PLP Donate To Miss Bermuda

September 29, 2011

[Updated] This afternoon [Sept.29] the PLP presented Miss Bermuda Jana Outerbridge with a cheque for $1,500 to assist her in representing Bermuda at the upcoming Miss World Pageant in London.

Miss Outerbridge has been raising money to fund her expenses for the Pageant in recent days. On September 21st she hosted a “Rag Mannequin” event, standing on Reid Street collecting donations while wearing a dress featuring a skirt made of shredded newspapers. The concept was to show the public that without funding she will not “be a fine representation of our beautiful island.”

Miss Outerbridge is pictured below with by-election candidate Anthony Richardson, and Premier Paula Cox:

Miss Bermuda Jana Outerbridge PLP Donation Gift Sept 29 2011-1-4_wm

On September 24th, she hosted a fundraising party at Docksiders on Front Street, with Goslings and Docksiders donating supplies/venue to assist in the efforts.

Yesterday [Sept.28] Cooper’s announced that they will be sponsoring Miss Outerbridge, and will provide her with a number of outfits to assist with her wardrobe requirements for the three week trip to the UK.

Pictured below left to right: Anthony Richardson, Pageant Director Milika Seymour, Party Chairman Anthony Santucci, Public Relations Officer Curtis Williams, Premier Paula Cox, Membership Secretary Michael Landy, Miss Bermuda Jana Outerbridge, Minister Walter Roban, and Deputy Chairman Kim Lightbourne – who won the Miss Bermuda.Pageant in 1998.

Miss Bermuda Jana Outerbridge PLP Donation Gift Sept 29 2011-5_wm

The 61st Miss World Pageant will be held on 6th November 2011, in London, England, and this year will mark Bermuda’s re-re-entry into the Pageant after a hiatus over a decade long.

32 years ago, when the Miss World was also held in London in November, Bermuda’s own Gina Swainson won the crown, marking the first time a Bermudian won a major beauty pageant.

The Premier, Party Treasurer and Miss Bermuda speak briefly:

Update 4.12pm: A statement issued by the PLP said they donated $1,500, and said “we are confident she will do her best and represent Bermuda well.” The full statement follows below:

Today at Alaska Hall, Premier & Party Leader, the Hon. Paula Cox JP, MP, along with Executive Members presented Miss Bermuda 2011 Jana Outerbridge with a cheque for $1,500 towards her expenses associated with traveling to the Miss World Pageant in London, England.

Miss Outerbridge will leave Bermuda on October 18 and represent Bermuda at the Miss World Pageant on November 6.

When the Party heard of the need for Miss Outerbridge to raise additional funds towards her campaign, the Executive decided that on behalf of the Party they would make a donation to assist in this worthwhile cause.

The Party Treasurer, Mr. Anthony Richardson, gathered the funds and in presenting to Miss Outerbridge today wished her well on behalf of the entire membership of the Progressive Labour Party.

The Progressive Labour Party wishes Miss Bermuda 2011, Jana Outerbridge, all the best as she represents Bermuda on the international stage in November. We are confident she will do her best and represent Bermuda well!

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Category: All, News, Politics, Style & Beauty

Comments (126)

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  1. Family Man says:

    Seems AS Coopers spurred them in to action.

    • Maddog says:

      WERE IS THE OBA, O I FORGOT SHE IS BLACK.

      • RR says:

        And I suppose if she were WHITE then the PLP wouldn’t have supported her. 2 way street u racist pig

  2. boston baked bean says:

    Appears as though they were shamed into it by A.S.coopers. They should have been first out of the blocks – she’s representing Bermuda!

    • Maddog says:

      THAT IS THE PLP THAT GAVE THE MONEY, NOT THE THE BERMUDA GOVERNMENT,

      WERE IS THE OBA HOW MUCH MONEY HAVE THEY GIVEN.

      • Unbe-weaveable says:

        Why spend money on a definite waste of $$$… they learned from the plp’s mistake with cricket and football..

  3. Leisure says:

    Yeah… of course it took Coopers to step up first, and now they sponsor her after the fact. A golden opportunity to try and save face and get another photo op. Oh look! Anthony Santucci and Walter Roban — still similing.

  4. Goodluck says:

    Some of you posters are really stuck on stupid. Do you really think that the PLP said “Oh no AS coopers is sponsoring Miss Bermuda, let’s throw together a cheque and press conference for tomorrow”. Highly doubtful.
    I would think that this decision was made prior to any AS Cooper’s announcement.

    And at the end of the day, the point is about the donation to Miss Outerbridge. Why does it even matter who else has donated?

    Good job PLP. Let them hate!

    • Talk2mestr8 says:

      It doesn’t matter who was first…you all sound like kids!! Bottom line is Miss Bermuda has the help she needs and deserves!! Now she can relax on focus on what needs to be done to represent her country!! Go Jana!!

