PLP’s Makai Dickerson Caught With Marijuana
[Updated with video] Hours after the OBA issued a statement questioning an allegation that one of the PLP’s candidates was facing drug charges, the PLP admitted that Makai Dickerson had been caught with a small amount of marijuana after being stopped by the police at a checkpoint.
Mr Dickerson is the PLP candidate for Constituency #12 Devonshire South Central, where he will challenge OBA Leader Craig Cannonier.
The statement by the OBA noted a radio report that they said “raised serious questions about the status of one of the PLP’s election candidates facing drugs-related charges.”
VSB had reported about a PLP candidate facing drugs charges, and also reported on allegations surrounding the party’s conduct in relation to the matter. Mr Dickerson was not named in the report, although he had been rumoured to be the candidate in question.
OBA Chairman Thad Hollis said: “This is a serious allegation on two fronts: an unnamed election candidate allegedly facing drugs possession charges…”
“Since the report aired questions have been circulating unanswered and, more concerning, there have been no denials. The public has a right to know what is going on one way or another. We call on the Government to clear the air. We hope that the allegations are not true,” concluded Mr Hollis.
The PLP issued a press release late last night admitting that Makai Dickerson was found with a “small amount of marijuana” after being pulled over at a checkpoint, and he will appear at the Hamilton Police station on 16 December in relation to the matter.
Mr Dickerson’s statement said: “I made a mistake. I ask my God, my family and my community for forgiveness. While traveling to Dockyard one evening, some friends and I were pulled over at a checkpoint.
“We were searched and a very small amount of marijuana was found on my person. The substance was not mine and I didn’t even know it was there. It was stuffed at the bottom of my friends’ cigarette box which I had on my person.
“As instructed by the officer, I will appear at the Hamilton Police station on 16 December where I expect to receive a warning. I am certainly warned, and shaken. At no time did I ever ask anyone for help on this personal matter. I take full responsibility for my actions.
“I know that a lot of our young Bermudian men and women have experienced these kinds of challenges. It shows how strong a society we are that our people can make mistakes and be forgiven. I ask for that forgiveness,” concluded Mr Dickerson.
A statement from the PLP said: “Makai has made a mistake. This mistake is one that is familiar to many Bermudian families. We believe in second chances.
“This young leader has faced challenges and has overcome. We know that he will overcome once again and that’s why we are giving him this second chance. We encourage constituents in Constituency #12 to give him that second chance.”
Update 12.11pm: At a press conference today on another topic, Minister of National Security Wayne Perinchief addressed Mr Dickerson’s drug charge. Minister Perinchief said Mr Dickerson was arrested on Sept. 8th [which was before rolled out as a candidate on Sept. 26].
Minister Perinchief said it was not a “generally known thing he had been arrested” and they were “shocked and surprised and caught on the back foot by the revelation.” The Minister said it “just came to the notice to people within the party…just within days.”
Update: Both Senator Smith and Minister Perinchief were asked by a print reporter if they had smoked marijuana. Senator Smith said he had not, pointed out he does not even drink, and said that he is no different from any other candidate, and said that all 70-odd candidates should be asked. Minister Perinchief said “In my younger days, I had one puff yes, and unlike Bill Clinton I did inhale it. Have I been drug tested. Yes. Since I have been a politician. Yes. Was I clear, yes.”
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Articles that link to this one:
- Dickerson To Be Replaced As PLP Candidate | Bernews.com | November 28, 2012
- Videos: Political Candidates Discuss Marijuana Use | Bernews.com | November 28, 2012
- Makai Dickerson In Court: Drug Possession | Bernews.com | December 27, 2012
As much as I believe marijuana shouldn’t be classified illegal, I have 2 concerns regarding this issue with Mr. Dickerson: 1/ He is to go to “the police station where he will receive a warning.” How many youth or young men out there have had their reputation or chance of going to school in the US for the same offence? And why can’t this be the norm if it were to happen to any “regular” citizen? 2/ He was holding a cigarette pack for a friend? Are we 13 all over again? I don’t believe for 1 second that it was his friend’s pack, at all! Again, I think herb, at the least, should be classified decriminalized for a certain amount, but what message are we sending to the populous of this country who’s had their lives essentially ruined for not being in the “right” circle of people???
In answer to your 1st question that is becoming the norm – people getting caught with small amounts of marijuana are getting cautions if they meet certain criteria one is that you have no previous convictions there are a few others but the other big one is that the offender has to be honest and admit the offence. So I dont know how this is going to effect Mr. Dickerson as he has already stated that it wasnt his and he didn’t know etc.
Don’t get me wrong, I am actually in favour of relaxing the Marijuana laws here BUT the herb he alledgedly had was in a cigarette box that was ‘not his’. Hell,that’s oldest one in the book. That’s exactly where I would carry my herb!!!
I smoked it but never inhaled!
Let’s Get High!!.. Vote for Makai!!!
Jack I agree with you.
Dog ate his homework too.
Every OBA candidate is drug tested whether they like it or not. The OBA believes this is setting an example. I wonder why PLP candidates are not drug tested?? Afterall, it is the law that police, fire workers and others (including athletes) must be drug tested. Why can’t the PLP follow these simple laws?? Do they think drug testing is stupid, or do they have other concerns??
Oh, laws don’t apply to them.
I guess the PLP is not the party to do what’s best for Bermuda. This election IS about the PLP…….and not Bermuda.
Black soil, the p.l.p. will never have their candidates drug tested !!!!!!!!! we all who is smoking the illegal drug, and the truth will come sooner than later.
You all know that UBP/OBA candidate Shawn Crockwell stole $200,000 worth of cocaine from the court while he has working there in a position of trust. Guy put the cocaine back on the streets for our kids to destroy their lives and he’s back in a position of trust as a government representative. I’m not condoning Makai’s smoking a marijuana cigarette but which one is worse and more vile of a character trait; Smoking weed or stealing cocaine from the court while employed there abusing ones position of trust after law enforcement worked hard and spent our money to seize it from criminals? Just stating this so that OBA voters know they don’t have a leg to stand on if they want to use this to question PLP’s integrity. I have family and friends who are dead from hard drugs. I won’t condemn the man for eternity, but I will if you start condemning Makai.
Matthew 7:1-5 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Judge Dredd, there’s a big difference. Shawn Crockwell was, I believe, 19 when he committed that offense. Makai Dickerson is at least 30. You would think an older person would know better and would have reached a point of maturity in their lives and knowing right from wrong by that point.
Furthermore, Mr. Crockwell was not running for office at the time of his offense, and Makai Dickerson IS. That reflects much more negatively on the person who is claiming that they can represent the country and the constituents but can’t even keep himself straight.
And if you’re worried about the effects of hard drugs, then you should know that people who use marijuana sometimes graduate to harder drugs, so don’t just dismiss weed as harmless – it’s not.
Furthermore, you say do not judge, but before you start throwing stones at the OBA, remember that the PLP/ BIU has quite an impressive list of scandals and criminals in their ranks – including former ARMED ROBBERY convict, now candidate, Rolfe Commissiong. Not to mention candidate Leroy Bean, accused by his own party leader of taking $160,000 wrongly from the BLDC, which he has refused to return to the people of Bermuda.
So, just to let you know, YOU don’t have a leg to stand on when it comes to defending the PLP’s integrity – because they have none.
19,30 wats the f$%kn difference if they had a gun age wont even matter piss off
@Portia
Like Makia, your making excuse for Mr. Crockwell. What Makai done was wrong, but does not compare to what Mr. Crockwell done. You can try to compare the 2, but really are different. if you give me a choice between a week smoker, and a thief, I will take the weed smoker every time. The same was you feel you can’t trust the plp, is the same way I feel I can’t trust a thief.
I agree with the infromation you have on Ralfe & Leroy, but basically you are admitting both parties have people in them who have no integrity. So again, give me reason as to why change of Gov will help this country?
Realtalk!!!!!!!!
Bermudian – nope, I’m not making excuses for Mr. Crockwell. Where in my statement did I say that what he did was okay? What he did was clearly wrong, and he paid for it. And what evidence do you have that Mr. Crockwell or anyone else in the OBA lacks integrity? If you don’t believe or understand why a change of Government is necessary, then perhaps you haven’t been paying attention.
So true Crockwell is one of my maine sticking point with the OBA. But The PLP must go RealTalk!
um perhaps their track record and the current state of Bermuda, is that not enough reason.
I just need everyone to remember, that a sin is a sin is a sin, no matter what it is, they are all measured equally in the eyes of our Lord.
So murderers and rapists should be treated the same as a litterer? Bwaahaha, ya gottie be smoking de veed too bie lol
That’s probably one of the most idiotic things I’ve ever heard in my life. Are you seriously suggesting that if someone slaps another that act would be looked at by the Lord just like rape or murder?
No Biblical basis whatsoever for that. None at all.
Bad theology!!
@Portia
Your ignorance is amazing! There is a big difference and its not because of age (although Shawn was much older than 19) nor is it gravity (although stealing from your employer, putting a dangerous drug back on the street, never admitting what he had done, being in a position of trust and being incarcerated do seem heavy). It’s about the punishment, both legal and social, matching the crime. Not a single sole could argue that what Shawn the Crock did was not serious. However, ignorant people you, want to vilify Makai for having a personal amount of marijuana. Makai and Shawn crimes are not even close. Foolish OBA apologist, like yourself, what to find perfection in the flawed and weakness whenever it may suit.
Is it about morality? Or is it about perseption? I would argue its all about perception. Shawn is one of the most immoral people that I ever knew. He ———————————————– Of course, its about perception. Because, if it were not even the moralless OBA would condemn his reprehensible life.
This story speaks for it self, and not much more weight should be given to it. Makai simply knew better, even though the vast majority of Bermudian don’t feel that what he did should have criminal punishment attached. He should, and will, be tried in the court of public opinion. Would you vote for a person in these circumstances? Its all rather moot though, isn’t it? Cowardice Craig, who might actually contest a constituency if he believed in himself, is running in such a UBP/OBA stronghold that Makai could be Mahatma himself running under the PLP banner and lose.
I am used to reading the rants on these sites, of mostly white expats who can’t vote, wanting to opine on Bermuda politics, but when you suggested Makai is worse than Shawn and followed with some gateway BS you really did it then. Uninformed comments do more harm than marijuana ever could! Please show some data that supports your rubbish assertion. The War on Drugs was lost as soon as Reagan waged it. Rhetoric will get us nowhere, neither will continuing the failed policies of the past. The laws will be changed because that is the correct thing to do, it has or is happening all over the world. We need to refocus, every substance is not as bad as the next, if we classify them money and time could be spent on addressing serious crime. Do you fear a high Makai or the gang-related issues?
@blah blah
Listen, if you have the desire to become an MP or any type of political figure in Bermuda, you should probably lay off the chronic for a while. I am not sayin’ this because I want him to fail, I don’t know him and frankly his failure is inevitable anyways. He should probably not pursue a career in politics is all I’m sayin’.
he should do the right thing a step aside and the time to do it is now . stupid stupid
As a white ex-pat, I take offense to your comment. We may not have a political vote per se, but we vote with our money and our feet! How many businesses have shut down lately? How is the restaurant business doing? How many one-way tickets off-island have been purchased and put to use? Don’t make me start an all out ban on spending money here because I will. Don’t make me call an all out ex-pat boycott of restaurants the week of the election.
Like I said, we may not have an official vote as to the future of this island we all live on, but we have ways of getting our voices heard. Money speaks loudly, and it goes with us when we leave. Let’s see how things go on the 17th.
@Check Yaself
You can take offense ALL you want! The truth is, you speak for a very loud minority. One whom is trying to influence something when they have no say in it. One whom does not care what happens to Bermuda, because you will be gone at some point.
Us Bermudians are tried of being held hostage by your president or exempted companies. If we are ever to be a strong country again, we must do it for ourselves, not because of political pressure from the US or threats from expats. We need to focus on industries that we can control rather than foolish threats…
@ blah blah… speak for yourself… the x-pats provide jobs to Bermudians… it is ignorant comments from people like yourself who get this country nowhere… your basically saying this country should just eliminate 1 of the 2 legs we stand on, and be stronger on one… your thinking must be a product of the local education system…. just sayin’
@ Openmind I agree with you 100% and I am a born Bermudian I figure it best I throw that out there. @ Blah Blah Do you honestly think your ancestor’s made it this far with out foreign money or jobs if so crawl back under the rock you came out of.
