Opinion: The Budget And The Road to Recovery

March 19, 2014

[Opinion column written by Premier Craig Cannonier]

The OBA Government’s Number One objective is to get Bermuda’s economy on track to recovery and renewal, where people are finding jobs, incomes are growing, government finances are stable and there is care for people most in need.

That objective may be hard to see given the noise and strife attached to our national politics, but it remains at the centre of all that we do.

It certainly lies at the heart of the Government’s 2014-15 Budget, which the House of Assembly has been debating for the past few weeks and which the Senate takes up today.

The starting point for the Budget is captured in the following words: “The status quo is the enemy. If we don’t change, there will be no improvement.”

It’s a blunt statement, but it reflects our no-nonsense approach to the economic realities of Bermuda today.

And what are those realities? They include massive public debt, thousands victimized by hard times, business confidence that must be repaired and a government that we simply cannot afford.

These realities form the outlines of our job, and that job is to fix the mess we inherited and move Bermuda to recovery. We will not pass the buck.

That’s what the Budget is about: Confronting the realities to start us down a road that gets our financial house in order and grows the economy while taking care of people in need.

It was a tough assignment, but Finance Minister Richards struck the right balance between all the competing demands and limitations facing Bermuda today.

Yes there are disappointments and cutbacks, but in the main we’ve put in place a plan that navigates between financial imperatives and the needs of people.

Specifically, we wanted to stimulate job growth, help business get on with business and keep pressure off people – protecting them from higher costs of living.

The Budget met these marks through no new taxes, no tax increases, no lay-offs for government workers, continuing tax breaks for businesses that keep Bermudians working and continuing support for people in need – most particularly in budgeting nearly $50 million for Financial Assistance.

The Budget also brings discipline and control to the country’s finances. It pays down of the national debt by $120 million, achieves a 7% reduction in government spending and cuts the deficit by 19.4%

In short, this Budget gets Bermuda on the most promising road to recovery.

But it’s a road that will not be easy. It will challenge our ability to work together for the common good.

On that point I would like to urge everyone to consider and absorb a vitally important message for the days ahead, and it is that we are all in this together.

We have such a great opportunity to work together, to find solutions that work for the community and to emerge stronger as one people.

Our lives will be the poorer if we don’t pull together and work first as Bermudians to solve the big challenges we face.

- Craig Cannonier

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Comments (107)

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  1. lucky 7 says:

    Great job OBA! Keep at it!

  2. Question says:

    Thank you Hon. Premier. I appreciate these opinion pieces which you publish weekly in the press. They provide the saline points of the Government agenda from the leader of the Government.

    HOWEVER,

    I do not, for one second, believe that these are your words or thoughts. When you cannot or refuse to answer direct questions, either in the House or by local media, you are a coward, hiding from your responsibilities are leader of the country. You are an embarrassment.

    Q

    • Hmmm says:

      He fought an election, put himself under public scrutiny and won the role of Premier.

      He is not a coward…he is a brave, strong leader who stood by his words with the press.

      There is no coward in what he has done or is doing.

      Grow some yourself and try and achieve what he has. now who is the coward?

      • Question says:

        @Hmmmm:

        It amazes me how you and others believe that you have any right to tell others what they should think or feel – - my post is my opinion (I don’t have to state that as it is obvious that this is a blog – a place for persons to express their thoughts/concerns).

        “He is a brave, strong leader who stood by his words with the press.”

        This is your statement – - and I can accept that’s your opinion. I disagree with you – and that’s my right.

        If you only knew what he was actually doing, I believe you would have a different tune. . . but everything comes out in the wash, as the old folks say.

        Q

        • Mike Hind says:

          “If you only knew what he was actually doing…”

          Another baseless insinuation.

          Show ANY evidence of this.

          ANYTHING.

          This is not a statement of opinion, you are claiming that he is “actually doing” some hidden thing.

          What is it? Show us?

          • Question says:

            @Mike H:

            “What is it?” – dangerous question – but let me use the Premier’s response to assist me (and I quote) – “there was no wrong doing and I will not be making any further statements in regards to this matter.”

            Q

            • Mike Hind says:

              So, no, you won’t be saying what it is that he’s “actually doing”? It’s just another bit of completely baseless smear from yet another coward hiding behind a fake name.

              You’re pathetic.

              • Question says:

                @Mike H:

                “Pathetic” – - thank you for the sentiment – - this is exactly how I see the Hon. Premier as he has not answered the questions.

                In essence, you have made my point for me – thanks again.

                Q

                • Mike Hind says:

                  Like you have a point.

                  You have nothing but spurious allegations that you won’t back up. You have no integrity.

                  But thank you for proving MY point… that you are nothing more than a partisan hack for the PLP and a liar.

                  • Question says:

                    Again – - your opinion.

                    Q

                    • Mike Hind says:

                      Not an opinion!

                      You posted an allegation and won’t back it up! That is a FACT! It’s not an opinion!

            • sweet n sour says:

              But yet you probably defend Mr. “we had to deceive you”.

              • Eye of Horus says:

                Two wrongs don’t make a right. Remember this, “We will suspend term limits for two years” & “We will have a referendum on casinos” & “he was only bumming a ride” & “the police suggested the changing of the license plates”

                There’s no excuse for dishonest no matter how it’s sliced & diced. Why do so many look at political parties like they’re sports team favorites. Government are not celebrities they’re the servants of the people elected by the majority & don’t care what side they’re on dishonesty is uncalled for regardless. What makes it worse is when dishonesty is used to garner votes which is a spit in the face of anyone who voted for them on their word.

