PLP Confirm Rolfe Commissiong As Candidate
[Updated with video] Rolfe Commissiong will stand for the party in Constituency #21 Pembroke South East, the Progressive Labour Party confirmed this afternoon [Apr.9].
Last September Mr Commissiong was selected as the winner in a candidate selection meeting in Pembroke South East, winning over the incumbent Ashfield Devent. Mr Devent was challenged by Government consultant Rolfe Commissiong, Senator Jonathan Smith, and Vance Campbell, with Mr Commissiong being given the nod.
Considered one of the more secure PLP areas, Ashfield Devent has held the seat for almost ten years, securing a margin of 526 – 252 against the UBP’s Tillman Darrell in 2007.
A statement issued by the PLP said, “Mr. Commissiong has worked tirelessly as an advocate for the working people in Bermuda and as a proponent of economic empowerment initiatives to benefit the historically disadvantaged.
“Educated at Mount St. Agnes Academy, Warwick Secondary School and Baruch College of the City University of New York, he founded Black Star Communications Ltd. This company provides consultancy services in Public Relations and Communications. Under this banner, Mr. Commissiong created and implemented the Cup Match Safe Hands Award, which is awarded to the best fielder in the Annual Cup Match Classic.
“Mr. Commissiong has served on a number of Government Boards over his lifetime, including Planning, the Broadcasting Commission and in 2006 he chaired the Club’s Committee in 2006. In 2005, under then Premier, the Hon. Alex Scott, he served on the Bermuda Independence Commission.
“His most recent work has been to implement the recommendations of the Mincy Report, by establishing the Bermuda Youth Council, and involvement in the implementation of the Job Corps programme.”
Update 3.45pm: Mr Commissiong’s full remarks follow below.
Good afternoon…
Premier, Party, Branch Executives AND THE PEOPLE OF CONSTITUENCY 21,
It is indeed a privilege and an honour to be here today on the occasion of my roll out and announcement as the candidate to represent the Progressive Labour Party, in Constituency 21, Pembroke South East.
It was approximately eighteen years ago that I first ran as a candidate for the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party in the by-election caused by the death of Paget East Member of Parliament, Dr. the Hon. John Stubbs many of you will recall however that I also carried the Party’s banner in the 2007 Election in Paget West
And while unsuccessful in that 1994 Bye-Election, I and the party took moral comfort from the fact that we had established the principle under then leader L. Frederick Wade that the PLP would always be the party of second chances for those Bermudians who were so deserving. This is a principle that other political parties and the country at large would also come to embrace.
As a man of faith I value the principles that I and the Progressive Labour Party stand for; the values and principles that honour the redemptive qualities found in us all, the values and principles that compel us to live our lives with integrity, recognizing the unlimited potential of God’s grace upon us.
These are the same values and principles along with my work ethic I promise to bring to the people and constituents of Pembroke South East.
Over the last four months I have been on the doorsteps of the residents in Constituency 21. I have listened to their concerns and gotten to know many of these hard working and honest people, and in many instances I have liaised with the relevant Government Ministers to begin the process of having those concerns addressed.
All Bermudians want safe neighborhoods, good schools for their children and grandchildren, decent jobs that afford them a livable wage that will allow them to save and invest in the future; and a society that promotes opportunity and a fair shot for all to obtain it. The constituents of Pembroke South East are no different.
The Constituents of Pembroke South East also want a representative who will serve them and fight on their behalf for the things that collectively we all believe in. Most of them continue to believe as I do that this party, the Progressive Labour Party is the best vehicle to realize these goals.
The simple truth of the matter is, that this is a party and government that honours and respects labour and protects Bermudian jobs and the families that depend on those jobs.
It is a party and government that puts Bermudians first and which stands ready to navigate the tremendous global changes that are currently underway.
It is a Party and government that remains vigilant on behalf of Bermuda’s interest both on the local and international fronts.
And it is the party and government that believes and is committed to the proposition that we can only secure our future as a country; by preparing and investing in that future, today.
Before closing, I would like to especially thank my wife Roxanne, my daughter Sasha and the campaign team who have been unwavering in their support. Pembroke South East constituents will have seen Sasha on the door steps almost as much as they have seen me, and for that I am grateful.
I look forward to taking our strong progressive message of the PLP to every household in Constituency 21 over the coming months, with the aim of retaining this seat for the Progressive Labour Party at the next General Election
Just when you think it can’t get worse!
Yup, you’ll start using your position of trust to steal drugs and sell them. If you live in glass houses…..
Congrats Rolfe, I am sure you will make a fine Member of Parliament, you are a hard worker and commit to task put before you. The negative post in reference to your roll out are of no surprise, as people fear a strong minded man such as yourself, they know that you are no push over and will take them to task when necessary.
Stay to the wicked and do good by the people you will represent. I have no doubt in your ability to serve the people well and to address the needs of those who will put you in office. You won the Primary, now on to the General Election, you will succeed my friend.
He’s just the sort of person to stay to the wicked too.
Why are racist white people called racists, but racists black people referred to as “strong minded” or simply “strong” black men?
Because racist people are racist whehter they are white or black.
Rolfe is clearly a strong minded individual.
Rolfe is not strong minded. From where I sit, he’s racist
I don’t know Rolfe that well but as far as I’m concerned he is NOT a racist-he just tells it like it is. Has he ever said anything about white people that isn’t true? If not, how is he a racist?!
Before anyone calls ME racist, I’m a black Bermudian married to a white Bermudian. Firstly, from the pleasant way Rolfe greets both me AND my husband, for a so-called racist he sure is good at hiding it!
Secondly, being married to a white person I know the horrible things some of them say about us when we’re not around. My husband likes hearing them spouting off their nastiness then seeing them squirm with embarrassment when he says he takes offense to their comments as he has a black wife and bi-racial children.
Furthermore, I have personally been treated like dirt by certain members of the white community and it’s these types of people Rolfe puts on blast. I was at a certain white club with my husband when he left my side to do something. I heard two white men saying to each other ‘Do you see this s**t….tell me I’m seeing things…what is this black b**ch doing here?’ I thought ‘Are they talking about me?’ Then another white guy came over and they said something again about ‘what is she doing here?’ My husband came over at that point and said ‘She’s with me-do you have a problem with it?’ and they mumbled no and walked off. When I told my hubby that they called me a black b**ch he was furious and I had to drag him out of there-if he had started a fight it would have been like ‘yeah-that’s what happens when you hang with black people-they don’t know how to act’ and I didn’t want that…it would just reinforce their negative stereotypes.
I didn’t mean to say all that but my point is that I have encountered many, many racist incidents in Bermuda because I have the opportunity to be around white people in an informal setting more than most. O.k.-I’m black but what makes me a b**ch? THAT was what especially pissed me off…what-being black automatically makes me a b**ch? Many white people are in serious denial about the fact that they are even racist. It’s fine to work with a black person, but you see the true colours when their son or daughter brings a black person home and says this is my future husband/wife. Been there-done that, too, but that’s another long story!
Rolfe just tells it like it is. He’s not saying ALL whites are bad or racist and neither am I. I know there are good white people out there with good hearts-I lay my head next to one every night and I love him dearly…but a lot of them really need to change their bigoted ways and I’m glad that people like Rolfe have the guts to do that!
My last sentence should read that I’m glad that Rolfe has the guts to SPEAK UP about that…
BREAKING NEWS: THEY SAY THAT SOME OF THE OBA CANDIDATES WANT TO DROP OUT, THAT WHY THEY HAVE NOT ROLL OUT ANY CANDIDATE LATELY.
@ We like, well said. @ alicia, maybe you should sit somewhere else and get a better view. Being a strong voice for change does not make one a racist. He fought hard against racist on behalf of black people, just because that makes some uncomfortable does not mean its wrong. He never spoke against white people, he spoke against racist white people. Its not his fault that some don’t understand the difference.
Do those in the PLP know the difference? Please we “real Bermudians” got the message long ago. If his approach does not reach a consensus did the messenger help the situation or hurt it. Perspective is a …. you know…….
LOL
It like a white person jumping up in a room full of blacks yelling “that black (catching themselves as every one in the room turns to look) ……………” I’ll let you finish the imagery…..
LOL
you all never came to a certain restaurant morning when he would come for breakfast – he doesn’t come anymore – Thank Goodness!!!
A racist? As the Race Consultant, Mr. Commissiong’s silence was certainly deafening in that Human Rights Case which reeked of racism; … I don’t see a racist…I see a desperate man!
Congrats Rolfe, despite all the negatives hurled your way, stand tall.
You are a model to many in our community that you can turn around your life and be a positive influence in the community.
Please learn from your mistakes and make a positive impact in your constituency.
Please…. have you ever heard this guy talk off camera? I guess he’s still learning. Let’s hope our youth pick better role models. We need to move forward not backwards.
Actually, yes i have. And i’ve also seen him interact with the young people in his constituency. I’ve seen him help many.
He’s not perfect, but none of us are.
Get his real views on race… shocking!!! I could not believe he was working in race relations. All in all a desperate move by PLP. They have got to do better!