    • Bermyman says:

      Yes! hence why she went to all the trouble to raise money herself because she new the government was already going to donate, makes alot of sense!. I takes no time at all to write a cheque they do it everyday. It takes not time to get government people infront of their own camera’s they are not doing anything anyway, Santucci is out of a job, got to give hime something to do since he’s getting paid!

      • Can't Take It Anymore says:

        Actually, it does take some time to write a cheque. First you need to have the proper paper work in place relative to the department you are supoorting and what the cheque will be used for. Then you have to submit your rrequest. Then waitfor approval. I know it sounds stupid, but that is how all governments work. No one can just cut a cheque in the same day, these things take time. We are talking weeks or even months before things are finally settled.Stretching as far back as when the UBP first got in office, the cutting of the checks has always been a lengthy process. Everytime you hear of the gov’t putting money up for this or that, the negotiations of those funds were already in place long before any of us including the newspaper knew about it.

    • WTH???? says:

      Very well said, i just dont understand some of they way you small minded people think. Leave it to bermudians to think PLP done it after AS. Coopers shacking my head at you people

    • Soooo says:

      Wohoooo…. All those MP’s living large on OUR money and all they can afford is a $1500.00

  5. Sandgrownan says:

    PLP or us?

  6. Riley B King says:

    Yep, an election is definitely coming soon.

  7. 5boro says:

    Hopefully many other businesses and organizations will step up and do the same. She’s a representation of Bermuda, so Bermudians should treat her like she is a representation of all of us.

    On a side note, it’s disappointing to hear people bad mouth the PLP because they weren’t first to donate. I can confidently say that if they would have donated to her first, the criticism would have been that they were wasting money by supporting her when they should be focused on fixing the economy (the same criticism that was aimed at Lister and Horton when they went to see the historical final shuttle launch).

    • Riley B King says:

      5boro, that line of thinking is extremely muddled.

      The plp has donated to Miss Bermuda. Using, one would hope, funds donated to the plp by its members. That’s ok, they can spend money any way they want, as long as it’s legal.

      On the other hand the vacation taken by Lister and Horton to see a shuttle launch was financed by taxpayers. That was a complete waste of taxpayers money, at a time when we can’t afford frivolous luxuries for elite government ministers.

      It’s curious that some people think the two entities (bermuda Gov and PLP) are the same thing. They aren’t.

      • 5boro says:

        Regardless of what money was used, the critics still criticize the PLP for anything they do with money. So I don’t think this line of thinking is muddled at all.

        • Sandgrownan says:

          To be fair, can you blame them. The PLP and their b$stard son the BIU don’t exactly have a good track record. Do they?

    • Bermyman says:

      Ummm no? She is not a politician and not going to a space shuttle launch which has nothing to do with Bermuda. She is a member of the public representing Bermuda in a competition that she has made herself eligible for by winning domestically. Two very different things, so let’s not get that twisted. The Government has acted because they were shamed by Coopers (a white owned company). At the same time why does it have to be a big event on Government TV? Because they realized that this young black girl is a marketing tool to their voting base. She deserves to get support and that support should have come from the Government as soon as she won the Miss Bermuda competition. Unless it is football or cricket, the government does not support anyone competing internationally athletic or not. On another note, if this girl was white then government would have not supported her at all, because she does not appeal to the PLP voting base. Spin is spin and the PLP are good at feeding it to Bermuda

      • Red Flag says:

        The color of her skin had nothing to do with the donation. It was made because she is representing all of Bermuda so please stop with the race card.

        • WTH???? says:

          See here you people go again WHO told you all that A.S. Coopers were the first people to donote to her????? It could have just so happened that the PLP wanted to hold it today and A.S. Cooper was able to have it yesterday OPEN UP YOUR MINDS.

          • Bermyman says:

            WTH: Ummm, well read yeasterdays article in Bernews. Why was nothing mentioned regarding the PLP? then read the comments. And yes AS Coopers did donate before the PLP that is a fact. We can only go on what we are told and what we are told is that yesterday AS Coopers donated money and then without previouse mention in ANY of the articles before todays date regarding, the PLP has donated. Sooo why was there no mention of a PLP donation untill today. She has been raising money for more than a few weeks now.

            • Johnny says:

              Actually the PLP govt. Donated first. They paid her airfare. Funny how the whites always think they were first. Just like they ‘discovered America. LOL

              • Rolfe in sheep's clothing says:

                Are you Rolfe in disguise? I assume you mean AS Coopers are the whites that think they did everything first?

