violence in Bermuda begins at home. Bermudians and residents of Bermuda have a civil obligation to report crimes without the risk living in fear. Parents ought to be accountable for their children’s actions/behavior instead of turning a blind eye.

    This entire game of politics is diluted with tasteless and childish quips about well my party did this or plans to do this; so take that; what has your party done? If your serious Sen. Dunkley then you won’t waste time asking for a plan to be prepared, you’d already have one!

    • Oh really says:

      @ FYI

      How come Cedarbridge is deemed a ‘prison’ (a rose by any other name )for black males but Berkely isn’t ? ?

      It’s about time all you dreamers understand that Cedarbridge is a school not a prison or ‘institution ‘ .

      If you really believe that it’s turning black children into gangsters because they were so unfamiliar with children from other parishes (on a 20 square mile island for god’s sake) and it was some secret plan of the UBP all along …Well , then I’ve got a bridge to sell you.

      They were socially misadjusted long before they got to Cedarbridge .

    • crazytalk says:

      1. Will you give it a rest about Cedarbridge? Jennifer Smith was part of the committee that approved it. The plp was in on the decision. And, if the plp thought it was the wrong move, they have had 13+ years to change it and haven’t done that.

      2. The Middleton case, while terrible, is not the issue. He commenting on the explosive increase in crime in the last 3-4 years. It’s nothing to do with the Middleton case.

      3. You say ‘the minister has been in occupation only a few months’. The point is though that plp has been there 13+ years, and when they took over gun crime was almost unheard of; now it’s a daily event. The government has been slow to respond to it, indecisive, muddled, still trying to blame it (along with all other problems in the world) on ‘the UBP’ who lost power in 1998. The plp should come clean and admit it has no idea how to deal with the issue.

      • FYI-Just A Thought says:

        @crazytalk & oh really:

        I accept and respect your views but will offer the following rebuttal in light of “devil’s advocate” comments that I posted:
        1) Both schools whether CedarBridge or Berkeley do to a certain extent institutionalize the social behavior of many young male and females in our small island. It is a learned behavior whether it comes from home or in the school. As a matter of fact 95% of societal behavior stemming from lack of parental guidance only becomes perpetuated when students are coupled with members of similar backgrounds in the same environment. I have never labeled either school as a prison. Clearly the term institution needs to be defined.
        2) Has it not occurred to either of you that many of the crime that occurs in Bermuda albeit the lack of parental guidance at home also exists in schools?? And that is ALL schools, but for those parents who cannot afford to send their students to private institutions or ship them out of the island what recourse or choices do they have when their children still continue to adapt to the social ills and behavior learned in school. AND FOR THE RECORD THE GANG CULTURE ALSO EXISTS IN SCHOOL. Here’s an example: I partnered with a group who entered Berkeley Institute to meet with an group of BLACK MALES from different areas of the island west side, east side, town by no division of the moderators themselves, these individuals ironically sat in different locations and after engaging in healthy discussions, one of them concluded how ironic they found that west side guys had sat at the front, town guys sat at the back and the latter?? So, excuse me for labeling one school and not the next!!! The point that I made and standby is that the FUNGI effect perpetuates in such environments. As for Dame Jennifer Smith and the board, I’ll leave that topic alone. WHAT LOGICAL EXPLANATION OR ANSWER COULD EITHER PARTY OFFER WHEN THEY DECIDED TO BUILD CEDARBRIDGE OR THE “NEW” BERKELEY? Some of us are still waiting for a REAL ANSWER? Both parties have been slow…
        3) The Middleton Case—has relevancy in the fact that history has a way of repeating itself. That if anything has been an explosive case to which no concrete answers have been given regarding the handling of the case and, how charges have been inappropriately applied to the wrong individuals despite DNA evidence and countless monies exhausted by the Middletons and the ANTIQUATED LAWS THAT HAVE YET TO BE AMENDED, some of which have been to allow the police to do more in their capacity ie., detain a suspect for longer than 24 – 48 hours with regard to gun related matters. The point is the same issues that stemmed then, are SOME OF the same issues we face now. AND FOR THE RECORD THIS IS NOT A BLACK OR WHITE ISSUE OR RACE, my point was that neither party has corrected the issue of planning THEN or NOW. WHERE ARE THOSE ANSWERS????
        4) I will agree that yes, violence has increased tremendously over the past 13 years, however, lest we not forget that this isn’t a problem that BOTH parties did not know how to exist. It was just a matter of when it happens, or the laissez-faire attitude by both parties and infantile behavior as I quoted the first time is not what the island needs in terms of a solution. I further suggested that this of all issues that Bermuda faces is an issue where BOTH or ALL PARTIES need to partner.
        AND ABOVE ALL THAT WAS WRITTEN MY PRIMARY POINT WAS PERHAPS THAT WHILST SEN. DUNKLEY USES THE COLLECTIVE TERM “WE” TO ADDRESS THE PLP IN RESPONSE OF A PLAN, I CHALLENGE SEN. DUNKLEY OR WHOMEVER TO COME FORTH WITH A PLAN AS WELL.

