PLP Express Concern Over Premier’s Remarks
Acting PLP Leader Derrick Burgess said that Premier Craig Cannonier’s words in the House of Assembly last week make it appear “as if the Premier is now endorsing the politics of personal destruction and political payback.”
Speaking during the last session in the House of Assembly for the year, the Premier said that he is “being polite” because “as the Premier of the country, I’m privileged to a whole lot and could say a lot about many things that are going on and have gone on.”
Mr Burgess said, “The words spoken by the Premier in the House of Assembly, on Saturday December 14, 2013 were the words of a man obviously under a great deal of pressure. It could appear as if he is seemingly crumbling under the weight of that pressure.
“With his inexperience, and lack of political maturity, one can easily expect or excuse the Premier’s breakdown in the House of Assembly. Yet we shouldn’t expect or excuse the use of threatening and dangerous words.
Mr Burgess referenced the Premier’s statements of: “No one’s gotten any one brother, but if you want to be gotten and I could let it happen for sure. For sure, for sure” and “As I said before, the Premier of this country, I’m privy to a lot. So, just hold it, okay.”
Audio excerpt of Premier Cannonier’s remarks in the House [written transcript available here]
Mr Burgess continued, “It appears as if the Premier is now endorsing the politics of personal destruction and political payback.
“Threatening to use his privileged position to damage reputations and ruin livelihoods. Forgetting the old adage that people in glass houses, should not throw stones.
“This seems to hearken back to the days of the UBP. When persons who expressed views that differed from them suffered; sudden job loss, business contracts cancelled, home mortgages pulled.
“We encourage the Premier to start conducting himself in a more statesman like manner. He must learn to focus on issues, not individuals. We would like to remind him that our constitution and democracy does not give way to a ‘One party mentality.’
“It is vital that every citizen of this nation is allowed to express themselves without fear of ‘Big Brother’ watching them or threatening them.
“These ‘dictator and bully’ like statements have been read and heard globally. Coupled with revoking Bermudian’s right to a referendum, this will no doubt cast the image of Bermudian democracy in a negative light. Many Bermudians are rightfully concerned,” concluded Mr Burgess.
When asked to respond to Mr Burgess’ statement, the Premier’s office said he has no comment.
“Personal destruction and political payback”… sounds like how you and your buddy Erat roll…
Yeah, exactly, seems a bit rich coming from Brother Burgess doesn’t it. I actually think they are so lacking in self awareness that they simply do not see how idiotic they sound.
“…see how idiotic they sound”?
Yeah they got nothing and they NEVER did have anything except a bunch of B S
Burgess give it a break Craig was probably talking to the people that are trying to control him in his own party. My guess is he was directed to terminate his original BDA party team to save money, now he’s reflecting on why he keeps listening to the UBP boys. Brother Craig keep your head up and don’t trust certain people.
I thought I was the only one who found that comment ironic.
“We encourage the Premier to start conducting himself in a more statesman like manner.”
Perhaps the Premier should just fight fellow MP’s in the HOA break room and stay quiet in the House!
Mr. Burgess, I truly wonder how you can still be the deputy leader of the PLP?
I for one cannot support any entity that would elect you as a leader.
HAVE A MERRY MERRY XMAS to all the PAID UBPoba BLOGGERS….MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH A GOOD NEW YEAR !
Enjoy getting your KICKS, I hope you all are getting that “Feel Good Feeling”. Folks understand your need to have that feeling, and also your underlying overall objective.
I hope you all got your fixed…. It does not change the FACTS however…
WELL MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU !!
HAPPY NEW YEAR and MERRY XMAS…may God bring about the CHANGE IN YOU !!!
MUCH LOVE !
God allowed the OBA to win………
LOL Merry Christmas
God voted for the OBA!
Betty, the OBA pays me the same amount to post on Bernews as Erat paid for travel, hotel and meals during his years at the trough…
Merry Christmas Betty,
May your check not bounce this year. I know your F&F bonus wont be as large as the last 14 years but hopefully you put some of my money away for a rainy day.
the premier needs to withdraw those nasty things he said in the house or step down immediately other wise the people should call for him to be removed
More gibberish.
PLP decide to use Blue ink in their pens….What the ????
what is this constant barrage of irrelevance from the PLP.
Everyone who trawls through it wastes minutes off their precious life.
We hope there is something of interest or something good to think about, but it is childish pouting over and over again.
REALLY !!!
Withdraw them, no. Step down, no. He needs to uphold his sworn duty, and tell the voting public what he knows.