        • Bermyman says:

          It has allot to do with the donation from the PLP! Allot! They only support one color and are only supported by one color as a result. I know plenty of white athletes who approach the government for Olympic campaigns and receive nothing! Time and time again, nothing! Can’t be seen to be supporting ‘the man’ now can they! It is the truth and how the PLP has conducted itself in the past and will continue to do so in the future to secure the black vote. This was nothing but a publicity stunt!
          p.s. I donated to this girl last week at Docksiders because yes! She is representing all of Bermuda and I wish her the best of success! I think it is a shame she has been used as a campaign tool by the PLP. Hence all the fanfare of a press conference.

          • Can't Take It Anymore says:

            Good point! I don’t want to bash you or anything like that, but the same can be said about the former UBP. And unfortunately, all of their backbenchers now support the OBA. I only say that because I am assuming you were an original supporter of UBP and are now supporting the OBA. If you are not, then ignore my whole post and point. My point is, I think the PLP is following in the footsteps of the old UBP and unfortunately they nor the white masses and now quite a few black supportes as well, can not take it. Imagine how the majority of the blacks on this island felt for years as the UBP did racial things to them. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, whites are complaining at the top of their lungs. I’m not defending the PLP, but merely rasing an issue that no one talks about. PLP IS influenced by racial issues just as the UBP were, unfortunately we live in a day and age where Bermudians on both sides of the fence want out of this racial placing. My personal opinion is that PLP is saying, well UBP did it for years so now its our turn to do it. That doesn’t make what they are doing right, but hopefully with all the new promises made by Premier Paula Cox that will change. If not, then all hail the new governing party OBA if they get in.

            My comment may be a bit out of context, but I felt it should be said.

            • Bermyman says:

              To be honest I did not support either party in the last election, but I think you are right! Same could be said about the old (white) supporters of the UBP! The OBA on the other hand I think is 10 times better than the UBP and would in any circumstance support anyone of any color. The only reason they have picked up all of the (white) UBP faithful is that the white population are so anti PLP because the PLP has been so anti white, I am anti PLP becasue they have done alot wrong to this country. I don’t think the OBA is anti anyone so I may actually vote for them. I have my issues with the Old UBP, but they are not in power and the PLP has done such a bad job and made sure that this Island continues to be a very racially confused and un-unified place in order to secure their vote. The whole point behind my post is that people should see this for what it really is, a publicity stunt for the PLP otherwise a simple photo with a cheque would have been sufficient.

              • Johnny says:

                2 Questions. Why did all of the white UBP faithful leave the UBP? And do they really make the OBA better?

              • Can't Take It Anymore says:

                You may be right! But, as I said, the UBP back benchers are now supporting the OBA. That can take any route to be honest with you. They were the ones sitting in the shadows issuing out orders for the UBP, and who is to say that its not happeneing again? I myself am so unsure of this coming election. Makes me wanna not vote at all!!

      • sally says:

        Well Said!!

      • 5boro says:

        Haters gonna hate.

  8. Terry says:

    So this contribution comes from the PLP. Does it come from Government coffers or from the party itself. I would like an answer.

    Bernews, have you poised that question. I would like to know.

    Seems a bit ‘tit-for-tat’. More spin?

    Let us know where the funds are comming from.

    • bernews says:

      That’s on the video above….mentioned about 90 seconds in. The Premier said the monies are from the party as well as party members putting in individually.

  9. 32n64w says:

    So A.S. Cooper & Sons provide a single person in an informal setting to announce their selfless sponsorship …. in contrast the PLP holds a press conference with nine people in attendance including the:

    Pageant Director
    Party Chairman
    Public Relations Officer
    Premier
    Membership Secretary
    Miss Bermuda
    Government Minister; and
    Deputy Chairman

    The irony that this ‘donation’ is connected with a beauty pageant is simply too much to ignore.

    PLP – doing more leaving taxpayers with less and less since 1998

    • Can't Take It Anymore says:

      Watch the video, then change your last part about the taxpayers.

  10. Waiting Patiently says:

    Frankly, i think it should be illegal for a a party to donate anything more than manpower and time. Its too close to literally “buying votes”.. and that goes for any party.

    i think this should be a govt sponsorship. Many claim we should support more then just football and cricket, and here would be a good reason for that.

    that being said, some people are probably right in teh regard that if the PLP had been first to donate, people would be shouting that they are “buying votes”. but instead, they werent first and now people say they are just playing catchup.

    imho, they should not have donated as a party at all, unless helping to staff a fundraiser, and they definitely should not have had a press conference about it either. As for them just playing catchup to AS coopers, i think thats just a mountain out of a molehill.

    • Goodluck says:

      If you have paid attention, Government has already sponsored part of Miss Outerbridge’s expenses.