I’m guessing you view nice lady Lynn Winfield’s views on race shocking too?
Guess what, race is an issue, and we won’t get past it by being silent.
The big conversation was needed and was welcomed by MANY.
You are missing the point…open your eyes… ears and mind
to borrow a quote from star man… “He is a racially divisive loose cannon with a big chip on his shoulder. Now THAT is the truth.”
@ Concerned Bermudian, you are missing the point, he is not racially divisive, he spoke on race as he has a passion to do so and was tasked to help ease the divide in the races. The simple truth is some can not handle the talk because it makes them feel guilty, people need to listen and engage in those types of conversations instead of being so defensive and playing the victim. I will admit that how he may have said some things came off a little harsh but the point he was making still stands true. He doesn’t sugar coat and that upsets people, but that’s him. Not everyone will patty cake the message.
Unfortunately my friend, running for Parliament needs to be viewed as an important and serious act by qualified persons who can be diplomatic and sensitive while representing thousands of people, black AND white! As you said yourself, he ‘does not sugar coat it’ and comes across a little harsh.Well he also comes across a little bit racist and intolerant of black people who marry whites. So with the armed robbery conviction looming in the background, there are many PLP voters out here who do not feel this is the qualifications we want to see in our potential leaders. We have seen and felt the results of running this Island by rank amateurs who lowered the standards
to a level that welcomes such candidates. Please don’t tell us to leave his record in the past and the past is the past drivel, any more than Rolffe wants to leave slavery in the past or all the ‘evil whites’ of the 1950′s that seem to be used as the stick to beat all the whites of today who weren’t even born then…….yeah let’s keep beating each other up well into the future over the color of skin. One day you will all wake up and realize whites have no problem with the color of skin. They do have a problem with people who act irresponsibly, create mayhem with guns and condemn their children to a life of undeserved guilt over the actions of people 50 to 150 years ago.
The way this Island is operating at present under this Government is cause for all to reflect on the real and relevant issue and it is NOT racism.
@ the nitty gritty, when will it be realized that all whites are not placed into a box when on talks about racism and the affects it has on society today? The fact is there are still white racist in existence today, nobody is saying that all whites are racist. Whenever race is mentioned people get defensive and say it was the past, sorry but that’s not so true. I am proud of far we have come in relationship between all races on the Island but I also am aware that we need improvement.
As for Rolfe’s past, he paid his debt to society and has contributed to building the community since. Its is never to late for one to make a change in their lives and I do not feel that one should be condemned for life based on their past. What message does that send to those who may be involved in similar things now? That it makes no sense to change your life around because you will never be forgiven nor given the opportunity to play a part in the business of your country? That will not help at all and only serve to keep them on the street. Young people need to see that despite their mistakes if they prove themselves, work hard and make a change for the better, then there is no limit to what they can do.
++1
So we should vote OBA then… they have a Mottley crew of inexperienced candidates, including thier leader… the only ones with experince came from the UBP… I guess the whites believe you’re a good N****r until you stand up… then your a racist chip on his shoulder black man….
@ Voice of Reason: For certain, Lynn Winfield is engaged in an ongoing attempt to EDUCATE and engage ALL Bermudians in the conversation, without name-calling, ridicule or condemnation. It would be good to be able to say the same for Mr. Commissiong. Can we?
Incredible!!!…. PLP have hit an all time low.
Reformed theif turned public servant working to highlight injustice. (PLP)
Reformed theif turned public servant lining his pockets a lawyer. (UBP/BDA/OBA)
Which one is better or worse. If we do not give poeple a 2nd chance, we may aswell doom our entire country to failure.
Yes… but only one of the two has lined his pockets doing work other than for Government. Having atteneded a couple of Rolf’s “meetings” all I can say is that he’s a peice of work and has a chip on his shoulder the size of John Swan’s building!!
I think we have doomed our country…we gave PLP their 2nd chance. Time to give OBA their first.
This is insulting to anyone in the legal industry. Someone who reforms their life and becomes a lawyer is just as honourable as anyone else who reforms their life. Charles Richardson is among these people.
Anyways, isn’t Rolfe being paid as a consultant? And won’t he be paid if elected?
Rolfe hasn’t been a consultant for about 9 months now. Get with the programme.
Okay, wasn’t Rolfe a consultant? (It doesn’t change the point in the least).
Why do you need to even consider second chances when it comes to leading a country?
We can’t find 36 Men and Women with upstanding records, a moral track record, no criminal record and a sincere reason for representing the constituents?
I guess not and with your belief in ‘reform’ we will get another 13 years of disgraceful shenanigans with equally disgraceful results.
It took a lifetime for a person to become a criminal and they do not reform quite like you so
innocently believe. Look at the recidivism rates for our prisons.
Too many Bermudians have this attitude that there is no such thing as shame as long as you have ‘done your time’ or turned to Christ or been forgiven, blah blah blah. How is it so many others seem to stay out of trouble, run honest businesses, never get a whiff of prison?
These days we’ve got to bend over backwards for lawbreakers all the way up to Parliament.
The doom we face is from you dropping your standards to feel we ‘have’ to accept anybody
no matter their track record.
Well done! PLP shows that you can always find redemption after making a mistake. Despite the constant public assassinations of Mr Commissiong for various reasons he has stood tall.
Good luck in Constituency 21.
Dude, a mistake is taking the wrong turn at a junction… A planned and calculated armed bank robbery is not a mistake!!
Ahh, yes, so no mistakes in your life. Damn him for the rest of his….
I’m all for giving 2nd chances – that’s fine, but I’m not about to let someone like this stand as a role model for my children and my country. What he did was horribly illegal!! Yes, he can get a 2nd chance, but not as a paid role model. Get a job and be thankful that someone gave it to you with your record. You won’t be elected to run my country!
Yeah, made a few wrong turns… but never robbed a bank…. My feeling is that if your a covicted fellon they you should NOT be able to hold public office…
Totally agree. It wouldn’t happen in the US that is for sure.
Smh-
How do you justify heaping praise and adulation upon a man who has robbed a bank and discharged a gun then gone on to make statements that aren’t only racist but massively divisive designed only to distract the public’s attention away from the billion dollar debt and shenanigans of a government who are in free fall. Here’s the deal mate….we’ll forget about our potential leaders’ pasts when you forget about slavery and segregation.
If this candidate deserves all this ‘respect’ then we gotta start giving out some knighthoods by the thousands!
LOL!!!!!!!
That’s is the PLP motto Redemption first, second third, …etc etc…………
LOL
Except for the OBA right……………..
LOL
Can we assume that Madame Premier subscribes to her latest candidate’s views on race and race relations?
Thank you Editor for clarifying my thoughts and making them publishable.
I have a feeling she in no longer “in charge.”
I do not think she was ever in charge !!!
The Hon. Premier Paula Cox is very much the leader and in charge. She leads from the front and values the choices of those she leads. Rolfe was elected in a democratic system and the Leader has no reason to go against the vote. The PLP has a system in place for electing candidates and it is very fair. The Party leader has done what the party members elected her to do as Party Leader, that’s value their decisions. Just because you don’t agree with the decision you choose to attack her? Stand down because you can not hold a match to her leadership skills. She would run circles around you in any debate on any issue. She is doing her job and working for the betterment of Bermuda, How about you?
Yep and doing a good job at keeping IB in Bda, and Tourism going?? She is alos doing a great job at getting the Street madness stopped and our financial woes sorted!!!
Bwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Be real.
This particular thread is about Madame Bernews Editor if you follow it closely, though it does begin with a remark about Madame Premier. Perhaps more careful reading generally will allow you to become a more independent thinker too rather than just reciting Alaska Hall North Korean style dribble.
Betterment of Bermuda?. That’s rich!
Where do you see better? Come on show us all better.the word has a meaning. There’s a $1,300,000,000 bill owed by you and your children which will keep you held down financially for 25 years or more. In the meantime your job is not secure and will not be for years to come.
There is little to suggest we will ever see tourists in any great numbers while the gunplay and general violence increases ,despite the slick spin ex police commissioners put on it.
Since you value the crass directness of the new candidate you will appreciate when I tell you that
If the PLP manage to stay in next election,…..goodbye Bermuda, hello Jamaica.
LOL!!! you sound retarded!!! didnt you all say that when the PLP came into power…. how about growing up and support your leadership so that things can get done as opposed to fighting them tooth and nail on every policy. The current government is not trying to bring the demise of the country but are making the best policies they feel will move Bermuda forward… and im sick and tired of hearing about this debt… i will bet you that the increase in debt has had no direct bearing on you… in fact you probaly havent even noticed any changes to your day to day life… you sound like you’re singing the same song as the OBA cause you like the beat… get educated….
Well poppa if you are sick and tired of hearing about it now, tell us all how it feels 20 years from now when you pull your head out of the sand. Debt like this will mean loss of jobs and pay for civil servants just as it will affect the public sector. Stop worrying about me the individual who you clearly should have no idea about and focus on the real problem, you know the massive one you are sick of hearing about but undoubtedly you voted for.
