Jamaica Observer Interviews Dr Ewart Brown

April 21, 2014

from wiki Ewart_BrownThe Jamaica Observer has featured an interview with former Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, who attended St Jago High School in Jamaica as a teenager.

Asked what were the high and low points serving as Bermuda’s premier, Dr. Brown said, “The high points came when I saw how much the people supported me in times of stress.

“I would imagine the low point was when I thought that inviting the Uighurs to come to Bermuda at the request of the United States was going to be met positively and my political opponents turned that into an effort to unseat me. But we did what we had to do and they were not successful.”

Speaking on CARICOM, Dr. Brown told the Jamaica Observer that, “I don’t think Caricom has been as successful as its founding fathers had imagined. It’s an extremely difficult exercise and I learned first-hand that where you are forced to engage in the politics of politeness, you’re less likely to make change.”

You can read the full interview here on the Jamaica Observer.

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  1. Baltic Fury says:

    It just seems like a bad dream now. If I close my eyes tight enough, maybe he’ll go away.

    • LaVerne Furbert says:

      See if you can close your eyes a bit tighter, Baltic Fury.

      • Joonya says:

        When I close my eyes all I see is a cheerleader..

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      A $2B bad dream. Bermuda voted for it. Bermuda got what it deserved. Now the best stage he can get on is a Jamaican publication nobody has ever heard of.

      • ….Surely you jest. says:

        Your racism is equalled only by your ignorance. The Jamaica Observer is well known throughout the Caribbean and is a respected voice in Regional reporting. It is owned by the Stewart family of Sandals fame. You are attempting to perpetuate a deception well rehearsed over many years by people of your ilk. If its Caribbean it doesn’t matter. Well many of us know differently. May I remind you of the revealing tribute to the recently deceased former Premier whose Bahamas business interests no-one in Bermuda had ever heard of either. Funny how outside of Bermuda he was able to advise their PLP Government and the FNM when in power. Like you, he too thought the good in the Caribbean must always be a secret. Sorry to burst your bubble but the days of fooling us with that line are over. Next…..

    • Nancy says:

      Dr. Brown when I read this article, I was not surprise or astonished by some folks reaction. You always make such a grand entrance, and that says a great deal about a man.

      At first I was unaware that there was comment section to read. So I venture to read only a few. However, in thinking of your leadership the following words come to mind from the great leader Dr. M King “A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.” I think describes part of your successful leadership style as well.

      Dr. Brown, the comments by some folks speak to your forte, competence, and strength as a strong effective leader, whom got the job done and lead. I do not recall any other Bermudian leader that has had the ability to achieve what you have done. Your ability alone to drawn such media or public attention speaks to your ability of know-how.

      Many love you, as well as some folks that feel the opposite way. But I know you are aware of that. But there are some whom will always see you as one of our strongest, sturdiest and forthright leaders in Bermuda. This kind of leadership is rare to find in any country and comes along once in a blue moon.

      I believe many of the negative comments, merely speak to the fear of your strong leadership style that you posses. Also they feel trepidation and apprehension that you move things along, even making decisions that they do not agree with, thus they write in such a manner which is full of dislike. Image if you came back into politics, they would be even more upset. Although some of us secretly wish you would. (Laughing) But all is great. You have done well. Keep pushing on. A strong leader always will be remember, that is why the recent polls results indicated such high rating. Love it.

      I look forward to reading your book, when it is finally published. This would be a great story to tell.

  2. HardTalk says:

    A very bad dream indeed but tragically it will not go away. The reality is a bankrupted economy and a lack of prospects for our future generations of children that would have been hard to imagine before the systematic fiscal rape of our country at the hands of such a ‘not ethical’ political machine. History will record the tenure of this former Premier as the catalyst for the collapse of an economy that was, prior to his arrival, the envy of the developed world. Without doubt, one of the lowest points in our recent history.

    • Raymond Ray says:

      You’ve hit “it” on the head…

      • “continued attacks will not, cannot n shall not change a glass that has been broken n shattered but to keep its memories can only show the splinters that so effectively affect your thinking as to how we all can go forward, perhaps from a lesson that has taught us all something but many deny… It took many to tangle yet the finger points in one direction… Who actually done it?
        No collaboration all cynical instigation toppled with racism. Put a sock in it… It’s done n we are no better off now either but the attacks still are being hurled. What is your solution to this fiasco RR.

        • swing voter says:

          glass broken and shattered? yur damn right! we are all going down the tubes together with the exception of the old money families and the politicians…..we voted for change and got it….average man is screwed

        • Raymond Ray says:

          Here’s a suggestion that relates to your comments. Perhaps you’ll find the following article encouraging?