  11. Wonderful says:

    WOW just look at the BEAUTIFUL smile :) Wish you all the luck Miss Bermuda Jana Outerbridge :)

  12. I'm Amazed says:

    As I said in a previous post, the late Hon. Freddie Wade said that regardless of the good done by the PLP, there will ALWAYS be those who will have a problem with “the person or the process”! The negative comments are absolutely ridiculous, and just another way for compulsively negative and anti-PLP people to spew a negative viewpoint on a positive event. It’s your mandate.

    • Bermyman says:

      Yes, Just like the faith based tourism initiative. A whole lotta good on the outside, but a whole lot wrong going on in the inside!

    • joonya says:

      Get over it Amazed. Its called freedom of speech and freedom of opinion. What do you and your crew expect? All Partys Dejour get criticism. Thats what opposition is meant for. Stop crying ya bunch of babies.

      • I'm Amazed says:

        I/We expect that some persons (you, for example) will fulfill your mandate of negativity toward any and probably all good done by the PLP and/or its members/supporters. Congratulations! “Stop crying ya bunch of babies”???? Shaking my head and LOL. In case you didn’t know, not everything has to be a fight. Just put on a happy face, feel the love and be happy for Jana at least. “Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it……” (Norman Vincent Peale)

        • LOL (original) says:

          Don’t include me in this I think it was the right idea the OBA should do the same.

          LOL but as you say hater on either side will always find reasons to hate. Just like you just did as well. Pot this is the kettle.

  13. Jim Bean says:

    The truth is that the Ministy of Tourism should have sponsored this – not a political party. The PLP executive used this opportunity as a political opportunity – shame of Paula Cox for being in the photo. Surely she could have pressured Patrice to find the funds…it is laughable!

    • joonya says:

      Cant wait to hear all the PLP moaners when OBA starts sponsoring things.

    • WTH???? says:

      No the Ministy Tourism should have not sponsored this at all THEY didnot have the contest the lady in the pic Milika had it she should have had all her ducks in a row before having such a big event and not being able to afford to send the winner away.

      • Real Talk(original) says:

        Ding ding ding!!

      • Johnny says:

        Before you criticize the promoter, do you know all of the info. Did the promoter promise the winner entry to the Miss World contest? Did the promoter persue sponsorship. Was there adequate sponsorship to run the competition (which I did not attend, but heard was wonderful), as well as pay for entry and everything else that the winner would need to participate in Miss World? Until we know these answers we cannot just criticize the promoter.

  14. The Messenger says:

    Actually, the Ministry of Tourism should be partially sponsoring Miss Bermuda overseas. Her presence alone puts Bermuda on the map and the Ministry should take advantage by throwing in an advertisement the next day in the London paper that focuses on the event.

    • Goodluck says:

      The Department of Tourism IS partially sponsoring her.

      • WTH???? says:

        GoodLuck its clear that i think we maybe the only ones ont he same page. They paid for her plane ticket what is wrong with you people the Dept. of Tourisum should NOT have to pay for everything as i have said before they didn’t hold the contest.

    • Can't Take It Anymore says:

      You must be just following the above article.

  15. Red Flag says:

    Wow what a shame, some of you are just so into negativity that you can’t even let a good thing go past you without striping it down in an attempt to find negative.

    Look…. upon seeing her with the rags on in an attempt to raise funds a member asked if the party would consider showing support to her by presenting her with some funds as she is representing all of Bermuda.(I was there) No one objected and it was decided that not only will the party donate funds but that the pot remain open for members to make personal donations. That was how it came about and he decision was made and funds made before yesterdays story on AS coopers Donation (which I respect them for) This is a case of Bermuda coming together to help our own. Why try to make something else out of it. When people see that others like AS and the PLP are stepping up to assist I’m sure it will encourage them to do so as well, and that is a good thing.

    So while your complaining ask yourself….Did you donate any funds towards this young ladys trip to represent you on the world stage?

    • 32n64w says:

      Red Flag … did it really require a press conference and nine people to announce the gift? How much was the cheque written for?

      • Goodluck says:

        32North, now you are saying did it require a press conference? then you are asking how much was the cheque for? Why do you care?
        You are one of the most negative obsessed anti-PLP posters on here. Constant dribble every single day. It must be exhausting being so negative ALL the time.

        • 32n64w says:

          And while the PLP machinery were preening for the cameras another 100+ people were let go from Citi.

          It’s a matter of priorities, or, more accurately, lack thereof.

          • Goodluck says:

            And i guess if we weren’t having the press conference, these people would still be employed?
            I don’t understand what one thing has to do with another.

            • 32n64w says:

              “I don’t understand what one thing has to do with another.”

              That much is clear. It’s a matter of priorities.

      • Red Flag says:

        34n62w does it matter to you how much was raised? I’m sure it doesn’t matter to you as you would still be negative about it.

        The point of them all being there was to shower her with support and let her and Bermuda know that we stand by her, it was a show of encouragement. The party is not made up of one person so why have one person there she is supported by maney in the party most of the people there gave out of their own pocket. The press conference is a way to highlight the importance of helping your own.