        • Hmmm says:

          What is he actually doing. You profess to know, so spit it out, or are you still the coward ?

          • Question says:

            See my post above.

            Q

            • Hmmm says:

              So you are just speculating, guessing, making stuff up then…sheesh !

              • Question says:

                No – - I avoided your question – - did not provide an answer – - exactly what your Hon. Premier has been doing for months – - – like I just told Mike H – - thank you for making my point for me – thanks.

                Q

                • Mike Hind says:

                  Your point being: I have nothing, but am still mad that my party lost, so I’ll say anything to try to smear the Government and Premier, no matter how false.

                  That’s what I thought.

                  • Question says:

                    Again, wrong – but don’t let that stop you.

                    Q

        • Hmmm says:

          ps I didn’t tell you what to think or feel.

    • Mike Hind says:

      More hypocritical baseless accusations from “question”, trying to continue this disgusting smear campaign.

      Bermuda deserves better than this brand of dishonesty.

      • Question says:

        @Mike H:

        How can I be hypocritical when I clearly stated an opinion in my post?

        I am clearly expressing myself honestly as it is my opinion – - – never stated that @hmmmm did not have the right to disagree with me – -

        how is that being hypocritical?

        It is funny to me that you constantly label me as you do – - – read my post – - how can anyone not see that for what it is – - my thoughts, my feelings – - seriously?

        But again Mike, I believe that you are entitled to your opinion as well – - not going to tell you that believing me to be dishonest is wrong – - you have your opinion.

        Q

        • Mike Hind says:

          You are truly a ridiculous little person.

          “How can I be hypocritical when I clearly stated an opinion in my post?”

          Do you not know what that word means?

          You make an ad hominem attack, accusing someone else of your own behaviour. That is the definition of hypocritical!

          Are you THAT out of it that you can’t understand this?

          I know you’re desperate to denounce ANYTHING that doesn’t toe your party’s line, but you REALLY have to try harder to show an OUNCE of integrity and honesty.

          • Question says:

            I am not a coward thus your statement is incorrect as it is based on your own opinion of me.

            Again, please see my post below on one of your other replies to my post to see my response to the “party line” comment.

            I truly enjoy these conversations with you – - they are so full of integrity and honesty when you get on the attack like that – awesome.

            Q

            • Mike Hind says:

              Any chance of you letting us know what the Premier “is really up to”?

              Or are we to ignore this, yet another party-driven, baseless accusation.

              And it’s not my opinion of you.

              It’s a fact. You are a coward. You make baseless accusations, then don’t have the courage to back them up. You lie, then run away when called on it and you make personal attacks, based on nothing more than your party’s attempts at denouncing the Government, while cravenly hiding behind a fake name.

              These are the acts of a coward.

              Thus, you are a coward.

              And this, my statement stands, you are a hypocrite as well.

              • Question says:

                All opinion Mike – - – your thoughts, not facts.

                This is a circle, Mike – - we can go around all night if you choose – - not running away – no need – - you have your position and I have mine.

                Q

                • Mike Hind says:

                  The only one going in circles is you…

                  It’s sad that you feel the need to troll like this. It’s not reflecting well on you.

                  • Question says:

                    You could have stopped replying to my messages hours ago – - who is “trolling”?

                    Q

                    • Mike Hind says:

                      I could have, but replying to messages isn’t trolling. It’s the one instigating.

        • Robert says:

          Why are you entertaining this banjo playing dim whit ?!!!!

          • Mike Hind says:

            A. It’s a ukulele.
            B. It’s dimwit.
            C. That would be you, “Robert”

    • Mike Hind says:

      I always found it odd when someone hiding behind the hood of a pen name attacks ANYONE else by calling them a coward…

      Hypocrite.

      • Question says:

        @Mike H:

        We have explained this several times before – - my opinion is not an attack – it is an opinion.

        He, the Premier, decided to place himself in the public domain under public scrutiny – I did not; therefore, I do not have to provide any information regarding myself to you or anyone else if I choose not to – period.

        My using the term “coward” speaks directly to the lack of answers and the full avoidance of questions by the Hon. Premier over a period of 5 months – - speak to that point before you post regarding my original post – - as apparently you have glossed over that issue to focus on me – - again, focus on the topic of my post versus the fact that it is mine.

        Q

        • Mike Hind says:

          Stating outright that someone is a coward isn’t an attack?

          You are insane.

          You hide behind a fake name, making ad hominem attacks, run away every time you’re proven wrong… then have the gall to call ANYONE else a coward?

          That’s hypocritical in every sense of the word.

          And I don’t have to “speak to that point”. It’s a ridiculous, hypocritical point, especially coming from a PLP mouthpiece who has, in the past, defended Dr. Brown, famous for avoiding “plantation” questions.

          Just because Premier Cannonier won’t go onto the talkshows that you want him to go on doesn’t make him a coward.

          This is just more mud that you’ve cooked up to try to smear the Government and Premier because you’re still mad your party lost the election.

          You’re pathetic.

          And a coward.

          • Question says:

            @Mike H:

            You are mistaken and misguided at best. I have never spoken on this blog or any other for that matter on the issue of Dr. Brown and his refuse of “plantation” questions – NEVER.