If thats the case can half of the PLP resign immedately! Ya know based off the s*** they’ve said over the last say 8 years…………
LOL
“You racist dog”
“It’s ok when we do it”
Appears as if the OBA blogging team is working cohesively as a unit again.
Just like the OBA , imagine that.
Says a member of the “PLP blogging” team (who has no idea what a blogger is)…
Funny how you never show up to add to a conversation, just to throw around misinformation and smear. I wonder why.
@Mike,
You have some nerve, your an OBA groupie too mate lol.
An OBA groupie would be an understatement. More like a fatal attraction.
Here’s a hint…
If you guys want me to stop pointing out your lies, hypocrisy and falsehoods? Stop using lies, hypocrisy and falsehoods.
Stop taking potshots and actually have a conversation.
Stop sneaking in with little digs, then running away like a coward.
If I’m so wrong all the time, as you guys keep screaming, prove it. It should be easy.
Yet, you don’t. You just hide behind your pen names and whine and moan about me, trying to make me out to be some paid propagandist like you guys have on your side.
I’m not. Plain and simple.
You base your entire belief system on a predisposition, feelings and your allegiance to the OBA even when you are clearly wrong. I find it quite intriguing that you indict others about hypocrisy when you are clearly the hypocrite.
Furthermore, you are a conniving troll on this forum. You never write anything substantive or worthwhile. You have never provided any real factual evidence or feedback. You say sly remarks based on pure emotion and your allegiance to the OBA. Yeah we called you out, it needed to be done.
Not a single word of this little tantrum of yours is true. I know you desperately want it to be, but it’s simply not true at all.
Try honesty next time you want to “call someone out”. It’ll make your case… You know… real. And not based on some fantasy you made up.
Not even a little bit.
I know it’s easier to think that I am, but I’m not.
It’s not equal on both sides and, just because I speak out against folks spreading lies and nonsense, doesn’t mean I support the OBA. It simply means that one side seems to have a monopoly on hypocrisy, lies, misinformation, overtly racist accusations, ad hominem attacks (like this one!) and all the other propaganda and nonsense you guys use.
Every molehill is a mountain to you guys.
Pointing that out doesn’t make me an “OBA groupie”.
someone sounds a little scared.
Many are scared, as many have nothing to celebrate this Holiday Season. I hope that you and others will go out and do for another whom has nothing or little. This is the season of giving, lets do it, come help feed the homeless and those with out a job….lets get it done…and you will see the real fear in folks faces..that is what is really important..
May you enjoy the Season, but I hope you will step up to the wicket and help others, rather than just be an armchair critic.
Come on UBPoba bloggers do some good for a change…
MUCH LOVE TO YOU THIS SEASON>>>>
Peace on you Betty
Many have nothing because of the bad economy worldwide coupled with the horrible mismanagement of this country’s finances by the PLP Betty. Nothing to do with the OBA/UBP.
You should read the SAGE report it documents how the government incurred the debt over the years. By the way, it was not because of the ministers of the PLP during that time.
Well there’s rewriting history for you.
Sure the cog in the wheel had NOTHING to do with mismanagement of the country’s finances. okay whatever. bloated civil service, project overruns, lavish trips around the globe had nothing at all to do with our rabbit hole of debt, not a ting!
Aint this the same guys who said :
“You never thought that you would have to come to slaves’ children for an answer — get used to it”.
Why are politicans so hypocritical
Yeah, he protests too much. Dictatorial? Bullying? Really, where have we seen that before? The constant stream of poutrage from the PLP was annoying at first, but now is actually quite laughable. Burgess must have a new thesaurus…disturbing, concerning…
Two wrongs don’t make a right. This “they did it too” defense has sadly become the pathetic refrain from the cult like followers of the OBA. When the Government messes up it is the people that suffer irrespective of who is in power. Remember that you OBA apologists!
Hi Betty.
HAVE A MERRY MERRY XMAS to all the PAID UBPoba BLOGGERS….MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH A GOOD NEW YEAR !
Enjoy getting your KICKS, I hope you all are getting that “Feel Good Feeling”. Folks understand your need to have that feeling, and also your underlying overall objective.
I hope you all got your fixed…. It does not change the FACTS however…
WELL MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU !!
HAPPY NEW YEAR and MERRY XMAS…may God bring about the CHANGE IN YOU !!!
MUCH LOVE !
It’s the stupidity of the PLP in rolling out someone as tarnished as Burgess to make these comments. Is Mr Burgess afraid of something? And didn’t he make an art form out of trying to destroy individuals when he was in power?