        • FYI-Just A Thought says:

          I don’t usually rant but also note this:

          Children and teenagers spend 7-hours a day in a learning environment 5-days a work in classrooms that are manned by 1 teacher. You cannot expect a child not to absorb/observe/imitate some of the behaviors exhibited by their peers when they are open to it every day.

          Children are sponges! Simple! And furthermore, I should also re-iterate that the group I partnered with is one of few groups who wanted to make a difference in the community and met with BLACK males who were labeled by the SCHOOL as at risk teens, some of which were soon-to-be expelled and did not have the parental support b/c either their parents were DECEASED or out of the picture for one reason or another! Much of the so-called parental responsibility is then redirected towards teachers and guidance counselors.

          I’ve never once heard of Sen. Michael Dunkley coming up with a PRO-ACTIVE plan to target that sector or group. PLANS FOR ALL is SIMPLE!!!

        • LOL (original) says:

          So do you agree that continuing the same course even though we know the resulting answer is the same is the definition of insanity? The PLP have had 13 years and where are we? The only way I see either party being pro active is by keeping them in election mode by holding them to account on record and not because of who they are. Vote for the other party every election and maybe we will start seeing things get things get done. If they start something that the majority likes then make the new Government continue it weather they wanted to or not by partition or demonstration. What ever it takes.

          LOL just want the best for my country and what we have now is not it.

          • FYI-Just A Thought says:

            Fair enough but the government (whoever it ends up being) have the power to invoke change by seeking to amend the colonial law system that we follow. That in itself is a step in the right direction.

  8. Bermyman says:

    The key elements that contribute to Gang Violence:
    Women having several children from several different partners who are not in the Childs life nor do they have the financial ability to bring the child up in a healthy and positive environment. Why socially is this acceptable in certain parts of Bermuda’s culture? Did Lois Brown-Evans not encourage mass fornication within the black community? Has that statement or encouragement driven us into the fatherless generation we see before us today?
    Lack of Male role models within the education system. Where you have the absence of fathers you need strong male role models to guide boys in adolescence, in our current environment individuals (senior gang members) such as ‘Yankee Rawlins’, filled the role of that absent male influence.
    The education system as a whole has been poor over the last decade, changing curriculums and employing un-qualified and below par staff. As we have witnessed from the recent culling of unqualified education staff.
    The price of marijuana on our Island is astronomical and worth more than gold per ounce. The demand is high within the community and it is a recreational drug used as much as alcohol. This inflated price makes drug dealing very appealing to the younger generation. Quick cash and all the material wealth you could desire from doing a couple deals a week on the corner. That money funds firearms and purchase of ammunition and also the mules to bring them in. If you take the illegality out of weed or at least the criminality you will take the some of the inflation out of the price.
    These are the main factors, it has nothing to do with high rental prices or the wealthy disenfranchising the poor, it has a lot to do with the Government ignoring the warning signs and not actively seeking to make changes within the community. Education is the key, especially educating young women about the responsibility of having children, and also giving the youth the tools they need to make the right choices.

  9. Credit says:

    anyone with any common sense knows that while speaking literally, yes it has escalated, but the catalyst for and the foundation behind the escalation is a myriad of issues, of which the government of the day is likely the Least.

    • 32n64w says:

      “the catalyst for and the foundation behind the escalation is a myriad of issues, of which the government of the day is likely the Least.”

      In the absence of verbiage (as C. Helmsley noted above) try and support your position with facts and figures rather than hiding behind sweeping statements.

      The PLP have overseen 13 years of a failed education system (one which they strongly encouraged and signed off on implementing while in opposition) with a revolving door of Ministers (I think it was 8 at the last count).

      IMHO this is the most important Ministry in Bermuda as it provides an opportunity for a level playing field, however, graduation rates are down, exams scores are down and as of last week 97 teachers have been let go.

      How does the PLP’s lack of focus, care, commitment and attention to this important Ministry in anyway absolve them of responsibility for our social ills?