Time for a change I am so sick of being stuck in quick sand with this Government and their false promises nothing got better it got worse. Don’t drop give um a chance they screwed up 14 years a bad marriage dosen’t last that long.
Amen! Tired of these arrogant ex-pats. Make your money, shut up and go the hell back home. They wouldn’t be here if they weren’t benefiting too so we’re not hostages of the exempt companies we’re hosts. @check yaself , check OUT please.
Ignorant racist nazi.
Bernews needs to have people submit to an IQ test before being able to comment…in fact…maybe a puppet show to educate these morons on the importance of international business to Bermuda will help?! signed…a Bermudian with a brain! Ps sorry to all the expats who are being offended by these fools. They are the minority, and they just don’t understand. *sigh*
Then leave, from what I understand Burger King is not hiring because the USA economy is so screw up. You’re only in Bermuda because the jobs pay more here. Stop the crap. Better yet go to Jamaica or Caymans. With the crime there you would never leave your apartment at night.
Portia, I believe that any one who has been charged with bank robbery, stealing property from the court or involved with illegal drugs , should be allowed to represent the people of Bermuda…..how low can we go ?and else for saying that Crockwewll was only 19….and should be excused !!!I do not agree with you at all.
Dredd, I guess you’re just as disgusted with having Rolfe as a candidate then? Since, of the three of them, he’s the one that engaged in violent crime?
I bet it’s a question on the PLP application form these days… “Do you have a Criminal Record..?” looks like it’s becoming a requirement….
Lollllllllllllll
Listen! Do you know what it means to be in a trusted position as one UPHOLDING THE LAW and then to steal drugs and put them back on the street for our children to kill themselves? Do you know that UBP/OBA candidate Shawn Crookwell NEVER CONFESSED to his crime and NEVER REVEALED WHERE THE MONEY OR DRUGS WENT? ? Now how many young girls had their first taste from the drugs he put out whose lives are destroyed? What did he do with the drugs or drug money? We will never know…..now does that sound like someone who has “come clean”? HELL NO! Is he still benefiting? Who knows? All I know is that it’s one thing to break the law, it’s quite another when you are trusted to uphold it and you abuse that and steal and NEVER COME CLEAN. So how about YOU FAIL Dawg?
We’re talking about Dickerson, who isn’t coming clean either. You fail dredd.
As an atheist, I read as far as Matthew 7:1-5 then stopped reading!!
As a believer in The Creator I stopped reading at “atheist”. So now can you answer this for me please…………….how do YOU feel?
All right there dreddy then how about u prove ur all powerful creator exists!!!! And I’m not talkin about some stupid scripture verse, they mean nothing as far as evidence goes. Tired of u damn bible thumpers. This article has absolutely nothing to do with crockwell so STFU!!!! What ur mad cause one got away with it and one didn’t?! Get over it mate. That’s how the plp do things! Oh but I forgot “they did it first, so why can’t we?” Tools the lot of u
Somebody remembers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Both parties hav been known to hire criminals f$%kin jokers
The “F” Word…really??
Our fault….fixed…sorry!
THank you Bernews.
Please stop these filthy writers
EXACTLYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!
Judge Dredd: It appears you are still engaging in childish “tit for tat” play-ground stuff. 1) Whatever Mr. Crockwell did, he has paid his debt to society, as has Mr. Commissiong. It sounds as if Mr. Dickerson, who should have known better than to be hanging with folks who indulge in law-breaking activity right before an election, doesn’t expect to suffer any consequences apart from a warning.
2) If Mr. Dickerson has requested a drug test at the time of his arrest, he could have scotched all speculation instantly (that is, if he had not been smoking himself, or sitting around with those who were smoking). I still have trouble understanding the rationale behind the ruling party’s adamant refusal to be drug tested. Yet another instance of setting a bad example for the young ones who look to those in positions of authority to demonstrate right actions.
You must be smoking the coke he put on the streets Pastor Sly Wayward because he NEVER REVEALED what happened to the drugs or money….it’s still a mystery. He chose to withhold that information FROM society. So you think about that next time you’re writing a sermon about paying debts to society. Pastah
@Judge Dread – what you are not understanding is this event was discovered prior to him being selected as a candidate and it was never revealed. Why?
Are you asking us as the voting population to select him based on deception?
News Flash – Weed Smokers of Bermuda (WSB) have launched an anti-vote campaign for the upcoming election. PLP tries to ‘put off’ and ‘brush under the table’ drug charges on Makai Dickerson (who was caught with Marijuana) until after the election!!!! Meanwhile WSB members, friends and family get criminal records and put on the Stop List for tiny amounts of weed. PLP wants to make the laws but they don’t want to follow them! Many OBA candidates have already said they will take a drug test… PLP refuses to do a drug test. They want to live above the law! WSB will launch their anti – vote campaign for the upcoming election if all running candidates do not submit to and pass a drug test. ‘If they want to make the laws, then they must follow their laws’.
I agree i cant even get a job because of this double standard ,ur up there makin decisions affecting my future wbile ur high as f$%k!Do foriegn workers get drug tested???????
Maybe you can’t get a job because you can’t even master P5 level spelling and grammar?
as a supporter of decriminalization of weed…WSB, it is counter productive to not cast a vote! Find a better way to get your point across! WSB should be productive to further the point…imho.
As long as it is law, then Mr. Dickerson should get the same punishment as the average citizen.
“I didn’t even know it was there”, yeah right and I didn’t water down my parents liquor cabinet….take TRUE responsibility…
I’m drawing a weed leaf and a box on my ballot, then ticking my own. Screw both these partys, let Ashfield run the country, at least he has some common sense and integrity.
Agreed! Ashfield it is!
contact me on face book cj smith
I really don’t care about the drugs, it’s petty, but I do care that he is a LIAR , and that the PLP back this stance. His story is so obviously made up.
I find it ridiculous that he receives a warning. I see some people stating that this is becoming a regular occurrence but I believe it depends on the individual if you receive a charge against you or if you receive a caution. I know of many individuals, black and white, who have been caught with extremely small amounts of marijuana and none of them received a warning. They were all charged. Maybe the reason for this is because they were young men under the age of 25. I think it’s ridiculous that he receives a caution, if he were not a public individual I doubt he would only receive a caution. Bermuda needs to wake up and realize that everything we are told is not the truth.
Here is a person, if convicted, would have difficulty representing this island in the U.S.
Good to see the PLP owning up to the wrongdoings of one of their own. Shame this hasn’t happened in the past, our lives could have been a whole lot better!
He admitted the offence —-no conviction is necessary,he is guilty!
Love the “I made a mistake” excuse. A “mistake” is where you accidently wear odd socks. And he adds all the standard excuses. “it’s not mine, it belongs to a friend” and the universal “what, I didn’t know it had that in there”.
You got caught. Admit it like a man, not like a weasel.
LOL – I bet it’s a question on the PLP application form these days… “Do you have a Criminal Record..?” looks like it’s becoming a requirement….
More plp shift the blame games. He doesn’t even have the integrity to admit it, instead he just tries to spin another lame story. First of all he apologizes for his “mistake” then tries to spin a story about its not his and he didn’t even know it was there. Pure bovine excrement. What “mistake” was he apologizing for then?
Pathetic Lame People. Can’t take responsibility for anything. It’s always the other guy’s fault.
Makai is talking out of both sides of his mouth. Either the weed was his, or it wasn’t. Which is it Mr Dickerson?
If i give y ou a spliff,will you vote for me!!!
OBA- OLD BACKWARD A$$ES….. Real Talk
Must have taken u a long while to come up with that one. That the best u got? Childish at its best. I have no real argument so ill just call people names over the Internet. Ha ha what a joke
I bet you there’s more than
one MP smoking weed out there.
Quite a few MP”s are driven motor vehicles Drunk too.
I personally know 2 that mess with coke and not the kind that you drink either.
I consider most of them in the House
A bunch of idiots anyway.
Vote for who! Waste of time !
You hit the nail right on the head.
Well if i was you I would go to the Poll and spoil my vote – at least get your message across… Not voting is so blah…
FACT: At a previous election, there was a spoiled ballot in the Premier’s constituency and she boldly stated that there were NO spoiled ballots…so go figure!
Think he would be the only candidate of his party who would fail a drug test…?
…so cliche and boring.
Put away childish things.
How can you say “it wasn’t yours and didn’t know it was there” and then a sentence later “ask God for forgiveness”? If you are truly innocent, then God (who knows all things), would know there is nothing to forgive. Seems to be contradictory…
Standing Strong……..a 30 year old man should have stood up to be counted, not whimpered like an excuse ridden criminal.
He was either lying or trying to protect someone with more to lose than him. Who keeps a friends ciggarette case on his person? If it is his friend, he would be well aware of his friends habits and activities, and should know better. Shame on the PLP, save yourself some reputation and shop the rest of your party who support illegal activities.
Ain’t we all being a bit Hypocritical here? How many of us has taken a drink of alcohol, a substance which at one time was illegal. But now called a beverage because now its the norm for people to have one of a few everyday yet, it kills the most people on a daily bases in more ways then one because of its abusers. Cigarettes, with all its chemical components infused like pesticides and other cancer causing agents added to them but, those who already have a habit from smoking them won’t admit its a dumb habit to a premature death.
Then you have all the other take for granted chemically compounded drugs like prescriptions over the counter aspirins and anything else that may have a hint of cocaine or heroin, morphine, diamorphine or whatever you wanna call it that’s in these medicines which makes people feel no pain… But, you know what? At the end of the day, everyone takes their choice of substance to relive their pain, tensions or cravings but because someone has a small personal amount of tetrahydrocannabinol, their out to b made a criminal… And so let the Hypocrites will judge.
YOU hit the nail right on the head.
“Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man’s appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded.”
Abraham Lincoln (1809-65), U.S. President.
Speech, 18 Dec. 1840, to Illinois House of Representatives
It is not what you do necessarily in this case, but what you do once you get caught. Instead of fessing up like a man, he cowers like a mouse and blames others. Is this reflective of how he will handle the people’s business should he be elected? Is his responsibility always going to be shifted to others when those things done in the dark are brought into the light? So no, this is not hypocritical at all. No one is perfect and I accept that. But ethics and high moral standards are a necessity in my opinion for any political office.
The problem is not with taking substances, but with illegal substances, which by law,one shouldn’t even have on one’s person. You may think the law is stupid, crazy, should be repealed, or whatever. However, until such time as it is repealed or modified, it is still the law, and those who aspire to public office must be seen to uphold the law.
Sadly, this has not always been the case over the last few years, and the message that has been sent to the community, especially young people (read young black males) is that some people are above the law, that the law doesn’t apply to certain people.
This is a very dangerous precedent. We are reaping the results now.
“You may think the law is stupid, crazy, should be repealed, or whatever. However, until such time as it is repealed or modified, it is still the law,”
That’s exactly why it will not be changed.
You appear to be unaware that the biggest drug problem in Bermuda is not weed, cocain, or heroin, it is PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE. But this is a non-issue for some reason….
Actually no, not everyone, you think every person in the world either smokes, drinks or pops pills? Because that’s not true. Even so the ones that do take those mind altering substances aren’t attempting to run in a political party. There’s a difference. And we don’t need people high as kites making decisions that affect everyone.
The problem is not a little bit of weed.The problem is lying about it once caught red-handed. THAT is a character flaw.
@Wow! You have posted my sentiments exactly … The PLP have created a Firestorm… in this one!!.And like you I do not believe for one minute that the pack was not his own… Such arrogance… I wonder if he used the usual PLP phrase to the Policeman ‘Do you know who I am”!!! Such Tom Foolery!!!
‘… he who lives in glass houses should not throw stones…’
Many, I am sure will condemn Mr. Dickerson and the PLP for this unfortunate turn of events but I hope we can all reflect on how the situation is so prevalent for Bermuda. How do we rescue our young males in similar situations that are not fotunate to receive the expected warning that Mr. Dickerson will receive?
