UBP Will Cease To Operate Tomorrow
According to an ad placed in today’s [June 29] Bermuda Sun newspaper, the United Bermuda Party [UBP] will officially cease to operate as a political body from tomorrow.
The advertisement said, “In pursuance with a resolution taken at a Special Meeting of the Central Council of the United Bermuda Party held on 3rd May 2011, notice is hereby given that the United Bermuda Party will cease to operate as a Political Body as of 30th June 2011.”
“Further note that the offices located on the 3rd Floor Bermudiana Arcade 27 Queen Street will be closed from that date.”
On May 3, members of the UBP voted to dissolve the party and merge with the BDA to form the One Bermuda Alliance [OBA].
On May 10, UBP leader Kim Swan, MP Charles Swan and others launched legal action seeking to stop the UBP from dissolving. However seven UBP MPs resigned from the party to join the OBA, leaving Kim Swan and Charles Swan as the only two UBP MPs.
The UBP once dominated the political scene, winning eight back-to-back General Elections between 1968 and 1993.
They held 14 seats in the House of Assembly in the beginning of 2008, but by late 2009 they were down to 9 seats – having lost 5 seats in total – after the three MPs split to form the BDA, and both Wayne Furbert and Darius Tucker quit the party to sit as independents.
As of today, the party holds just two seats in the house, the lowest in their 47-year history.
The OBA is the UBP. No matter how you slice it.. it comes out peanuts.
thats the point, but have you ever heard of maketing? Think of BP with the oil spill in the gulf… they changed their name after it happened…. The UBP cant get the majority of black’s votes because of its history, changing the name is the only chance they have making this country racially united pollitically once again (like it ever has been tho ahahaha ya right, this country is driven by racism).
The PLP are a bunch of incompetent idiots no matter how you slice it. They want to line their pockets no matter how they slice it. They don’t care about anyone but themselves no matter how you slice it. They are gangstaa friendly no matter how you slice it. The PLP have ruined Bermuda’s reputation no matter how you slice it. The PLP have bankrupted tourism no matter how you slice it. The PLP have no vision no matter how you slice it.
I would prefer peanuts than be $1,000,000,000 in debt….
To the oba: When will the be elections take place. No one will bore oba until then!
Typos correction. No votes for oba until by elections. When will the oba party advertise the by elections for the ubp seats. Until then they can’t be trusted
What about Wayne Furbert and Darius Tucker?
Should no one vote for the PLP in those constituencies in which those gentleman were voted in under the UBP banner?
Agree as the oba members all called for furbert and all bad members to resign. Tell us when the
By elections are so
We can get ready
I bet you can’t wait to have weed legalized.
No matter how much crap you talk about an insignificant party with no power, it is still the PLP that have been in charge for 13 years now. No matter how you slice it. They smile in yo face!! But all the while they wanna spend yo wage! haha
Really? I think the PLP is the new UBP!
Progress at last. RIP…..
Gone but not forgetton. We should not forget the foundation this party set which allowed bermuda to thrive not only in tourism but also international business. If only the OBA win the next election maybe we can go back to the good old days were we took employment, public safety, and national debt for granted.
Isn’t it ironic that the PLP did this to us (i thought they were a God sent in the 90′s), they wrecked an almost perfect island (they can blame no one but themselves), I was so ignorant in my youth, had i known the truth i would have never voted PLP, no more though, OBA (UBP) for life!
The irony is that you are blaming PLP for the financial woes, but if the PLP had not borrowed to INVEST in the country, then the contry would be in a worse state. We may not have had this amount of debt, but you would’nt have had the housing developments, the dockyard pier, the new TCD, the new Police/Court buildings etc.
Talk to the families that live in the homes and find out how appreciative they are.
Talk to the Tourism Dept and the cruise lines and see how appreciative they are to be able to visit Bermuda.
Talk to the policemen and women and members of the judiciary who are able to work in a state of the art building.
Talk to the members of the public who find themselves well served by the revamped TCD.
And there are more examples of the PLP investment.
So while it is obvious the PLP has not been a perfect government, let’s not get caught up in the lie that everything they have done has been bad.
The UBP did little to invest in the infrastructure of Bermuda during the 15 or so years prior to 1998.
And let us also not be so ridiculous to believe that the OBA is not just the UBP renamed. Same people = same party.
thats all fine and dandy to invest in the infrastructure but add up the overspends in those projects you named and lets see if Paula is saving $150M or just recouping what they lost in the last few years
Sorry but the PLP can’t even account for what they’ve spent. I bet if you look at the value of all their ‘infastructure and social development projects’ they are worth far less than the debt we are in, i’d say maybe half. Where is the rest of the money? Why did they borrow more? Because they screwed the people, they came to government with a toxic mindset of ‘its time to get our’(i dont mean selfishly either for their supporters as well) with out realizing they were taking the money from the citizens (their supporters) and were going to cause more pain to the people than pleasure.
The whole talk to the families this and that way is crap, sorry to say black people do it to ourselves, bermuda provided us everthing, but were not disciplined or focused and shouldnt need the socialism the PLP is trying to provide. We breed irresponibily and expect society to pick up the tab, if not the ‘systems’ trying to screw us over.
For the record i do agree infastructure projects are essential for econimic progress, however those who keep public office should be accountable and have enough respect for those they represent to be transparent with their finaicials.
where has the government not been transparent in their financials?
if anything Premier Cox has spoken ad nauseam about her willingness to be open and transparent in the governance of Bermuda.
If they have been transparent how do you explain so many consecutive qualified audits? Actually, has the PLP ever had an unqualified audit?
She has been nauseatingly consistent, I agree. Consistently incompetant and opaque.