  10. Terry says:

    Too many die hard PLP coolaide/K drinkers posting. Best I leave this site only because it is being used as a propaganda avenue for a certain person. It has worked well. So you guys can fight all you want. Upon reflection this reminds me of another local blog that reflects certain ideas.

    Have fun. Glad I’m not there anymore. You will reap what some sow. Mark my words.

    Ally Akba……………………………

  11. The complexity of the problem regarding gang violence is a community problem or should I say a Bermuda problem. It is not one that should be used to make political points. The issues are socially and technically complicated and involve multiple stakeholders. Moreover, the dynamics surrounding gangs are constantly shifting. It is not an issue that lends itself to quick fixes, nor is it an issue that can be adequately addressed by a single organization or government. Gangs and gang activity have complex social, political, educational, justice, and economic layers. Resolving issues with respect to gang activity must involve changes in attitudes, societal norms, relationships, organizational cultures, policies, civic action, and laws. As such, the processes and practices involved in developing a comprehensive community approach to the issue of gangs are broad in scope and move beyond the patchwork provision of programs and services.

    The community approach seeks systemic change that creates linkages between systems, and redefines ways of working together to develop a collaborative, integrated approach to gangs. It is a way to create joined-up solutions to joined-up problems. If one understood the complexity of gang violence, the argument that it increase under a particular government would not even be a feasible debate, or a general discussion. I think the discussion should be how do we as a community come together to try and reach our young men?? Gang Violence impacts upon the entire society .

    • LOL (original) says:

      In a word the answer is as stated above EDUCATION. Yes it is a long term solution and will reach the young men and women as some are now involved. It will take families to set time aside for each other and involvement in the schools to do this. Education is the only thing that will do it. Youth are looking for answers, acceptance, and were they fit in to this society. For 30 years I’ve been around Bermuda has been about the older generations while the teens of the island have been left on their own. Both parties are to blame yes but the PLP have the majority of the house and should be able to pass just about anything they want why has education of the youth not been a priority? Who is trying to teach these kids the “soft skills” we’ve heard about?

      This idea may help grow as a community:

      As far as getting to know each other the after school program could maybe start playing inter after school sports or collective competitions where they trade kids with other after school programs to learn to work together in a positive way.

      LOL

    • Frances says:

      @special girl.

      Well said. Very complex to understand. The answer is to increase awareness about the true causes, envision a future we desire, then how to get there. Start with self.

  12. Notorious says:

    Most people don’t care what Michael Dunkley has to say and that’s the bottom line.

    • 32n64w says:

      That’s likely because they have their head in the sand (or worse) and are content to be spoon fed the PLP party line.

    • bda4real says:

      You don’t even know ‘most people’.. how can you say that?? LMAO

      • Notorious says:

        Hmmm most people that VOTE. Perhaps? bda4real. The only people who support him are white people. I’m sure you the ones who replied to me are white.

        And LOL (Original) Kick rocks. Your opinion is invalid as well.

        • LOL (original) says:

          You are completely racist here. Why don’t you segragate your self and you said once I don’t offer any solutions to Bermuda’s problems…………………………

          LOL

          • Notorious says:

            WHAT…..a stupid comment.

            LOL

            • LOL (original) says:

              Stupid is as stupid does…………………..

              LOL “Kick rocks” who the fu## says that you smokin rocks or something?

              • Notorious says:

                I do. Clearly. Your old ass wouldn’t know that.

                • LOL (original) says:

                  Made that reservation yet don’t forget you need it soon. I do hope you pass the face test if not I wouldn’t even look at the rest.
                  LOL

                  • Notorious says:

                    What are you talking about you lame? LOL You should be asking your mom that question

    • LOL (original) says:

      White, rich no asurance that he can relate to the average man? Do people feel that way about rich black politicians that also must not be able to relate as well (PLP and OBA)? Is race a factor in their assesment? If it is how do we correct the racist attitude that Bermuda has which any way you slice it is getting wrose.

      LOL

    • LOL (original) says:

      Oh good morning Notorious ;)

  13. Frankly Speaking says:

    Agreed, he speaks with folk tongue. Don’t trust him nor Pamplin and I’m not PLP but those 2 just speak to hear themselves.

    • LOL (original) says:

      From where I sit all politicians speak to hear them selves especially here and for all you people foaming at the mouth about why the opposition don’t slap down solutions here the answer:

      Political parties are in it to win it. If they slap an idea out there what is to stop the PLP who has the majority vote in the house deny it and then come back months later(just enough time for us to forget) with a slightly modified motion (so they can take the credit) and keep winning elections. Yes I hear you all on that should not matter the idea in principle was taken but again they are in it to win it. Politics is just a game that the successful (i.e. rich) have imposed on us to get richer and maintain control over us.