            You are trying to deflect from my original position regarding the avoidance of questions by the current Premier. If you want to call me a coward, that’s your prerogative – it doesn’t phase me.

            The Premier doesn’t need to go on the “talkshows” as you put it (which are favoured by PLP supporters) – - HE simply should answer the questions posed to him – that’s all I ask. I have an issue with any political figure who does not stand to speak to direct questions put before them – - political party means nothing in my position. For the record, I did not support Dr. Brown when he avoided questions – in or outside the House.

            I am not a coward as I continue to engage you in this dialogue even while you attack and defame – - interesting, huh? I have already explained why I should not to identify myself – disagree with my stance, that’s your right.

            But you are right, the concept and core of why I question this current government as I questioned the previous administration is clear – - I care deeply for the people of Bermuda – period. You label me as a PLP supporter when that is so far from the truth – - I support the Bermudian people – first and foremost. The government of the day is simply just that – of today – - they change constantly – - we, the people, must endure – - my feelings and thoughts are focused on the people of Bermuda at all times – - and I will fight for my right to question my government until the day I die – - without fear or favour – - thus ended the lesson.

            Q

            • Mike Hind says:

              No. I’m not trying to deflect from anything. I’ve addressed all your points.

              And you ARE a coward. It’s not an accusation, it’s a statement of fact.

              I’m not attacking, nor defaming. And your “continued engagement” is a new thing. You usually run away when shown you’re wrong. Although, it’s not really engaging when you just make stuff up and twist the truth as much as you do. I mean, the outright lie that you’re not some PLP hack is just ridiculous. Come on.

              Seriously. You’ve GOT to start being honest here.

              Oh, and I don’t disagree with your stance on hiding your identity. I just find it completely hypocritical for you to call ANYONE a coward while hiding like a coward.

              Any chance of you explaining what Premier Cannonier “is actually doing”?

              Or will this be just yet another of your baseless accusations, based on nothing more than your party line?

              • Question says:

                @Mike H:

                Say something else in your next post – - it is getting really tiresome to see you call me “a PLP Hack” when I do not support any political party – - like you, and you explained it so well today, you are not an OBA supporter, you just don’t support the PLP – as their leaders/supporters “blah, blah, blah” (that was a long post earlier – lol)

                but anyway, I want you to know that I enjoy these posts – - keep them coming.

                Q

                • Mike Hind says:

                  I’d prefer an honest conversation, but you’ve proved incapable of that, so…

                  How about you show some courage and explain what you mean by “what the premier is really up to”?

                  Or will you be running away from that, too?

                  Nah. You’re not a coward. Riiiight.

                  • Question says:

                    I have already explained my statement – and furthermore, I only choose not to provide any information regarding my statement due to my earlier post – I love my country.

                    I am not going to fan your flames – believe what you want to, it doesn’t change the info I have – information that, for the betterment of my country, I will not, or better yet – cannot provide to you.

                    Q

                    • Hmmm says:

                      Guilty

                    • Question says:

                      @Hmmmm –

                      I forgot you were still around – - but since you replied, here’s one for you – – I plead the Fifth (just like your Premier did in the House a few weeks ago). . . just so you know, we can’t plead the Fifth in this country – not in our Constitution.

                      Q

                  • Mike Hind says:

                    No. You didn’t. That’s another lie.

    • Impressive says:

      I think it was a good piece well thought out and well written, but I don’t believe for one second that our “Premier” wrote that or had any input in that apart from having it attached to his name..

      Proof, I have none apart from my own common sense and intuition, but I am willing to put my life on it, because those are the two things that guide me in this world.. in my opinion ofcourse.

  3. Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

    Good speech, But I, for one, am very concerned about Dr Grant Gibbons draft legislation that opens the real estate market to an unimaginable ‘bubble’ of exorbitant prices not yet seen in Bermuda.

    Just take a very good look at the resurgent property market that is fuelling the economic recovery in the UK. It is driven by real estate purchases that are so unrealistic as real estate agents get 13 bids chasing one home. The art is to now to convince the vendor to bid up the price of the house thereby creating mayhem in the market for the purchasers.

    Well, the above may be what most want to see, any activity in the market rather than a flatliner of current activity in Bermuda. But as prices surge up the first time homeowner becomes eliminated and, houses within a certain price point fail to sell.

    Once the highest end of estate real starts to move, it eventually moves all other prices upwards, but properties will not realistically sell at current prices or a future higher price if jobs are not here and other areas of the economic remain stagnant.

    Let’s view this draft legislation with considerable scepticism and benchmark its progress on all levels because before the next general election real estate value could be front and centre of contentious issues in Bermuda.

    London, England

    • campervan says:

      Real estate prices are rising in London because it is a humming vibrant hub with a growing population. There is a shortage of homes.
      Bermuda is depopulating and many homes sit empty, unsold or not rented. In Bermuda real estate prices are dropping.
      Supply and demand.

      • Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

        @Campervan…

        You are very entitled to your simplistic view of the estate real market in Bermuda and the UK.

        We must agree to disagree…

        London, England

        • Suzie Quattro says:

          What is ‘simplistic’ about it? There is less demand these days. There are thousands of empty properties here.

          • Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

            @Suzie Quattro…

            If I have to restate my point then you do not get it.