Nitty…. im a realist and i scrutinize all the information i have available… first off when i went to the bank for a loan/mortgage i was asked questions that established my abilty to pay the money back… im sure the also did this with our govt concerning this $1.5b or whatever it ends up being. This money was borrowed to mostly fund advnces to our infrastructure and also fund social programs.Some of these programs i disagreed with but the wisdom of the leadership thought it would help the country. I feel if we stop UBPing (complaining for the sake of complaining) and look at the situations in the way they were intending and either supporting the cause or offfering your version of a solution or even another way to do it. i’m not afraid to say that i did vote for the PLP in the last election and the one before that. i felt that out of the candidates that were on offer they had the best option for progress. I also am proud to say that i am a black man who without the CURE regulations would not have had the opportunity to work in the international business sector… i can count scores of advancemnts under this govt that wasnt offered by the previous one. there is still a long way to go but at least we have started the journey…
@ Poppa Bermy: ” i will bet you that the increase in debt has had no direct bearing on you… in fact you probaly havent even noticed any changes to your day to day life”
I don’t know about anyone else, but the debt, the departure of IB, and the subsequent increase in properties for sale and/or rent has had both a knock-on and a direct effect on me.
Whereas I could have sold my property for x amount of dollars 2-3 years ago, not only has its value dropped by several hundred thousand (despite various improvements), my borrowing power has diminished correspondingly.
Directly because of the debt, banks are increasingly cautious about giving out loans. HSBC has reportedly stopped altogether. BNTB has changed their debt to income ratio criteria – instead of 50% of rental income, it’s 35%. That puts me on the wrong side of the borderline.
Although my rents have stayed the same for nearly 10 years, I can’t compete with all the executive rentals that have been reduced. So, in order to retain my tenants, I have had to drop my rents. This now impacts my plans to retire, because the rents were going to pay my mortgage. Instead I will have to continue to work to make up the shortfall. To add to that, the pension fund is shaky and likely to get shakier, so there may not be enough there when I DO get to retire, so I’ll still have to work just so I can survive.
Let’s not forget the words of the late Dame Lois Browne-Evans…be careful who you choose as candidates, for they could become the leader. Once one becomes a public figure, one will be subjected to public scrunity …and this is fact! Any good leader would heed this reality. This is not a question of Madam Premier Cox’s integrity, but one of her sound judgement. Loyalty may be a good thing, but blind obedience could take the country to further ruin.
From ex con to conning the public.
There goes the neigbourhood.
I would assume your comments are about the ex-con OBA candidate as well?
Don’t really care about OBA either or their tricks. I call it like I see it.
But while you bring it up the OBA excon didn’t stick a gun in someone’s face and discharge a round into the air. Rolfe Commissiong did.
He’s a proven violent excon. His views on race are divisive. And he’s nothing more than a political tool best left in grandpas ancient toolbox like the rest of those who think and act like he does.
He’s a disgrace to Bermuda.
So I assume to think that stealing 600K worth of hard drugs from your place of employment is ok?
Look in your own backyard dude the PLP have more ex -cons that anyone all you got is Shawn on the OBA side to talk about. Please take the moral high ground and debate issues. Is Rolfe the best man for the job? Does he bring Bermudians together for the good of the country or tear them apart for some agenda? Can he be a level headed parliamentarian worthy of repping the whole country on a world stage?
Personally he has alot of political growth ahead of him, I find him devisive, unprofessional and too emotional to be clear headed enough to do the job. I would not vote for him or for a party that needs his type of service.
LOL
“Can he be a level headed parliamentarian worthy of repping the whole country on a world stage?”
That is the real question. I’m not his biggest fan, but if he can grow and learn from his mistakes, then he and Bermuda will be better for it.
There are not many who chose to serve, for those who do we as Bermudians should wish them the best should they be elected.
Ashfield is well liked in his constituency. He is a real gentleman, perhaps the only one in the PLP. Rolf is the complete opposite. I think the PLP just threw a safe seat to the OBA!
I agree. I’m bipartisan usually but will be voting OBA because I don’t think Bermuda can go through another PLP term. But, I can’t understand why they would take someone so well liked as Ashfield and replace him with Rolfe.Oh well, may be to the OBA’s advantage.
Ashfield couln’t get the support of the people who knew him best. Fact is that you have to get elected first and then you canvass.
Personally you have a lot of growth ahead of you Lol original, you think you’re clever with your pin name and sign off lol. But that says to me that you take nothing serious and live life as a joke. You most likely have never even spoke to Rolfe personally so your evaluation of him is none and void. You have a hard time speaking on the issue of racism and even acknowledging that it exist. I have spoken to you many times on Bernews and you still have no clue as to what is going on. Grow up and then come back to grown folks conversations.
I know more than you think I know about it. Trust in that. Plus you have never “spoken to me” you’ve read some posts no doubt and interpretation is a b#C#@ however your posts have been load and clear that you share similar beliefs as Commissiong. My opinion is my opinion and yes I have met the man and his wife (whom I think is very nice). The expression is “null and void” last I checked everyone has the right to his or her opinion unless the PLP are trying through you and LV to repeal yet another human right. I speak about racism allot and have come to the realization that it’s all a perspective thing in 99% of the cases I heard and spoke about. Talking about sitting at the grownup table you remind me of a teenager who just got the right to sit at the “Big” table come back when you mature growing up happens to us all…………………………………
LOL
now go back cross to 8 vote
should be loud and clear
Lol Original, thanks for the correction. I stand by my post however. You have no clue as to what you are saying.
I don’t think his views on race are divisive, however you wouldn’t/couldn’t expect us to agree on that.
Many agree with his stance
So what you are saying is that many agree with segragation……….
LOL to funny
So you don’t think berating some for marrying outside their race, calling other black Bermudians house ni&&ers and generally hating all white people in general for being white aren’t divisive?
The fact that you consider yourself to be a suppoorter of a so called “Progressive” party with such disgusting views just says it all to many.
And any person who agrees with his stance are straight up racists, including yourself.
I think that house ni$$er is a very unfortunate word, and so is uncle tom and other pejoratives of that ilk. However they do aptly describe a not to uncommon predilection that affects a number of black people.
So I would have said it differently, but that doesn’t mean that what he meant was not correct. I do however think that he should refrain from using such language in the future, and if he did, i would not be as willing to forgive.
Trust me, Rolfe doesn’t hate all white people? Have you ever spoken to him? Are you white? Does he hate you?
So do you also hold the view that interracial marriages are abhorrent?
Yes I have met Rolfe and the experience was, well, interesting.
So if you support such a man then in the end you are a true racist, intolerant and hateful person. Full stop. And no flowery language or attempted justifications will change my opinion on this matter.
What makes me laugh is that I have seen posts of yours and others where you insinuate people are racist not because of their actions or rhetoric but simply because of their political affiliations, opinions on certain subjects (racial or not) or simply the color of their skin, but in the same breath you will defend the racist rhetoric (which is well documented) from people you consider to be part of your “team.” Like I said before all that does is show the true type of person you truly are and any right minded person would see that there is no “reason” in your “voice” when it comes to this matter.
Lawd help us!
what a poor choice DeVent is by far the better man to serve
Agree 100%… Ashfield is one of the very few Politions that put the prople first and are’t there for their own gain… I hope that he runs as an independant and kicks Rolf’s *ss…
Politicians…
So, why didn’t his own Branch members, the people who know him best vote for him again?
Cause Rolfe brought in people to vote for him in the last hour of the vote poeple he brought to specifically vote for him. Smart yes but shows that it’s the apathy of the people he played.
LOL
Too bad DeVent couldn’t even get his own branch members to vote for him. Probably speaks to the fact that he didn’t really canvass.
@ Voice of reason 1) DeVent did canvass maybe he couldnt get out there as much as he wanted to because he had a sick family member 2) his branch members did vote for him i was in the room 3) Rolfe’s wife took the voter baked goods as if that was the only way he could get their vote
That says a lot about the PLoP branch members. You can buy their vote with a slice of cake! I bet there wasn’t any white icing on that slice!
@ young1 stay in school and or out of the hands of BPS…if not you might need Rolfe…and when all is said and done… I am sure he will be there to guild you…
@Rhonda if i do need Rollf help then i’m sure God will place him before me so he can help me and secondly i’m in school @ the Bda College graduate next month yes and you’re correct who better to guide me through the legal system than RC!!
Congrat’s Young1.are you moving on to a 4 year degree that is the best formula to keep you out of the justice system…..
thank you and yes that’s the plan
I hope Ashfield runs….. he is a much better choice.
Wow, so much for the idea of centrist candidates!
Can’t have them all centrist! Happy actually as the PLP was beginning to look and sound a little too centrist for my likes.
Centrist? In 1998 the PLP went down to the beach one night and caught the UBP skinny dipping. They took all their clothes, put them on and spent the next 13 years out UBPing the UBP!
Next they put an ad in the paper (Bda Sun) looking for qualified persons to join their ‘Progressive’ ranks and take over all the Ministries and jobs that Ewart left unmanned when he dumped the PLP for …well shall we say happier times. So half the UBP came onboard to assume some of these roles and complete the conservative reformation.
