OBA Rollout Two More Candidates
[Updated with videos] Peter Barrett and Pat Gordon-Pamplin will contest the next General Election for the Opposition, the One Bermuda Alliance announced this afternoon [Feb.9].
Peter Barrett will represent the party in Constituency #5 Hamilton East, while Pat Gordon-Pamplin will stand for the OBA in Constituency #23 Paget West.
Ms Gordon Pamplin presently holds the Paget West seat, which she won [under the UBP] in 2007 with 75.85% of the vote against the PLP’s Rolfe Commissiong [732-233]. The PLP has previously confirmed that Darius Tucker will represent them in Paget West.
Peter Barrett will represent the party in Constituency #5 Hamilton East, which is presently held by Deputy Premier Derrick Burgess who won 80.28% of the vote against the UBP’s David Sullivan [737-181] in 2007.
Mr Barrett first got involved in politics when he joined the now-defunct Bermuda Democratic Alliance in early 2009. He was educated at Whitney Institute, Saltus Grammar School, Acadia and Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia.
He began his business career in the accounting profession with Cooper & Lines which culminated in his acceptance into the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bermuda. Since that time he has held various jobs in the banking and fund administration industry.
Opposition Leader Craig Cannonier said, “I am very proud today to introduce two candidates who will help get our Island back on track, where it is once again working better for people.
“Together they represent the kind of team the One Bermuda Alliance is building to serve Bermuda. It is about continuity and change…
“Pat represents the experience we need in government. She is an accountant who holds a senior position in the international business industry. She has held shadow responsibilities for Finance, Public Works, Labour and Immigration… She has been a Senator and represented the people of Paget West for a decade.
“Pat is also a fighter, who stands for fair and equal treatment in the work place and in public life. She is also from one of the great political families of Bermuda. I am proud that she is part of the team. You can count on Pat to fight for what is right, with a clear and passionate voice.
“Peter Barrett is relatively new politics and represents the kind of passion, commitment and idealism Bermuda needs to get back on track. He came to politics because he saw the need for change.
“He is a strong voice in the caucus, always putting forward ideas and approaches to help Bermuda work better. I have no doubt that Peter will be an excellent representative for the people of Paget West.
“With Pat and Peter we have two strong Bermudians who are committed to helping Bermuda work better for the people,” concluded Mr Cannonier.
The Opposition has previously confirmed a number of candidates, with their slate for the western parishes to include Ray Charlton in Sandys North [C#36], Toni Spring in Sandys South [C#33], Shawn Crockwell in Southampton West Central [C#31], Jeff Sousa in Warwick West [C#28], R. Wayne Scott in Warwick North Central [C#27], Ras Mykkal in Warwick South Central [C#26], Mark Pettingill in Warwick North East [C#25], Alexis Swan in Warwick South East [C#24].
In the central parishes the OBA will field Dr Grant Gibbons in Paget East [C#22], Jeanne Atherden in Pembroke West [C#19], C. Anthony Francis in Devonshire North Central [C#13], Craig Cannonier in Devonshire South Central [C#12], Bob Richards in Devonshire East [C#11], Sen. Michael Dunkley in Smith’s North [C#10], Trevor Moniz in Smith’s West [C#9].
In the east, Sylvan Richards will stand in Hamilton South [C#7], Donte Hunt in Hamilton West [C#6], Suzann Roberts-Holshouser in St. George’s South [C#4], and the Opposition Leader’s sister Gaylynne Cannonier will run in St David’s [C#3].
Update 2.09pm: Full statements added
Mr Barrett’s full statement follows below:
Good day everyone.
My name is Peter Barrett. I was born and raised in Shelly Bay, the descendant of a long line of Bermudians who also made their home in Shelly Bay.
I was educated here in Bermuda, first at Whitney, then at Saltus, and later in Nova Scotia, Canada where I attended Acadia and Dalhousie Universities.
I’m a chartered accountant by trade, and I am very familiar with doing business in Bermuda. In my recent work experience, I have been involved in the investment fund industry where I have managed financial reporting and overseen anti-money laundering compliance.