            There are ‘thousands’ of empty properties confirming that this sector of the economy needs a stimulus package. Slight exaggeration – more like hundreds?

            And this stimulus package has overarching unintended consequences in legislation and/or ministerial discretion that this country will not be able to manage.

            London, England

            • Hmmm says:

              Is that an estimate or do you have tangible evidence to share?

    • jt says:

      So is it the legislation or market forces that will determine real estate prices?

      • Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

        @JT…

        Answer your own question by reading the draft legislation and making your determination.

        Clue – legislation is the stimulus that jumpstarts the wavering sector.

        London, England

        • jt says:

          The legislation only affects a very small, very high end segment of real estate. Real estate not affected by the legislation will only be affected by market forces. Suggesting a rise in demand and price will occur across all levels due to this legislation is incorrect. In fact, it can’t be said with certainty the prices in the targeted properties will increase, although that is a more reasonable prediction.

          • Eye of Horus says:

            Seems that way as they won’t be able to rent but there’s no rule that says they’re not allowed to give it to someone. Before when there was an influx of IB locals made good money off renting to expats who didn’t actually pay rent themselves instead their company did as a benefit. Fast forward to the future & you will see all the homes & condos that the companies buy go to their employs still legally because they’re not renting them it’s just a benefit of being a top employee.

  4. watching says:

    More press statements and words in print (allegedly by Premier Cannonier).

    I would love to see you on Let’s Talk honourable Premier!

    • Impressive says:

      Its not going to happen, to continue this Leadership of Deception, the OBA will not allow you to see how out of place their leader really is..

  5. Mike Hind says:

    So… “Question” and “watching”… Are Bernews lying when they say “written by Premier Craig Cannonier”?

    These are big allegations. Do you have ANY evidence to back up your claims?

    Any at all?

    • watching says:

      No Bernews isn’t lying. I am sure they were told that he wrote them.

      • Mike Hind says:

        So, the Premier is lying?

        ANY evidence of this?

        (And no, “You can’t say for sure that he DID write it” isn’t evidence… it’s petulant, childish pouting.)

        • Robert says:

          Of. course he is !!!

          • Mike Hind says:

            And the evidence?

            Or is this just another false accusation from you?

    • Question says:

      @Mike H:

      This press release,as all the Premier’s press statements, are published and created by his Press Secretary, passed along through DCI to the media outlets in Bermuda. (Please note that there are some instances where his Press Sec directly releases the PR to the media).

      But to answer your question Mike, there is no way that anyone outside the Premier’s office will know for certain that this was not written by the Hon. Premier.

      HOWEVER, in the same vein, there is no way that you or anyone else can say for certain that this WAS WRITTEN by the Hon. Premier –

      Understand my point now?

      Q

      • Mike Hind says:

        So… no. You don’t have any evidence whatsoever that he didn’t write this and are, in fact, as usual, trying to sling mud and hope it sticks.

        Got it.

        Don’t worry. I’m not expecting a lucid response to this. Nor ANY response. That’s your usual modus operandi lately. Poke and run.

        • Question says:

          @Mike H:

          I was very clear in my post above – - again, you can choose to accept or not – - it will not deter me from my position.

          You have pointed out that I do not have any evidence that the Hon. Premier did not write this release – - why am I listed as utilizing “petulant, childish” behaviour because of it?

          I am not going to attack your character today sir as I do not see the purpose – that solves nothing. I again simply point out this metaphor – you are looking at the glass half full – - when I choose to see that it is half empty.

          Tomato, tomato

          Q

          • Mike Hind says:

            Yes. You were VERY clear that you have absolutely no evidence.

            And the reason that you are being petulant and childish is because “You can’t prove he wrote it!” is a petulant, childish response to someone asking you to show ANY sort of evidence for your claims.

            Remember that. YOU made the claim that he didn’t write it.
            It’s up to you to show evidence.

            And I’m not attacking your character. Just your behaviour.
            You have no character to speak of.

            • Question says:

              @Mike H:

              Now apparently you are attacking – - really?

              You are so much better than that – or me, apparently.

              Q

              • Mike Hind says:

                YES! I am! You know why?

                For several reasons…

                a) I don’t hide like a coward behind a pen name
                b) I don’t make personal attacks. I speak ONLY to the things you’ve said.
                c) I freely admit my bias and state exactly where I’m coming from. You don’t. You lie about your affiliation.
                d) You are willing to lie outright and make completely baseless accusations in order to push your political agenda and smear campaigns.

                All of that is what makes me SO much better than you.

                • Question says:

                  @Mike H:

                  That’s nice – - moving on.

                  Q

                  • Mike Hind says:

                    How ’bout you move on to explaining what the Premier “is really up to”?
                    You made the claim. Back it up.

                    • Question says:

                      @Mike:

                      The next time I see you – I will stop and chat to you about the information.

                      Q

                    • Mike Hind says:

                      Impossible. I don’t know who you are.

                • Impressive says:

                  You don’t make personal attacks????.. UH UH,, I can’t believe you stated that Mike.

                  The reason you can use your real name because your posts support the business class and their government. Your posts support the persons who have input on employment, bank loans, etc. People who support the other party’s post don’t support these people generally, thus their lives could be made very hard for them by freely admitting their opinion..

                  I guess you want proof of that aswell??

                  • Mike Hind says:

                    Yep. I do. Show me proof.