Nobody spends money like a reformed socialist!
Good news for the OBA: the PLP has just put a safe seat up for grabs.
And the OBA still won’t win it!
Up for grabs, you must be smoking the stuff they sell in that constituency. Rolfe and the PLP won’t loose the seat. I do however hope the OBA go broke trying to win it.
Well if they don’t go broke, rest assured another 4 years with the PLP as government we’ll all be broke!
touche (with funny accent)
Congrat’s Rolfe…continue to do what you do….the nay – sayers will always be around…hoping that you fail…
I’m sure he’s going to continue to spread hate.
The Premier is merely doing what she has been told to do. So much for “Resetting the Dial”.
this is a sad day to think that the cog is still doing what brown wants rolf was browns ace boy it was brown you gave him a job as a race consultant in that spot all he did was take the people further apart. i am not going to bs no one this ;ss is going to lose this seat in closing it is time for the cog to be her own woman and stop doing what brown wants it is time to stand up a be her own person stop the bs and get this country back on track in closing if you are not kissing up to no one in the executive in the party or you are not in the inner circle you get over looked (take a good look at the who’s who on some of the important government boards holla
Wow! As i sit back and eat my pop corn, this should get at least 140 comments by the end of day.
The two most polarising figures in the history of Bermuda:
1.Rolfe
2.E.Brown
this should be very interesting.
not sure about the order Change all…..1.E.Brown 2. The Colonel 3. Rolfe
You forgot about Birch. He’s on ‘manners’ now, but he IS hoping to get elected in Southampton! If he gets in, then watch out; it’ll be Burgess and Birch running the Country (down) for the Brown One! And Paula will be on the outside looking in. The old school haters on the Central Committee still call the shots, and Brown is their ‘ace boy’.
My only question is will Rolfe step down from his government job as he runs as a candidate in the general election? I do not want to pay him while he trying to be become an MP. It is not right in any way shape or form for any candidate – thus he should not be an exception.
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
Rolfe doesn’t have a government job.
Where does he work?
No Idea, but he hasn’t worked for govt for a while now.
I believe he owns part of the drug company set up by Dr. Brown and the Indian gentleman that Dr. Brown coincidentally befriended on a trip to India during his reign. You know the trip which he claimed would bring a Bollywood movie to our shores as well as a host of other opportunities with one of the largest countries in the world and that he was doing it for the good of the people.
In the end the only apparent business procured by this trip was one where a new medical business (started by the 3 gentleman named above) was established and “coincidentally” new legislation was passed just after to allow the importation of drugs from India. So it appears that the people that any good was done for are the people that actually didn’t need any help from the start.
No deceiving here. Just more progressiveness and coincidences.
India the worlds largest producer of generic drugs and counterfeit drugs….
Rolfe doesn’t work for the government.
who does Rolf work for ? my guess is the former premier.
White supremacy is the belief, and promotion of the belief, that white people are superior to people of other racial backgrounds. The term is sometimes used specifically to describe a political ideology that advocates the social, political, historical and/or industrial dominance by whites.[1] White supremacy, as with racial supremacism in general, is rooted in ethnocentrism and a desire for hegemony and power, [2] and has frequently resulted in violence against non-whites. Different forms of white supremacy have different conceptions of who is considered white, and not all white supremacist organizations agree on who is their greatest enemy.
Ho-hum….
Thanks Madame Premier, I can now confirm as a young, mixed race, PLP raised, and registered voter in C#21, I will NOT be voting PLP this election. I’d rather vote for Mr. De Vent if he runs as an Independent in this constituency or the OBA if they place a half decent, slightly educated but coherent candidate. Basically, anyone but Mr. Commissiong gets my vote.
I am in constituency #21, and I’m disgusted that Mr. Commissiong is the choice. A person that only wants to devide Bermuda and I think enjoys doing it…please people don’t let this man get in. It will only get worse.
Hopefully you can share your concern with Mr. Commissiong when he comes knocking on your door. I can tell you that others in the Constituency do not share you sentiments.
How do you know Laverne? Have you been canvassing in 21?
actually she did do some canvassing with ralf a few weeks ago, because they where seen talking to people at their homes. they where both dripping with sugar…
Rolfe and Laverne…now there’s a match made in heav…erm, no, that other place!
Rolfe Commissiong will hold back no punches, the only reason most people don’t like him is because he keeps it real, speaks the truth, no matter who get hurt
His version of the truth..
He is a racially divisive loose cannon with a big chip on his shoulder. Now THAT is the truth.
So well spoken!!! Thats hitting the nail on the head!
Wade, you say rolfe speaks the truth….no matter who gets hurt …well you need to speak to those bank tellers that he put through hell with a gun.
Wade, come on! MOST people dont like someone because they have all these good and positive qualities?? No we love people with all those qualities!
What we dont love is when a grown man pulls out a gun and points it at a lady who to this day still can’t forget it, especially after it was fired next to her! ..no matter who get hurt as you say so eloquently.
Funny! Whenever someone has to put that they are a PLP born and bred supporter and now they won’t be supporting PLP for whatever reason, it is likely they were never PLP to begin with. It is more OBA spin.
Go ahead, believe that it’s OBA spin, you can believe anything you want. Then watch what happens to your Party at the next election. Buh-bye!
I wasn’t going to comment on this choice; however, I feel it necessary for a few reasons – none of which I choose to discuss below. I will stick to the focus of the article – the selection of the PLP candidate for Cons #21.
He was selected by the branch, thus there must be some level of support within the party to have him represent the party. (However, he is one of the last candidates to be announced by the PLP hierarchy – why is that?)
He is hard working, determined and very opinionated. (Good and bad)
He is a zealot when it comes to race and race relations in Bermuda (this is not a good thing)
In my humble opinion, this is a poor choice by the government. This seems to be an attempt to pacify the candidate by providing him a position within the Cabinet a la L. Furbert in the Senate last year. Loyalty proves truimphant.
You may not like what I am saying – but you can not dispute that it reeks. Let’s say he is elected – what can you do with him? Make him a Minister? At best, he may be placed in the Senate or put on the back bench – - This country will implode if he is made a Minister – trust and believe. He is too much of a loose cannon to be trusted as a Minister (and before you call me out on the OBA, I feel the same way about some of their candidates – aka Bob “Cry Baby” Richards and Mike “Whinny” Fahy).
What we need as a country are level-headed, civic minded Bermudians who will put country first, before they think of self or party. I just pray that we can survive until then – - cause the way I see it, neither party can do that right now – - they are too busy ripping each other apart (and in essence, my country in the process).
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
Hopefully, “Yng Black Mind” you will step up to the plate, that is if you are a “level-headed, civic minded Bermudian who will put country first”.
By the way, when Rolfe is elected as a Member of Parliament at the next election, he will disqualify himself from sitting in the Senate. Obviously you are not as civic minded as you pretend to be.
@Mrs Furbert:
In due time – - I am very dedicated to my country; however, I choose to work in the community service field versus the political – at this point.
In regards to your quip about Rolfe being elected as an MP that he will disqualify himself from sitting in the Senate – you are absolutely correct – congratulations!
My comment was a back-handed rip into the PLP’s need to satisfy its loyalist with positions of power when it suits them – - as I do not believe in any way, shape or form, that Mr. Commissiong will be elected (however, I don’t live in that area thus I must wait and see – like everybody else). Hence, if he is not elected, I do believe that the PLP will find him a nice seat in the Senate.
Last thing, Mrs. Furbert – I don’t pretend at all – - I am a realist – - I try to look at each situation unfiltered and unbasised, to judge it based on its merit and benefit – it is sad that I cannot say that of you, Mr. Commissiong and many others of my “so-called” elected officials, on both sides of the floor.
I don’t attack – - I inquire
I don’t yell – - I investigate
I don’t name call – - I speak honestly
I hope that one day – all of those who are elected and appointed to serve in a public, political capacity can say the same.
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
Don’t bother with her, she’ll try and attack your character, yet look at hers. @ LaVerne, I usually don’t care what people think, but if I was looked at as scum, I’d probably do something to try and change that, jussayin.
@Yng Black Mind,
You state “I don’t name call – – I speak honestly” and yet in your post above you have called Bob Richards “Cry Baby” and Mike Fahy “Whinny”.
Care to amend that statement?
@Bad News Bear:
If you look closely, you see that those “quotes” are reflective of an opinion – - loosely based on my interaction with both individuals. The thin line between opinion and satire is so keenly veiled when it is directed towards someone or something one holds dear – - with me, I simply enjoy the irony of the reflections. My keyboard is sharp with all political parties – she has no allegiance to anyone besides me – sorry?!
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
Young black count, Rolfe is not the last to be pick, and by the way the OBA better hurry up and fill there slate as you do know that some of them want to drop out already so sad,
Bob Richards is an intelligent businessman, honest and able minded, especially in the area of finance. How you denigrate those who voluntarily stand up to serve the country is lame and thoughtless. LaVerne questions your level of commitment suggesting you should run but again there’s the naivety coming out. Do you go round suggesting to each other that you should be a dentist because you think they charge too much? see that was the PLP problem, just stick anybody in a ministry no matter what their real life experience! At one point you had a fella who was working as a doctor, minister of transport, minister of tourism, premier, agitator and humanitarian all inside the 28 hours in a day! Hey put that hairdresser in as Minister of Finance or the college sophomore in as Deputy Premier, cant get any worse.