In my spare time, among other things, I’m a sportsman and I enjoy playing squash and contributing to my club.
I haven’t been in politics for all that long. I joined the BDA in 2009, then the OBA in 2011 and did so because I care deeply about this country. I am very concerned that Bermuda is in trouble, that it is locked in a kind of downward spiral of debt, crime and job losses.
I am even more concerned that the Government has no clear plan to reverse these declines and get us moving again to a safer, more secure future.
I believe I have something to offer my Country. My business background makes me a solutions-oriented person. I think politics in Bermuda needs big changes to get us back on track, where we are once again world leaders in both tourism and international business.
And I don’t mean simply change for the sake of change. I mean big change that amends the framework of governance for the betterment of all Bermudians.
One of the things I have learned in my working life is that a weak framework for doing business is a kind of invitation for people to take advantage of things. If a framework is strong enough, then it should be able to resist all attempts to abuse it for personal advantage.
As the OBA has been saying since it was formed, I believe an independent Tourism Authority, working with all the tourism industry stakeholders, will help Bermuda enormously – bringing life back to the industry, giving it real direction, filling hotel beds, shops and restaurants and setting the pace for new hotel and guest house developments. Professional leadership is what our tourism industry needs.
That is what a Tourism Authority will bring to the table. That is what has been missing. What the Government has in place today is simply not working.
I believe that the establishment of an independent Contractor General will do away with the crony capitalism that has favored the few and left many thinking that they can’t get a fair shot at government business.
I also believe that Operation Ceasefire will go a long way in stopping the violence which is destroying community life and tearing families apart.
If the good people of Hamilton Parish see fit to send me to the House of Assembly, those are the first solutions…the first changes that I will be pursuing to bring about a better, more secure and fair Bermuda.
While I have been working hard to develop my career, I can assure you that I have not forgotten about my grassroots, nor the importance of giving back to the community.
I have donated in years past, and I continue to donate, a significant amount of my time, every month, to my local sports club where I serve as an executive committee member and treasurer.
I’m the type of person who must do things thoroughly. And in politics, I’m going to give this same measure of excellence in everything I set about to do.
All politics is personal, it’s about building trust, and I look forward to meeting my constituents and building the kind of partnerships that are going to work for the good of all the people of Hamilton Parish.
Finally, I would like to thank Craig Cannonier, my Party Leader, and my other colleagues in the One Bermuda Alliance for placing their trust in me. I won’t let you down.
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Pat Gordon-Pamplin’s full statement follows below:
I am honoured to stand before you today having received the nod from our selection committee to represent the One Bermuda Alliance in contesting the next election in Constituency 23, Paget West.
Over the years, as a representative of this constituency, I have had the opportunity to speak with most (if not all) of the people of Paget West, and have had the privilege of working with them to find effective solutions to the issues expressed.
We are at now at a crossroad in our political development. Bermuda will have the opportunity to go to the polls within the next few months, and will have a choice for the direction in which we should go.
The One Bermuda Alliance offers a change in the way business is conducted. We will, on your behalf, reset the moral compass and provide an environment free of the constant distractions that have stopped the current government from focusing on the people’s business.
My colleagues and I will bring to Bermuda a commitment that puts Bermuda first, before Party and we will offer open and transparent government in which the electorate will be able to follow the island’s progress every step of the way.
We will offer prudent use of public funds in providing the programmes that are so desperately needed to bring us back into a proper equilibrium, socially, educationally and racially, and you will see open tendering processes to allow fairness in all public dealings.
Our team is committed to serving you, the Bermuda public, and we ask for your support in the upcoming election so that we can deliver to you the Bermuda that we deserve.
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Looks like all the UBP MPS are in safe seats, so no real change in the party, just a name change OBA ,,,,,,OBA/UBP. No exciting or surprising news, one would have thought there would be a different direction taken. Those unknown inexperience persons are in difficult seats, riding into the unknown..
How is that different than the PLP? Same old incompetence in their safe seats. New blood to the hounds.