Open and transparent…now yeah…not sure about ad nauseam…akin to closing the barn door after that the horse has ran away….the irony is that she held the purse strings during this rising debt and Bermuda is in trouble having to continue to borrow money to service the same debt in access of $1 billion all coupled with annual expenditures exceeding revenues….do the math…a little Greece on the horizon…
@Get a clue- Very well put, everything you pointed out is exactly why the country is the way it is today… the problem is it stems back to the hatred and resentment many blacks had for the white people for the years they ran this place…. Lowis Brown Evans (watever her name was) endorced irresponsible breeding as a means to get into power and it has worked, but what she failed to understand were that these voters lacked any significant potential to give back to society, like you said, its not the system screwing us over its our own doing, the system is just guiding us along… Very well put, the socialism introduced by the PLP is just making todays youth feel more comfortable doing nothing but ‘sittin on de wall’ and hustlin…
Let’s put some things in persepctive though.
Under the UBP Boaz Island Village and Frog Lane house developments, to name but two, were built.
Cedarbridge was built, with the approval of the PLP at that time.
The cruise ship pier cost about $30m more that it should, thanks to cost overruns(still to be invetsigated)
TCD cost about $15m more than it should thanks to cost overruns (still to be investigated)
Much of the continmuing rise in debt is not for investmentt, but to pay day to day bills. Put simply, using one credit card to pay the other.
Probably less than $300m has actually been INVESTED in Bermuda, the rest is waste, covering expenses and paid to overseas entities such as Global Hue.
Oh, by the way, remember it is the PLP/UBP following the influx of MPs and ex MPs.
Lets not forget about the freebies the PLP dished out to get more votes – free car licensing to seniors, free Bda College tuitition, free childcare, Future Care, etc… I won’t even bring up their use of consultants or inefficient fast ferries, new buses, traveling in luxury, GP cars, pay increases for MPs, etc… I also won’t talk about their immigration policy that kicked high earning taxpayers off the island too.
So don’t take us for idiots and try to make us believe that the debt was used for ‘necessary infrastructure’. The reason why we are in debt is because of incompetance. Plain and simple! The PLP should grow a pair and tell the people how stupid they were instead of pretending like they did nothing wrong.
Oh Puh-Lease…the debt is not the result of the overruns.
And the $$ has been accounted for…read the budget statements – you will see.
The government has introduced more social programs than ever before as well.
Er, no it hasn’t.
Puh-lease take your head out of the sand “the debt is not the result of the overruns” so let me get this straight you honestly believe that if you have $5 to go to the store and you find out that what you want is $8 and you have to borrow the other $3 that the $3 you borrowed isn’t debt? Sorry mate but if you owe $ it’s debt.
BTW i am very interested to know where all you think all this debt has come from if it’s not from these overruns.
Hooray, I agree, the debt is not entirely the result of the cost overruns, although I’m sure if you add them up the overruns amount to a good $100m or so.
But you’re right, there are other reasons for the debt. It’s also the result of expensive music festivals that failed to bring in tourists, incompetent and ineffective overseas consultants, luxurious tours around the world including the Middle East and Far East, writing off of $7.5m owed by the union, 200 GP cars, increasing the number of civil servants by 2,000. None of those things were “investments” in anything. They were just spending.
And where are we now? Buses cancelled daily to save costs. Ferry cutbacks to save fuel costs. Ferry fare increases. ferries not maintained properly. Schools painted by volunteers.
You think the government is doing well on social programs? Don’t you read the papers? What about firing 25% of the para professionals at schools? What about firing teachers? What about increasing the fees at Bermuda College?
And they’re in a mess on the tax base. 13 years of hostility towards international business is finally coming home to roost. People are leaving by the boatload. If you tell someone they’re not welcome enough times, it does finally sink in.
LOL..dude… the $$ has NOT been accounted for. it is factually incorrect in any sense, with any spin, to say that. sorry.
Hooray….you talk so much crap. Your sentence” The UBP did little to invest in the infrastructure of Bermuda during the 15 years or so prior to 1998″
They did’nt have to. It was already there and then came along the three little pigs and the big bad wolf. Oh you betch yah….the bastard huffed, puffed and blew the house down. Then he left Dodge along with others.
Talk to cruise lines? Woopdy doo. They get paid even if they go to Booga Booga Island. As for the rest? Too busy to tackle that.
What you gonna do now. Blame the Swans duo…….Well ain’t much gonna happen out of that one. Two males can’t produce so let them sing.
Terry,
I dont have to try and convince you of anything.
The electorate will recognize the investment when they mark their X’s.
The negative Joe and Jane’s on the blogs do not necessarily represent the electorate.
If the PLP’s election strategy is to sell Bermuda’s debt as necessary spending on infrastructure then lets give an early welcome to the new OBA Gov’t!
If I were the OBA I’d pin Bermuda’s Debt problem on Ewart Brown and Paula Cox’s mismanagement. Then I would argue that Paula Cox cannot represent change or fix the economy because she was and is part of the problem. Since we all know Ewart Brown (and increasingly Paula Cox) is very unpopular this would be a sure win. Especially if the PLP try to sell it like you are! LOL!
AGIAN GET A CLUE…most of the PLP’s electorate just vote for them because their black, they dnt pay attention to shit like that….. i just understand that what the PLP is doing around bermuda is not economical or even socially responsible… THEY ARE RELOCATING THEIR VOTES IN OLD UBP CONSTITUANCIES IN ORDER TO STAY IN POWER, AND CALLING IT AFFORTABLE HOUSING…. these people in charge are a bunch of fools….
actually no i take that back, they are pretty smart to do that, its the voters that are the idiots…
‘these people in charge are a bunch of fools ….’