Good question. Where does he work? If he has given up that nice fat $100K plus Government paycheck for doing nothing does he need to work for awhile?
If the voters of constituency 21 were mature voters they would be voting on issues not race. Face it, the PLP could place a pile of cow dung in the middle of the constituency, plant a PLP flag on it & the people would vote for it.
Ashfield, go for it as an independent. You are a much better man than the unremorseful gunslinger.
Triangle Drifter, ithe the OBA/UBP placed a pile of cow dung in the middle of Constituency 20 and a OBA/UBP flag on it, the people would vote for it. I think the same goes for a couple of other constituencies, including 12, and a few others.
that pile of cow dung would probably get more than 8 votes….
ouch
jinkus .
@ Laverne – I think you just got hit to the boundaries!!
LaVerne, the OBA and UBP are 2 separate Parties. As the seat can only be won by one Party, your comment is pointless. Also, why do you have to copy the example given – don’t you have your own mind and opinions or do you need to be led by others?
HEY NAVIN, WHEN lAVERNE GOT 8 VOTES I GOT 15 VOTES BIG DEAL, GROW UP.
you are almost twice as good then…very impressive
see navin, everything is a learning experince, however i take the mature approach to situations, keeping up the eight votes on LaVerne is old now.
So are her biased posts
LaugHverne got 8 and out she went!
Don’t be jealous because you tried this strategy without success against Wayne Furbert with a PLP hat… i mean flag!
In reference to this candidate he is about as low as a human being can get when i overheard him talk to a prominent black friend of mine at specialty in, i heard all i need to hear to perceive him a racist. My friend questioned him on something and out came derogatory racist drivel as to why he would even QUESTION him let alone who made him think this way and the nice term he gave in reference to it.
Even if this man brought his gun out from his previous career and forced me to vote for him, i still wouldnt. The bullet would be less painful than watching him destroy Bermuda.
And to second the below comment, as sad as THIS guy is yes, he still could get more than my friend here “8 votes”
-Noel
@Noel, be real, everybody knows your Mike Fahy’s little boy toy. At least everybody who followed the last election. Answer me this, you were so hard pressed to support the UBP last election, yet now you claim that you’re not for the PLP(we know that) or the OBA, yet only post against anything PLP. But here’s the stumper, the UBP still exist yet you no longer hold alliance to them, why? What made you fall off from them? Is it because they lost the last election? You were so supportive of them and felt they could get the job done so why do you diss them now? Is it because they are now a weak party? If so why haven’t you followed their support base to the OBA? I know why because you did follow that support base but your not man enough to say so, you want to pretend to be a none bias voter. I smell you from her and you stink of that OBA perfume.
Red Flag, You claim to know me.. OK Another pathetic PLP’er hiding behind an alias eh? you talk of being a man while you have “red flag” as your handle… Please get out a dictionary and look up the meaning of the word before Laverne calls you Confused like she did Shawn Crockwell…
First off, Feel free to Ask Mr Fahy if even consult let alone talk with him on any level – you may wish to check your facts, dont feel bad however, you arent the first confused PLP voter, theres many more of you out there. check your facts son.
Also feel free to Ask Jamahl Simmons if i came in to meet with him to have a truly unbiased view of the PLP. I considered joining and working my way up previous to Dr Brown being investigated – I wouldnt allow my name to be attached to the PLP after seeing this and many other “Red Flags”
In ref to UBP, I left them as they were destined to fail and I actually believe they needed to just as i do now with the PLP. I was right then, hopefully I am right this time. The UBP are gone.
Lastly, OBA does NOT get my vote nor does PLP. I feel a change is needed but ask I do know many of the OBA personally, I will refrain from giving open opinion on their leadership or lack there of. I feel the wrong person was put in to appease people – someone that clearly isnt a leader at all – no more so than the COG is, so i see no harm in putting him in. What do we have to lose? We already lost it all under the PLP…..
-Noel
@ Triangle Drifter, Why are you so bitter…Is it because you know the OBA will lose the next election, or cause no one is buy your daily BS……
MASAKHANE!
Not…………!!
What I find quite ironic about Rolfe Commissiong is that he endorsed the Ronald Mincy study in Bermuda about five years ago. The reason I find this so ironic is because after the Mincy Study’s findings were brought to light nothing was done by plp or Rolfe to remedy issues found. Instead after the findings came out it seems that the plp including Rolfe allowed certain practices to happen in Bermuda that made the issues the study found get worse. It makes me wonder if the derogatory remarks Rolfe Commissiong said about other African descended Bermudians were so he could cause a diversion from his transgressions.
“It makes me wonder if the derogatory remarks Rolfe Commissiong said about other African descended Bermudians”
I am very interested in this comment in your post.
Please elaborate abit more if you dont mind.
Rolfe Commissiong has been quoted as suggesting, “most black members of the BDA were trying to push away their blackness.” amongst other prejudice statements.
How can he claim someone is a traitor to their race while he also has reaped the benefits of a private school that is owned by those who are the successor of the Roman Empire? I have no problem with the school he attended but I have a problem with Rolfe’s finger pointing when he was given privileges of Education that most other African descended Bermudians had little hopes & means of attaining.
Lets hope hes not the next finance minister!
I live in con 21 let me say, Rolfe, will not get my vote, I have been voting for the PLP for years and Rolfe is an all new low. He is a angry, mean, and cold individual who should not be the face of this country.
I just think that this is a sign, that this party does not want to be a progressive body of forward thinking individuals.
he is a very dangerous egomaniac and this country will pay the price for Rolfe getting in.
A Word to the wise, even though our past can speak for it’s self and there is alot left to be desired or undesired in Rolfe’s case, I say to you Rolfe that the wrong doings and the hurts and the tragedy of your own mistakes are all in the past, even those of your own making. so today is another day and a brand new one at that, let no man despsise your beginnings as you come from a very strong foundation but do take serious the approach of who you are off camera and who you are on camera because the two must be one in order to be to thine own self be true. I believ in the passion that you have for your country and your fellow man, I believe you have fallen by the era of your own ways but in your come back be who God has destine you to be and dont fear to put your trust in Him and your hand in His hand and let Him lead guide and direct you.Premier Cox has made a wise choice far beyond what the eye can see right now because as we forward march into our future we will need the likes of folk such as yourself to combat some of the ver ills within our society and take us to the common ground were we can call a truce when needed,but heed the warning as I mention to one of our former Premier’s, to be careful because the same way you get to the top is the same way you can be taken back to the bottom, This is not condemnation but a sincere congradulations and prayers that hopefully will help you succeed in your endeavours, I dont like a whole lot that the P.LP. has done or doing but I think they still have what it takes to lead us forward and with God’s help they will.stay strong and let the negative folk speak their portion but take what they say serious because it is their negative thinking that should propel you into greatness of possitive doing, I live by these principles. my worst days are my best days because it always shows me direction for improvement,be encouraged and stay course,the best is yet to come Rolfe.
Why why why??? C#21 voters please do the right the thing at the next general election…
l am a proud white Bermudian that has seen Mr Commisiong(whatever) on the street and he looks like he has a problem with me and we have never spoke.
How could you put this guy in the limelight?
I want to know!
He is a divider like Brown and all the others…..plays the racecard everytime he has a chance.l bet when he is banging his election drum, it will be about race, Thus teaching the young Bermudians to look at the other color differently.
This lsland is in for it now
I know exactly what you are talking about, Grant Gibbons gives me that same look.
Can you give me an example of how he is a divider? From what I know, the Big Conversation was about past injustices.. I dont see anything wrong with that. No one complains about the Jewish Holocaust… (which is odd that I know the conditions that Jews had to endure in concentration camps but yet I was never taught about the conditions of the Middle passage).
Can you give examples of his divisiveness? I recall the accusation about calling someone a housen____ however taht was a case of he said… and they were no witnesses.
can I have some example/quotes please?
You’ll get none… The Press does a good job of trying to destroy reputations around here.
When Black people are ACCUSED of stealing from Non Govermental Orgnaisations (NGO), they are splashed all over the headlines and tried in the media.
When white people take money from NGOs, not even a WHISPER, nothing in the newspaper or on TV nothing.
I wonder why?
@ wee pow – How about this one.
“the bottom line is if whites were a majority in this country you wouldn’t care if blacks voted for your party but they are not.. and except for a paltry 7 to 8 percent Black Bermudians are not going to vote your party.
Let’s put it this way the next election will be referendum on the Premier and me (i.e. race) you want to place a bet on who the majority are going to support.”
-Rolfe Commissiong
These are the people that the cog needs to stay in power,( burch,commisiong,Burt.and Bean.)……look at these four men and their past.