Finally we have candidates talking about Solutions!
If you think about it, it kind of makes sense perhaps the “fresh” new candidates will sway traditional opinions in those constituencies; could end up being a good strategy.
Barritt, Dunkley, Gibbons, Moniz – yup same ole UBP.
Yes, and it’s still the same old people in the PLP under which the Country went into severe debt. Odd, odd political system we have. It’s as if people refuse to see things for what they are.
Personally, I don’t think Dunkley represents me or my interests, but I’m certainly willing to put that aside for the betterment of our country’s future. We just cannot afford more years of what we have been experiencing and a change of leadership may be what we need.
ya…..and why there ain’t no dirt on them byes in the paper? bcuz there ain’t none!!!
Oh stop it,,,,the current government are not responsible alone for the state of or economy, as Mr. Richards would have you believe. Please review the “debt and GDP” of other countries in comparison to Bermuda’s debt, and you will clearly see our debt level is no were near as bad as other countries. Our debt is not even worth mentioning in comparison to even our mother country. Also, go see the movie “TOO BIG TO FAIL”, it helps to give you a real picture of the beginning of the fall to the world economy and the beginning of the great recession. It was mostly those rich white Wall Street man, that put us were we all are today. But for political expediency you and OBA/UBP are determine to put all the blame at the feet of the PLP.
No. Firstly, there were a mix of nationalities involved (including rich black men, namely Stan O’Neil and Frank Raines, whom are often associated with the cause). Also, there is the general consumer population who wanted things they could not possibly afford.
There’s no point in comparing our debt with another country. We have a very small population with much less to offer than bigger countries like the UK. Do you remember the last time a government construction project was done on or under budget? I can’t. I do, however, remember over budget by absurd amounts. Spending has been ludicrous which has given us no fallbacks for these rough times. The absurd interest rate of our government bonds- which we the people of Bermuda have to pay is- is enough alone for serious concern. Add that to the state of our tourism compared to other countries (who are also experiencing the recession but yet seem to have a steady flow), the amount of international businesses (our main, and perhaps sole economic pillar) who are struggling, and the amount of unemployed Bermudians, and I’d say we need to try new leadership. This one just isn’t working.
I don’t disagree with what you say; however, for integrity’s sake, the new hospital is — allegedly — being constructed under budget.
No clue.
Some of those countries in debt have spent excessively because they have have been paying for a war since 9/11. I’m pretty sure the regiment doesnt cost us THAT much. If you cant see that this PLP govermnet is at least somewhat responsible for overspending you well never see any wrong in what they do. Canada has not made many of the same mistakes that most of the others have and as a result they are doing okay? How much did we throw at Football and Cricket alone? How many projects went ahead without a proper bidding process? How many went way, way over budget? I think Berkely, Courthouse, TCD are just a few? Who was it that cracked down on illegal gaming machines that were unregulated and stealing millions from our low and middle class, only to then TURN AROUND and give the machines back and tell them they could continue to use them for two more years before removing them. This return was done without regulations, or even a tax. No death tax on first home, free bus service for children….free , free, free. Not saying it was all bad, but all these giveaways mean less coming in. The list goes on and on. Not saying that the PLP has done all wrong but c’mon!
PLP is an epic fail weather the majority of people see it or not. Too biased to see the truth. But the rest of us know the truth and it is an EPIC FAIL no matter what anyone wants to believe.
burgess, listers and cox—yup same ole PLP and look where that’s gotten us…throw in the Colonel and Rolfe and its a real ole PLP….next…..
You need to learn how to read or get some glasses. It’s BARRETT not Burgess
Not inspired at all.. I love how they really think with Craig Cannonier people will beleive that Sir David Gibbons isn’t in the backgroung pulling the strings.
And you have some proof of this near libellous accusation…..
who the hell cares….actually, having Gibbons pull strings my help us get out of this financial rutt…..hell, I don’t care if a marshan is pulling the strings, we need help
check with uncle david and the banks and see who’s writing the checks and who’s heading colonial… real old colonial days ahead with oba, gibbons and colonial in charge. what pamlin get out a de deal?