                    And the attacks I make are a) usually in response to someone coming at me and b) are based on their behaviour and posts.

    • Impressive says:

      No Bernews are not lying, they are only reporting on what was told to them. The real lie is coming from the group or person who sent it to the press claiming that it was written by a certain person..

      Prood Mike Hind, I have no more proof that he didn’t write it than you have anymore proof that he did.. So where is your proof????

  6. somuchless says:

    Betty for the PLP and Mike for Oba. Wow. These toe need to give it a break.

    • Mike Hind says:

      Nope. Not even CLOSE with the comparison.

      “Bettty” is a PLP hack – or hacks – that spreads misinformation, lies and vile personal attacks while hiding behind the hood of a fake name.

      I am open with my identity and always have been and, when I DO make a statement, I know that I can – and will, if asked to – back it up. However, most of the time, I simply ask questions. In fact, most of the time, I simply ask people to back up their claims, as I’ve done here.
      And, again, I am not for the OBA. I am simply against the PLP – and their SmearSquad of propagandists and demagogues who spread lies and misinformation – in their current and past few incarnations, based on their behaviour, history of racially hostile statements from both representatives and supporters, as well as the tacit approval of these statements from both, mismanagement of our country and the constant smear, lies and misinformation that comes from them.
      I am not against the party, I am against the behaviour that their representatives and supporters are exhibiting.
      This does not make me “for Oba”, nor a supporter.
      I know you’d like me to be, but it’s simply not true.

      As for “giving it a break”? Here’s the thing. No one is forcing you to read my posts.
      If you don’t like them, don’t read. It really is that easy.

      • Miss Furbert says:

        Mike Hind, you are a nuisance!

        • Mike Hind says:

          Again… no one is forcing you to read my posts.

          But thank you for yet another completely useless personal attack, adding nothing.

          Well done.

      • Eye of Horus says:

        You say you’re not for the OBA but against the PLP but even when OBA ministers act in a similar way to how PLP ministers acted you defend & justify them. How does that align with your non support of OBA. Is it because you’re under the delusion of what future you will have under the OBA? Sorry to burst your delusional bubble but once they’ve done away with the 60/40 & implement commercial immigration you stating that you’re Bermudian won’t mean didly because so will everyone else at the right price. They will buy the land buy status & buy up their competition & then bring in as many ukulele players as they want if they feel there’s any real profit in it. Don’t take it as a personal attack but more as a heads up because I know I will be in the same boat as you then. The OBA is taking the same measures as Canada did & even if their country is financially stable you can’t walk a block on a cold winters night without stepping over someone sleeping on a subway vent.

        • Mike Hind says:

          When? When did I do this?

          You’re making things up.
          Your entire post is made of fabrications.

          “How does that align with your nonsupport of the OBA?”
          Easy… It doesn’t. But that’s because your accusation is a lie.

  7. Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

    @Mike Hind…

    The only qualifying difference here is that YOU initiate the contact to challenge any particular blogger(s). So, if you did not want to engage him/her, why challenge their comments?

    Moreover, why tell them that they have the choice to read and/or not to read your posts? You could just simply ignore their posts and critique the ARTICLE, thereby eliminating any exchange with the bloggers and placing your own view front and centre.

    However, you like to challenge other bloggers, or more succinctly – you like the chase – it pumps your adrenaline. And when OBA supporters have not heard from you for awhile they become concerned that they are losing the propaganda war to deflect and in direct challenge to PLP supporters.

    You claim not to be a OBA supporter, however, it is your targeted criticism of PLP supporters that allows OBA supporters to run their deflection campaign. And, at times, it’s a frenzy overkill.

    Just a thought, Mr Hind…

    London, England

    • Mike Hind says:

      You don’t know me, nor my motivations, so your analysis is not only completely baseless, it’s also completely wrong and calls your OWN motivations into question. Why would you post lies about someone?

      Here’s why:

      “The only qualifying difference here is that YOU initiate the contact to challenge any particular blogger(s). So, if you did not want to engage him/her, why challenge their comments?”

      Yes, I do initiate the contact. Usually in the form of a question and many times that question is a simple request for evidence of a claim.
      Where you are incorrect is your final sentence. I DO want to engage them. I want to engage them in civil, honest conversation.
      Where the problem lies is that no one seems to be interested in that. They’re so focused on their political agenda that the very concept of answering questions or providing evidence or standing behind their posts seems to be an anathema that has sparked some of the most vile, racist, hateful things I’ve ever had said to me.
      You claim I don’t want to engage. The exact opposite is true.

      “Moreover, why tell them that they have the choice to read and/or not to read your posts? You could just simply ignore their posts and critique the ARTICLE, thereby eliminating any exchange with the bloggers and placing your own view front and centre.”

      So… let me get this straight… you’re telling me that I shouldn’t tell them to ignore my posts… by telling me to ignore theirs?
      Also, I’m not sure where you get off telling me what I should and shouldn’t post on. Is there a rule I’m missing that says I have to address the article – which, by the way, I do, often – and not what people say in replies? Am I not allowed to have an “exchange with the bloggers”? Is NO ONE allowed “any exchange with the bloggers”, or is it just me?
      And… if I’m not supposed to put my views front and centre, whose views should I put there? And, again, is it just me that shouldn’t put their views front and centre or is it everyone?

      “However, you like to challenge other bloggers, or more succinctly – you like the chase – it pumps your adrenaline.”