I want better men for my kids to look up to….in the next election I guess Zane will pull ” we had to deceive you” dumb bermudians….and get away with it !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Its quite interesting that you would comment on looking at the other colour differently after reading your comment on the Good Friday Horseshoe article. It’s bad enough we have people like Ewart & Rolfe igniting flames of racism but it makes things worse when others add fuel to the fire. This gives a reason for the likes of Ewart & Rolfe to say, “I told you so.”
Then again maybe there is another poster calling themselves Liars! & I’m being prejudice myself.
Either way we need to stop addressing ourselves by such fallacies as black or white because these are dividers also. If your Bermudian than your Bermudian so there’s no need to split our island up by complexion. I’m tired of having to undo the tangles of division that my children are taught in school by there peers & some teachers. Every time these dividing words come out of my kids mouths I have to give them a lengthy historical lesson about there ancestors instead of getting down to helping them with their real school work. Even though this is time consuming I feel its not time wasting because I don’t want them to grow up as ignorant as the parents of their peers.
+1
Some people are saying nasty things about the candidate. Its untidy. Not saying I like the choice. Have to see whats gonna happen now. 21 thought he would not be the choice BUT somehow things changed. Not sure how..shocking really. Well not like we can vote anything but PLP up here. Stay at home may be the way to go. Or wait to see who else runs up here.
Or call him and have a talk and make up your own mind.
How is Rolfe divisive again? What did I miss. He started a Big Conversation and what else? From my recollection, how is that so divisive?
Am I missing something here?
Aparently you did not go then………………..
LOL
@wee pow – Got another one for you
“While blacks do have the capacity to practise racism, historically, they have not done so. Even in those locations where blacks have taken on the mantle of power, internationally, where the society has been dominated by Europeans, blacks have not exercised racism,” – Rolfe Commissiong
@ JD: American Blacks who went to Liberia to escape slavery, instead enslaved the native Liberians! I guess that’s not racism. Maybe its a form of Stockholm Syndrome, where the victim identifies with and takes on the characteristics of the perpetrator. Many parallels right here.
PLP fans this has got to be the biggest joke of the year. It’s hard to believe the Cog went thru with this and endorses this guy. Even you PLP loyalists shud be shameful of this one. This will be the biggest embarrassment for the flip flop party. Could it get any worse? With PLP who knows but this is laughable to the maximum. Poor PLP!
Laughable how, please explain?
Who is leading this country? The ex-premier’s men continue to climb high no matter what. Where exactly does ex-premier Brown fit into this current government? Feels like he is still in charge! Paula is still just a cog. She shouldn’t have questioned where the testicular fortitude was.
Zane and Derek doing their Master’s bidding…
You all are clearly living in a Fantasy world. But yes, of course, Derrick and Zane are running the show. Clever bait and switch seeimg that Mike & Grant and pulling Craig’s strings.
I am not caught up in the world of politics but I have a story to tell..Once upon a time in BDA on a bright sunny afternoon, there was a young woman about to cross the street but was called over by a Big Bad Wolf in a business suit. The young woman recognized the Big Bad Wolf from the world of television and politics so she naively walked over to this Wolf in business clothing to see what he wanted.. The Big Bad Wolf said nothing to the young woman, to whom he did not know, he only donned a huge grin and proceeded to take his wallet out of his pocket, open his wallet and in accordian style, strum his fingers across a wad of bills that was in his wallet. The young woman confused by his actions again asked the Big Bad Wolf why he called her over to which the Big Bad Wolf chuckled but said not a word and continued to riffle through his cash. The young woman, confused of the event and now very offended and even felt violated walked off from the Big Bad Wolf in disgust and shock. The moral of the story is to NEVER TRUST A (R)WOLF IN BUSINESS CLOTHING… take what you like from this story, it is the truth…
when did this happen? Does the branch know? This is the type of thing that is gonna bring the thing down.
If at first you don’t succeed ….
A failure at armed bank robbery, might as well set your sights on robbing the country.
More Cogwash…
This seems too much like a Dr. Brown (Ewart) ‘move’ to me. I’m guessing he’s back there somewhere pulling the strings.
@never forgave – This guy is bad for politics altogether – he would have never been accepted in any other party but the plp are so desparate – its already been said all thru this thred – the guy along with PLP shud Please Leave Politics! We thought it couldn’t get any worse – well it just did. What an embarrassment to this country.
I think the bank staff who had to endure what Rolfe put then through…should come out tell us what they to endure !!!! it is not a pretty story.
There are other situations about Rolfe that need to be told…. the truth will come out in the end., and Paula you will regret ever having anything to do with this creep….are you so desperate for candidates ? or is Brown telling you how to run this Island ?
For the amount of times the flipPLoP party has flip-flopped on a decision they surely should have saved their trump card for this one – this would be one of he best flip flop card moves they cud make!
Like I said, I am not caught up in the world of politics and all the hype but I did vote for PLP in the last election so this story is not political nor has anything to do with race and would have been told even if the BIG BAD WOLF belonged to the other party.. It all has to do with the morals and character of a person.. The time frame of this incident is not important either although it did happen a while ago but the Big Bad Wolf was in politics at the time and the feeling remains the same . The story continues with the young woman walking away from the Big Bad Wolf stunned of what happened and after catching herself returned to the spot in anger to confront the Big Bad Wolf about his actions however he had disappeared like a thief in the night and was unfortunately never confronted by the young woman after that. It is read here that people make mistakes, people change and this may be true but we can never really know now can we.. vote lost
The political thing is that the PLP would get more votes nationally by disqualifying Rolfe from running- he basically ” “persuaded” the very few primary voters who bothered to show. He is hardly a candidate who is representative of the area. Throwing him to the wolves would send a much better message to voters island wide and also let the everybody know Madame Premier has cajones and is not just a Ewart puppet. So the question begs, who is really running the show?
Victor. Ewart is still running the show !!!!! he is like a chess player, all of his men are placed… and to think he will be in charge again !! and our premier has no clue what is going on !!!
I wonder how the young man sitting next to Rolf must feel now. He is the gentleman who deemed Rolfe “unelectable” after Rolfe was voted as the candidate by the branch. He must be smiling through his tears……
very Sad day for Bermuda indeed…PLP what are you doing?
They have no clue as to what they are doing. Isn’t it obvious?
Who cares who the PLP bring to the table! I don’t!!!
I can hardly wait to see the next election, will be very entertaining and could be a great comic book:
…the comedy team (aka Zane aka Mr Wrong, The Colonel aka “F-you”, Rolf aka Mr Black Panther, Big Paula aka The Cog, Derek aka Mr 5%…
versus…
…the Michael aka”the Sour MilkMan”, Craig aka “say nothing but speak loud”, Bob aka “I know everything”, Grant aka giggles, Trevor “the sorcerer”
This place needs a good mayor and a talented support team, why is there so many political hacks anyway? Too much conflict of interest, BDA should go back to bringing in outsiders to run their affairs in am impartial / logical manner, makes too much sense to ever happen.
Yeah, lets get those wise guys that have screwed up their own economies and continue to create racial tension back in Bermuda to lead us to the promise land…
I fail to see how a convicted armed bank robber is a model to the community????
I think he has the exact qualities expected by the voting public – he will fit in well as a PLP MP. He even had a (very) brief career in the banking business. He’s perfect for the job.
The PLP must be so proud.
ON ALL THE ABOVE>>>I say NO COMMENT^^
Laverne and Rhonda! Go have lunch together! You can discuss which one hates white people the most. The winner buys lunch! People (even your own i.e. me) are sick of the filth that spews from your mouths. God doesn’t like ugly! Think about that every time you see your reflection!
Better still why don’t you and I have lunch..your choice I’ll pay….never know what good can come of it….
If you are that young you don’t know Rolfe at all, and we don’t need your vote go do what what you do best…..
So you think plp can do without the vote of thousands of 18-25 year olds?
Congrads Ralph Commission! You were excellent at Racist Relations, so the sky’s the limit when it comes to candidacy!
PLP voters just want to get paid, that is why they have muppets like Commissiong and others in this position. They see him as their best route to getting something for nothing and thats why the felon will probably win. Short term gain for them and long term pain for the island. PLP voters have already proved themselves to be a bunch of ignorant and gullible fools with Mr Brown so why should we expect anything less with this convicted criminal. These people just want to enrich themselves as best they can and as quickly as possible with absolutely no consideration for the future of the island. It has all happened before in the islands and it is a reality here in Bermuda.
This chapter of our political history is fially coming to a close, the Premier knows her days are numbered so Rolfe is a necessary price.
This is gather supplies and monies and sort out your affairs time, we hope and pray that somewhere out there in the PLP there is a solution to the weak leadership of Premier Cox who was firmly at he steering wheel during the days of big spending 2007 – 2010.
PLP check Rolfe when he gets out of hand in the House and remind him you can run a primary any time to get rid of him, in the meantime could the PLP now draw up a new leadership plan to take the pressure off the head of Premier Cox so she can go and write a book “My Reign, My Demise, The Rebuilding Years of Bermuda 2012 – 2014″.
dear PLP, please retire Team Cox – Patrice, Glen, Jennifer, Michael Scott, Walter roban, Renee Webb, Scott Simmons, David Burt, Wayne Furbert, Maxwell Burgess, Stephen Todd, Rozy Azar, Donald Scott as they have failed miserably.