Better than having Ewart pulling the strings of the PLP/BIU/EBP Party, the party Party. Same ol’ same ol’!
If he is , hopefully he is pulling those strings UP!
The whole voting method is flawed. You’re supposed to vote for an MP because you think they best represent your constituency. The MP belongs to a party and in effect you are voting for that party. I like Wayne F. but don’t like PLP. Do I vote for him because I like him, or Peter cause I like the OBA/don’t like PLP? MP’s should represent the constituency and no party. The winners should all then automatically form a ruling party. The process should go from there as far as ministers, etc. No political party will ever put this into place because they believe in their own party and all simply want their party to win not be automatically put with MP’s they did not choose or don’t think share their same vision.
@ Guy Carri: I have to agree with you that our voting method is flawed – like most systems that are imported from elsewhere, they are not designed for this country. We may be small, but we have unique characteristics, and this divisive Westminster system, and the party system which grew out of it just don’t work in our best interests.
I find it ironic that you all (OBA=UB, haha,specialgirl4you, might as well include Tired of OBA) say things like, “yep same ol’ UBP” yet what you should be saying is “yep same ol’ PLP” when they have not changed at all and are driving our country into the ground.
How many of you are actual members of the PLP spreading propaganda? Worried about not having a job?
Boy….reading the above just emphasizes how badly we need a system overhaul. The whole PLP/UBP/OBA thing is REALLY played out now.
For those that dont know when new blood comes into a political party they are not usually put into a safe seat. That is not how the OBA works anyway. Peter is a good man who is willing to go out there and do the work that it wud take to win his constituency. For those who say it the same old same old should look at themselves or shud I say look at the flipPLoP who can’t do anything right and are unable to come up with any new ideas!
@ Cancer, the difference and key point is that OBA/UBP have been “promoting” themselves as a new party. When one does that, they must indicate where and how they are different. But so far it looks like they have fallen short on doing just that, as it still has a strong resembling of the old UBP/OBA. But the questions remain where and how does ‘new’ come into place. The same MPs hold minister posts under the UBP, Same seats in the house, same almost everything, so it is extremely difficult to see it any different than the UBP/OBA.
@specialgirl4you Paula has been trying to distance herself from the dark days that were the Brown regime essentially creating a “New PLP” the problem is nothing has changed; they tote transparency without actually offering it(See Auditor General not able to obtain adequate information). They offer “solutions” and “initiatives” that do not have the desired result they are intended for and subsequently reversed. She won’t answer questions posed by the media (same as Brown) and continue with building condos despite not selling 1 from the initial phase of development. Not to mention the deceptive manner of increasing the duty rate at the airport by wrapping it in with temporary measures. “We have to deceive you” Arrogance will not benefit and fix the current problems in Bermuda.
In essence nothing has changed at all they are just saying that it has when in reality it is the same old mismanagement and drive for personal gain that it has been for the last 6 years. Maybe you should look in your own back yard before accusing others of being the same.
@CHA, this is your own spin on things. It is definitely not how I and others view it. There is no one is attempting to distance themselves from Dr. Brown, except the OBA/UBP. Dr. Brown was OBA/UBP greatest “fear factor.” He said that the UBP would come to an “end”, and self destruct, and they did. Now they are trying to slowly “reincarnation” themselves into something else. He was a strong out-spoken and intelligent black leader. He also was aggressive with his ideas and plans, and often became frustrated with the slow moving process of governmental bureaucratic processes. Brilliant he was, and there is no leader today that can replace him. As a result of his brilliant,determine leadership style he was targeted by many. The attack on him by the OBA/UBP is still going on…in an attempt to have the AG examine every project he did. Now, you know this is nothing more than an attack, and not about good governance or Bermuda.
The Auditor General report did not determine any illegal dealings or corruption. No one is before the courts. No one has been called by the governor. No Royal Commission, as you all cried out for. There was merely a disagreement on the process and interpretation of the law. But, nothing done wrong, this is why the Auditor General left it up to a court of public opinion, she had no solid evidence of any wrong doings.