Only in the sense that they’ve proven they have no clue how to run this little island.(and deliberately keep everyone angry)
Politically now , they’re as slick and as sly as can be .. Political organisations around the world must be wishing they could manipulate their support base as easily as the PLP does .
Govnamon, white folk voted for the UBP just because they are white. Are they also stupid.It only becomes a problem when black folks stick together. Blacks supported the UBP and even became members of parliament under the UBP banner, despite of racism ravaging the party. As a matter of fact some high ranking blacks resign and spoke of the racism that existed in the party. I don’t know whether you are black or white but if you think otherwise you better take your head out of the sand and be real.
So why do you support the PLP?
And if you don;t think there isn’t racism “ravaging” the PLP, then I suggest you take the advice that you just gave to the other poster.
But I get it PLP racism is a good and acceptable type of racism…
But they sure as hell play a major part in misinformation.
Anyway. Off to see the BNTB see if I can get a loan.
Well said Hooray !!! These people on here are long time UBP supporter mad that a black government is in power..They will never be satisfied !!!
That is hilarious for a person who accused me last week of bringing race into every conversation/post…
Pot and kettle situation I guess hypocrite?
Seriously!!! That is your logic? That’s like buying a Mercedes and not having the money to put gas in it! But hey, if that comforts you then so be it!
So will Kim Swan and Charles Swan now become independent members in the House? Or have they joined ranks with the OBA as well?
Not clear yet, we have contacted them and are hoping for clarification so we can update.
Thanks, Bernews…
My prediction is that they will sit as indepedents for awhile and then join the PLP.
Justin, don’t count on it. doubt very much they will cross.
What they will do is cross the floor and join the PLP and then take over from the inside. All part of the report approved by Wayne Furbert as leader of the opposition. The name change from PLP to ULP will follow.
I really think if they was any good they would have lasted the test of times nite nite
I guess Bully- Grahams’ got the body , there will be no viewing .
@Hooray. You are bordering on delisional my friend. By “investing in the Country” you went on to lay out almost every project that ran SIGNIFICANTLY overbudget and that there was little to no transparency ! Please, Please tell me how these “investments” have paid off? Almost ALL of the social programs that were set up have been severly cut back or scrapped all together by THIS GOVERNMENT. Sunshine League is in DIRE STRAITS ! How could you not connect the dots that poor financial decisions (massive cost over runs et al) are directly correlated with the cuts that we are now seeing on everything. Reduced Ferry schedule, no OT for Govt workers, borrowing money to pay our everyday expenses and the list goes on and on. I have read the budget statement and there are still questions lingering from the Auditor General. The transparency that you speak of, doesn’t exist.
Will never vote for impostors. Will vote for the independents.
I told you it was the UBP’s fault. Now let me get my scooby tenk and paint dee buttom of my yaht…..det vey…I can maik ah quik desh shrew Waturn Bloo Kut….haing ah laft ann gatt my hass akrozz dee pahond beefour my Kuntainer gatz der………
Hoooooray!!!!!!!!!!!
Notice: The oba will be having bi elections in August. That will be the next notice.
Don’t be fooled. The UBP in the likes of Dunkley, Moniz, Gibbons et al is alive and well…
….Relegated into the annals of history . How embarrassing is that ?
‘One down , one to go ‘
I feel tomorrow will be a sad day in Bermudian politics
So, no-one has yet said who is responsible for this demise. If the PLP is so bad and Bermudians are chomping at the bit to remove them why couldn’t the UBP survive? The UBP is dead because someone killed it. With Sir David Gibbons emerging as the OBA’s elder statesman and Dunkley as the heir apparent (sorry Craig, but I warned you) its the ghosts who are now in charge. When the misson to kill the UBP was announced it was met with outrage and disgust. Now its the most natural thing in the world and the OBA has risen from its ashes. When will people finally admit that the UBP died because it was never founded on a political philosophy. It was based upon two things: 1. Government is a tool to enable business and certain people to succeed and 2. if 1 is achieved then everyone does well. That is not a political philosophy. The PLP’s mistake was to simply take over from the UBP. They should’ve made radical change and not just attempt to prove they could manage the UBP’s system. They’re in the mess they’re in now because they’ve been afriad these last 12 years to do their own thing. They’ve spent too much time trying to please a small group of nameless people who happen to very vocal and get the most media/blog play. The UBP is dead because they had no political philosphy to sell to others or to bind them. Hatred is not a plan and that is proven when the object of their scorn; the person whose existence kept them together, has only been off the stage for 8 months and they fold. The UBP is dead and somebody killed it. An honest, fair and balanced media would give credit where credit is due.
‘They should’ve made radical change’
Like how much more radical than what we’ve already seen ? ? We’re in serious trouble here and it’s just so convenient that the worldwide global recession just happened to come along when it did as the perfect scapegoat .
What ‘radical changes’ are you really looking forward to or talking about ? huh ?
Don’t worry , a whole lotta people have a good idea what you’re referring to , and that’s why many millions have left the island since Nov ’98
Millions? Really? So now that a million have left were only down to 70,000, right? wth lol
The UBP will cease to operate as a political body tomorrow but the UBP name may live on. Don’t be surprised if a “new” UBP arises phoenix like from the ashes. Some new faces with some old faces in the mix. Now THAT will be interesting…….
Those that have ears let them hear.