Hey Betty, when you get a moment let me know where I can pick up my blogging money. I must be missing something here.
using Christmas to be sarcastic. Real classy Betty.
Ridiculous, coming from you.
You guys blamed the UBP for almost a decade and a half.
NOW, it’s bad to do that because guys on the other side are doing it? Ridiculous.
It really IS: “It’s ok when we do it”… that’s all you guys have.
And still do look at Betty if you can stomach the Austrialian PLP paid blogger with multible names on multible forms and she thinks she stands for transparency she is go for a laugh though…………..
LOL Merry Christmas or what ever holiday you celebrate.
because it wins them votes! the more things change the more they seem the same!
“the Premier is now endorsing the politics of personal destruction and political payback.”
Oh dear, Cannonier stepped on some sensitive toes did he? Somebody seems to be a wee bit worried that something might come out into the sunshine of public scrutiny.
Bring it on!
Yeah right like what, you know something about my people they can’t hide a damn thing, they only think they can and the other cat’s well their good at keeping their skeletons in the closet but then their generation coming behind them always expose the mess that was in their house all along, so it is just a matter of time.
Wtf did I just read?
better pack up and move to St. Kitts Burggie….asap
Mr. Burgess quit while you are ahead because far to many racial undertones went across the floor when P.L.P was in government and quite frankly it felt as we the black community was being led down the road to dictatorship,thankfully that never materialized.
Now here we have it starting all over again with the O.B.A /B.D.A /U.B.P regime and i don’t know which is worse heading back towards the plantation with this crew or running from dictatorship with your crew, but at least give us until after Christmas to decide.
Pearls of wisdom and sage justice from the homophobe.
You’ve got a LONG way to go before you have to decide.
You really do have to get out of this “Election Mode” frame of mind. It’s not good.
MERRY XMAS AND BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR
BE THE CHANGE YOU HOPE TO SEE !!
THAT IS A GREAT START FOR THE NEW YEAR
GOD BLESS ENJOY XMAS>…GOD LOVES EVEN THOSE WHOM >>>>
A little quote from the great Nelson Mandela speaking on gay rights, for you better and your pal Duane Betty.
“I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else’s freedom… Just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.”
Thank you Nelson Mandela and Merry Christmas.
Be the change you hope to see.
for better read Betty:)
Well said.
This is kind of funny coming from the man that got in a fight with his own party member up in the house. Are some of these PLP members scared?
you would think if they were, they would want to keep it to themselves!
“Payback” for what Mr. Burgess? Do tell.
Lets all payback, by helping someone out this XMAS whom has less than yourself…tis the season for giving …lets do it !!
Enjoy it….in good time..
what I don’t really understand is
isn’t parliament effectively a coalition with Randy Horton being appointed Speaker of the House so the OBA could have the required 2 parliamentary votes which would allow them to pass legislation without seeking assistance from the opposition or Terry Lister sitting as an independent
if this is so why would the Premier insinuate malfeasance against the old PLP administration which Randy Horton and Terry Lister were both prominent members of when he needs them moving forward to help him pass legislation
what if they both decide that it is in their best interests to rejoin the PLP fold and reset the PLP’s representation in the House back to 18th of December 2012 effectively making the OBA lame ducks
the way the Premier has conducted himself I can’t say I would blame them
and that is why you arent one of the 36 up in the house!
And you are?
yet its ok for the Premier to go there without thinking of consequences
and yet its ok for OBA supporters to encourage him by running off at the mouth
you all need to grow up
for the next 4 years the OBA and the PLP are joined at the hip
least we forget
The question is ‘why’ did Horton and Lister leave and is that sufficient to prevent them from returning if they know what might come to light?
they ‘left’ because the party has been hijacked by a few narcissistic individuals that have swung the PLP to the far left which leaves the conservative thinkers no choice but to leave. One new individual in particular ….. hasn’t paid his dues but wants to lead an inquisition into loyalty….shameful. anyone with half a brain would distance themselves.
Exactly this.
Good Point…. BUt enjoy the XMAS BREAK AND NEW YEAR>….. ALL WILL BE GOOD IN TIME TO COME
This is yet another example of the PLP not being worried that the OBA will fail and make the country worse, but being worried that they’ll succeed and make the country better.
Just another molehill… like always.
How could Cannonier’s comments possibly be construed as success and making the country the better? Please read the comments again for context.
Way to twist what I said. Well done.