Whilst not a proponent of legalisation of marijuana, I am amazed at the imapact that possession of even small quantities has. It is also unfortunate that there is a social acceptance at such a young age, before the young people can fully understand the impact on the rest of their lives if caught.
They don’t need rescuing. They need a clip round the ears and be told to grow up.
Or you could just legalize it and to each their own. You know why marijuana is illegal? It started with a newspaper not wanting to switch to hemp because of costs, it remains illegal because through research it has been found that the compounds in marijuna can replace over 400 SYNTHETIC mecications, dealing a multi-billion dollar blow to pharmaseutical companies. Bottom line is our lives our run by big business, wake up people.
It doesn’t matter if you or he or i thinks it should be legal. It currently isn’t, he broke the law and the came out with a teenagers excuse.
He needs a punch in the face for being stupid then we can all move on. There’s really nothing to see here. Non- issue.
Its a huge issue, these archaic marijuana laws are making criminals out of people for something that isn’t criminal. If I believe a law to be unjust or immoral, I feel no way about breaking it, its called civil disobediance, I don’t hurt other people. If its natural and doesn’t hurt anyone then what gives man the right to make it criminal? Yes I know already know smoking anything is harmful, from cabbage to rubber tires, but if marijuana were legal it would be affordable enough to use as a seasoning in food if you chose to do so. Its been proven that by ingesting marijuana it attcks mutated cells and tumors. Cancer comes from mutated cells in the body. So your telling me its fine to make this natural plant illegal while practically putting a death sentence on people suffering from disease? Who are the real criminals?
Civil disobedience is used by those who are not empowered to make a change from within the existent structure of government. This idiot is (was?) running for public office, where he’d have had an opportunity to introduce legislation legalizing marijuana. Civil disobedience is not applicable. He’s just acting like the young stupid punk that he is.
As for the implication (if I’m reading your final comments correctly) that marijuana “…attcks (sic) mutated cells and tumors.” and is therefore, you seem to think, a potentially useful tool in fighting cancer, this must be based on research that you, alone, have done, as it cannot be found in a single responsible medical journal. That, of course, is because it’s not true.
Yea ok buddy because if pharmaseutical companies are making billions because its illegal they want you to know thus right? I’ll hook you up with some sources if I get a chance. By the way these things we found through research (I’ll get you your sources relax) and research was then handed over to pharmaseutical companies…I wonder why.
It is very true , There are many study’s out there done by Universities and other respected organizations proving this just do a google search. Here is link to man in Canada who has cured many people using extracts from herb. Smoking it doesn’t cure much , you need to extract the essential oils.
http://phoenixtears.ca/
Thank you, interestingarticle. Jack Herer’s book ‘The Emporer Wears No Cloths’ makes for a good read aswell, its also online in PDF format for FREE because Jack Herer beleives everyone should have unrestricted access to the informationit contains, not that any of the anti-marijuana people out there will read any of it because they’re stuck in the same 1930′s close-minded mentality.
Vote For Me, you really do talk a whole pile of s$%te.
You go to any lengths to defend your corrupt criminal PLP candidates. “How do we rescue our young males”? Give me a frikkin break.
Talk about a First World Problem. How do we ‘rescue’ our poor misunderstood PLP candidates who are too stupid to avoid ganja? For Crap’s sake. The idiot is as guilty as hell. Let him get what’s coming to him. Save your ‘rescuing’ for people who need it, not pond slime like this.
Lol. This is so funny. Love where he says it wasn’t his. Like we are going to believe that. Shame on u, Makai.
The only mistake Makai made was getting caught! The cannabis laws in Bermuda are draconian and seriously out of date. Instead of B.S.ing everyone claiming the ganja was not his, he should have stood up like a MAN and admitted that he and thousands of other Bermudians Smoke weed on a daily basis. It could have been his chance to make a stand against our ridiculous drug laws… putting them on the front burner for the next Government to deal with. Not only do these far-reaching laws prevent many, many youngsters from attending college in the States because of their dreaded “Stop List!”… but they prevent the Bermuda Government from from taxing cannabis, raising MUCH NEEDED cash to pay off the debt the plp put us in with their self-serving ways.
Legalizing cannabis could be our “Magic Bullet” to dramatically boost our tourism numbers, and raise essential taxes to pay out debt!! Think about it. REALLY think about it! How else are we gonna get out of debt…?!
However, I am disappointed that Mr Dickerson did not take this opportunity of being a MAN… and maybe getting these awful cannabis laws off the books… or at least getting folks talking about this serious issue. That continues to be a non-issue!
well said ……
Not to mention lying, hanging with the wrong people etc etc… Either he owned the weed or he was setup by his ‘mate’ either way it shows extremely thin character… He probably should be a politician… I bet it’s a question on the PLP application form these days… “Do you have a Criminal Record..?” looks like it’s becoming a requirement….
Well said and I’ll post this again…
“In a constitutional republic like the United States, people often think that the proper response to an unjust law is to try to use the political process to change the law, but to obey and respect the law until it is changed. But if the law is itself clearly unjust, and the lawmaking process is not designed to quickly obliterate such unjust laws, then the law deserves no respect and it should be broken.”
Right sentiment, wrong law. Whether you agree or not about weed being legal/illegal, this should not be confused with a civil rights protest or moral crusade about, say, conscription. It’s not the same, so calm the f&$k down.
Henry David Thoreau wrote the essay that I took the paragraph from, on civil disobediance, not about one single unjust law, but all of them. Its not just a matter of one person not liking the law and going against it, its about having a belief and grounds as to why it is unjust, and to even be prepared to go to prison for what you believe. The thing is the more people infected with this mentality, the stronger it becomes, they can’t lock us all up, they need us to keep their lavish lifestyles.
I started to reply to this the last time you posted it “Come Correct.” What you are advocating with your quote is exactly what has been happening here. If I think the law regarding guns is stupid, because I can have a gun in the US, so I should be able to have one here, based on your reasoning, I am perfectly within my rights to carry my gun and to use it on anybody who walks into my house – with the defense that they were “invading.” Or even closer to home, I think the law about driving over the limit is stupid, because I know I am perfectly capable of driving safely, in fact after 2 or 3 (or more) drinks, I am positive I am a safe driver.
The one that gets me in the kisser is when a prominent parliamentarian calls a legally valid question, asked in the House of Assembly, a “plantation question” and refuses to answer it. Of course, those Rules of Parliament are stupid and are white people’s laws (even worse, they are British laws) anyway so they shouldn’t apply to him. He is therefore entitled to ignore them, right?
Your argument is a non-sequitur. It would make more sense of thousands of people on the Island thought that carrying a gun was necessary and broke the law by the thousands but they don’t. The average Bermudian I would assume agrees that no one should have guns. Laws are made that will be followed by the vast majority and broken by a minority. So although I don’t smoke wed or think it should be legal, and I feel the same about alcohol, I don’t think you are making any intelligible sense der Pastah.
Seriously Pastor? I could ramble on but I’ll keep it simple. Henry David Thoreau wrote this essay on civil disobedience as just one passive means to combat UNJUST laws. Speeding, alcohol and guns have all taken lives. There have been no, zero, nada deaths from marijuana, I’ll put it in a
time frame…EVER.
Well, Come Correct, your quote is a convenient get-out for paedophiles, drunk drivers, rapists, embezzlers, inside-traders, conmen, and anyone else who doesn’t ‘feel like’ a particular law should apply to them.
Fortunately we live in a democracy where all laws are supposed to apply equally to everyone.
No-one is special. No-one is above the law.
Holy crap people! UNJUST laws! All that you memtioned are laws for very clear reasons. Its now pretty common knowlege that we have all been lied to about marijuana and it is now being legalized for MEDICAL and recreational use in certain states and I’m sure more to follow. If you want to twist the quote or don’t understand it, then read the eassay in full like I did.
Henry David Thoreau: Civil Disobediance
In a democracy you vite to change laws. You don’t just break them and then squeal that they’re “unjust”. And in this case the “unjust” issue is far from clear in the first place.
@rickrock—– what about that expat worker caught with weed, he was obviously above the law, got off scotch free cos he works in international business???????sick of white network and laws anyway ….laws should be agreed upon by society not based on hundreds of years ago by people that don’t even reside here!! Makai didn’t do anything wrong especially when you consider slavery and its present day effects on our community..heard of the Door of No Return?Makai never hurt anyone and should not have apologized for these antiquated laws that we are expected to abide by.
I totaly agree with your comments, I stood up in court thirty years ago and pleaded guity to having cannabis in my car that wasn’t mine,but a friends and I’ve been on the so called Stop List ever since. We need wake up and stop making people criminals that have not harmed any one else. Our leaders have many friends they know that do drugs and act like they don’t see. Lets be true to each other and start moving forward by not making people criminals because they don’t use appoved drugs when our pharmacy’s are very busy every day selling drugs.
There is no “STOP LIST” it is Bermudian criminals (assault,narcotics Mj/Coke, theft , there’s a new one!)that just have to apply for a waiver from the US Consulate. We can not help these people because their parents poor parenting skills led them to a life of crime! Do your time and stop making excuses and get of the wall.
The biggest problem here isn’t necessarily that he got busted for weed (which obviously doesn’t look good), it’s his pathetic excuse that it wasn’t his and that he was just carrying some cigarettes for a friend. I’d have a bit more respect for him if he was honest about what happened.
@Judge Dredd,
opu know that Mr. Crockwell spent time in Westgate for his Crime. It is not as if this happened yesterday and he is walking free.
So PLP Members can have a second chance, but forget about anyone else that has been in the same situation. No second chances there right?! PLP scams once again
Why hasn’t any Party addressed the outdated weed laws in this country? Making criminals out of persons with small amounts is criminal in itself. While I am an OBA supporter, I don’t believe that Mackai should be prevented from carrying on his candidacy. Now if he was found with intention to distribute, that would be a whole other story.
Agreed.
Buying drugs, is fueling the gangs! nice one PLP!
Bull. This is not the States!
That is not bull. How you think the gang members are making their money? They sell drugs duhhhh!
Less Buyers=Less Money which means mommy gets no illegal money to pay her bills and baby mama going to have them in court because she can’t get her claws and weave did at the salon because her gangster baby daddy cannot give her no money.
Let’s be real! If these boys had no money they would be more motivated to get a job. But there is no need to when they can sit at home playing Fifa13 and make money at the same time.
clearly u need a draw…its vital…;-)
Buying weed from gang members does not “fuel” the gangs. They are selling ‘quarters’… which they have to buy from long-established dealers. Gangs do not control the drug business here like they do in the U.S.
Bermuda gangs are all about “respect” and “territory.”
To make a few bucks, would you rather have gangsters breaking into your home – or – selling weed??
Should be legalized, anyway.
you make no sense! Gangs are fighting over the drug trade in Bermuda. You buy drugs, then you are increasing the drug industry, which in turn leads to gang violence, which results in young Bermudians getting killed.
Gangs are NOT fighting over the drug trade in Bermuda..They have their own clients and sell in their own “Consituency”……it’s so not about the drugs…..
Dude u r the stupidest person to comment thus far. So buying weed in Bermuda doesn’t fuel the gangs u say?! Are u retarded or what? The number one drug of choice in Bermuda is weed u fool. They buy at one price and then mark up just like everyone else does. If they didn’t then what would be the point of selling? Just to get me high?! I don’t think so. Here’s a little math for u. Say they buy the bulk piece at 5000 dollars a pound. They brake it into 1gram baggies and sell them for 50 bucks each. Now at 50 bucks per gram and 453 grams to a pound that equates to about 22650 dollars. Now explain to me how the hell buying weed doesn’t fuel the gangs. Again tools the lot of u! And don’t say they aren’t selling it by the gram because they r.
I doubt that any gang member could get his hands on a pound of weed, wholesale. The long established dealers would not allow that to happen. Like the poster above and I have said, a few times… It is SO not about the drugs! It’s about stupider stuff, like respect and territory. Ask any cop….
If you can tell me where I can get a pound for 5g I’ll go buy one right now lol I think you need to double that price at the least, and don’t even start with exotic, if you’re lucky you’re looking at $1600 an ounce, 16 ounces to a pound, there’s some math for you. I get what you’re saying though, once broken down, they make a killing, and half of them have it invested around their neck, something else where the value is constantly increasing.