Oba notice board: By election will be held in august so we can prove we are really a new party and not the old ubp covered with deceptions. Lol
It’s amazing how a former powerful political party(UBP) ruled this country with a iron fist and dared any black person to publicly declare their loyalty to The PLP and face being blackballed or ostracized, has been kicked to the curb with only 2 loyal MPs remaining, who happen to be black. When are we black people going to wake up and smell the coffee? Are you not tired of being used? The UBP is defunct and powerless, so the former members have moved to the OBA, and they are hoping to draw black folk on their side once again to regain power.Black folk don’t fall for it. A leopard can’t change it’s spots.
and your alternative is …? Continue to vote for a reckless PLP Government because they are black? That, my friend, is mental slavery.
IM WITH YOU SPIKES !! White people are funny to say we are wrong to vote along racial lines, but they forget they have never voted for the PLP either. White people vote white/UBP/OBA, while black people vote PLP.
Its always been that way. These people cant handle not having the power !!
Plain and Simple !!!
This could be one reason why whites haven’t overwhelemingly voted PLP since its formation. It appears that the psyche of the PLP hasn’t eveolved much since the 1960s.
Quoted below.
Speech by Dr. Clarence James at the City Hall on 11th October 1967.
My Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
My appearance here tonight stems from a longstanding interest in race relations which began in 1948 when I first went abroad. At that time I was clearly a product of a rigid dual system of education. This segregated system was even developed to the point of granting scholarships under different names. There was the Bermuda Scholarship and the Rhodes Scholarship for white children. There was the Bermuda technical education scholarship for coloured children which I received.
Once abroad, I suffered through a period of adjustment to an integrated educational environment at McGill University. This adjustment took real effort on my part for the first year or two. I also became keenly interested in the problems of racial discrimination in general and especially those problems as they affected Bermuda, my home. Dr. Gordon, and others, made Bermudians aware that the root of the problem was the lack of universal franchise, which particularly affected the coloured segment of the population. This I believed, and still believe, to be an accurate appraisal of the basic cause as far as Bermuda is concerned. So, I followed with interest the events which led up to the mixed land and universal franchise used in the 1963 elections. I returned home just prior to these elections. I actually joined the P.L.P. at that time because I felt the party was sincere and completely in support of racial integration in Bermuda. I vigorously supported the protest against the lack of true universal franchise and the gerrymandering of the electoral districts.
But during the succeeding years, I sadly noticed in the P.L.P. a growing movement to abandon their early claim to foster racial integration. They developed an increasing and persistent dissociation from all sincere efforts to promote racial integration in such a way as to produce results. The P.L.P. trend has proceeded in recent months to the point of a virtual hate campaign. The hate campaign, if allowed to gather steam, will eventually lead to a division of the races and to destruction of Bermuda. Of course, I left the P.L.P. when I found they were bound in this direction.
In the past two years I have also observed increasingly sincere efforts made in support of meaningful integration. These efforts have been made by a group of men, led by Sir Henry Tucker, known as the United Bermuda Party. And the U.B.P. is supported by a large group of liberal white and coloured non parliamentary members, some of whom are former members of the P.L.P. In the early days of the United Bermuda Party I cannot fail to admit that I looked upon the party as a white party, with token coloured support – too weak to be effective in the area of race relations. Subsequent events indicate that the U.B.P. was, indeed, sincerely responsive to the strong public opinion built up by the early P.L.P. and by several other organizations before it.
The most important event was the development of our new constitution. In the face of aroused public opinion, in spite of public right-wing opposition and while in command of a majority in the house, the U.B.P. did what was right in the matter of franchise. They adopted the present universal suffrage of 21 years of age, with no extra advantage for land owners, by abolishing the plus vote and by reducing the voting age from 25 years to 21 years. I dare suggest to Bermudians that the real enemies of progress in race relations are those members of the legislature, and that segment of the population they represent, who voted against this measure.
Then came the constitutional conference during which the true position and intent of the U.B.P. was consistently distorted by the P.L.P. with the help of Mr. Geoffrey Bing, a proven distorter of human rights in Ghana. The U.B.P. has been branded as racialist and most recently the Governor has been branded as a racist and white supremacist because he, too, signed the majority report of the constitutional conference.
What does this constitution actually provide that is so racially inbalanced? It provides for 26 seats in the constituencies where there is a clear coloured majority, and 14 seats in constituencies which have a white majority. How then can the U.B.P. or the Governor be seriously considered to be promoting white supremacy?
The members of St. Paul’s A.M.E. church (with which I am associated) have had the Governor as guest visitor on numerous occasions. I am quite certain that they do not agree with the disrespect heaped on the Governor of these Islands by the certain P.L.P. leaders. This disrespect was obviously condoned by the rest of the P.L.P. oligarchy at the time, at least until they observed the broad and general opposition in Bermuda to this sort of distortion and mud-slinging.
It is now clear that the P.L.P. programme of distortion of the truth is but part of a hate mongering campaign which actively seeks to divide the races. The hate attempts to cover up for the irresponsibility and incompetence of P.L.P. leaders themselves. It creates a frame of mind which would constantly distort a true assessment of what is fair and what is unfair. It breeds civil disorder, disrespect for law and order, and eventual anarchy. Already P.L.P. leaders have instructed Bermudians to break the law, and P.L.P. leaders are now asking their followers to save their money. Could they be actually planning civil disorder and disruption of the economy where there may be no jobs for the very workers they say they are representing? Make no mistake about it, in any disruption of the economy, naturally, politically, or hatefully induced, it is the working class that will suffer the most not because of any malicious intent of those who are relatively more advantaged but because of the general rule that workers have less in savings and fewer alternative job opportunities. Furthermore, the close association of the P.L.P. leaders with their Communist-minded friends during the constitutional conference last November in London leaves little doubt of their alliance with Communist dictatorial policies. These dictatorial policies will usurp the rights of workers for the P.L.P. leaders’ own selfish ends. The P.L.P. thus becomes a power loving party at the expense of the very people which they are supposed to be helping. Independence is just an assurance that they would not be disturbed in carrying out their conspiracy. They want to cut themselves off from any outside democratic influence the same that Ian Smith and his gang have done with their unilateral declaration of independence in Southern Rhodesia.