        Not that this post will help you and some others understand what went on because you have already made up your minds that there were other motives behind it because to you the PLP can do no good. But regardless of what you think we will press on.

        • 32n64w says:

          “The point of them all being there was to shower her with support and let her and Bermuda know that we stand by her, it was a show of encouragement.”

          I think you forgot to add “in an election cycle”

          Both you and Goodluck appear to be blinded by party loyalty and don’t see this for the political stunt that it is.

          PLP – doing more for themselves and less and less for the taxpayers since 1998

          • Goodluck says:

            And you are blinded by PLP hatred.

            • 32n64w says:

              No, I just have a firmer grasp on reality.

              • Can't Take It Anymore says:

                LMAO!!!

                • Leisure says:

                  Read between the lines. The PLP party did not need to have the Premier and her whole entourage there to present Jana with this cheque. Curtis could have done this and it would have been fine, a simple handshake and a smile outside Alaska Hall, put up a banner, pass Santucci the camera to take the photo. Done.

                  Getting everyone together for this and having the photo op of Richardson and all the others is just for PR. It’s not a damned if they do damed if they don’t situation. Take into account everything and it’s clear to see.

                  When we do need the Premier and her team around to speak up and be heard, they are no where to be found. Send in the deputy or just silence.

                  With the position the PLP has put this country in, I cannot understand why so many people still jump to their defense. If this Government was a person, half of ya’ll wouldn’t want to be within 50 yards of him.

          • Red Flag says:

            I think you like myself don’t know who your talking to. I was a part of the discussion that lead to this and was a part of deciding on actually doing it. So the only one blinded is you as you are blinded from the truth due to your hate towards the PLP. I know what I said is 100% what happened. When your a part of the process you can speak confidently as I am.

            And thanks for verifying my last post as you proved that no matter the answer you will still have a negative view.

            Good day to you.

            • Rolfe in sheep's clothing says:

              I was there to! I know what really happened! It was a good idea for publicity and we did it well! Apart from the moving of Microphones, gotta sort that part out if we are going to have that many people on TV every time we donate money!

              p.s. dont let the UBP know our plan!! Umm I mean the OBA!!! I mean white people in general they are all spies!

              Keep up the good work.

      • Just Not saying!! says:

        Probably “I.O.U”

  16. What a day....baffled says:

    Congratulations and good luck……..however, too bad the PLP and it’s executive team fail to recognize the shortage of teachers and find a way to throw $$ into education !

  17. Prospero says:

    Congratulations and very est of luck to Miss Outerbridge. She seems a gracious and intelligent young lady and I’m sure will make a fine ambassador for Bermuda at Miss World …

    … As for the PLP, I wish they’d start making some donations to the Bermuda job market! Governments never create jobs — but they can create the conditions which allow entrepreneurs and employers to create jobs. With more than 160 jobs lost from the local employment pool this week alone, strikes me the PLP should be concentrating more on getting Bermudians working again rather than rushing to stage “feel good” photo. ops. like this one.

    • Prospero says:

      Oops. Sorry. Should have read: “… very *best* of luck to Miss Outerbridge …”

  18. Shaking the Head says:

    In case no one has noticed, while all this very unimportatnt photo op is going on 100 people have been made redundant at Citi. That’s on top of the 46 from Willowbank and 13 from Bacardi this week alone. Then there’s the homeless, people without food and so on. Let’s concentrate on what’s important can we?

    • Prospero says:

      Quite so. When can we expect the Premier, her Cabinet Ministers and top-level party officials to hold a similarly high-profile press conference and photo-op on the imploding Bermuda economy? It’s all so pathetic — me, I’ve reached the stage where U’m inclined not to vote at all because it only seems to encourage them. PLP/UBP/BDA/OBA — it’s all the same alphabet soup.

      • Goodluck says:

        Why does the Premier need a press confernece to highlight the economy? What will be accomplished? We all know what is happening. And we are all trying to fix it. A press conference will do what exactly?

        • Prospero says:

          Oh, I dunno. Express a sense of urgency about the situation, perhaps? Demonstrate Government has it priorities right and is more actively concerned with the growing number of unemployed Bermudians than it is with beauty pageants (no offense intended to Miss Outerbridge: you’ve got the right stuff girl). Announce remedial steps which — hopefully — are being discussed at the Cabinet level.

          You’re right to some degree, of course. A press conference in and of itself will solve nothing. But some comment about a situation which is worsening by the day would be better than the standard “no comment” policy of our Premier and Finance Minister. Some recognition that Bermuda is NOT another world, that the golden goose has had its neck wrung and that people are genuinely suffering would be more useful than, say, her first-person account of the Royal Wedding … I’m Bermudian born, held a job since the age of 19 and have been looking for full-time work for more than a year now. I will probably have to relocate overseas because my savings are all but gone: opportunities are scarce (and growing scarcer) while the cost of living in Bermuda continues to skyrocket.