I say Makai Dickenson for Premier!
work as hard as you can with what you have left and rebuild Bermuda please.
Bang go another 650 jobs out to sea. Is there any worse message we could send to investors both here and abroad?
If we’re going to keep having these politicians who speak of nothing else but race can we please have someone who addresses the fact that black Bermudians are some of the most racist people on the planet? I’m Bermudian with a family that has just about every colour in the rainbow in it (like the majority of Bermudians) and I have lived in a number of different places in the world including the American South which has an extensive history of racial tension and injustice but I have never encountered people who make such ignorant, bigoted comments as some black Bermudians. It’s just sad and makes them look like pompous fools. Maybe if the PLP hadn’t tried to force feed me crap about how oppressed black people are and how bad white people are I would look into this candidate to see what positive things he has done but I refuse to listen to anything these rich and privileged propaganda machines have to say.
I’m so fed up with party politics, because so many people feel that they should still vote for the person that represents the party of their choice, instead of voting for the person that represents the best interests of the country. I feel that until we do away with political parties, this type of thought will continue amongst voters, and constituency candidates with the best intentions will also find it hard to put side their party’s selfish interests and quest for power.
We should all vote for the best candidate for the job, not the party and certainly not the colour. Full stop.
Yet another PLP candidate who reads from a script and shows no ownership of the issues facing this country. This party would put up any bum with a pulse!
Well they couldn’t have a pick a better person as he can definitely relate to the gun violence that goes on it that area.
I’m not going to get into Rolfe’s past, or his attitudes now. Plenty will be said about that. Here is what I am thinking. He is widely viewed as a divisive figure. He is also an ex-convict (not judging, just reporting). It would be in the best interest, politically, of the PLP not to introduce a candidate who is, potentially, political poison for them. So why are they rolling him out? It is not politically astute to do so. If he is bent on serving the public, the PLP can find another role for him. It has the appearance of a “tit for tat” to me.
He is only viewed as a divisive figure, because he talk about “Racism” in Bermuda. Dr. Hodgson was also label as “Racist” for doing the samething. This is a subject that many like you find extremely to deal with. Many whites are uncomfortable talking about race, and if anyone dear mentions the subject they are label as being ‘divisive’ or ‘bad individuals’. Any person that talks or even mentions the impact of “Racism” in Bermuda will be called a name, by a certain sector of Bermuda’s populations. Lets be real and deal with the truth.
We are a divided society. (But, please do not discuss race, or you will be cooking the pot up for trouble). Blacks always tend to vote based upon issues, whites vote based upon party only. Blacks attend all events in Bermuda, whites do not. THis weekend was a clear example of that, not many whites (UBP{/OBA)came out to support our young people at one of the biggest sporting events. We have a long ways to go Bermuda, but looks like whites are not willing to take the next step. Instead they always want blacks to come over and make movement, while they remain in the same position, voting for the UBP/OBA.
To talk about race or example the issues around it, does not make one “Racist”. It only suggest that one is willing to examine the issue from a critical wordview, that some how leads to better understanding. Bermuda has to move towards a better position, and not talking about it will not resolve the problem. Not talking about it will only make the problem get worst. It is hidden under the skin, but yet the problem still remains with us. So lets stop fooling ourselves.
Did it ever cross your mind that the reason that whites didn’t show up to Carifta is because it was Good Friday/Easter and they were spending time with their families flying kites and eating fish cakes?
BS, the same exist for black families, they also shared some of their time with supporting our young people, and folks from other countries. What a poor excuse, if there really is one. No one ate fish cakes for 3 days non-stop…..there were some at the games also. Or bring some with you…..families came together and spent time as well…, stops the BS…
I’ll have to back that. As much as I wanted to go, I was unable to get around my Easter plans (and YES I’m black; can’t see what that has to do with it). I think this is grasping at straws. You say “not many” but admit some did come?
The last major event I saw in Bemuda on the sporting side was the World Cup Qualifier. Saw plenty of whites out that night. so again, what’s your point?
Same old tired race arguement…..
This reply has almost nothing to do with what I said. I was talking about the way he is viewed and how that affects his selection as a candidate. I did not offer an opinion on how correct that view might be.
You are one sad individual I spent Easter with both my families black and white. I talk about race all the time and I find it Blacks who can’t deal with it, Whites who actually care really don’t know what to do about it except conduct themselves as we are all one people it you special and people like you that use race as a weapon every chance you get. You want to talk about it fine if you think I am gonna let you beat me over the head with it guess what you have another thing coming to you. You want the truth I don’t think you know how to feasible deal with it either so you and others lash out, a normal human action usually seen in children. Being confrontational just build resentment that in time will boil over and burn you. If you want to look at the past take the positive and see how far people have come and look to the future together dwelling on all the negative past is a negative situation just breeds more negativity to carry with you. Looking to the future and what could be is the positive thing to do. I am not saying forget the past I telling you to look at it from a positive light.
LOL Red Flag questioned my call name well here it is in a nut shell Positivity breeds positive things despite small set backs staying light and upbeat trumps all negativity. Being stagnate and dwelling on negativity make people heavy, dull and boring. So do yourself a favor and ………………….
LOL at times to lighten your load. Remember the only person you can truly change is yourself.
Specialgurl- You do realize “whites” as you have categorized them, are a minority. Know what that means?
It means they are an endangered species, hard to find in any numbers, trodden on and subjected to all manner of apathy. They are quietly forgotten and therefore seldom invited to parties, always the bridesmaid never the bride.
So if you don’t see many wherever you go, do take out a notebook and jot down the few you see and perhaps give them a friendly Bermuda “good mornin”
White Bermudians are leaving in droves.. so good luck to the present government….and may you continue with your so called good governace…..Bahamas we are where you were years ago !!!!!!!!! thanks to the P.L.P.
Please do not compare Dr.Hodson to this individual..you are way out of line ..
I wonder how many blacks went to the international rugby games recently. I wonder how many go to the sailing regattas. How about field hockey and lacrosse? The Caledonian Ball? You need to stop fooling yourself. People go to the events that interest them. Some of us like flower shows, some like speed boat or go-kart racing. I don’t like any of them. I’m black but I don’t like crowds so I didn’t go to Carifta. Does that make me a house ni@@er or some other perjorative for not supporting my own?
The bottom line for me is a desire for ethical, upstanding members of government who want to do their best for the entire country, all its people and the environment;citizens who are willing to be open and transparent about what, how and why they are doing whatever they do with the country’s resources; parliamentarians who are not too proud, arrogant or lacking in self-esteem to listen to what the public has to say before enacting legislation that impacts us all; parliamentarians who can acknowledge when they have made mistakes and who are willing to try to make amends rather than try to cover the mess up.
Surely that isn’t too much to ask.
Bermuda needs a mandatory draft to secure our brightest and best to lead the country, especially during these times. There are some very bright charismatic Bermudians in International business with proven leadership and integrity that should be ‘persuaded’ to come forward!
Darren Johnston Managing Partner @ PWC, Patrick Tannock President XL, Gil Tucker Managing Partner @ E&Y, Ronald Simmons, Shawn Morris to name a few.
These individuals are extremely accomplished in their fields, admired and respected locally and internationally, care deeply about Bermuda, have deep connections to their communities and have the gravitas, people skills and intellect to move this country forward!
Although these men give graciously of their time to charities and public service…..your country needs you to step up!!
These persons, may be good in IB, but not in the role of politics. It may be their desire to serve their country at the community level, but not in the world of politics. Persons can serve their country in various ways. I know each individual, but do not think they are not working in the best interest of Bermuda in other ways.
Wow, didn’t you just make the point of 99% of the people blogging on here about the candidate for Constituency #21???? “Persons can serve thier country in various ways”…. EXACTLY!!! Why so adamant that Mr. Commissiong serves his in this fashion? Oh, I forgot; you can give him a pass at your liking but the above should seek other avenues.
What a joke! who makes you the standard or how someone should represent thier country?
Bermuda’s top problems:
1) Inability for people to read between the lines
2) The constant making of excuses for anyone or anything
3) The complete lack of personal responsibility
4) The lack of absolute truth
5) Politicians making decisions based on emotion
Until these are sorted out to an extent there is no hope.
Congratulations ROlf, keep pressing on.
Race is an extremely difficult subject to talk about. Most white people become uncomfortable talking about race. If blacks bring up the subject of race, they are label as being “Racist”. Yet racism is Bermuda is live and kicking, it is evident by the comments in this blog. We must move on to actully dealing with it. While blacks seek to move towards closing this gap, whites have not. To ignore it and act as if race does not exist is failing to deal with it. Hang in there, as anyone who attempts to deal with race, will be pushed into a wall. The votes of the UBP have move over to the OBA, whites have voted this way for years. Blacks are the ones who vote based upon the issues, and are the swing-voters. Whites remain the same, together.