In this regard, I view the recent close P.L.P. – B.I.U. association as a betrayal of the unsuspecting union members by the B.I.U. leaders who openly flirt with irresponsible and undemocratic leaders of the P.L.P.
The membership of the B.I.U. will be more wise and cautious than their leaders. They will know that a crushing blow was dealt the trade unions in Ghana. Nkrumah at the height of his political power outlawed trade unions and the man who drafted the laws was Mr. Geoffrey Bing. Bermudian workers will not be used by unscrupulous people to grasp political power – a power which P.L.P. leaders will employ to suppress the freedom of trade unions as was done in Ghana.
At this point, one might ask “can the U.B.P. really represent the workers?” My answer is, “yes”. And we can represent their genuine interests far better than any other party! Firstly, the U.B.P. and only the U.B.P. will have a fully integrated team of capable men and women who will have that necessary experience and skill in government, commerce and finance to see that this Island is well run. We are for, and we can ensure, a rising per capita income, together with a better distribution of that income that will result from our commitment to build cohesion between the races. As we accomplish these objectives, who benefits most? Obviously the workers will. All our plans for forward-looking social legislation are entirely dependent upon sound government, and a united and prosperous Bermuda. The United Bermuda Party is dedicated to preserving democratic principles and practices which will ensure that there are no abridgements of human rights and freedoms as we work together to build a better Bermuda. There is a growing representation of workers in the highest councils of our party. These workers are full and equal members of our party. Their presence and their contribution within our party ensures that the point of view of labour will be capably and effectively represented.
Another major area of distortion in race relations is in educational policy. Disputes between the teachers’ union and the board of education have been highlighted by prominent P.L.P. members in an attempt to overshadow a major contribution by the U.B.P. – a contribution which has far-reaching effects in fostering racial integration. That development is the embodiment in the education act of the rule that no government funds can be allotted to a school unless it is integrated. This rule is quite similar to a federal law in the United States which is used to effect integration in the southern United States. Why would the U.B.P. pass such a law if it was a racists’ party? It is noteworthy that the schools which are more than tokenly integrated are those schools which have trustee chairmen who are prominent members of the U.B.P. I refer to the Whitney Institute of which Sir Henry Vesey is chairman, and the Warwick Academy of which the Hon. John Plowman is chairman.
It is also noteworthy that the Bermuda High School could not accept government funds because its building and grounds are largely those which were given the school in a bequest for white children only. The U.B.P. will invalidate this racial designation in future pending legislation, making it possible for that school to proceed to integrate.
It has been said that race will be a major issue in the next general election. I think this is true. The coloured people in these islands will have a clear choice – they may choose to participate wholeheartedly in the establishment of racial harmony and integration and in the elimination of every vestitage of racial discrimination by supporting the U.B.P., understanding that the leaders of the U.B.P. are sincere in this regard, and understanding that they are to participate wholeheartedly, not in any token manner, but in proportion to their numbers.
Alternately, coloured people may choose to be used by the power hungry leaders of the P.L.P. They may climb aboard the hate train of the P.L.P., run by irresponsible and unscrupulous leaders towards the destination of self destruction of the economy of the island and, therefore, of themselves. And when they arrive at their destination, they will find Mr. Bing there to trap them like he trapped the people of Ghana. Where there can be no escape without bloodshed.
The white people of Bermuda also have a choice. They can either solidly support the United Bermuda Party and their fair dealing with the race problem or live in the past and support the racist independent. If they support such independents they will be stoking the fires of the P.L.P. hate train to faster destruction of the economy and, therefore, of themselves. Incidentally, an independent seat in the next house will not be worth two cents in Chinese money.
One may ask, “what about the B.D.P.?” It is clearly imperative for the future of these islands to find a solution to our race problem. The U.B.P. has moved, and moved sincerely, to resolve the problem. The P.L.P. has moved, and moved deceitfully and with hatred, to confuse the problem. The B.D.P. has not moved. No Bermudian can afford to waste his vote to support a party which is not working hard to resolve this vital issue.
Coloured Bermudians who support the U.B.P. are often attacked as Uncle Toms. It is claimed by the drivers of the hate-train that we are being used. This claim is ridiculous. The U.B.P. urges and welcomes coloured Bermudians to participate wholeheartedly, as full and equal members of the party. Not in any token manner, but in proportion to their numbers – numbers which have already been recognized in the U.B.P.-supported constitution: 26 to 14. Now I ask you, “are we being used”, to maintain a racist government – with a franchise so fairly weighted in favour of the coloured community. I think not.
Most Bermudians would agree that many of the improvements in race relations were the results of pressures of one sort or another. But to say that the improvements are just concessions is to suggest that one is thinking in woolly retrogressive manner in two ways. Firstly, one wishes there were no concessions so that civil disorder and ultimate violence may be justified. Secondly, one constantly bemoans the fact that the improvements were not spontaneously initiated years ago. Both attitudes are quite non-productive. What is most effective is to apply pressures in such a way as to harness and fully utilise responsiveness under the terms of the new franchise towards the development of a truly united and prosperous Bermuda. This is best done by vigorously supporting the United Bermuda Party.