          Smart People Should Create Things
          by James Clear
          Read this post on JamesClear.com
          It was 1974 and Art Fry was spending his weekend singing for the local church choir. On this particular Sunday, Fry was dealing with a relatively boring problem: he couldn’t keep his bookmarks in place.
          In order to find hymns quickly, Fry would stick little pieces of paper between the pages like bookmarks. The only problem was that every time he stood up, the pieces of paper would slide down deep between the pages or fall out of the book completely. Annoyed by the constant placing and replacing of his bookmarks, Fry started daydreaming about a better solution.
          “It was during the sermon,” Fry said, “that I first thought, ‘What I really need is a little bookmark that will stick to the paper but will not tear the paper when I remove it.’” [1]
          With this idea in mind, Fry went back to work the next week and began developing a solution to his bookmark problem. As luck would have it, Fry happened to be working at the perfect company. He was an employee at 3M and one of his co-workers, Spencer Silver, was an adhesives specialist.
          Over the next few months, Fry and Silver developed a piece of paper that would stick to a page, but could be easily removed and reapplied over and over. Eventually, this little project became one of the best-selling office supplies of all-time: the Post-It Note.
          Today, 3M sells Post-It Notes in over 100 countries worldwide. You can find them at libraries and schools, in offices and boardrooms, and scattered around nearly every workspace in between.
          What can we learn from the story of Art Fry? And is there something we can take away from this to make our lives and the world better?

          Create Something Small
          Art Fry wasn’t trying to create a best-selling office supply product. In the beginning, Fry was simply trying to design a better bookmark for his choir hymnal. He was just trying to create something small.
          For a long time, I thought that if I wasn’t working on something incredible, then it wasn’t of much value. But gradually I discovered the truth: the most important thing isn’t to create something world-changing, but simply to create. You don’t have to build something famous to build something meaningful.
          And this brings us to the most important lesson we can learn from Art Fry and his Post-It Notes: when the world presents you with something interesting or frustrating or curious, choose to do something about it. Choose to be a creator.
          In other words, the world needs smart people to build things. We need employees who invent things, entrepreneurs who create things, and freelancers who design things. We need secretaries who make jewelry as a side project and stay-at-home dads who write amazing novels. We need more leaders, not more followers. We need more creators, not more consumers.
          And perhaps the most important thing to realize is that we not only need to create for each other, but for ourselves as well. Creating something is the perfect way to avoid wasting the precious moments that we have been given. To contribute, to create, to chip in to the world around you and to add your line to the world’s story — that is a life well lived.
          What will you create today?
          Smart People Should Create Things
          by James Clear
          Read this post on JamesClear.com
          It was 1974 and Art Fry was spending his weekend singing for the local church choir. On this particular Sunday, Fry was dealing with a relatively boring problem: he couldn’t keep his bookmarks in place.
          In order to find hymns quickly, Fry would stick little pieces of paper between the pages like bookmarks. The only problem was that every time he stood up, the pieces of paper would slide down deep between the pages or fall out of the book completely. Annoyed by the constant placing and replacing of his bookmarks, Fry started daydreaming about a better solution.
          “It was during the sermon,” Fry said, “that I first thought, ‘What I really need is a little bookmark that will stick to the paper but will not tear the paper when I remove it.’” [1]
          With this idea in mind, Fry went back to work the next week and began developing a solution to his bookmark problem. As luck would have it, Fry happened to be working at the perfect company. He was an employee at 3M and one of his co-workers, Spencer Silver, was an adhesives specialist.
          Over the next few months, Fry and Silver developed a piece of paper that would stick to a page, but could be easily removed and reapplied over and over. Eventually, this little project became one of the best-selling office supplies of all-time: the Post-It Note.
          Today, 3M sells Post-It Notes in over 100 countries worldwide. You can find them at libraries and schools, in offices and boardrooms, and scattered around nearly every workspace in between.
          What can we learn from the story of Art Fry? And is there something we can take away from this to make our lives and the world better?