It’s hilarious that you’d give advice on reading again for context…
@Mike Hind,
Maybe you need to read the article. You claim to be a straight shooter, but that’s not true, and deep down you know it.
Cannonier should not be saying things like that, and that is plain to see for anyone with a brain, yet you sit up and make this out to be something the PLP did.
If you are straight shooter, call a spade a spade.
I never said anything like that. Not even a little bit.
What the Premier said was out of line and over the top. There is no denying it.
But for ANYONE that was part of the past few administrations to denounce him for this behaviour is hypocritical in the truest sense of the word.
I’m not sure where you saw me “making this out to be something the PLP did”, because I haven’t, but, please, if I did, show me where and I’ll explain what I meant.
Mike, I feel your pain on this forum. The PLP brought this island to the brink of no return… With untold suffering just around the corner…
Nobody seems to realize that when they play this “OBA says this so they are bad” game.
Two wrongs don’t make a right. This “they did it too” defense has sadly become the pathetic refrain from the cult like followers of the PLP. When the Government messes up it is the people that suffer irrespective of who is in power. Remember that you PLP apologists! The PLP were no angels either when they were in the house, politics is politics, regardless of who runs things!
Go back to sleep Burgess.
More cra* from theses who brought you a near Bankrupt country, can,t admit to their own indiscretions,,circumvented the law ( Ugirs), play the race card to try and divide and conquer, and I could go on and on. To use the words of an individual “This to shall pass “. Correct statement because so much went down no one can remember it all. GO OMBUDSMEN AND ACCOUNTANT GENERAL.
I suspect, Brother Burgess, that the Premier is referring to the extent of the financial mismanagement which went on under your watch, and which will be uncovered sooner rather than later. The warning is more one of “I’d keep your mouth shut if you know what’s good for you, or you’ll just be making it worse for yourself down the line”.
If I were you, I’d take his advice.
exactly
I agree Tony…
“A dog that defecates fast doesn’t defecate for too fast’.
Based on the PLP’s history in government, it’s unlikely that I would be shocked, would you?
Yet, taking this into consideration, what are you subscribing to, political blackmail? Shut up or I will reveal your handling of the public purse? Is this your interpretation?
It is the premier’s duty to reveal any public wrongdoing, so he has chosen instead to make a political threat, and politely stated?
Sorry, but I cannot subscribe to this way of thinking. If he has it (evidence) he should reveal it, not attempt to hold individuals political hostages so that he can rule without being properly challenged or questioned by the Opposition.
We are going backwards into harden entrenched positions where the OBA will find it very difficult to rule because they are laying the seeds of fear. You cannot politely threaten anyone as the premier of a country, the person who comes out looking like the wolf is the one making the threat, polite or impolite.
This is the relic mentality of the UBP, they ruled by political and economic fear, and now the premier wants to politely bring that back?
There has to be a more transparent and ethically compelling reason for his comments, as opposed to attempting to silence someone so that he is not questioned by the Opposition.
Lastly, where were the OBA supporters when the PLP lost their way? Why were you all silent? Now it’s in vogue to be vilely critical and over the top because the OBA are in power?
You can better serve the people of Bermuda by encouraging the premier to employ the examples of Nelson Mandela. Demonstrate some of Mr Mandela’s actions by bypassing the low road, even in speech.
London, England
Burgess…been in any House scraps recently?
Mr.Burgess,you are kidding,right?
Where were you when your party was doing ignorance? Cost overruns,suspected issues in govt contracts,need I say more.Bermudians are not stupid,we know you and your party will do anything to get in power again.The only thing is,we also know your party has screwed up and ruined it,for everyone,especially those you say you are helping.
Premier Cannonier and company,keep trying to get us back to prosperity,you have a long way to travel,but most are on the journey!
Derek Burgess………one of the intellectual giants I recall.
Sort of interesting that the Premier’s comments were made 10 days ago. Seems to have taken a while to orchestrate a formal response. Initially ignored by the media and then over a week after the utterence appears on Bernews, followed by a troubled PLP response.
HAVE A MERRY MERRY XMAS to all the PAID UBPoba BLOGGERS….MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH A GOOD NEW YEAR !
Enjoy getting your KICKS, I hope you all are getting that “Feel Good Feeling”. Folks understand your need to have that feeling, and also your underlying overall objective.
I hope you all got your fixed…. It does not change the FACTS however…
WELL MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU !!
HAPPY NEW YEAR and MERRY XMAS…may God bring about the CHANGE IN YOU !!!
MUCH LOVE !
The ole premier wannabe but lost out returns !