      First off, a pet peeve. The people who respond here are not bloggers. They are commenters. Bloggers run a Weblog. Hence the name.
      Secondly, I don’t LIKE to challenge them, but I DO feel strongly about dishonesty and lies and misinformation, so I challenge that. THAT is my motivation, not, as you so bizarrely accuse, the adrenalin rush.
      Again, you don’t know me, so to claim you know what my motivation is? Well, it’s weird and completely out of line.
      Oh, and a lie that you made up.

      “And when OBA supporters have not heard from you for awhile they become concerned that they are losing the propaganda war to deflect and in direct challenge to PLP supporters.”

      This is another complete fabrication from you.
      You wonder why I challenge people? Here’s why. This is an outright, completely false lie. You made that up, whole cloth, and are presenting it as fact. You are telling a complete untruth.
      As for “propaganda wars”? You are showing, through this falsehood you just wrote, that you are right there in the front lines of the war.
      Honesty is all I ask for. What I’m met with is really disgusting lies like this. You should be ashamed of yourself. I know you’re not, but if you had ANY integrity, you would.

      “You claim not to be a OBA supporter, however, it is your targeted criticism of PLP supporters that allows OBA supporters to run their deflection campaign. And, at times, it’s a frenzy overkill.”

      This sentence is another bit of twisty propaganda.
      I’m not an OBA supporter and have explained this MANY times. I have also explained and admitted my bias.
      I DO note that you only address my criticism of PLP supporters and not whether or not I’m right in my critiques.
      Here’s a clue… I challenge dishonesty when I see it.
      Guess which side shows more dishonesty.
      You’re trying to pretend that there’s only one side to the propaganda and “deflection campaign”… I put it to you that this bizarre attack from you, filled with lies and bizarre, baseless claims, is just yet another smear campaign against someone who is speaking out against your own “deflection campaign” and propaganda.

      When you try honesty? When you try having a little integrity, we can have a really good conversation.

      As long as you keep posting lies, I’ll challenge.
      As long as you keep posting ridiculous things, I’ll ridicule.
      As long as you keep being a hypocrite, I’ll call you on it.

      “Just a thought, Mr Hind…”

      Here’s a thought for you…
      If you were serious about what’s best for our country and not just partisan political games, you guys would criticize REAL things that are bad and not EVERY little thing that the OBA does.
      If you guys would criticize without all the hate and rage and lies and ad hominem attacks and actually expressed what you thought was wrong instead of “OH! I can try to denounce this as the worst thing ever and I’ll say ANYTHING that pops into my head, facts don’t matter!”, you’d get a lot more support from both sides.

      If you demagogues were serious about the betterment of the country and not just getting your party back into power by any means, no matter how vile, dishonest and wrong, you wouldn’t resort to these tactics. But you do, so it’s obvious what your motives are.
      And I’ll continue to challenge you on it, whenever I can, because I actually live here and I’m directly affected by this stuff and I give a damn about my country and I want what’s best for it.

      Until you guys show that you do, too, I’ll continue to be a nuisance.

      • js says:

        Bermuda’s own socratic gadfly

        you are in desperate need of a life

        • Mike Hind says:

          “Socratic method (also known as method of elenchus, elenctic method, or Socratic debate), named after the classical Greek philosopher Socrates, is a form of inquiry and discussion between individuals, based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to illuminate ideas.”

          EXACTLY! In your ridiculous failure of an attempt to insult me, you’ve inadvertently hit the nail on the head.

          As for my life? I’ve got a GREAT life, thank you very much.
          I’m just trying to make it better for myself and for other people.

          • js says:

            whether its an insult or not is open to debate

            I’m sure you are aware that the Athenians forced Socrates to commit suicide by drinking hemlock as they found him guilty of corrupting the youth of Athens

            nobody likes an annoying gadfly even if its for their own good

            most people like to remain in blissful ignorance

            reality is far to painful

            Bermudians from both sides of the political divide are up to their eyeballs in blissful ignorance

            as they where is as they shall be

            • Mike Hind says:

              “A gadfly is a person who upsets the status quo by posing upsetting or novel questions.”

              I find it amazing that “Do you have any evidence to back up your claim?” is an upsetting or novel question.

      • Robert says:

        Hey hind, i hope you’re not home collecting social assistance, because it seems you have a lot of time on your hands. Please find something else to do.

        • Barracuda says:

          you would have no existance on this blog without him

        • Mike Hind says:

          You seem to know a lot about me. You know I,m not.

          But a nice ad hominem,

          Makes me wonder why you’re so vehement with these personal attacks…

      • Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

        This is the most incoherent babbling rant I have heard and/or witness on this blog for a very long time. YOU, Mike Hind, top them all and the really sad point is that you think that you make sense!

        OH OBA supporters, he is your first and serious line of defence?

        The above is quite a rant, however, in this comment you caught my eye: “I DO note that you only address my criticism of PLP supporters and not whether or not I’m right in my critiques.”

        No Mike, most times YOU are dead wrong, especially when you post on racism. Where do you get some of the more bizarre comments? Please take a university course in race relations since you insist on posting on this very contentious subject.

        Mike, you will not even acknowledge the fact that you had to be called on your insults placed in the form of questions to others and they were VILE. But then you know that you ridicule others, however, recently I have noticed that you have toned down with the exception of a very recent remark which ended “…you’re a joke.” And, that was your opening comment on the debate. Highly inappropriate and unnecessary, but that’s your style.