Recall, Step back a little…. , there was no “Auditor General” reports for years under the OBA/UBP and so their mis-dealings were not in the public spot light. The UBP/OBA were the “grand masters of cronyism”, and often most of their contracts were given to their family, friends, and others, this is where many develop their wealth. Look at what one of them said the other day, it was okay for him to have a government contract, and Mr. Hunt taking the one at Corporation of Hamilton with no tendering process? The PLP are far away from the actions done under the UBP/OBA’s time in government. Even the recent reports of the AG on the OBA/UBP did not bode well. Lets not throw stones in one direction………
Julian Hall:
“The PLP has out-UBPed the UBP”
Congrats Peter. You are a good man and an excellent addition to team OBA. I must confess that I’m going to miss your fresh ideas and personable demeanor that I witnessed personally while canvassing with you in Hamilton South. Go head and do your thing man.
Sylvan – aren’t you OBA candidate not just OBA affiliated?
I think Sylvan is taking a page from my book.. LMAO!
It boils down to a very simple question for all voters. Are you satisfied with the direction the country is headed in ? Thats all then one can make their decision from there. Very,very simple, over and out.
Go, Peter, go! Tell the voters of Hamilton East that they can vote for good governance – not the cronyism and nest feathering of the incumbent. Vote for change – vote for a Bermuda that works for all.
Specialgirl the OBA is real change, not only with new young and exciting candidates along with experienced MPs but also when it comes to putting Bermuda first, putting people first. We stand for Opportunity, Responsibilty, Integrity, Transparency, Fairness, Inclusiveness and Service. Something the PLP is presently lacking. If you werent so blind i would invite you to join in with us and help bring change at the next election. As you can see this government has no clear plan!
I smell something
probably your top lip
Congrats Peter and Pat,
Thank you for standing to serve the people of Bermuda. I am proud to stand with you as the change that this country has a opportunity to choose.
When are they going to realize that putting a new name and gaining the same people just different generations is going to change anything about their practices and political governance! We need a BRAND NEW YOUNG party who has the ability to seek the new and DIFFERENT way to run Bermuda.
Nothing is going to change unless EVERYONE is dropped and a WHOLE NEW party is born. PLP – UBP – OBA – ABC – EFG it doesn’t matter!
Just waiting for that start child to appear!
While I truly believe party politics is not the way to go for Bermuda, still I applaud Pat Gordon-Pamplin, who has been a tireless worker for Bermuda despite having personal and political negativity to overcome, and Mr. Barrett who clearly has much courage to run against Uncle Derrick.
Totally agree Pastor Syl!
The OBA is doing it just like the UBP used to do it when announcing candidates. I must not be the only one who remembers “The Partnership that works” – one white candidate and one black candidate. Diversity at work.
SMH… I actually hadn’t noticed that… It really shows where your mind is doesn’t it. Apparently everything is black and white to you.
and?
Really… how small minded of you. I see it that they are rolling out one experienced candidate with a junior one, thus allowing a relationship for mentoring to be established. Why does everything have to be about race? Really, get over it.
What is wrong with the black white partnership? We need bi racial and bi partisan empowerment for all. Not just changing the elite from white to black and continuing the legacy of oppression of the masses, but real empowerment for working people. Meaningful financial and educational empowerment. Not debt and increased hardship for the majority. We need to show off our diversity to the world to beter compete and survive as a people, and show collective respect, tolerance and empathy for the young and future generations.
Sigh… another routine, ignorant, racially-fueled, yet unfortunately empty, from ‘The Great Defender.’ And, yes, I do know how much you loathe that name.
But you wear it well, LaVerne…
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Congratulations Peter Barrett! My Boy! I know you will do BIG THINGS! The constituents of #5 Hamilton East should rest easy knowing they have an individual of your character and enthusiasm to represent them. WELL DONE!
Hilarity. Barrett will get 150 votes tops.
Where are all the young new faces? Not in any seats they can win.