Memo to the plp:
We`Don’t Care What you think!
THanks for that great Xmas laugh…@Nuffin but da Truth and the other diehard UBPoba followers…. I am loving it more..as the Chess pieces continue to move…
Yeah you care, that is why you work hard to ensure that the same group of PAID BLOGGERS write daily and CLICK THE DISLIKE….CLICK>>>> IF not you and other would not behave in such a negative manner..>>>REALLY…..
YOUR FEAR AND CONCERN OF THE PLP IS DEMONSTATED EACH DAY…….as the UBPoba BLoggers find it necessary to write mis-truths, demean persons, write distasteful remarks, its all because of your GREAT FEAR OF THE PLP> YOU are beginning to taste the change in the winds… I understand ……. blog away if you must….the more you write ……the more the FEAR of the power of the PLP you fear, more so care to hear….>
BUT folks have become more aware of this “Political BLOGGING STRATEGY” OF THE UBPOba….FOLK HAVE GOT YOUR GAME DOWN NOW>….SO the impact it had PRE-ELECTION has become numb now……..I know..
But try to do some good this season, BE the change you want others to be !!
ENJOY the XMAS BREAK>..BLINDFAITHFULNESS UBPoba followers….GOD is watching….
BE THE CHANGE THAT YOU WANT TO SEE IN OTHERS>>>>LOOK AT THE MAN IN THE MIRROR FIRST>>>YOU MIGHT JUST SEE YOURS SELVES>..>REALLY !!
betty. for the love of Jesus. Please shut the hell up.
Enjoy the season, and be the change you look for in others… change is the key word of the UBPoba, so live it !
“It is vital that every citizen of this nation — What is it with these politicians?
Do they REALLY think that this little pin prick of an island is a “NATION”, a “COUNTRY”?
Still laugh at Ewart Brown’s comment of a few years ago ” THE LENGTH AND BREATH OF OUR COUNTRY “
We have a very high opinion of ourselves don’t we. In reality we are nothing but a small town. We are smaller than many many corporations.
PLP / BIU
We don’t care what you think, never did and never will!!!!!!!
He probably meant, up and down the breath of the road; ie, up South Shore road and down North Shore road, very simple interpretation…
But as I read the comments on this blog and many other blogs, it’s sad to read the personal attacks that have nothing to do with the substance of the article. This is more of malicious comedy diluted in smear campaigns. Bloggers loose focus, and perhaps that is the objective of the exercise, to hijack the agenda so that there is nothing of substance worth discussing.
In the meantime, like when the PLP lost their way, and no-one then had the courage or integrity to stand up and speak up, Bermuda is treading down the same path. We use the grave mistakes of the PLP as an excuse – no, the ultimate excuse – for not reviewing the actions of the OBA in the vein of objectivity and without emotional attachment.
Do NOT call it 14 years later, call it when you see it. Question what needs to be questioned, when it happens and be viligant. They, OBA, appear to be reliant upon the fact that when they throw you a bone, you chump down on it, rather than ask, “so where is the meat from that bone?”
Politically Bermuda is falling very quickly in the well of disillusionment (disillusionment that hides behind the fears of real economic downturn) and the seducion of hope is so smooth that many fail to see or feel the fleece.
The OBA is not a corrupt party, but the game of politics has not changed, the players have. Focus on the agenda now, examine what is before you now. Hold these politicians accountable for their actions in real time, not 14 years later.
London, England
for too long…
“It’s difficult to free fools from the chains they revere”.Voltaire, a philosopher and writer (1694-1778)
Derrick, you are behaving like an ostrich, hiding your head while you’re exposing your a*****”
The PLP is an excellent study on how absolute power corrupts. Their rise and fall will be studied for decades. The very thing that got them elected was the very thing that caused them to fall from power.
They quite rightly got in power because blacks were fed up with not getting their share of the pie. Their complaints about whites eventually got them elected.
However, instead of using that power wisely, they continued to blame absolutely everything on race and tried their best to intimidate anyone who questioned anything they did in any way. White critics were automatically labelled as racists, and black critics were called Uncle Toms.
Evetually it was bound to backfire – I’m just surprised it took so long.
A fair and impartial analysis without the toxicity of revengeful commentary.
The issue is now what is on the table before us, let us not complain and/or condemn for their own sake, and let’s be constructive in an even handed tone.
But please take the blinders off, otherwise you will be just as disappointed this time (OBA) as you were the last time (PLP).
London, England
Thankgod the PLP are not in power.Can you imagine what Bermuda would be like?