Well why does it have to be a weave and baby daddy you think only Young black men sell weed? If you do have fun being somebody’s B*&%# until you hit the dirt.
I agree with you to an extent. I would be comfortable saying a good majority of this island smokes weed, 0.8gram…yes I said zero POINT eight of a gram of good weed (exotic, xo, raw, chronic) goes for $50, that would last me a day…if I wanted to pay $50 for less than a gram only to come back tomorrow, I’d start doing coke. This is exactly what is fueling these gangs. People think guns and bullets are cheap here? Cocain and heroin are good money makers in the fact that your customers are frequently returning, but marijuana is the big money maker on this island, so in my opinion it is the government (plp, bda, oba, whovever) and itd prohibition laws that are fueling these gangs and essentially putting bullets in the bodies of our young men. Isn’t this exactly what happened with the prohibition of alcohol in the US? Giving rise to some of the greatest criminals of all time such as Al Capone. Clearly we learn from history that we don’t learn from history. If marijuana brings in so much money, yet harms nobody, unlike alcohol (not just the drinker…bar fights and such, not to mention its IMPOSSIBLE for people on marijuana to fight), then why hasn’t the government made steps to take the profits out of the hands of gangs and put it into our economy? There are reasons. To be perfectly honest, I’d feel a lot better buying weed from the government knowing the proceeds will be going towards something productive than visiting a drug dealer and not knowing if I just helped to put a bullet in the next victim of a shooting, not to mention I’d feel a lot safer too. Our out dated marijuana laws are completely ridiculous.
Drug test politicians …… This needs to be legislated and passed asap. We cannot have our country being led by people who support gang culture and criminal activity.
clearly u need a draw
Lol or remove a certain legislation and poof, problem solved…
Who is this friend he was holding the pack of cigarettes for? Someone named —?
On the other hand… If Makai just gets a “warning” for posession of weed, then something is rotten in Denmark. To coin a phrase. And if he just gets a warning as a result of his ties to the plp, then that is absolutely WRONG!! Criminal even.
Hundreds of youngsters have had to pay the huge fines and suffer the consequences of these draconian cannabis laws, preventing some from entering the United States for college due to the Stop List. If these young people had to pay… then Mr Dickerson should also PAY! Plus think of the many tourists who have been harassed by the authorities for small amounts of cannabis – presumably because they had nothing better to do….
Fair is fair.
What about the cruise passangers??!! If he gets a warning you just slapped them in the face!
Holding it for a friend… Now that’s funny. If they truly were his friends, they wouldn’t of.. or… shouldn’t of put him in that predicament.
I always give my cigarettes to someone else to hold. Don’t you?
Exactly, Family Man!!! Oldest excuse in the book!!
I’d say drug test him to see if he’s lying but I could get it out of my system in 3 days.
Actually, come Correct, marijuana is detectable up to 40 days and probably even longer if you use a hair follicle test.
The THC in cannabis can stay in your system for up to 90 days, even though you may have stopped smoking it. That’s why drug tests are bogus. You could be clean for weeks (!) and still fail the test!
That’s why it’s a challenge to find clean bus drivers.
But being an abuser of alcohol is okay. Cuz alcohol is naturally flushed out of your system within 24 hours. So you could be a falling-down drunk and still get a bus drivers licence! Go figure.
Don’t even know if modern drug tests check for alcohol….
I was referring to a detox, but Pastor is right, a hair follicle test is better.
We drug test our athlete’s. I believe that is even more important that we drug test our government. It is vital to know that they are functioning with clear head’s. It is obvious by the decisions that have been made over the that last few years that we have a bunch of bone heads at the helm, and you see where that got us.
clearly u need a draw its vital
One minute he says he didn’t know about the weed, then he says he made a mistake – which is it?
Got caught and you know full well there are others that running for election that indulge. Yes they should drug test all Politicians even if it is to prove a point. How in Lords name can you set Laws if you do not adhere to what is law.
Maybe this is why they have come up with soooooo many bad policies AND BAD management??
Let the mudslinging begin….ok let’s just add a candidate with a poke of weed to the list with the coke dealer, the bank robber, the one that the angels speak to, the list goes on…no one is perfect and EVERYONE has skeletons in their closet be they large or small….. politicking at its best…..more to come as the election draws near….stay tuned.
I hope he gets put on the stop list like everybody else, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
I know Makai personally and saw him that night. It happened before he was a candidate. He asked for a cigarette and was given a pack, it was a “hold on to em” thing. The car he was in got pulled over and you see the result. I feel bad for him because he really tries hard to do right and would never willingly walk around with drugs on him. He took responsibility for having it on him just not for it being his. Just so you know, he doesn’t smoke only because its illegal. To quote him “wait, let me legalize it first”.
“let me legalize it first” – sheesh the power has gone to his head and he hasn’t even been elected yet!
Too funny – who says hang on to a whole pack of cigs these days… !!! LOL – either he’s lying or he hangs with the wrong folk… Either way he shouldn’t be elected and he should recuse himself… But he won’t… And when he’s elected he will either continue to hang with the drug boys who knew what was going on and set him up – or passed him weed, or he will continue to lie – and what kind of example is than for the PLP voters…?? Too funny…
P.S. It’s NOT about the weed it IS about CHARACTER – something sadly LACKING on my Island…
If, “It’s NOT about the weed it IS about CHARACTER” then why do you refer to Makai’s friends as, “the wrong folk” & “drug boys”? Is not alcohol a drug that causes one’s wrong side to emerge & reckless mannerisms to happen? Would you consider people who drink alcohol, “the wrong folk” or “drug boys”? If not then no matter how much you deny it the truth is to you It’s about the weed.
alchahol is not illegeal, dont forget that, regardless of how bad it may be, it is not illegal. I am tired of the stupid decisions and excuses of the plp. They clearly set the wrong examples over and over. Will the OBA be better, Im not certain of that either, but with only 2 choices, its clear any change is needed at present.
Technically alcohol is illegal in certain circumstances but in Bermuda those circumstances seem to be pushed aside by many in Bermuda. I’m sure if any candidate in the past was charged for underage drinking or DUI especially on the OBA side many would shrug their shoulders & say so what regardless of how bad it is. This type of hypocrisy is what causes the deterioration of Bermuda. I don’t support the PLP or their actions but when the opposing party has to stoop so low as to use the conviction of an opposing member for a law that has caused more harm than good in this country as a weapon it makes me question if they plan to change Bermuda for the better or take it back to the 1970s.
What are you talking about. Alcohol possession is not illegal.
And as for your theory “…If any candidate was charged with DUI especially on the OBA side many would shrug their shoulders & say so what regardless of how bad it is.” What absolute shite you write.
Dickerson got himself in this mess. The PLP has been making laws for the past 14 years – they could have changed it if they felt like it. But they didn’t. These are HIS party’s laws he’s broken. He should take it like a man, like the rest of us would have to.
You’re the one who types “shite”!
Alcohol possession IS illegal if you are under 18, if its open in a vehicle, if its over a certain proof, if you are consuming it in public unconcealed & if you are boarding a plane with the liter amount thats allowed. Get your “shite” straight since you don’t know “shite”. It’s a drug & a controlled substance sorry to break it to you but it’s not koolaid there numbty dumpty. It’s also illegal to sell it past 9pm on saturday in a store or the whole of Sunday & to sell it period to minors & if you don’t have a license to sell it. Many of these laws get broken daily but in Bermuda since its not the scary devil plant it is accepted & not enforced.
So you do you know for a fact that non of the OBA members have ever been charged with DUI? Please do tell since you want to go against what I type like you know.
As for laws they could have changed this is not one of them since there are so many small minded people like you around who’d protest the change.
“One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
the crime is not so much he had a joint in his possession if ,in fact, it happened before his candidacy was announced the crime is the PLP trying to keep it suppressed until after the election….
It is indeed troubling that this incident occured a few months ago, and primarily because it was leaking out and becoming a subject of serious discussion, the PLP admitted it. They had no choice.
They even advertised him as a rising star, knowing damn well that he admitted being in possession of marijuana.
“We had to deceive you” is alive and kicking.
I call BS, cigarettes are expensive and so is marijuana, nobody would do that, nobody.
Come on now! Put yourself in his shoes. Would you risk having to put in a waver request for the rest of your life to travel or other sacrifices to prove how honest you are? OBA took something personal & made it political which is below the belt & partisan. It’s so sad neither parties can have a clean fight.
I’ve been in his shoes, but I agree low blow by the oba, just as low by the plp to hide it. Obliterate the draconian laws, its that simple. If he walks out of parliment, goes home to relax with nothing else to do and strikes up a doobie, I have no problem here. If he strikes up a doobie and goes to debte in the house, there’s an issue.
Its sad that he gets a warning because of who he is, should this have been any other young bermudian there would be heavy fines to pay as well as other heavy consequences. why should it be any different for this man? I agree neither party can have a clean fight, but come on. Don’t punish the youngsters so heavily and ruin their chances at life and prevent them from the opportunities that could arise because they are put onto a “stop list”. It doesn’t matter who you are or who you know, a crime is a crime and all should be treated and punished equally. That is what is wrong with this corrupt government today… time for a change.
pointless worry and concern over a plant and the folks that choose to smoke it. who cares if he smokes weed its not bad actually been decriminalized in Rhode island were i am currently living…MA is the same any thing under 28.0 grams is a 30 $ ticket..if the cop wants to even bother…soon the rest of the states will follow and than maybe Bermy will follow suit until than continue to knit pick and fuss over nature and how one chooses to use her natural properties….im going to chill with the Yankees and work hard pay my taxes and smoke my grade …………..btw I believe COLORADO VOTERS just made it legal in their state funny the power people have when they UNITE….
In Washington State, it’s legal, too. And of course, you can get yer “B.C.Bud” up in British Columbia.
Actually you can get Marc Emery’s strains all across canada & there are smoker friendly places all over also that are legally set up so you can partake outside of your home without offending any one. It’s ironic how Toronto legalized for few months one summer & an embargo was put on them from the U.S. till they changed the law back & now it’s fine to blaze anywhere in Colorado & Washington State. The hypocrisy of this American law is so blatant yet Bermuda Government Parties will not even venture to come up with something better even if it will help many of Bermuda’s problems. The only one with a set in politics now is the independent newcomer while the rest are all full grown kitty cats.
Bingo!
oh mercy, bc bud.. memories. : )
I think you’ll find it’s not about the weed – it’s about the lies….
President Clinton lied about his cannabis use while President Obama was honest about his. Does this make either of them a better or worse president?
When facing allegations for something that causes minimal or no damage to society but major damage to oneself its difficult to sacrifice livelihood for others opinion of your honesty.
Shame on the OBA bringing this up. Its like calling someone out in the days of separation for drinking out of the water fountain the law says you were not to drink from. This just shows how the OBA supports partisan law & politics. Damn I wish there was one party out there with all their ducks in a forward thinking row but sadly there isn’t.
The UBP did it!
UBP is the past & I’m looking toward a future without repeated past mistakes. I agree with the majority of the plans from OBA but to use a charge that does nothing to harm the public as leverage for the election makes me wonder if OBA will be looking toward fixing laws that need to be fixed to stem the lucrativeness of the drug trade for gangs & the limitations the law puts on young Bermudians who are convicted because of it. If they use it as a weapon now how can they dismantle it in the future if elected?
Oh, by the way, the OBA didn’t “bring this up”, VSB News did.
Get your facts straight before you make false accusations.
RIIIIGHT! Because VSB supplied the ammo it justifies the OBA using it in their assault.
“OBA Chairman Thad Hollis said: “This is a serious allegation on two fronts: an unnamed election candidate allegedly facing drugs possession charges…”
“Since the report aired questions have been circulating unanswered and, more concerning, there have been no denials. The public has a right to know what is going on one way or another. We call on the Government to clear the air. We hope that the allegations are not true,” concluded Mr Hollis.”
Bermuda has more serious issues to tend with that they can put on PLP but instead the OBA resorts to mud slinging. But that’s alright because VSB made them do it. Right?