I, like many other Bermudians, am prepared to devote my life in serving the people of Bermuda because I love Bermuda, it is my home. I feel compelled to portray a frank, undistorted picture of race relations as I see them. By doing so, I sincerely hope that I can assist in saving Bermuda from self-destruction due to racial strife. I have no other motivation. Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Don’t know why you expect whites to jump on board of an organization that has done nothing but show disdain towards white people since their inception as evidenced above.
But it is interesting to read this part:
“Coloured Bermudians who support the U.B.P. are often attacked as Uncle Toms. It is claimed by the drivers of the hate-train that we are being used”
History repeating itself I guess…
Maybe your right, but Im not surprised that of all that info you picked ONE LINE out and thats was enough important enough for you to quote.
The PLP then was made to create or try to create equality and and an integrated society. It only took 50 years for the PLP to finally convince its people of a time for “CHANGE”.
I’m sure you werent alive when the PLP was founded, or when this article was written. Why bring up history of the PLP that you were not living through?
I personally cant speak on past politics but I do know that Black Bermudians are in this situation of voting PLP based on race because we feel its our turn to be in Power. We have had Land taken from us from the Government or Monarchy for “Tourism”. Land that now has Golf courses and massive Town houses on it worth millions and millions. Businesses (construction, Landscaping) crippled by banks while that same bank offers great deals to Portuguese men in the 60′s.
UBP closed down institutions like Robert Crawford because they wasnt impressed with the amount of Trade skills young blacks were earning with no legitimate excuse as to WHY.
UBP built Cedarbridge in the 90′s because they knew their power was going to be short lived so they wanted to destroy the next few generations with gang mentality. All while they KNEW they were destroying public education and putting their children into private schools..I can go on and on about stuff you know little about because its not a part of you or your upbringing. You wouldnt know, simple.
I can pick many more lines from that article that exemplify how the divisive mindset of some in the PLP have not changed since the founding of the Party. The same mindset that is no longer relevant in a 2011 Bermuda and/or World.
“I’m sure you weren’t alive when the PLP was founded, or when this article was written. Why bring up history of the PLP that you were not living through”
I guess I did it in the same way as you and others continually bring up slavery which was abolished 177 years ago.
“We have had Land taken from us from the Government or Monarchy for “Tourism”.
The land was not taken from these individuals. A pittance was paid, but I agree it does not make it right, but the land was not stolen as some love to infer. Also, you are mistaken to believe it was only black families that resided in the area at the time. This fact is conveniently ignored by so many it is disgusting. Even Sen. Furbert highlighted that point during the SDO debate and you and I know how much she loves white people.
Also, going off your initial premise why are you bringing this up as it occurred in the 1920s and you obviously were not around at the time.
“UBP closed down institutions like Robert Crawford because they weren’t impressed with the amount of Trade skills young blacks were earning with no legitimate excuse as to WHY.”
I imagine the same reason that Stonington Campus (i.e. hotel training for Bermudians) was closed within the last decade or so (correct me if I am wrong) or maybe the same reason that the PLP closed the free indigent clinic a few years back. Maybe you should ask the powers that be about those closures.
“UBP built Cedarbridge in the 90’s because they knew their power was going to be short lived so they wanted to destroy the next few generations with gang mentality”
Ahh the myth that is so easily debunked. The PLP, while in Opposition, continually cried out in that the existing education system was nothing but a white supremacist system that mis-educated black Bermudians and demanded change. The UBP at the time enacted the change which was wholeheartedly supported by the Opposition at the time. This is easily reflected in the fact that the Board that signed off on the changes included PLPers. Don’t believe me, then do your own research on the matter. And if you think that the UBP, or anyone at the time, said lets create this system as it will create gang warfare and strife in the black community then you belong on Zeitgeist conspiracy films. Or maybe you watch too many. And if you didn’t realize there have always been black UBP members, supporters, MPs, Senators and Premiers involved in the Party. Are you accusing them of instituting a system to oppress their own? Pretty sure Sir John Swan et al will argue with you on that point.
Finally, don’t tell me about my upbringing. You don’t know me from a hole in the wall.
So again, why do rant at white people for not overwhelmingly jumping up and down for a party that never had and still disregards too this day?
Apologies for the lack pf paragraphs…
here is the “paragraphed” version…
___________________________________________________________
I can pick many more lines from that article that exemplify how the divisive mindset of some in the PLP have not changed since the founding of the Party. The same mindset that is no longer relevant in a 2011 Bermuda and/or World.
“I’m sure you weren’t alive when the PLP was founded, or when this article was written. Why bring up history of the PLP that you were not living through”
I guess I did it in the same way as you and others continually bring up slavery which was abolished 177 years ago. And I am living through just about the exact same mindset as of today with the same political party.
“We have had Land taken from us from the Government or Monarchy for “Tourism”.
The land was not taken from these individuals. A pittance was paid, but I agree it does not make it right, but the land was not stolen as some love to infer. Also, you are mistaken to believe it was only black families that resided in the area at the time. This fact is conveniently ignored by so many it is disgusting. Even Sen. Furbert highlighted that point during the SDO debate and you and I know how much she loves white people.
Also, going off your initial premise why are you bringing this up as it occurred in the 1920s and you obviously were not around at the time.
“UBP closed down institutions like Robert Crawford because they weren’t impressed with the amount of Trade skills young blacks were earning with no legitimate excuse as to WHY.”
I imagine the same reason that Stonington Campus (i.e. hotel training for Bermudians) was closed within the last decade or so (correct me if I am wrong) or maybe the same reason that the PLP closed the free indigent clinic a few years back. Maybe you should ask the powers that be about those closures.