        News flash – that is not debating, it’s using insults to bait others.

        You jump in a leap of logic as you see demagoguery and dishonest posts from most PLP supporters, but very oddly you do not see it in OBA posts. Yes, Mr Hind you are extremely objective here!

        And there is a very noticeable difference between you and Betty Trump. Betty now debates by giving her opinion on the subject and when s/he is subjected to harsh and/or over the top criticism s/he simply laughs it off. But s/he remains on point to the ARTICLE, not launching personal insults.

        Mike, knock yourself out with the challenges to PLP supporters, the more you post the more individuals will dismiss your comments.

        I will concede one point, no, we are not bloggers but commentators on this Bernews blog.

        Your crusade of critiquing others, must first and foremost be objective and fair to both sides (PLP and OBA) and, until you consistently demonstrate that, you continue to do nothing more than ranting.

        London, England

        • Mike Hind says:

          You really can’t even get close to the truth, can you?

          Nothing in here is true. At all.

          It’s just a political smear job.

          You’ve ignored ALL my posts and anything I’ve said and are addressing things you’ve just made up.

          “This is the most incoherent babbling rant I have heard and/or witness on this blog for a very long time. YOU, Mike Hind, top them all and the really sad point is that you think that you make sense!”

          You mean where I go through your post point by point and debunk every one?
          Riiiight.

          “OH OBA supporters, he is your first and serious line of defence?”

          No. I’m not. You made that up. I’m not affiliated in any way with the OBA beyond an anti-PLP bias, based on the behaviours of its representatives and supporters. A bias you are doing an AMAZING job reinforcing.

          “No Mike, most times YOU are dead wrong, especially when you post on racism. Where do you get some of the more bizarre comments? Please take a university course in race relations since you insist on posting on this very contentious subject.”

          When? You said this twice today, but are yet to point to any examples.
          Not that you ever will, but can you do us all a favour and point to links to things I actually said and not something you fabricated in your mind? Thanks.

          “Mike, you will not even acknowledge the fact that you had to be called on your insults placed in the form of questions to others and they were VILE. ”

          When? Calling someone a joke is “VILE”?
          PLEASE show examples of this!
          If not, we can dismiss this entire post as a lie.

          Which it is.

          “Yes, Mr Hind you are extremely objective here!”

          I never claimed to be objective. That’s something else you’ve made up. I have openly and freely claimed, repeatedly, that I have a bias.

          “Betty now debates by giving her opinion on the subject and when s/he is subjected to harsh and/or over the top criticism s/he simply laughs it off. But s/he remains on point to the ARTICLE, not launching personal insults.”

          Not even CLOSE to true.
          Betty posts lies and nonsense, then when called on it, either runs away, ignores the points debunking her (as you’ve done here) or goes off on a rant (as you’ve done here) trying to denounce the person in the worst ways possible. You’re completely incorrect here. “Remains on point”? Nonsense. She’s NEVER on point.

          “Your crusade of critiquing others, must first and foremost be objective and fair to both sides (PLP and OBA) and, until you consistently demonstrate that, you continue to do nothing more than ranting.”

          No. I don’t. Not even a little bit. Why is it only me that has to be objective and fair to both sides? No one else is held to this standard.

          Is there ANY chance that you’ll actually address what I’ve written, or will there be another denunciation of my made up faults?

    • Speak Truth says:

      Once again well said Mrs.Alinstall
      100 percent correct. Only hope Mike can take a moment to truly take a look at the man in the mirror. The sad thing is he more likely to miss your message.

      • Mike Hind says:

        Annnnd, as per usual, you poke your nose in with no knowledge of the topic, spreading more lies and misinformation.

        Read the posts.

        Then be honest.

        I know it’s difficult for you, but try.

      • Mike Hind says:

        Nothing in her post was correct.

        Like her, you know nothing about me, so to claim her post is 100% correct is ludicrous.

        Please can you try honesty for a change?

  8. el me says:

    So mr. Premier, putting aside 50million dollars towards financial assistance while giving a handful of people twenty-three plus million dollars towards assisting them to try and sort out a tourism board is all of us working together? If times are so dire and we need to pulll together why do we have so much money put aside for foreigners to have jobs in order to provide Bermudians who have apartments for rent or in other words, so we can live off of their chicken feed they throw us, is that working together? and by the way who are the “us” collaborate? these and many other questions remain unanswered by the surrogates……In Bermuda to date,we have more people with degrees than anywhere else, and that we’ve ever had, yet Bermudians are told continually to retrain, get ready for the new on slaught of jobs , but we are always told we do not meet the criteria… I’m not surprised, Bermuda has always discriminated against “melinated” people since the seventeenth century when they actually held a special parliament session to bring a law into affect, banning “blacks”or “negroes” as referred to,.. to benefit from the tobacco crops grown here.. and the discrimination has spiralled ever since, today 2014 so called “blacks” have still not benefitted from their labour and contributions… when are we gonna learn? Mr. Premier please explain who the “us” is that should be working together, coz some of us out here are simply not included..

  9. Coffee says:

    If the president of America or the head of state of any other jurisdiction were to communicate to their electorate by opinion pieces and never face the nation by the prevailing news media ever . How long would he/she last in that position ?

    • Mike Hind says:

      We had that happen for years…

      you’re making things up again.