He is a political CANDIDATE, has put himself out there, and so should be thoroughly scrutinized! Judging from what the plp have done in recent weeks… they’d do the same to the OBA in a minute.
Glass houses and all that….
“This just shows how the OBA supports partisan law & politics.”
Oh, for sure….
I wish you people would hold your tongues until you have ALL of the facts, not just what you hear in the media. Like it or not, many young men in Mr. Dickerson’s age group smoke weed. If they were all out travelling together, then yes, people do tend to hold things that may not be theirs. When Mr. Dickerson says he made a mistake, by that I’m sure he means not scrutinizing his company a little better or ensuring nobody was travelling with weed on them. In any event, he is HUMAN and I don’t think this takes away from his character one bit. Half of you all running your mouths smoke or are recovering from a hangover as we speak. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone!!!
Light up the lighta
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/28637_399167946750_2355253_n.jpg
HA! HA! That is a great photo! Makai and the PLP are a joke!
Let’s just make sure he does not get elected. He would be a shining example to our youth , wouldn’t he ?
“He would be a shining example to our youth , wouldn’t he ?”
Its obvious this is in sarcasm but why? He is an adult who may or may not use a substance that is a lot less harmful than alcohol. Many ministers drink alcohol but I’m sure you wouldn’t allude to them being poor examples for the youth even though alcohol has torn apart many more lives in Bermuda than cannabis has. The only reason an adult can partake in alcohol but not cannabis is because of an archaic law put in place by racists as a means to an end. This is a low blow by OBA & it is uncalled for & puts me back on the fence for election day since I can see now that the OBA approves of underhanded methods to achieve their goals just as PLP does. BTW just in case save the its the law BS speech for someone else’s post because there’s many out there who posses pirated music & movies but no one is concerned about pointing the laws out about this making the individuals who partake in this illegal activity known despite the businesses that are effected by these law not being enforced. This is just one example but there are many more of laws in Bermuda that many even both party’s members are guilty of breaking but some too petty to use against them.
Tommy, you really have no idea why he wouldn’t be a shining example our youth? A few thoughts for you:
1. He uses illegal substances
2. He lies about it
3. He makes excuses about it
4. He walks around Hamilton with – shall we say – dubious company. By ‘dubious’ I mean tattoo’d thugs with hats on backwards and baggy pants around their asses. They appear to be his ‘handlers’ or maybe his ‘bodyguards’. Who knows.
And he wants to represent people by being an MP. He’s a worthless idiot. Anyone who votes for him needs their brains tested.
1. So Does 80% of the Population
2. So Does 100% of the Population
3. So Does 100% of the Population
4. Your mind has been compromised by mass media and you need to expand you social circles.
Bang!
1. No it doesn’t.
2. No it doesn’t.
3. Again, no it doesn’t.
Your mind has been compromised by the cess pool you spend you life in. You need to spend some time with normal people who don’t take illegal drugs. I guess I’m one of the boring people you see in the street. I don’t break laws. I go to work every day. I worry about educating my kids, paying my mortgage, hopefully giving the kids something nice at Christmas. Most of us don’t live the cess pool life that you lead, I’m afraid.
Agreed. Some people are so high or drunk constantly and morally corrupt that they think it’s normal, it’s not. Or they think you’re boring for not partaking in it.
Lol dude, its weed not extacy, if you want to party weed is not the “substance” for you. If you want to relax be calm and unwind, its the perfect choice. Its probably a good thing that I smoke because after, I’m impossible to piss off, I have a very low tolerance for stupidity and stabbing stupid people in the face in my opinion is worse lol although very tempting.
That’s not the point. You are hell bent on replying to every single comment aren’t you? If only you took up a worthwhile crusade instead of attempting to make everyone think they should smoke weed and getting it legalized. You might be halfway productive then. Go back and re-read my comment, this time try comprehending the overall point.
You sound psychotic is you can’t control yourself to the point that you need to smoke or else you’d physically harm someone. Perhaps therapy would have been better.
Agreed. Come Correct lives a cess pool life and thinks everyone else does. Having not smoked weed in my entire life, I don’t share his views about how “100% of people” lie about about drugs etc. He thinks we all live like the idiot he is. We don’t.
Wow names really? You don’t know a thing about my life. Where have I said 100% of people lie about drugs? I’m advocating weed not drugs, nd nowhere have I said that everyone should smoke weed, but everyone should be afforded the right to. Clearly the stabbing stupid people was more or less a joke or I’d have been locked up after 25years, which I haven’t, so I must have some restraint, not thatnks to the court ordered anger management. Really guys what’s with the hate? I can’t express my opinion? Sounds lile you guys need to relax and unwind, not me.
Weed is a drug first off, if it did nothing people wouldn’t smoke it. The whole point is to get high. Secondly you most definitely can have your opinion. It’s not hate on our part, the problem is you think your opinion is the right one and rant and make off to others who don’t agree. That’s my whole problem with you is your approach.
Who made off? If I didn’tstick to what I believe then why believe it? You act like I attacked your post when I was simplycommenting on the fact peoplesay you’reboringbecause you don’t partake, as if there is something entertainingabout smoking weed. There’s no pink elephants or ninjason the front lawn, just simplerelaxation. You have all the right in the world not to partake, but I believe I shouldhave the right to do it if I wish, its my body. Just like peopledrink and some don’t,but alcohol is legal and more harmful and marijuana is illegal and a provenmedicine (obviously not smoked), so in MY OPINION that I also seem to share with some others, I believe it is a backward ass unjustlaw. You can’t honestly say your tryingto protect me when I could walk into a grocery store and drink bleachif I chose to do so, its legal.Why do governments feel the need to restrict personal choice? Because there’s more to it than just that, its all about the $$$ and who benefits from it.
Lol sorry about my name, was proving a point on a different article.
CESS POOL LIFE?!??!!?
You & Rick should start a club called the Holier Than Thou Club. My post below to Rick is ditto to you.
I guess you don’t drink alcohol, caffeinated drinks, eggnog containing nutmeg or eat turkey either since you would have to lie about not being a drug user if you did.
You accuse others of being prejudice but your statement is extremely prejudice & pretentious. You seem to think that ALL people who don’t take illegal drugs are normal which is a load of crock. To much of ANYTHING can make you an addict so anything can be a drug. If you don’t have any pirated songs or movies, have ever put a false amount on a declaration form, parked in a no parking zone or driven after having one to many alcoholic drinks you have broken the law & if not toodles to you but that still don’t make you an angel because you are still guilty of false judgement. Many who smoke cannabis still go to work every day, worry about educating their kids, paying their mortgage, give their kids something nice at Christmas & Most of us don’t live a cess pool life. You think those who toke are boring but most don’t or wouldn’t if they knew. We just had a massive tribute to John Lennon who was a big time herb smoker that even made a protest song about the poet John Sinclair being arrest for cannabis possession. There are loads of other ganja smokers I could mention that have made a positive impact on this world & are considered far from boring but that would be too long of a list to fill your small mind with.
rising stars
alcohol and fighting
marijuana and dopiness
great choices Madam Premier shining examples of our Youth
clearly u need a draw its vital….
Dude… you are cracking me up today! BTW your avitar looks like he had his vital draw today… lol
“VJ” – yes while I agree with your sentiment – weed is, however, against the law and recovering from a hangover isn’t yet against the law… So when the hangover is against the law and weed isn’t then you can speak tour words… until then – just obey the law… Especially if you are stang for public office – I mean duh!!!
Where’s the Advil…???
“In a constitutional republic like the United States, people often think that the proper response to an unjust law is to try to use the political process to change the law, but to obey and respect the law until it is changed. But if the law is itself clearly unjust, and the lawmaking process is not designed to quickly obliterate such unjust laws, then the law deserves no respect and it should be broken.”
Holding a cigarette pack for a friend.. bahahahaha!!!!! Have truths are still lies. Vote No in #12
There is the issue of PROFILING by the cops as well.
Let me tell you a little story about character. Fifteen year old girl’s laptop is checked into IT department at school for service. When she goes to pick it up, it is nowhere to be found. After numerous phone calls from mother to school, the laptop cannot be located. Mother has meeting with school about missing laptop. IT Manager attends meeting and states that the laptop was released to the student and she was the one that lost it. Mother asks for evidence that laptop was released to student. IT Manager states that he knows for a fact that the laptop was released to the student and that he handed it over to her himself. Deputy Principal states that the student has to pay for the laptop because the student lost it. Mother begins to doubt her own child and is angry that she has to pay for another laptop on her restricted budget. Student cries for days, insisting she is telling the truth and is upset that nobody believes her story. Lo and behold, a couple of months later a technician at the school finds the laptop high on a shelf in the IT Department…the SAME laptop that the IT Manager stated in the meeting that he had “handed to the student himself.” What does this tell you about this man’s character? By the way, this IT Manager is now an OBA candidate…..
Classic red herring
Call it what you may, but what kind of person would lie on a teenage girl and put her parents under financial stress to cover his own butt? A man of very poor character!!!
Google red herring. You obviously don’t know what it means.
Uhhh, I don’t have to Google it as I know what it means. The relevance of my story was that there are OBA candidates of questionable character. Mr. Dickerson is suffering the consequences of the company he kept and isn’t hurting anyone else. This other man LIED and cost undue financial burden to a student’s family. Mr. Dickerson hurt no-one. The other candidate DID.
So you Googled it…. PERFECT! Lmao
What part of their reply made it seem as if they don’t know what it means or that they had to google it? Does knowing and using the words “red herring” somehow make you feel intelligent and superior to others?
Free, people that use terms such as “red herring” don’t combine it with slang or text talk like LMAO so my guess is that THEY are the one using Google to help them write their comments ha!
Don’t insult my intelligence, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know the term. Google may be your best friend, but I don’t have to use it to educate myself. YOU clearly don’t know what it means or which context to use it in! Or perhaps you meant Mr. Dickerson’s weed story is a classic red herring? If that was the point you were trying to make, I concur…
The most concerning aspect is that it appears the PLP would have swept this under the rug until at least after the election (like the GCSE results and other matters that would normally have been reported on by now).
This particular matter is an important issue for many voters. Personally, do not care.
I HEAR THERE IS ANOTHER SCATHING AG REPORT THAT HAD TO BE PUT ON THE BACKBURNER DUE TO THE ELECTION BEING CALLED. I CAN GUARANTEE THERE WILL BE NO GOOD NEWS ONCE IT IS RELEASED NEXT YEAR… MORE PLP SHENANIGANS.
Are you saying the AG has been instructed to suppress information for political purposes?
NO. I AM SAYING THAT SHE CAN’T RELEASE THE REPORT DUE TO IT HAVING TO BE TABLED IN THE HOUSE FIRST.
Like I said Makai Dickerson is the worst candidate the PLP has rolled out. No education no real job, and he is a pot head. yet everyone has something bad to say about OBA’s young educated candidates. It is embarrassing to see where everyone priorities are. We should be drug testing all members of government. If you do drugs then you are responsible for the deterioration of the Bermuda.
Sooooo… if I smoke in my house that I paid for, with weed that I grew in my backyard, I am responsible for the deterioration of Bermuda?
Makai … Your future maybe is…Not in Politics . You got it twisted son . Possession of marijuana is illegal and lying is unethical . Ol’Monty falls back and observes the fall-out .
jeeez bie I can’t believe me actually agree on something before the world ends in a few weeks….lol
You choose to point fingers at Mackai?! Tell me something, is allegedly billing $400,000 of taxpayers money to cover cost on your own house not considered illegal? The only problem I have here is that he didn’t take a stand on what he apparently believes to be an unjust law, he could have sealed my vote with that, but that takes courage and integrity, something the current leadership isn’t exactly known for.
@ C.C. Makai seems to be his own worst enemy , so shut it ..
No answer the question!
By the way the person I’m referring to still hasn’t been brought up on charges, let alone even questioned, he was Bermudas worst enemy. I’d rather have Mackai smoking weed as an MP than any other MP using taxpayers money for their own benefit, but I know you won’t answer the question so you can shut it. How’s retirement anyway? Mine won’t be so great, I get to watch my pension money explode over whites island a few times a year, while those that use taxpayers money for personal benefit enjoy a fixed pension.