          I’m lucky. My 88-year-old neighbour doesn’t have that option. She and her late husband (a decorated WWII veteran) worked all of their lives, invested wisely (so they thought) and then saw their nest-egg wiped out by idiots at a local financial institution who got taken in by the sub-prime market con job. She has lived without any electricity for three months because she can’t afford to pay for food AND Belco. Back to candles and hurricane lamps. She is not eligible for any Government aid because she owns a home she cannot actually afford to power … Go figure.

          “This is Bermuda, let’s keep it that way ..?” I don’t think so. Not any more.

        • Riley B King says:

          Well Goodluck, It would nice for the dozens of Bermudians losing their jobs to know that she gave a rats arse.

          Apparently she and her ministers are preoccupied with beauty contests and trips to watch space launches.

          • Goodluck says:

            And not having a press conference means she doesnt care? You people are so sick and twisted. Honestly. I understand supporting the Party of your choice, but some people take it to the nth degree. This is just insane.

            • 32n64w says:

              “I understand supporting the Party of your choice, but some people take it to the nth degree. This is just insane.”

              Kettle … this is the teapot calling :-)

    • Red Flag says:

      FYI the PLP Party often helps people struggling for example giving out food hampers, back to school supplies, lunches for Seniors, feeding children and donating to various charities etc all out of party funds and membership donations. A lot of the work comes from different branches.

      • 32n64w says:

        Which is excellent and respectable … but do they hold a nine person press conference with the Premier, Party Chairman, etc. present every time they undertake these good works? No. This is the point.

        We’re in the middle of an election cycle and the PLP need a feel good story to help rally support on the back of their abysmal performance in Government which includes the cessation of millions of dollars of support for local charities because they lack the fiscal fortitude to effectively manage the public purse.

        It would seem the one thing the PLP does really well is hold press (non) conferences and they appear to believe it themselves given how many times Ministers appear in various photo ops.

        An effective and responsible Government leads by example, does the hard work and looks out for the best interests of its stakeholders/electorate without the need for public adoration.

        The PLP are none of these things.

      • Depressed says:

        That is great and as it should be. However it doesn’t seem to fit with someone who can afford to own two horses. Priorities?

  19. Brilliant says:

    Go Jana! She does have a World class smile and I wish her all the best!!!! You go girl! and thanks to all those who donated to Miss. Bermuda

    • Shaking the Head says:

      It’s a beauty pageant with around 120 contestants, not a casting call for Colgate.

      • Red Flag says:

        Wow I hope the OBA are proud of their supporters because they are showing your true colors. Not only are they hating on the fact that the PLP helped out a Bermudian who is representing us they are even now hating on her because she received our help. Look at Shaking the heads post. Was that necessary? You guys are said and an example of what’s wrong on this island. You don’t care about helping our people you only care about power at any cost.

        What ever reason you perceive the donation to be about on fact remains and that is she was given more funds to aid her in her quest to represent us on the world stage. Simple so spin it how you want she is further along then she was before she was handed the check from yes the PLP.

        • Shaking the Head says:

          What on earth are you talking about? Where does the OBA come in? Where did I mention any political connection? Or racial for that matter. Your comment is so ridiculous.

          You have just demonstrated exactly why political parties should stay well clear of private matters.

          • LOL (original) says:

            It also demonstrights to use Red’s logic that you must be an OBA supporter based on what exactly as I’m sure you two don’t know each other. Maybe Red could identfy the your skin type(?) by what we type eh Red? Hope thats not part of you assumeing Shaking supports the OBA or are you that eager to show the OBA in a bad light. Funny that would be exactly what you are saying of them how ironic is that.

            LOL OBA=Evil=white funny little equation.

            • Red Flag says:

              The OBA comment was made based on the anti PLP statements and the fact that they are being posted by people who often post under the same pin name in support of everything the OBA does and against everything the PLP does.

              I really don’t care what party you support if any my point is you must be politically motivated or heartless to other to post so negative about something so positive.

              Lol (original) once again your post is meaningless to the topic. I’ve read post from you. I think you have a touch of ADHD fall back.

              • Shaking the Head says:

                To Red Flag. Your reference to ADHD is despicable and you should be ashamed of yourself.

                • Red Flag says:

                  Shaking the Head your comments on this story complaining about a good act made by the PLP simply because you don’t agree with them are despicable. You can’t even be happy for the young lady representing your Island because of your hatred toward the PLP. Fall back.