      • Susan Blake-Dyer says:

        @mikehind

        You know what?…give it a break because you have turned everyone off with your bias, tunnel visioned, blind sighted, OBA supporting self. You speak ignorance. Go and do some reading and view some of the old news reports and get a pen so that you can list all the lies and contradiction your new Gov and Premier have openly expressed. It is so clear you just choose not to admit that all this government does is lie and try to cover the lies up.

        I will not respond or read your blogs anymore because you are an unlearned ignorant person who must be truly bored with your life and angry with the world. Go back and do some reading and take off your blinders. The truth is right in front of you…you just choose not to except it. Dumb A–!!!! Get a life.

        Susan Blake-Dyer

        • Mike Hind says:

          Amazing.

          I love how it’s now MY responsibility to go find the evidence of your claims.

          And I love how it’s ME that’s got the bias, not you… yet, it’s “MY new Gov and Premier”…

          The truth may be in front of me, but it’s nowhere near you, Susan Blake-Dyer.

  10. Triangle Drifter says:

    Well look where this thread has gone! Does anyone remember the topic? All I can say is, don’t feed the trolls. They will do anything to derail, mislead, misdirect, anything to deflect what the Premier might have to say.

    Whether he actually wrote the speech or not does not matter much. What is important is the message. Some folks can’t stand seeing a little good news.

    • Marie says:

      @ Triangle Drifter – Agreed, the topic of discussion should be in response to Premier Cannonaire’s opinion piece.

      I have not decided whether he or his Press Sec. wrote it. However, while eloquent, __–__, it appears that the Premier is stating his case for the no nonsense approach of his Govt. to get us on track to economic recovery and renewal.

      The fact that the Premier does not appear to be “available” (for lack of a better word) is debatable. And, that really is a whole’nother topic.

      The facts that the Premier addressed are debatable. These economic realities are important to a broad base of Bermuda’s population, with citizen status and not.

      People are finding jobs, that is correct in a few segments of the workforce. Can this be a product of globalization?

      Incomes are growing? Where? Increased earnings figures from payroll taxes and pensions? Can this be attributed to an increase of DoE and BdaTA staffing?

      Govt finances are stable, but it’s Govt we simply cannot afford. I am not convinced. Can the privatisation of non essential Govt services be a feasible solution?

      And, the increased funding to social/financial assistance appears to be correct. I did take note of the additional available funds dispersed from the 2012/2013 budget to assist the under-employed and the more volunerable segments of our population. Is the $7mil increase to this segment expected to bring a balance to the still shrinking Bermudian workforce?

      We have all been in this together, and yes we will be poorer if we don’t pull together. Will all Bermudians survive these economic

    • Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

      @ Triangle Drifter…

      Agreed, but how many times have we (everyone on these blogs) ignored, sidestepped and/or given him – Mike Hind – enormous space to comment?

      It’s time to cut the crap.

      He’s lucky that he’s debating in Bermuda, in London they would have booted him by now. It’s amazing how some-one keeps calling him back…we are not that stupid!

      Yes, he has every right to have his voice heard, but please do not sell us his rants as coherent, cogent arguments that dispel demagoguery, annihilate political propaganda and/or are sage racial comments.

      Now back the premier, might his speech writer give Mike Hind some pointers? Rude, no, just honest.

      London, England

      • Mike Hind says:

        More lies from Ms. Akinstall.

        No one has called me.
        No, I wouldn’t have been booted.

        Just because you don’t like what I say doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t be allowed to say it.

        It’s amazing how you rewrite reality to suit your needs.

        I’m BEGGING you to try being honest for once.

        As for the topic?

        Why does it matter whether he has a speech writer or not?

        Why is that in any way relevant, other than as a means to smear him as somehow unable to do his job?
        The message you and others seem to be trying to send is “If he can’t write a speech, how can he run a country?” with a little “He’s just a puppet for someone else (but we won’t come out and say who that person or group is, other than vague hinting that it’s “White People”.”

        So.

        Why is it relevant?

      • Mike Hind says:

        “It’s time to cut the crap.”

        You’re right.

        You start.

        Try starting with posting things that are true and not things that you made up about me.

        How about you point out where my “rants” aren’t coherent, cogent arguments? How about you point to where they AREN’T intended to “dispel demagoguery, annihilate political propaganda”, because that, in fact, IS my goal. Show me, truthfully, where I haven’t done that. Show me, using things that I ACTUALLY said and not things you made up, like, “It gets your adrenaline going” and “someone keeps calling him back”, where I haven’t been trying to do that.

        Most of this page has been me defending myself against completely false personal attacks, some from you…

        Yet, you complain that I post too much. How does that work?
        Should I let lies about me stand? Should I just shut up and take it when people like you tell outright falsehoods about me, intended to silence me from asking questions?

        I know you have your own bias and don’t like people asking hard questions – like “can you back up your claim?” – but we HAVE to ask them. We HAVE to have integrity and honesty, or we are doomed as a country.

        I do everything I can to post as honestly as possible.

        I beg you to do the same.

  11. Mike Hind says:

    Just a Q, since I apparently am only allowed to post on the subjects Ms. Akinstall says I’m allowed to…

    Why does it matter whether he wrote it or not?

    Leaders all over the world, for centuries, have had speech writers.

    Why is it suddenly something bad now?
    Why is it such a big deal?