          Create Something Small
          Art Fry wasn’t trying to create a best-selling office supply product. In the beginning, Fry was simply trying to design a better bookmark for his choir hymnal. He was just trying to create something small.
          For a long time, I thought that if I wasn’t working on something incredible, then it wasn’t of much value. But gradually I discovered the truth: the most important thing isn’t to create something world-changing, but simply to create. You don’t have to build something famous to build something meaningful.
          And this brings us to the most important lesson we can learn from Art Fry and his Post-It Notes: when the world presents you with something interesting or frustrating or curious, choose to do something about it. Choose to be a creator.
          In other words, the world needs smart people to build things. We need employees who invent things, entrepreneurs who create things, and freelancers who design things. We need secretaries who make jewelry as a side project and stay-at-home dads who write amazing novels. We need more leaders, not more followers. We need more creators, not more consumers.
          And perhaps the most important thing to realize is that we not only need to create for each other, but for ourselves as well. Creating something is the perfect way to avoid wasting the precious moments that we have been given. To contribute, to create, to chip in to the world around you and to add your line to the world’s story — that is a life well lived.
          What will you create today?

  3. Coffee says:

    Thank you Dr.Brown for making Bermuda more relevant on a global scale. Thank you for forging a stronger relationship with America through the acceptance of the Uighurs . Thank you for initiating and fostering the possibilities of financial collaboration with the Middle Eastern countries and educational opportunities in India . And if not for your understanding of the current cruise ship industry we wouldn’t have a dock to accommodate the mega ships plying the trade .

    • Mike Hind says:

      You’re a ridiculous little person, aren’t you?

      Completely rewriting history.

      How pathetic and blindered.

      We deserve better than you.

      • Coffee says:

        Don’t you ever get tired of humping strangers legs . Make the call Mike ,.

        • Mike Hind says:

          What call? To Dr. Brown? What business is that of yours. Why are you harping on that, other than to troll? Hm?

          When are you going to take off your hood, coward?

          When are you going to back up your claims?

          When are you going to try being honest when you write things?

          When are you going to stop telling lies?

          Come on, “Coffee”! Stop trolling and have an honest conversation with someone for once.

          Or are you just here as a sycophantic little worm, spreading silly little lies and insinuations?

          Your answer, or lack thereof, will let us all know.

          • Coffee says:

            Your lack of understanding and the meaning of trolling is beyond your comprehension , for you are the ultimate Troll . Hoods are for cowards like you , no matter that we know who you are it just shows that you are comfortable in your robes . As for me , when you see me I will raise my right hand in solidarity .

            Now make the call Mike …

            • Mike Hind says:

              Um… Wow.

              You’re completely deluded, aren’t you?

              I’d ask you to elaborate on how I’m a troll (especially given your behaviour and constant taunts, evasion, personal attacks, hypocrisy and all the rest), but I know you’re unable to do that. The reason: because it’s just yet another lie spread by a spineless cretin.

              Grow up. Do better.

          • Truth Teller says:

            “Coffee” is so right about you Mike. Keep it up Coffee I am proud of you and “Surely you Jest”. Finally some blacks with the backbone to stand up to Hind and his smug Anglo brand of superiority.

            • Kangoocar says:

              Another RACIST statement!!! Not only are you a racist you are naive to say it politely!!! Coffee is nothing but a dishonest poster on here that has even claimed that she is a white female??? Yup, you just keep supporting that liars nonsense and it will prove nothing else other than you not only naive, you are stupid!!!!

            • Mike Hind says:

              “Smug Anglo brand of superiority”?

              Wow. That’s disgusting.

              Nothing like an outright racist attack to make your point.

              “Coffee” isn’t right about almost everything he types.
              “Coffee” is nothing more than a nasty little troll, here for the sole purpose of promoting his, and your, party, no matter the cost.
              He has never shown any sort of honesty, courage or integrity.

              As for you? You can be dismissed alongside the rest of the nasty, racist filth that history has denounced.

              Bermuda deserves better than this.

              Do better.

              • Coffee says:

                Blacks cannot be racist . Racism is institutional and is supported by people like Mike Hind and his ilk. Because blacks do not control the wealth of the world they cannot dictate policy . Listen troll Mike , be honest , your ignorant of what you think you know ..Do some reading , you could do better , but you choose to wallow in your filth .

                • cole says:

                  Regardless of that cods-wollop, you are still a bigot.

                • Suzie Quattro says:

                  “Blacks cannot be racist”

                  Isn’t that statement, in itself, racist?

                  If someone says “blacks cannot do this, blacks cannot do that”, isn’t that racist?

                  And why the emphasis on who controls wealth? There are billions of poor white people. Is there a wealth cutoff point? If someone is white and has a net worth of under a certain $, does that mean they’re not racist?

                  And if a black person owns four homes and rents them out, that puts them in a position of economic power. Does that economic power turn them into a racist?

                • Mike Hind says:

                  Me and my ilk?