                  • Shaking the Head says:

                    Where did I show hatred towards the PLP? I don’t care what the PLP does with its money. My comments have been concern for over 200 people who have lost their jobs this week, obviously not a concern to you, and a reference to a smile. But since you want Fall Back check out this link.

                    http://www.missosology.info/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=104823

                    • K.T.B. says:

                      @ Shaking the Head:
                      What was your purpose of posting that link from Missosology? The comment/opinions posted on that website are from a group of racialy intolerant people who have nothing better to do than pick apart contestants(not from their country).
                      And if the recent job losses concern you so deeply why don’t go post your comments on those stories instead of spewing all your mess on this one?

              • LOL (original) says:

                As long as you and the PLP (not all but silence is the same as concent use race as a weapon I’ll be on the front lines beating you back.

                LOL

                • Red Flag says:

                  Lol (original) Where in my post did I use race? So you can’t be talking to me. Even still you don’t beat anyone back you just post ignorant statements and irritate people. When it comes to debate you are no threat. All you can do is attempt to pull people back because you are wayyyyyy in the background when it comes to constructive dialog.

                  • LOL (original) says:

                    Haha ha Kettle this is the pot…….

                    LOL just look at you contributions to the last few political stories here please you make me LOL LOL welcome to the back.

          • Rolfe in sheep's clothing says:

            If you do not support the PLP in everything it does even if it is against your will then you are white. If you’re skin is not white but you disagree with the PLP then you are “white’ inside. If you are white inside then you are an ‘Uncle Tom’ and are confused by you own black whiteness. So what Red Flag is saying is that because you have issues with the PLP you are white and support the OBA. ALL black people who are black both on the inside and the outside support the PLP and are mandated to continue to do so!

  20. Vote for Me says:

    The posts in relation to this donation are truly a sad reflection of where Bermuda is today – we should be celebrating Ms. Outerbridge.

    A few simple facts. Miss Outerbridge won the Miss Bermuda pageant. For whatever reason, the organisers are not able to fully fund her expenses to Ms. World (it has been reported that several corporate entities declined requests for sponsorship).

    Ms. Outerbridge did not give up the opportunity to go to London but took it upon herself to try to raise the funds independently. As a consequence of the publicity about raising funds, several people and groups have rallied to raise funds. It was then announced yesterday that AS Coopers would sponsor some of the clothing she would require. The PLP (Party, Executive and Members – as reported) decided to assist.

    Based on the above, how could we be so negative? Ms. Outerbridge has demonstrated how resourceful our young people can be when they see obstacles and not barriers. How many of us would have gone to the media about our plight? How many would have dressed in rags to raise funds?

    Whilst I accept that some would imply that PLP used the opportunity as a cheap political PR opportunity, I am amazed that anyone would think that the donation was prompted by the fact that AS Coopers are sponsoring her. With a little analysis, it is clear the the financial impact of the AS Cooper donation is probably greater than the PLP donation.

    The main point to all of this is that a young Bermudian had a need, devised a method for raising public awareness and raised the funds.

    Forgetting all else… CONTRATULATIONS MS. OUTERBRIDGE.

    • Goodluck says:

      Thank you!

      The comments made by 32N and some others show more about themselves than about the PLP or Miss Outerbridge!

    • 32n64w says:

      “Whilst I accept that some would imply that PLP used the opportunity as a cheap political PR opportunity,”

      Exactly.

  21. WTH???? says:

    Ok let me clear something up REAL QUICK. A.S. Coopers are helping her with her wardrobe. PLP gave Jana money, so you people do know that it TWO different things right????

    And i hope all you people that are putting the blame on Gov for not helping gave Jana some of your money. But im sure half of you did not cause your saying someone with more money then me should help her, so with that being said shut up.

  22. WTH???? says:

    One more thing you people are so confused first every one was like why no one is helping her then when some one does here you all go saying oh they can help her but they can’t use that money to help this and that. You just can’t win in bermuda at all.

    • Leisure says:

      Can’t win when we are on a loosing team with very little hope of equalizing. So, yes. Right now, “you just cannot win in Bermuda at all”.

  23. Red Flag says:

    At the end of the day Ms. Bermuda is closer to achieving her goal and representing Bermuda with no worry’s about having what she needs. I am happy for her and proud of my Party for stepping up to assist her. I wish her all the best and hope she wins the crown.

    • 32n64w says:

      “At the end of the day Ms. Bermuda is closer to achieving her goal and representing Bermuda with no worry’s about having what she needs”

      Agreed. Too bad the PLP don’t ensure taxpayers have the same opportunities for success as they’ve squandered our tax dollars on vanity projects, no-bid contracts, insider consultant engagements and opaque practices.

      Hopefully your passion for their continued participation in Government can change that as the PLP have clearly chosen to ignore our collective best interests. I look forward to the change Bermuda so desperately needs.