“UBP built Cedarbridge in the 90’s because they knew their power was going to be short lived so they wanted to destroy the next few generations with gang mentality”
Ahh the myth that is so easily debunked. The PLP, while in Opposition, continually cried out in that the existing education system was nothing but a white supremacist system that mis-educated black Bermudians and demanded change. The UBP at the time enacted the change which was wholeheartedly supported by the Opposition at the time. This is easily reflected in the fact that the Board that signed off on the changes included PLPers. Don’t believe me, then do your own research on the matter. And if you think that the UBP, or anyone at the time, said lets create this system as it will create gang warfare and strife in the black community then you belong on Zeitgeist conspiracy films. Or maybe you watch too many. And if you didn’t realize there have always been black UBP members, supporters, MPs, Senators and Premiers involved in the Party. Are you accusing them of instituting a system to oppress their own? Pretty sure Sir John Swan et al will argue with you on that point.
Finally, don’t tell me about my upbringing. You don’t know me from a hole in the wall.
So again, why do rant at white people for not overwhelmingly jumping up and down for a party that never had and still disregards too this day?
In your world that’s how you see it but in my world and people like me we know why Robert Crawford was closed and it’s the opposite of what you think.
You have it all twisted. I bet you think everything I said is hogwash. You know nothing about the struggle. You think because slavery ended “177″ years ago you white people stopped being a-holes? Well the world still ain’t equal! You wouldn’t know nothing about. Peace
So a-hole why did the PLP sell out the Stonington Campus, which trained young Bermudians to work in the tourism industry, to a white hotelier who just happened to one of the major financiers of the PLP election campaign?
So a-hole why did the PLP close the free clinic during the former Premier’s reign?
So a-hole what do you say about the Cedarbridge facts that I revealed to you?
So a-hole why do you lecture me of living in the past but keep on harping on things that you were not even alive for?
So a-hole why do you accuse me of cherry picking lines from a speech but yet seem to ignore three quarters of my post?
Actually a-hole what do you know about the struggle, since you have already stated once before that you are a young buck?
Unfortunately Dr.James fell into a trap that was wisely avoided by the likes of Dame Lois . A picture tells a thousand very different stories . Look back at the funerals of these two iconic Black Leaders , the contrasts are stunning . Ask a white Bermudian in their twenties a simple question ,Who was Dame Lois Browne Evans ? Then ask them ,Who was DR . Clarence James ? I’ll leave you to think about that . Better yet please do ask .
Actually I was not educated on any of the local politicians during my schooling in teh ’80s and ’90s.
I did not learn about Dame Evans or Dr. James until I got older and was interested in local politics.
I guess I can say the same about asking any black person in their 20s who Dame Evans was and who Dr. James is then? Most would think that Dame Evans is the end all and be all of Bermuda politicans while Dr. James was nothing but an Uncle Tom.
Same sh*t…
Actually I challenge you go out and ask any young white person who either of those two indviduals were and what they did.
I can GUARANTEE you that Dame Evans name is much more widely known amongst the whole Bermudian community than Dr. James. I did not know anything about Dr. James until I stumbled across this speech.
But I can tell you that I knew of Dame Evans way before Dr. James.
My point in a nutshell . Dr James political opinions became outdated and therefore irrelevant decades ago , while Dame Lois and her ideology stayed current up to her passing . Dr.James was a fantastic physician , who , in my opinion will always rank as one of the most brilliant Bermudian born professionals . ( Black or White)
Racial integration is an outdated concept? That is so progressive of you…
Dame Evans was abd/is known for her many accomplishments infamous quotes as well as her involvement in the riots. Those type of events are always remembered over others who preach love and tolerance.
*Should have read
Dame Evans was and/is known for her many accomplishments, infamous quotes as well as her involvement in the riots. Those type of events are always remembered over others who preach love and tolerance. She was also the leader of the very vocal Opposition.
So i guess who makes the most noise wins in your eyes?
I’m not white. I have never voted UBP. Your assumptions reveal your ignorance. I (like many others) are not trapped by race. I have the ability to look as situation for what it is and accept the truth of it, no matter how inconvenient or hurtful it is. The PLP have failed in their duty. The problem is that many of the eletorate are not courageous and honest enough to admit it.
The trap that I,m alluding to is the one that people generally set for otherwise intellegent man and woman no matter the race . It is about making a person feel , emotionally , more important than they really are . So you of inconvenient truth are beset by your own ignorance .
LOL!! What are you talking about? My comment was for “ganja mon. All up the wrong tree…..
Funny.
TIRED OF NONSENSE, black people have always been supportive of what ever white people are involved in. White folk are just the opposite. If they are not in charge or controlling the issue they do not want any part of the situation. Even if the PLP was perfect, they would find something to criticise.
So would you vote for the Tea Party movement if you could? Doubt it…
So why do you expect white people to jump on the PLP bandwagon just for the sake of not being labeled a racist by someone like yourself? If an organization constantly used negative racial rhetoric against black people would you vote or join them?
It appears that the psyche of the PLP hasn’t evolved much since the 1960s. Or is it more of the case that the Psyche that of the UBP/OBA has not evolved. If this was clearly the case help me understand? (Please be aware of the political era in which Dr. James’s speech was written).
1. What were the core reasons behind Jamal Simmons and few other leaving the UBP/OBA?
2. Why did the UBP in 1998 not retain power? Many of the answers lies in how the people felt regarding the way the UBP treated Black people. (Most evident was Black members of their own party). Some persons were just more honest to recognize it; some blacks prefer not to deal with it.
2. This of course is an old speech written in a particular political era, but I also think that it reflects one man’s perception of events. There are others who did not view it from this same perspective. Unfortunately, some blacks also felt the need to speak on the behalf of whites during that political era when it came to racism. A small number of blacks did not like when another black person spoke boldly out right about racism or confronted the system and the white hierarchy. They were often perceived as self-destructive, angry, disrespectful, radical, deceitful and out to do total damage to the community.