There’s always the option open to you to make a citizens arrest . Do not deny yourself that basic right . Take all that substantive evidence that you might possess and do the right thing for Bermuda . You look on him as an enemy , I take a much stronger view , he’s a traitor .
We agree on something! Only thing is I’m not so sure the citizens arrest would go so well for me, there’s a reason he hasn’t even been questioned.
His alibi is laughable, and at the same time insults our intelligence!
Two points of observation – Firstly, seeing as Mr. Dickerson is running in my constituency he will “fall on his sword” and let the hierarchy of the P.L.P. find another candidate as no one in their right mind could consider voting for him now. Secondly, this event should now push the ruling party who ever they end up being, into mandating the need for drug testing all candidates before running in any and all elections. If sports teams representing Bermuda have to take the test, why wouldn’t people holding public office need to???
So in your mind Marijuana is a cardinal sin?
Yes dun, legal synthetic pharmaseuticals are way better for you than any natural plant…the idiocy of people still amazes me, I mean can nobody see how stupid what I just wrote is? Its like saying I’m going to the home decor store to buy some of those plastic vegitables for my stew tonight because they don’t use pesticides on them.
I agree that all candidates should be drug tested. But I also believe that our marijuana laws need a major overhaul. If a government official uses marijuana in his personal time, then I have no issues with that. However, if he gets high while working, I take serious issue with that; just like if someone was drinking while on the job. I support drug testing simply because I do not want anybody that uses hard drugs running the country.
Come on guys, don’t you offer to hold cigarettes for people? I do that all the time NOT!!!!
“The substance was not mine and I didn’t even know it was there. It was stuffed at the bottom of my friends’ cigarette box which I had on my person.”
Show me your company and I’ll tell you who you are! Makai, so your friend let you use his cigarette box to hide your marijuana in?
He carried it for someone or it was his own.
One of those cases of ‘do you know who I am.’
End of story.
Let me tell you a little story about character. Fifteen year old girl’s laptop is checked into IT department at school for service. When she goes to pick it up, it is nowhere to be found. After numerous phone calls from mother to school, the laptop cannot be located. Mother has meeting with school about missing laptop. IT Manager attends meeting and states that the laptop was released to the student and she was the one that lost it. Mother asks for evidence that laptop was released to student. IT Manager states that he knows for a fact that the laptop was released to the student and that he handed it over to her himself. Deputy Principal states that the student has to pay for the laptop because the student lost it. Mother begins to doubt her own child and is angry that she has to pay for another laptop on her restricted budget. Student cries for days, insisting she is telling the truth and is upset that nobody believes her story. Lo and behold, a couple of months later a technician at the school finds the laptop high on a shelf in the IT Department…the SAME laptop that the IT Manager stated in the meeting that he had “handed to the student himself.” What does this tell you about this man’s character? By the way, this IT Manager is now an OBA candidate…..
I can remember a former Premier of ours who was often “pissed out of her mind”, even at official functions!
…but I suppose that’s OK?? I think she’d have been better off smoking weed!
Oh yeah, seen that one.
Prolly doze off….
We all must realize that Politicians, Policeman, Church Preachers, Judges, Lawyers, are Human beings just like us too.
A Political Party Candidate caught with weed–it don’t surprise me !
this is what I know today about people we come to depend on.
2 Police officers – Drunks
2 Police officers that – smokes weed
3 Corrections officers – Drunks
3 Lawyers – Drunks
2 Lawyers – Smoke weed
2 Lawyers – hits Cocaine
5 Politician MP – Drunks
1 Pastor- who is into young women-who pays well!
1 Pastor – a Drunk and buys XXX Movies
the above is real -infact I can keep going on.
I don’t think Makia knew what he was getting into.
How does one persons’ problems make another’s OK? Because one pastor is sleeping with young women (how young, if it is under 18 you should report him immediately to the police and social services) does that mean that excuses another person’s similar behaviour? No. Because one person hits their child, doesn’t give another the right to. Abusing drugs, alcohol and people is wrong. It is a problem and should be dealt with. Just because everyone has the capacity to make a mistake, doesn’t mean their mistakes are OK in any way.
And if he is paying for sex (the pastor) and you have knowledge you are likely breaking the law and facing criminal charges as well if you do not report it.
Island Man,
You should write a tell all book, but remember to change the names in order to protect the guilty____guaranteed best seller.
When Andre is released, you can hire him as your agent. Just kidding!
You have point, sad thing for Makai is that he got caught and most Bermudians are fed up with the PLP. The timing couldn’t have been any more wrong for him and the PLP.
A lot of people in trusted and respected positions of power do a lot of things that people would take issue with. I know quite a few myself it doesn’t change the fact that it’s wrong though.
i’m glad i did not have to spend my money on some weed to get a good laugh
Im a plp supporter and I feel that him getting caught is an embarrassing thing,….Now did my Party try to cover it up..which they could use their power of government to do..no they let the truth out and now he has to be prepared for his consequences.
I don’t care how much people smoke weed on the island the fact that he was caught carrying it should send a shock wave, to us as supporters, and he has prayed for forgiveness to God and his family and his community to make amends for his stupidity.The weed was taken from him and we as family and supporters can forgive this stupidity…shh cheekums Makai that was dumb of you….
But come on this is the only thing you OBA/UBP supports are hopping on to try to get our minds off of your secret plan that Mr Swan admitted that there was on.
Even Obama admitted to smoking a lil veed back in the day …it doesn’t make it right but how many of yall have done some veed or got drunk.
Now as far as the comparison to Crockwll…lol …hell no and it was heroin not cocaine. And he was in a position of trust in the highest for of law…he was a clerk of the court.
And the heroine that he pushed back in the community is still being cycled today, the drugs that he pushed in the community helped to buy the weed that Makai had…and serving your time means you paid your debt to society if everything is found. He did time but his supplier was never caught or known and the drugs were never seized, so the time he did in jail was only of benefit to the drug dealer he kept his mouth shut for…..
Question….who benefitted from that silence??? So the time he spent in jail as far as I’m concerned , was his chill time knowing that he comes out and be handsomely rewarded for his silence…. Now what….
“Hours after the OBA issued a statement questioning an allegation that one of the PLP’s candidates was facing drug charges, the PLP admitted…..”
@ Cheekums…As a firm PLP supporter and a friend of Shawn Crockwell , I think it would be remiss of me not to correct you on a few points .
The drugs that Mr.Crockwell removed from the safe at the Supreme Court was evidence from two separate closed cases . In a weird way Mr.Crockwell could be seen more as an opportunistic thief than a drug dealer .
Now to piss people off … As mentioned I count myself as a friend of Shawn , but to trust him ? … Not a chance !! In my mind he is more a convicted thief and liar than a drug dealer . When he was confronted by detectives , he vehemently denied any involvement of the theft of said drugs . It was his accomplice that gave up the plot . Even though Shawn was convicted of the crime , paid the debt to society , he has never apologized or acknowledged his role as the mastermind of the largest known theft of Crown controlled drugs .
“he has prayed for forgiveness to God”
So um…who does this “god” ask forgivness from for creating it?
I’d rather leave the ‘Faith Based’ ,Q&A to Andre Curtis , he could be reached at Westgate .
Lol Is the angel locked up too?
I do believe in second chances as well, however not when they involve people that will be incharge of the running of my country! Why is it a crime to strive to find people that are above board! Those without criminal records, drug issues etc. If there are that few then the island has a much more serious problem!
I echo just a thought’s remarks. Mr Dickerson should not be able to run as a candidate. I am strongly against it. He actually should do the ‘right thing’ and resign his position.
I dont get it, MISTAKE???? How is it he calls it a mistake IF it wasn’t his? Shouldnt he be saying – Lesson learned
Exactly!
A far bigger concern than what Dickerson did or how the base is being handled is the idea that, according to Black Soil above: “Every OBA candidate is drug tested whether they like it or not. The OBA believes this is setting an example.”
This might be setting an example, but not a good one. This reinforces the notion that the state, that employers, that somebody other than YOU has the right to control your body.
This is a severe infringement on personal liberty and an attitude that cannot be tolerated. Mandatory drug testing is a joke.
“Infringement on personal liberty…”?
Um, if I employ someone, then I have the right to be sure that they are sober and not under the influence of drugs.
And, if someone wants to represent me as an MP, I don’t want someone who gets high for recreation. Just the same as I don’t want someone who is interested in lining their own pockets. And I don’t want a weasel two-faced liar.
I see your point, but I disagree. As long as my employee does not come to work under the influence, what he chooses to do outside of work is his business. However, having said that, I wouldn’t want any hard drug user working for me for several reasons. So I support drug testing, but I don’t support marijuana being illegal.
“… what he chooses to do outside of work is his business”.
Not necessarily. It depends what the job is. If you’re in control of – say – flying a plane, or looking after $millions of public money, it might not be a good thing if you enjoy drinking until you can’t stand up.
That applies here. He wants to be elected into public office to represent consituents, but he smokes weed and lies about it.
And, as we all know, he isn’t the only PLP candidate who smokes weed and lies about it.
Serious man!?!? The ole “God” and “wasnt mine” defense. Really!?!?
Another one who thinks we are all idiots. PLP candidate for sure…
Come on guys… (try)lead by example!!
Hilarious if it were not so sad. You just can’t make this stuff up, & it is only Monday. The PLP were doing so well at keeping their candidates muzzeled & out of the public spotlight too. Nothing has been heard from Rolfe or D Kernal. The rest seem to have gone to ground.
Linking weed to alcohol is a non issue. Alcohol is legal. Like it or not. There will be no changes in its status. Possession of weed, for the time being, is illegal. JMO as a non user, I’d be perfectly happy to see it decriminalized along the lines that many states are now doing.
The weed possession is not even what has most people going here. It is PLP candidate Dickersons attempts to weasel his way out of the charge instead of standing strong, admitting guilt & moving on. His actions, words & company that he keeps say alot about his character.
Makai is saying it was not his weed, if that is the case he should take a hair follicule drug test and set the record straight an innocent man would not have any weed in his system.
Agreed!!
Didn’t he use the brother in distress Mason signal, flash the ring, bow or secret handshake? This seems like an initiation to me.
Conduct a “DRUG TEST” on Mr. Dickerson. If there is a trace of weed in his system, I believe it would be hard for him to prove that it wasn’t his and the law should act accordingly and without favor.
Really they went this low to dig up trash that happened in Sept? Makai is a very well educated, caring young man regardless n he is a great role model no matter what people may say…You know his name but you all don’t know his life story, Makai I know you reading these comments n just letting you know STAY STRONG n continue on doing your best, who care if its his or not PLP candidates smoke weed n OBA/UBP candidates steal money/sell cocaine…you’ll never have a clean Political party as much as you make they are
This happened in September and the PLP has been able to cover it up this long? More than 2 months later he has to “report to a police station”? It sounds like this was being swept under the mat until the media caught wind of it.
I support drug testing for politicians. If it’s good enough for bus drivers, it’s good enough for our Parliamentarians.
I like that idea, thise is now an integrity issue. He has said it is not his weed. He is apologizing for bad judgement, but then he says it was not mine it was a friends.
If this is the case, A drug test, as suggested would be a sure way to say to the public, I do not consume of an illegal substance. I think weed should be legal, however right now it is not, so, a person who is running for government should obey our laws (integrity).
The reality is, Makai means well, he just does not know the level of scrutiny that he will be under now that he as been pulled into the political circle.
the PLP’s position is this is not a big deal, as Makai is in dead man’s shoes and does he not stand a chance against Craig C. Let us just ride it out.
Makai, needs to know there are no accidents at the level he is playing the game, he must be careful of his friends and associates and people in his circle.
PLP considered him a rising star along with John Gibbons.
Well?
what now!
show you how “Deep” their talent pool is….
“What, I didn’t know that was in there, its not mine it belongs to my friend.” His friend later told him “Im sorry, I had to deceive you….”
just to Clarify one of the earlier post about Shawn Crockwell that stated he was 19 at the time of his arrest and conviction for stealing drugs from the Surpreme Court. He in fact was 24 years old at the time of his crime and just graduated from college Shawn was working in the Court as a Court Clarke and a few months from going to law school.