  24. Shaking the Head says:

    OK first “negative” from me. This was promoted as a PLP donation. No way should the TV news release have referred to The Premier and Finance Minister as spokesperson. That made it a Government matter. If this was a PLP donation, Paula Cox MP JP should have been the spokesperson. So what was it?

    • Red Flag says:

      Wrong again Shaking the Head…They should have referred to her as the PLP Party Leader. However seeing as she is the Finance Minister and Premier people often use her most obvious title even when she is representing as PLP Party Leader. It is only respect to name the Leader of your country by her title and sometimes people don’t elaborate on the difference. No ones perfect, but why use that to speculate that this was some big plot? Ok someone used her Government title when she was at the event in her party capacity wow big deal. Nit picking still does not change the fact that the PLP wanted to help Miss. Bermuda and did.

      • Red Flag says:

        Here you go shaking the head. Since these things need to be spoon fed to you.

        As per the PLP statement: “Today at Alaska Hall, Premier & Party Leader, the Hon. Paula Cox JP, MP, along with Executive Members presented Miss Bermuda…..”

        You see how we announce our Party Leader? Yes so your ok now right? All you had to do was read. It helps you take a rational look at things.

  25. Kevin says:

    It is very sad that we take the time to use a positive news article such as this, to bring world of into how raciest, childish and so very much divide as a country and a people living in Bermuda. Reader around the world is not seeing the support that we should be given to this young positive Bermudian ambassador, they are seeing politics, color and hatred toward each other as adults living in Bermuda. We say the children is our future, has that changed? I feel as a person who love his country and tries to expand our business internationally, we as a people continue to share our dirty underwear to the world via the internet. Trust me they are watching. How selfish are we really to think about only our love ones and not our fellow Bermudians? We want tourism and internationally Business and future leaders, or has our agenda changed?

  26. CeCe says:

    Wow! A whole $1500. That’s so much money. *insert sarcasm here*

  27. star man says:

    It’s laudable that both Coopers and the PLP Party decided to help Miss Bermuda, Jana Outerbridge, with her endeavors overseas. And she deserves all the help she can get. The problem I have, is that it appeared as if the PLP donation was an after thought as a result of Coopers’ offer of assistance the day before. But the grandstanding the Party made, rolling out all of its executives at a big press conference, to essentially gloat over a measly $1500 donation was over the top to say the least. The PLP spend more than that on Lunch!

    • 32n64w says:

      “But the grandstanding the Party made, rolling out all of its executives at a big press conference, to essentially gloat over a measly $1500 donation was over the top to say the least. The PLP spend more than that on Lunch!”

      This.

  28. Kevin says:

    What should be said is ” we the country support you Miss Outerbridge” Good luck and well done.

  29. GlobalCitizen says:

    I find this WHOLE ordeal Very pathetic. While other contestants/delegates raise millions of dollars for Charity our Miss Bermuda IS the Charity.
    Now all of Bermuda is praising Coopers for their wonderful support , not to mention the fact that NO corporations had any intention to support Miss Bermuda from the start. Now that their hand was forced with all the bad press they have used it to their advantage (simple PR people!) and now the PLP buying votes, free press…CATCH THE PLAY!

  30. Unbe-weaveable says:

    I have never heard of it b4…

    A bald woman winning a beauty pagent… I guess only in Bermuda….
    DEFFO NOT on the world stage…

    SMH…

    • SMDH says:

      Your close minded statement is better off kept to yourself, thanks :|

  31. I Voted for Rachel says:

    I wish Jana all the best but I’m sure the other contestants are thrilled to not have won. This whole idea has turned into a circus, with the source of issue likely stemming from the top — the organizers of the event.

    Milika, sure she can run a wedding business and pulled off this event, save the broken sign, but wow. It may have been better off to not send Ms. Bermuda to Ms. World until everything was squared up to cover all the expenses. What do you do? Not have the Ms. Bermuda pagent until that’s set… or have the pagent, just don’t promote Ms. Bermuda to the Ms. World stage. Either way, after ressurecting Ms. Bermuda I won’t be surprised if Milika walks away from this, with Jana and future potential contestants with her.

    Rachel is gorgeous and I would have liked to see her on the world stage, but I’m happy she didn’t win so that she wouldn’t have to deal with this mess.

  32. Rumandcoke says:

    Note Santucci was back in the fold and trotted out for the photo. Wondering!

  33. Jazzy says:

    I don’t care who sponsors this beautiful lady as long as she can get there and represent what is GOOD about Bermuda! As I would be supporting any of the ladies if they’d won – black, white, pink, green or orange – PLP. OBA, UBA – WHATEVER!! I’m really sad that she has been mixed up in all this political and racial bile. SHE doesn’t deserve this – how would you all feel if she was reading some of the comments here?

    Good luck Jana!! I, and many like me will be rooting for you.