      LOL

  14. lol says:

    couldn’t of state it better myself – give us solutions.

  15. O I C says:

    I would not say “gang violence ‘escalated’ under the PLP. I would gang violence STARTED under the PLP.
    The MEDIA CREATED GANGS. Simply by calling them that. Foreigner news journalists who did not understand the guys who ‘sit on the walls all day’. After a while certain guys decided to be a gang since they were being called that. SIMPLE.

  16. The Truth says:

    Look at senator Dunkleys fake smile. A false smile is often stronger on one side of the face than the other, as both sides of the brain attempt to make it appear genuine. The half of the brains cortex that specializes in facial expressions is in the right hemisphere and sends signals mainly to the left side of the body. As a result, false facial emotions are more pronounced on the left side of the face than the right. In a real smile, both brain hemispheres instruct each side of the face to act with symmetry. And this guy we are suppose to trust.

    • LOL (original) says:

      And people that partice to decive prece that they are “The Truth” all the time so are we suppose to trust you. Really. You distrust some one based on looks how telling.

      LOL

      • The Truth says:

        It is scientific fact that peoples gestures give away their true intentions. Most of us don’t know how to read body language-and don’t realize how our own physical movements speak to others.You don’t have to trust me just do the research. Dunkley may not realize what he is doing but the body language is a dead give away. What signal alerts you that a politician is lying? His lips are moving.

        • Notorious says:

          Don’t bother educating LOL. He can’t see Dunkleys fake smile anyway his head is to far up dudes arse.

          • LOL (original) says:

            What ever Nicole I don’t dig dudes. while your talking about arses you might want to pull your head out of your own arse though.

            LOL

        • LOL (original) says:

          Yes agreed but body language and gesters are learn behaviours and unless you know him personally I don’t see you or anyone else knowing his mind they are after all guessing at best. By the way i don’t like Dunkley that much. The signals I use to tell are after said words what actions do they take. Logical enough for you.

          LOL

          • LOL (original) says:

            My point above is that you brought what you did to the debt to try to influence the opinion of others base on body language? When was that picture taken when he was saying what he said or is it just a pic Bernews used? The truth is the truth but what you did was interject your opinion which is not necessarily the truth.

            LOL by the way Nicole you have a raunchy mind wonder what you’ve tried to due to your ex’s

            • Notorious says:

              People can believe in what they want to believe. How do you know The Truth was trying to influence anyones opinion? You can’t influence anything. People will believe what they want to believe. The Truth is free to comment on here just like you are. YOU are the one always shooting down peoples comments and making YOUR opinion seem like fact. Who are you to say what the truth is and isn’t?

              In regards to your last comment does the truth hurt? You always on here sucking up to Dunkley. Must be true. Raunchy? You tell me. That’s more your sort of thing. http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGGE_enBM422&q=tossed+salad&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1366&bih=643

              ;)

              LOL

              • Notorious says:

                LOL at the fact that you IMMEDIATELY went to “I don’t like dudes” when that saying is just a figure of speech and has NOTHING to do with homosexuality. Thy protest too much.

                • LOL (original) says:

                  My you honor me with so much work that you do to try to discredit me. Your single and have been for some time haven’t you. Your mind is very moldable most if not all of you comments are reaction and add nothing to the topic but verbiage garbage complete with pics. As for the above truth does not know when the picture was taken above of Dunkley to which he/she made that remark and perhaps in your rush to get my attention you forgot to read what I wrote. Here it is again just for you I would not vote for Dunkley.

                  LOL seriously I get you that hot under the collar touch yourself and release girl.

                • LOL (original) says:

                  Let me know if I can help you loosen up……………

                  LOL

                  • Notorious says:

                    Sure because I’m sure you know allll about looseness.

                    LOL

                    • LOL (original) says:

                      I’ll let you make the reservation and I’ll teach you all about what you can take.

                      LOL

          • The Truth says:

            You don’t have to know him in order to see certain signs remember I said dead giveaway. If you wanna detect lies you have to interview him in order to get a base line to work with. Remember some peoples body language is stronger than others. True that actions speak louder than words. Like shaking your head in a yes motion while saying “No I did not have sexual relations with that woman”.LoL! Dr.Brown another dead give away.

            • Notorious says:

              LOL (Original) is an old lame. Ignore that troll.

  17. Uncle Nick says:

    STEP DOWN PLP!