Again Specialgirl4us- ‘most white people’ now stop right there! Are you gifted with Godlike powers? All seeing and knowing? How on earth would you be able to speak for the billion plus ‘white’ people on this planet?! You get on my nerves but you sure aint in my head so stay out.!
See when you start over generalizing on race like that you start to reek of hypocrisy. We are talking about race right now and I am not feeling uncomfortable..or maybe that’s because I am black, or brown or light brown or high yellow pinkish or beige? YOU do not speak for Blacks and you obviously cannot speak for those poor uncomfortable white folks who so unpatriotically spent their holidays doing what they wanted to do in what they thought was once a FREE country.
Now hang on, Special Girl. I think you’ve missed out that white people can’t have an opinion on race, otherwise they’re labeled racists in this day and age. THAT’s why so many whites don’t enter ‘The Big Conversation’, it’s for fear of being labeled. It’s an uncomfortable conversation for both blacks and whites, and assuming it’s because whites simply aren’t interested in changing the status quo just isn’t true.
What we have to do is actually INCLUDE one another to get over racism. There’s no ‘right’ way for a white person to vote anymore either. Plenty of whites would vote for the PLP if they felt that there was a voice for them in a PLP parliament. All Bermudians need to be fairly represented, in this time and place.
Retribution isn’t going to help. Marginalizing white people isn’t going to help. Take your statements about whites, put the word ‘black’ in there, change references to the OBA to the PLP, and see how that sounds. Is it fair? Probably not. So please understand that so long as we promote ‘us’ and ‘them’, nothing, and I do mean nothing, will change. By doing so you will only encourage white racists to be more so, you’ll give white people who didn’t have a racial bone in their bodies to dislike and mistrust blacks, and you will only fan the flames of black hatred and anger. Don’t let bygones be bygones, that’s not the answer either, but assuming someone thinks/votes a certain way because they look a certain way is definitely a trip down the wrong path.
Statements like you make demean your own party as well- here, try this on: PLP=black party in that view, and it’s not about the merits of a candidate but rather the colour of their skin that gets them into office. That’s a view I am most uncomfortable with, because there are many in the PLP who transcend racial lines and are outstanding professionals and politicians in their own right, regardless of their ‘blackness’. Would you take that achievement away from them?
We need to knock it off with this counterproductive and outmoded rhetoric. IF Mr. Commissiong can do that, well then he’d have my vote. If not- then sorry mate. Don’t care what colour you are, but if you promote racial division (i.e. racism), then you’re not the man for the job. Simple as that.
Didn’t Rolfe accept a Queens Badge from the most supreme excellent British Empire?? It is interesting that prior to PLP becoming the government what their PLP’s stance was in accepting Queens honors, but the first chance they are appointed they go down on bended knee in accpeting such an honor. Amazing how one runs back to the plantation when it benefits them. If they were true to their convictions, not one of them would have accepted such an honor…..Oh I forgot their international honors…. Personally I could care less wether awards are accepted or not, my point is how do you stand by for public convictions.When will people see that there is no fundemental difference between the parties , the only difference is who wants to rule and get their chance at the piece of the pie, contrary to all their altruistic intentions. I don’t care how bad a country gets, there is always someone that wants to rule because they know most people are sheep and are moved by what they hear rather than the character of an indiviual. When you have the former leader of the UBP switching sides and two seconds later being given a ministerial post, it says a lot for the backbenchers and those that have showed solid support over the years, yet this is politics. Hence this is why government doesn’t respond to real issues cause they know most people are trying to make ends meet, emotionally driven and can’t bother to stand up for anything until it impacts them. Its a proven strategy that for the life of me works. Every 4 years don’t see one MP from either side, election time, oh yes such and such has been working so hard duing the last 2 months…give me a break. . Person goes to college can’t get a job when they get back, get locked up, free medical insurance and help of learning a trade and getting a job, its all twisted.
Two cents – So this is a Bermuda issue? Really? The world is plagued by these problems. Wow!!
Lack of absolute truth..What exactly is that and what country can I find it?
Making excuses resulted in George Bush being elected twice – Iraq being bombed – Manifest Destiny and the like… Get a grip and find reality…
Never said it wasn’t a problem in other places but Bermuda takes it to a whole new level. You can’t compare Bermuda to the US, its apples and oranges.
George Bush being re-elected has nothing to do with making excuses, the people elected him and then they switched to a democrat in 2008. That is what they do there in America they switch back and forth between parties. It is a way of balancing things out so that one party doesn’t have all the power all the time.
WOW, TO THINK WE HAVE NO RACE ISSUES ON OUR ISLAND. I FIND IT SO FUNNY THAT ROLFE GETS SO MUCH ATTENTION FROM THOSE THAT HATE HIM SO MUCH. I KNOW THEY AFRAID OF CHANGE AND SURELY FIND THE RACE CONVERSATION UNCOMFORTABLE. GUESS WHAT WE CANT KEEP SWEEPING IT UNDER THE MAT, WE ALL PRETEND LIKE IT DONT EXIST BUT ALL KNOW AND FEEL THE PAINS FROM RACISM. LETS NOT DWELL ON IT BUT LETS HAVE RESPECT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED AND THOSE THAT ARE STILL SUFFERING. HISTORY OF RACISM IS NOT SO EASY TO FORGET OR JUST GET OVER IT, SIMPLY IS NOT ENOUGH. SO UNTIL THAT DAY WE AFRICANS WILL NOT KNOW PEACE WE AFRICAN WILL FIGHT WE FIND IT NECCESSARY, AND WE KNOW WE SHAL WIN AS WE OUR CONFIDENT IN THE VICTORY OF GOOD OVER EVIL. THAT GOES FOR WHOEVER BLACK,WHITE,PURPLE,PINK ANYONE THAT FIGHTS AGAINST UNITY AND EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL.
PS ALL YOU BLOGGERS THAT JUST WAIT TO TYPE ANYTHING NEGATIVE SAID BY THE OTHER RACE, GROW UP OR DROP DEAD. THANK YOU
Did any of the commenters put their name forward to represent this constituency? Speaks to a common concern ; if you don’t act some one else will. Lots of talkers but to few doers.
@We care for you – If that were true, then US would be led by CEO of Apple or Microsoft or GE or Cisco and so on. Politics and Business are poles apart generally. Very few can bridge that gap.
I think most of the comments here are very judgmental. Maybe if given a chance, Rolfe might surprise everyone by being a great MP who brings a lot of good ideas to the table. Some MPs work very hard for their constituents and he could very well be one of those. It’s always easy to trash people but difficult to serve.
Actually politics & business generally go hand in hand even though IMO they shouldn’t because it can lead to abuse of government. There are good examples of this throughout ubp & plp history but I’ll leave them be or else I’ll have thousands of comments to answer to as I have in past when mentioning them. Instead I’ll show you how this works in the U.S. politics.
Both of the U.S. president bush are major shareholders of a company called Spectrum 7. George Bush senior at one point was CEO of Spectrum 7 but stepped down as he & other shareholders realized he had no idea how to run the business but both him & his son are still at present major shareholders. Here’s the kicker… Spectrum 7 is a massive oil company that has middle eastern investors attached to it.
Also you should do some research on who the owners of General Motors are as it may come as a surprise. Though I believe the intentions of this part ownership are really to bring back the car industry in America & there are no underhanded intentions involved in this one.
@Rhonda. Sorry, I wouldn’t have lunch with you if the king paid! It would be a waste of time which is evident by the hateful things you say to ANYONE who happens to disagree with you, no matter the topic.
One more good Rolfe quote for the forgetful:
“I’ve always been leery of Bermudian women and/or organisations dominated by them who simply are prone to mouth what I describe as white middle-class feminist ideology without viewing it through the prism of their unique history and culture”
Rolfe Commissiong (defending the fact there was only one woman sitting in the 12 seat Senate.)
We we are so close to 200 comments – why not a couple more Rolfe quotes
“They lump all men into the same category, as oppressors of women”
Rolfe Commissiong
Ok last one
Rev. Tweed said in a speech this week that he had been forced to leave the Island after he had planned to kidnap people in key positions in Bermuda during the late 1950s in order to end racial segregation.
Asked whether he thought such a bloodless coup d’etat would have been justified at the time, Mr. Commissiong said: “It was justified at the time, there is no doubt in my mind.”
If Rolffe is so appropriate why would you suggest his being a ‘great MP’ (whatever that could mean!)
would ‘surprise’ us? Surely all the potential representatives would be competent above board, experienced and qualified in many ways? Politics is all about WHO gets WHAT,WHEN and HOW.
and we all know the answer to that.
Are you for real?
Are you suggested that individuals with such substance and integrity could not make a transition to Bermuda politics?
People like this must step up to lead us thru these challenging times.
Are you for real?
Are you suggested that individuals with such substance and integrity could not make a transition to Bermuda politics?
Are you for real?
Are you suggesting that they could not make the transition to Bermuda politics
please drop the Writ.
we have had enough of you and your champagne drinking wannabee hangers-on.
and please start dressing appropriately, u are leading a country, if you cant make good decisions at least look the part.
Testicular Fortitude.