During that changing time, a few black leaders spoke out boldly, and to speak in this manner to white leadership was consider very decisive approach. There were some political individuals during that era who were strong in their positions. (For example, you can compare them to individuals like Mr. Ottiwell Simmons, and Dr. E. F .Gordon that spoke out strongly on issues, and they were perceived by many whites as nothing more than trouble-makers, out to do damage to Bermuda. But, they were bold and extremely assertive individuals. They were not afraid to stand up to the white hierarchy, and take action if they had too. Dr. Gordon stood up to them, and as a result they refused to call him by his name in the House of parliament. Today Dr. Brown can also be known as one of those assertive bold characters that confront individuals face to face).
However, the Hon. Late Dr. James was an individual who did not like confrontation; he appeared as a timid, reserved, nice, introverted, calm, black man, well educated and believed that the approach should be much calmer and mellow. He spoke in a soft voice and never really push hard or advocated for black people. He believed that if a black person did response in a outspoken manner, this would lead to destruction of Bermuda and her people.
Nevertheless, there were some black individuals during that time, who did not speak quietly, they wanted to be heard. They spoke in such a way that it made heavy political waves. , and so they were labeled as individuals who were extremely radical and misleading and deceiveful.
They stood up to the white hierarchy and were label as such….. Out to damage the entire Bermudian society. But of course,….. So when one read, an old speech, one much reflect the era in which it occurred and what other factors were going on during that time. There are other variables and conditions that impacted such a reflection by Dr. James. But, I believe he got it wrong……
11) I can call racism all day like Jahmal. But yet again he never actually stated how he encountered racism during his time with the UBP. Why is that? I can call you gay all day without evidence. Does it make it right or a fact? Why did he never actually articulate what he viewed as racism. And secondly his “defection” happened under the tenure of Dr. Brown (who’s, ironically, mother was a UBP parliamentarian) who was known to seek the destruction of the UBP by any means necessary.
2) You can state it was due to the treatment of black people. But why were they not voted out before 1998 if they were so terrible towards all black Bermudians? If black Bermudians are the natural swing voters then why did they vote them in continuously. The UBP were voted out for becoming a complacent party who believed they could never lose power. Sort of like how the PLP mindset is nowadays (re: Min. Blakeney’s recent outburst in the House). And don’t say it was the way the boundaries were written please (see paragraphs 5 and 6 of Dr. James’ speech)
3) Might be an old speech, but many of the issues that Dr. James saw with the PLP exist today. Seeking to divide the races, calling out fellow blacks as house ni&&ers and Uncle Toms that do not submit to the PLP entirely. Same sh*t, different decade.
In the end I posted that to show Ganja Mon that the PLP’s stance on white people and anyone that fraternizes with whites has remained fundamentally the same since their inception. And to ask why whites don’t overwhelmingly (cause there are some that support the PLP) support the Party is akin to me asking black people why don’t you support the Tea Party movement in the USA.
“Nevertheless, there were some black individuals during that time, who did not speak quietly, they wanted to be heard. They spoke in such a way that it made heavy political waves. , and so they were labeled as individuals who were extremely radical and misleading and deceiveful.”
Just erase the word black and that’s exactly what some in the PLP try to portray any sort of opposition or crticism as being.
Like I said: Same sh*t, different decade
“Mr. Simmons believes that the campaign against him was racially motivated because his opponents were allegedly all white and had said that Mr. Adderley (who is also black) was “more acceptable” to them because he socialised with them. Because of that, he believes that party central should have intervened.
In contrast, Opposition Leader Wayne Furbert seems to believe that Mr. Adderley’s supporters were not racially motivated.”
So Mr. Simmons believed that he was racially attacked by UBP members who sought to elect another BLACK candidate in his particular constituency.
I guess Mr. Devent, and other incumbents, who are fighting to save their candidacy in their respective constituencies, can claim the PLP is a racist party if he loses his position to Mr. Commissiong? Of course it can’t because there are no white people involved. Silly me…
In Reading the above comment, I was just wondering…….
I am reading this and reflecting on Mr Simmons, he would say one of the reasons for his leaving the UBP was that it was racially motivated…..have a conversation with him, let me know what he says to you. I have heard him state this in a public speech, privately and in the media. There was an RG interview in which he indicated this was one of the factors as well (do not recall the date). Also he stated a few other factors. Just for clarification and curiosity!
The process of how the PLP select their candidates is a much more open and democratic method that is why Mr Ashfield will not say it was due to race. Also, I am not sure I think the PLP have a few white candidates also seeking candidacy. Seems to more this year than ever!! To my knowledge, I believe recently, the UBP/OBA attempted to make changes to their candidate select process, to reflect a more democratic approach as well, almost like the PLP’s procedures.
A discuss with Mr Furbert, also did not reflect the views presented here. Mr Furbert will indicate race and a few other factors intertwined contributed to the situation. But ask him, he really great to talk too, if you pass him on the street.
Anyway…did they print that advert, while Kim Swan was away at the conference, and Mr Swan was in England? I wonder if Mr Swan will remain faithful to the UBP or join the OBA/UBP when his level of hurt releases itself. Very interesting. Guess best just to wait and see. How do they say it…..One day in politics or is it 24hrs in politics ……. is ………anything can happen……its like????? .wishing them all the best in their political journey.
They talk about the country’s debt but….How much debt did these now OBA people levave the UBP with??? And I’m suppose to believe that everything will be gravy under their rule….It’s not about or ever will be about the Bermudian…it will always be about the elite…money…and who calls the shots…….