If there was anyone that should have known better it was him, he came from a good home, private school, jehovah’s Witness faith (I believe) and recieved a scholarship from the then AS&K Law Firm.
thanks
In the interest of accuracy:
Seventh Day Adventist.
about Makai Dickerson http://tinyurl.com/c9buaqr
I really have to wonder who leaked this story to the media. I am sure it wasn’t one of Mr. Dickerson’s friends, nor anyone within the party. That only leaves the police. If that is the case, I hope that this is throughly investigated. Regardless of who it is, the police should not be leaking confidential information on people’s arrests to the media, especially for political gain….
Even though I don’t believe this story to be news worthy, I could not disagree with your comment more! This is the very thing the PLP needs to stop. Open and honestly needs to be the way. There is nothing confidential in being arrested or charged. In fact, having an open legal system is one of the most fundamental parts of a fair one. There is no justice, without the perception of it.
The real question is, why isn’t everyone treated the same way.
The police are not allowed to “leak” information. If information is released to the public, it is supposed to be through the proper channels. A junior officer (PC if you will) who was surely dealing with this cannot release information without his superior’s knowledge and consent. When you read of arrests in the media, do you know who it is whilst it in still in the enquiry stage? No! When they are charged and brought before the courts is when you know who it is. My point is police should not be leaking information to influence the outcome of an election or for political gain…which would be their ONLY motive in this case if that’s what happened!!!
Uggh! People like you make me sick! What we’re examining here are the actions of Makai Dickerson, NOT how the story came to light. This is the same type of BS that gets court cases thrown out due to technicalities that are, for the most part, irrelevant to the crime itself!!! Whilst I can (attempt to) appreciate the sanctity of protecting our legal system, I also feel that by doing so we often lose sight of why we have a legal system in the first place; in case you forgot, it’s to bring justice!!! This is not a game, or a contest to see who can play the system the best, its a process our society has put in place to bring justice to those who have been wronged.
People like you make me sick too! Ignorant people like you tend to forget that not everybody arrested is automatically guilty of a crime! How would you feel if you were arrested and the cops went blabbing to your job, family, friends, neighbors, etc BEFORE you had your day in court? My point was and remains that it is not the job of the police to leak information. However, I am not going to continue to debate that point because it is mere speculation that this is what actually happened….
VJ,
What is there to wonder? This incident was discussed in the public domain the day after it happened.The PLP bosses had to be aware of it.
Furthermore,the vehicle was stopped on a public road and seen by others.
“While travelling to Dockyard one evening, some friends and I were pulled over at a checkpoint. We were searched and a very small amount of marijuana was found on my person. The substance was not mine and I didn’t even know it was there. It was stuffed at the bottom of my friends’ cigarette box which I had on my person.
From Dickerson!!
Whatever..I’m not buying it. Before I travel on a road trip or fly overseas with anyone I always ask “are you caring anything that I should be concerned about?” Even though I can’t control what others do but I can surely walk away or not include myself in a situation that may tarnish my reputation through affiliation based upon someone else’s actions. The key is to know who your friends are and at the same time, your audience.
why is he asking for God’s forgivenes and the forgiveness of his family, friends and community if it was not his weed.
An innocent man says: it was not mine, I will do everything to clear my name. he takes a drug test and says see it was not mine I have nothing in my system.
An innocent does not apologize then throw his friends under the bus. Weak!
It aint nothin to do with being brushed under the mat at all, its only cause election time n everyone diggin up dirt on everybody n Oba/Ubp found out about this from a police officer n then had to leak it cause why bring it up now during election n not all this time??
That makes about as much sense as his MD’s explanation.
Alaska Hall is just one big ‘Hot Box!!!’ Why dont the PLP comdemn this candidates actions and back the proposal from the opposition for all MPs (and possibly candidates) to take a mandatory drug test!!!
@ Facts…perhaps he is asking for forgiveness because of the embarrassment this has surely caused. I don’t see how you could call it ‘throwing his friend under the bus’ when he is merely stating that it was his friend’s. He didn’t even name his friend, and if they are truly a friend they understand. I don’t know what you mean by “doing everything to clear his name”. Just how is he supposed to do that, since it was found on him and he is the one being charged? After reading his statement, I don’t understand what people have to gain by continuing to bash the man. He is clearly shaken up and deeply remorseful about the situation…what more do you want- blood or his head on a platter? I have more respectful for him for showing that he is human and not some artificial, stuffed shirt out of touch with how the real world works. MP’s are not supposed to be gods, but rather a reflection of people from all walks of life. You all need to clean up the skeletons in your own closets first before you worry about running down other people…
Becasue when a man is down, it is human nature to kick him whilst he’s on the floor!!
All the general election candidates should be drug tested period! I will come along and be drug tested with you because I have nothing to hide! I do not do drugs and I do not hang out with people who do. I refuse to vote for anyone who is not willing to be drug tested. Why does the PLP refuse to allow their candidates to be drug tested yet insist that our young athletes must be tested. You are supposed to be setting an example for not only the young in this country but all of Bermuda. Step up to the plate and prove to us that you do not do drugs or step down from politics. You owe it to your constituents. They must come first.
What would drug test do? If someone knows that they will be tested, there are ways to get around it. Another Red Herring by the OBA. John is drug-free, but if that is all that you are, you are mighty weak!
Am available 365 days of the year at no notice and I am not a coward like you who is afraid to give his real name! Need I say more?
The hard drugs only stay in your system for a few days anyway.
Makai Dickerson…”STANDING STRONG FOR GANJA…A VOTE FOR ME IS A VOTE FOR GREEN!”
PLP SECRET PLAN
Try to cover up all the dirt until Dec. 18th.
Don’t tell anyone the selected candidate was just busted for drugs.
Don’t release the public school GCSE results
Don’t release the promised interim budget.
Keep Rolf, the Pastor and the Col. QUIET.
*sigh*
If you are compaigning to be an elected parliamentarian then it probably makes sense to obey the laws of the land.
Possession of herb is currently illegal under the law. Makai knows this even if he did just hold the cigarette box for a friend. As a budding politician he should vette his ‘friends’ better.
There was obvious an attempt by the government to cover this up. Shame on them.
All participants in local sports are subject to random drug testing, as are firemen, bus drivers and those with other job descriptions. It makes sense to test those (MP’s and candiates) who are now, or potentially will be steering the path of our country while making it’s laws and legislation.
Finally, the OBA currently drug tests all MP’s and candidates. The plp will never agree to drug test their MP’s and candidates…and we all know why.
This is election time and people are just being nasty and childish; grow up!! If there is any truth to this story; then let the first polictian without sin cast the first stone!!!
No i will tell what is nasty and childish, a 30 year old candidate running for parliament smoking that g#d d$mn evil green grass, which is a money spinner for gangsters and their guns, and a gateway drug for more harder drugs!!!
wow, you are ignorant , I suggest you do some research and stop taking the lords name in vain.
Evil green grass hahahahaha no mate, poison ivy is an evil green grass and for a very different reason. Your evil green grass contains medicine for a disease I would bet at least one or more of your family members is/has SUFFERED from. Sorry to bust your bubble there guy but gansters make their money off of the black market, prohibition of the evil green grass is what creates this black market demand, why would they sell it if people didn’t want it? But if it was legal, and remember even your stupid ass would have a choice in whether or not to partake, the “gansters with their guns” wouldn’t be able to make a profit from it. Sorry the most I can give you is the polician part.
Weed, a gateway drug…?? You must be kidding! Alcohol and cigarettes are the real gateway drugs. Eventhough many hard drug addicts have smoked weed, the vast majority of weed smokers never use hard drugs. That is a fact.
Until the laws regarding the use of this drug (weed,marijauna) etc. are changed. I will vote shortly, and should there be in my constituency, ANY candidate, either PLP or OBA that has been convicted of Any thing, (other than traffic) I would have to spoil my vote. I would hope in this small island of less than 60k people, we could find enough careing, inteligent people to represent all the people, in a government. We do not need, NOT EVEN ONE, convicted criminal to stand for any party.
I do believe that people can change for the better, but a place in Government is not the way to go.
i think my main issue is the consequences. when a tourist is caught with various amounts of drugs they are ‘understood’ and fined and free to travel at will. when a bermudian is placed on the stop list for lesser amounts i do have an issue with this. bermuda is a small place…
this seems very unfair…..
free to travel at will?…..they drag them into court fine them and kick them out…does that qualify for free to travel at will?
They are free to return to Bermuda! They are not banned for life. THAT is the difference! They are not kicked out as you state, they can stay up to 21 days. That is a fact, and if you do not believe me then call the Immigration Dept.
I think the point is that we throw the book at our tourists for what amounts to personal use amounts and a person who is (supposed) to be representing our country in the political arena gets away with possession, there’s something wrong with the system.
I don’t care if it was his or not, the rule of the law is possession, not ownership.
As the PLP says “You can’t have it both ways!”
I don’t think that simple possession for personal amounts should be treated criminally for either locals or visitors – there’s too much at stake with the US having zero tolerance for criminal records.
In either case it’s been an interesting thread.
SMDH!!!!!!
IF WE DON’T PUT ISSUES IN THEIR PROPER PLACE WE END UP ERODING THE TRUE FABRIC OF OUR SOCIETY. OUR LEADERS GET IT, BUT DON’T DO THE RIGHT THING!
MARIJUANA IS ILLEGAL FOKES! PLAIN AND SIMPLE! WHAT COMES OUT OF GETTING CAUGHT WITH IT, LIKE THEY SAY; IF YOU DO THE CRIME YOU DO THE TIME. UNTIL THEY CHANGE THAT LAW, IT IS WHAT IT IS! Listen …. TO ALL CANIDATES, IF YOU ARE FOUND DOING SOMETHING ILLEGAL, PLEASE STEP DOWN. INTERGRITY COMES TO MIND. The most our little country deserves is the greatest minds, good character, honest and someone without a criminal record to run this island’s government.
What do I tell the student that said he was holding weed in his locker and gets caught, or the youth of national football team that was drug tested and was positive. In both these examples the person is given options to resolve these issues, however the first is suspended from school for a period of time and the footballer will not travel with the team.
In ending how old is this guy…… grow up! Don’t make a mockery or take the average person for a fool, be honest and don’t skirt the truth. If you’re at this point in your political career, you have started on the wrong foot and this might not be for you………..
@ eyeinthesky: Thank you for some good examples of appropriate consequences for behaviour. I do not understand why there is such a disparity of views on this issue. Apparently some people are quite content with lies, deception and slaps on the wrist.
When Mr. Dickerson was considering running for office and this happened, the correct thing to do would have been to recuse himself.
He most definitely should have made it plain to the selection committee, or whoever is responsible for choosing the PLP candidates, that he had been caught with an ILLEGAL substance (doesn’t matter if he or anyone else thinks it should be legal, presently it is not legal). If they still chose him as a candidate, with knowledge of his behaviour, then the party is at fault. If Mr. Dickerson did not let them know, then he is at fault. Either way it speak to lack of transparency, from a candidate or the party.
He also should accept the consequences of his error in judgement. Whether the weed belonged to him or to his company, proximity to either in this silly season showed poor judgement.
Both Rolf Commissiong and Shawn Crockwell have been to jail, and to all intents and purposes, have paid their debt to society. At least 7 years have passed since their crimes were committed, and they have not fallen foul of the law again, to my knowledge. I may not appreciate Mr. Commissiong’s stance on race relations, but I would not deny him a chance to stand for election based on ancient history. BTW, it is the same logic I use when I don’t want to hear about what the UBP did 14 years and more ago, much less what slave owners did more than 100 years ago.
“What do I tell the…or the youth of national football team that was drug tested and was positive.”
Well done. Could you even feel your feet?
this is a conspiracy
If it was a conspiracy, it would have been coke or crack.
Yes it is. People are amassing that want the PLP out.
The PLP didnt know about his arrest? So he wasnt even honest with the PLP? What hope would his constituents have?
Clearly a national figure ahead of his time…
this is the type of representation we need to attract IB and make Bermuda more business friendly
Yeah I always carry “my buddies” cigarettes for them. A super common thing to do, don’t you think. /sarcasm I mean how many times has a friend said…”hey man, my cigarette box is too heavy–I’m getting tired–could you carry it for me?”
Caught with weed–who cares. LYING ABOUT IT SO BLATANTLY??? Get him out.
Wow! I read all the comments above but now I have to add my two sense.
It is my opinion that anyone running or in political office should have a criminal record! These persons will be leading the country and for that reason this is not acceptable.
Mr Crockwell, Mr Commissiong nor Mr Dickerson are a true represetation of this country and neither of them should be allowed to run.
It is apalling that we are ok with this and we need to say no to these criminals holding any positions of power in the island.
I WILL NOT BE VOTING BECAUSE OF THIS REASON. I BELIEVE MR CANNONIER AND MRS COX SHOULD HAVE THESE PERSONS REMOVED AND AS THEY HAVE NOT THEY HAVE SHOWN ME THEIR FEELINGS ON CRIMINALS!!!!! I AM UPSET THAT ALL THE WORK DONE BY OUR GRANDPARENTS AND GREAT GRAND PARENTS WILL BE THROWN OUT THE WINDOW AND WE AS BERMUDIANS (BLACK AND WHITE) WILL ALLOW OUR ISLAND TO BE RUN BY UNWORTHY LAW BREAKERS.
not surprised the whole island is whacked out on this stuff ,becomming “weed island” I guess its to mask the pain of the shambles the island is in !
Poor PLP. Remember the story about the little Dutch boy sticking his fingers in the dyke to keep the flood back Pretty soon he ran out of fingers & the whole thing collapsed wiping out the farm.
14 years of incompetence & deception are catching up to the PLP. The sleeping voters are waking up. The fairy tale catchy slogans are not working anymore.
I read above where this ‘crime’ happened prior to Mr. Dickerson being accepted as a Candidate – he knew and I am sure he made the Premier and others aware of his situation. Mr. Dickerson should not be allowed to run as a representative of the PLP, in fact, no one with a current (just come out of jail) record should be allowed to represent either Party. The Law is written and it must be obeyed – let’s see how the Premier handles this and I will show her how I handle my vote – itchy fingers.
WOW!!! he’s not even an elected MP and he is already breaking the law!!
You gotta love the PLP!!!!
I dont give a rat’s A$$ if he smokes weed. It is not about the weed so we must not make this a referendum on the smoking or legalization of weed this is about:
1 his weak attempt to cover it up, an the lies that followed
2. the political stupidity of the PLP for not getting ahead of the story and developing a strategy for him to cope.
3. The lack of support,understanding and preperation of the young candidates, giving them support and advice about the pit falls of life in the public eye.
HAHAHAHAAAAAAAA…the video is hilarious. Two ex cops trying to smooth over a criminal offense now that their paychecks come from another source other than protecting the law…HILARIOUS! They both look so pissed off that they are having to deal with this in a press conference just weeks before an election. I can hear Paula now…”Jonathan and Phil, get your tails up to that podium now and save Makai’s a$$ before this crap ruins us all!!!”
Adultery is not illegal, yet when a politician can’t keep it in his/her pants it normally spells the end of their political career.
In most western democracies, the voting base is (overly?) outraged enough to make any major transgression one that ends their political career.
If Mr. Dickerson were in the US or UK, for example and was caught in possession of an illegal substance – at the moment he is running for office – his party would remove him from the public eye.
However, when it comes to politics Bermuda really is another world. It’s not about your own views on the legalisation of substances, or the seriousness of the offence or even how he was caught. A candidate for public office just broke the law, while running for that public office. And he will still win. Because the majority of voters in his constituency will vote for him.
Never let it be forgotten that every country with a properly functioning democracy has always received the government that the majority of its voting citizens deserved. Bermudian voters are, for whatever reason, indifferent to the PLP’s performance. And they will win again, despite the country being in worse condition in just about every financial and social metric you can come up with. Bermuda is poorer, has higher inequality, has higher violent crime, has lower education levels, has less foreign investment and has less tourism than it did just a few years ago. That’s not rhetoric, or racial, or biased – it’s just the facts. And it seems that having the PLP in power despite these trends is preferable to the majority of voters. Fair enough.
@ Outraged: There was a time I would have agreed with you that these three gentlemen are not representative of our society, but at this time, given that we send folks to jail for non-payment of fines, for cursing in the street, for being homeless, for falling behind on child support, and a myriad of other “crimes,” a large proportion of our society has been to jail – both male and female.
Perhaps, (God forgive me for throwing this in there but it has to be said given our prison population is primarily black,while our island population is almost half-and-half – and there is no way you can persuade me that only black people commit crimes), it is a black/white thing, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a young black person who hasn’t had at least one short stint behind bars.
Come on ppl give it a rest. OBA or PLP are doing things that are not right this young man just made the mistake of getting caught. Point Blank.
Vote!!!! It may make the difference then again maybe it won’t
Run on your record, PLP. Run on your record!
The only motivation to not end prohibition is to protect the massive income of the drug trade in Bermuda. Bermuda politicians claim they want to stop violent crime and shootings….but they protect the source if incole for the gangs….the people should be questiong why this is…..and bermudians should be comming togeather to take legal action against the various administrations that have made generations of bermudians into felony criminals for smoking weed…while the uk has never done the same think to its weed smoking population.. end prohibition it will be interesting if this politician is going to be treated differently from all the other bermudians who have become felony criminals over spliffs of weed……end prohibition
Anyone who does drugs – whether it is weed or coke or any other drug – supports the crime we have in society. This goes for lawyers, doctors, teachers, politicians!!!
Where there is demand there is supply and where there is supply there is CRIME!
YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM!
But if it was legal and taxed by the government my money would (hopefully) be going towards the betterment of the island and its economy. So technically its not my choice/fault, but it is the governments for sticking with prohibition, which has proven ineffective for how many years now? There will always be a demand for marijuana, always has been, prohibition just creates a black market for it. If something doesn’t work what do you do with it? Peronally I’d fix it or replace it.
Which is exactly WHY marijuana should be legalized. Take the money out of marijuana gangs and give it to the government through taxation. Make the legal age 21 so children don’t get marijuana as easy as candy like they currently do now and prevent them from associating with drug dealers at an early age. It is that simple.
its about time we all grow up n face the truth…not just polititians..doctors…lawyers ceos…presidents…so lets all grow the f#$% up n face the truth about this plant that has never killed 1 humanbeing in its excistence that god put it on earth…food food food medicine medicine medicine…thats what it really is…..
WOW over 1000 posts on this article I guess its so popular that everyone is an expert. If Mr. Dickerson wants be a politician he needs to disassociate himself from any unsavory characters. And hearing what he has to say about it he needs to be careful who his friends are.
At least Mr. Dickinson was honest enough to tell the police “its not mine” when they found the drug in his possession.
What’s happening with the PLP Youth wing? Two members Dickerson & Gibbons falling to the side .? Not ready for change?
Just decriminalize Herb that’s all you have to do!
Great example for the youth of today huh? The people of Bermuda should demand that every MP be drug tested. The use of narcotics has no place in the House and those who feel that its no big deal obviously have no standards for this Island.
Hemp is not a narcotic, it is the most powerful medicine on earth, proven to cure cancer, help MS, diabetes, obesity etc etc.
Not to mention, as a food, highest protein density of any vegetable on earth, containing the omega 3&6 oils as in salmon (just not processed by machinery and farmed with antibiotics).
Your standards for this island are perhaps as incorrect and ill-placed as many corrupt laws from the 1950s…
Dude STFU! Salmon will be illegal next lol…
Makai has more comments on bernews than the number of votes he will receive
LOL!
A wise once said a druggie is a druggie!
life is a b—-
i remember two occassions when Makai and other cox loyalist called for the resignation of 2 Other PLP Candiates
now this is funny
This is weak, for the following reasons.
Bermuda’s marijuana (medicine) laws are archaic and unhealthy – and promote gang violence and drug abuse.
Mr. Dickerson is weak for not standing up for his rights and beliefs – asking God etc for forgiveness for utilizing something God created and you enjoy and should be proud to, perhaps just to cater to votes, is WEAK.
The PLP is weak for not standing strong behind him in support of his chosen habits and for not discussing how current laws against hemp and nature are unethical and unhealthy for our society and need to be brought up to the 21st century (four more US states have legalized medical marijuana and have allowed good quality citizens to grow their own medicine/food which increases tax revenue and reduces exporting of money from the economy, often via violent criminals otherwise, and made quality of medicine and food increase.)
Yes this is weak, not because an MP has been caught with a small amount of a substance humans have been using longer than ANY other plant material on earth (this is proven in fossils thousands of years old, please verify yourself).
This is weak because people are so desperate for power and votes they corrupt their values and back down to the public face.
This is weak because a political party does similar.
Bermuda, to be strong we need to put more trust in facts and science, less in faith and tradition and get closer to what actually nourishes and heals us – and it isn’t shiny plastic things and power at any cost and looking ‘good’…
(For reference/enlightenment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0psJhQHk_GI
- or search “Run from the Cure”
“The Emperor Wears No Clothes”
Other people please add some educational content, and for goodness sake, if you believe in righteousness, spread that education, don’t hide and be ashamed or we will keep living a false society – one that is currently failing in case you haven’t been paying attention. Education, REAL education is the only solution.
ps, I know some OBA members who have stopped smoking cancer-killing marijuana and starting smoking cancer sticks just for this election, they are weak also!
Remember, you vote with your dollars, you want to vote evil, keep buying cancer.
PS, If you have a problem with Bermuda’s Government and its slack job of running the country well over the last 28 years, you don’t have to overthrow the government (though it may make sense).
Just over-GROW the government…
http://mentorfoundation.org/drugs.php?nav=4-47&id=7&pg=2
Dear Mr Dickerson,
As a reward for your loyalty after being saved by the Mirrors program you should ask the Premier to send you to the UK, US or Canada so that you can complete your education, you clearly have raw talent and this is good but as a public servant you need a little finishing school not telling you to get an mba from Harvard but at least consider a city and guilds or BA in hospitality management where you get an opportunity to meet people outside of bermuda and broaden your perspective on the world
that way when you return you will be a bigger asset to the PLP
Good luck with your future endeavours
I want to know why it was pushed under the table and the only reason we found out is because the OBA had a friend in the courts to listen to the charges, then, we found out.
And it was dismissed? because of small amount?
I bet if l were caught with the same amount it would have been in the paper the next morning for everybody in bermuda to read and judge…
That is sad Bermuda, really sad of you!
@ Liars
I think you should reread some of the official comments by the PLP. They were not aware of the situation until a few days ago. Therefore they cannot be accused of ‘hiding it under the carpet’!!
Dang!! I just ran out of popcorn.
My question is- Will the judge give him a second chance? PLP wants to legalize small amounts…… WTF……. so you pretty much saying IT IS OK TO IMPORT. Yes we do have alot of men in jail for small amounts which is wasting tax dollars therefore instead of prison time op to community ours of HARD LABOR.
What is bull$h$t is that he’ll probably get off while everyone else with the same charges will get on the stop list/jail time/huge fine. B3LL$HIT!!!
Dear Bermuda,
If this guy and the few others can get off, can we please stop arresting our cruise ship passengers for small amounts of marijuana too? Many face hefty fines and don’t make it back on the ship home and have to buy flights back which is costly and certainly means they won’t be returning as a visitor. The ridiculous nature of prohibition of marijuana is contributing to the demise of our tourism and our young people. Start decriminalizing small amount period. Don’t bother wasting tax payer dollars on these things, much larger fish to fry out there.
He will get off and the rest of you blunt smokers can stay on the stop list. You are nothing. He is somebody that has contributed to this island by running for the PLP. He willllllll get off!
Hopefully sarcasm, otherwise you are nuts.
PLP statement from 2010:
The Progressive Labour Party supports a drug free Bermuda. That being said, there is currently no policy that requires any Members of Parliament to submit themselves to drug testing neither in advance of an election, nor during their term in the House of Assembly.
@ Fool me Once: “The Progressive Labour Party supports a drug free Bermuda. That being said, there is currently no policy that requires any Members of Parliament to submit themselves to drug testing neither in advance of an election, nor during their term in the House of Assembly.”
Thanks for the reminder. It amazes me that such things can be said with a straight face by people who change laws and push them through, half-thought out, at whim!!