                  I’d ask you to explain what you mean, but I know you won’t because, as usual, you’re making things up.

                  The rest of the post is either nonsense or the usual troll trick of throwing my own words back at me regardless of relevance.

                  You’re exposing yourself, “Coffee”, to be the lying, hateful, spineless racist that we all figured you were.

      • Laughing cow says:

        Mike, I guess we deserve your dart board designer, would he be better? and if so for Whom, only you?

        • Mike Hind says:

          I have no idea what this means…

          Maybe next time try using words that go together in a way that makes sense?

    • nuffin but the truth says:

      you sure you don’t clean his shoes

      • Coffee says:

        Thank you Dr.Brown for reminding us that amongst the living the hoods are very much in fashion , removed from the faces but alive and well in the personas of Mike and the like . Make the call Mike .

        • nuffin but the truth says:

          Try Kool Aid,the coffee isn’t workin

        • Mike Hind says:

          HA! And now you, hiding like the tiny little spineless coward that you are, are going to reference hoods?

          That’s a laugh.

          Outright trolling.

          It’s amazing that this is ok with ANYONE.
          The tacit approval of this behavior speaks volumes about your supporters.

          • Coffee says:

            You need to get a grip on your foul self . You come across as a very angry little man . Like I say , when you see me I’ll raise my Right FIST IN SOLIDARITY . Make the call Mike !

            • Mike Hind says:

              Then, as usual, you don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not angry, I’m disgusted by stupid, cowardly trolls like you spreading lies and misinformation to the detriment of our country and I’m speaking out against it.

              And would you care to elaborate as to why you keep ordering me to “make the call”?

              Or will you just run away from that again.

              Take off the hood “Coffee”. Show us who you are.

    • Joonya says:

      Somone please help me insert the sound that Zombies make..

  4. LaVerne Furbert says:

    “When you you all wake up from your “bad dream”, try to figure out how the bumbling OBA Government would be faring in 2014 if the Brown administration had not:

    1. Established Day Care allowance for hard-pressed families.

    2. Built Heritage Wharf.

    3. Legislated seatbelts.

    4. Introduced fast ferries

    5. Introduced the MIRRORS program.

    6. Established the Bermuda Hospitality institute, whose former director is now a “bigga” with the Tourism Authority.

    7. Signed agreements with Johns Hopkins, Partners and Lahey so Bermudians could have access to high-level medical care.

    And the list goes on….

    • nuffin but the truth says:

      WOT Fast Ferries!…dem all broke!
      and now Bermuda has to spend $1Million a year renting….
      yeh,thanks dreb.

      • BIGGADON says:

        Yes renting because your current govt chooses to instead paying the local staff to do what is needed to keep them running …. why you think there is so much turmoil in marine and ports….nothing worse than when a boss doesnt listen to the frontline staff.

    • Raw Onion says:

      Laver, we all know you love your Ewart. He can never do wrong I your eyes. No sense in moving the wool from over your eyes since you are blind to the reality that he created for us all. A very sad reality.

    • Mike Hind says:

      Ok, those are some positives.

      Now, would you mind posting the negatives?

      If there are accusations of “bumbling” to be made, and if we’re being honest with ourselves, the accusations need to be made on both sides, no?

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      OK, give us more from the list. Does it add up to anything near $2B worth?

      The dock: How much over budget then had to be rebuilt for more money?

      Seatbelts: Oh big deal! Something that should have been long ago.

      Fast ferrys: You do have a short, selective memory don’t you. The decision to get faster ferrys was made by the UBP shortly before the election of 1998. It was up to Brown & the PLP to choose the boats. A fiasco that has turned out to be.

      Bermuda Hospitality Institute: Never heard of it. What has it done?

      What are these aggreements with these hospitals? Bermudians have been going to various US hospitals for years.

      • Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown says:

        @Triangle: Since you post frequently, facts might help the quality of your posts.

        1. The UBP had discussed fast ferries before 1998 but the idea was rejected by the leadership at Marine & Ports. The PLP made the decision to develop a fast ferry fleet. Inadequate maintenance of the fleet unfortunately led to a sub-optimal ferry system around 2011-12.

        2. Heritage Wharf has not been re-built. Repairs have been done at an unrevealed cost.

        3. You are correct that seat belts should have been legislated “long ago”. Fact is, they were not.

        4. You are correct. Bermudians have travelled abroad for medical care for years. What we did was to engage those outstanding hospitals to send their specialists TO Bermuda to see more patients! Got it?

        • haha says:

          wouldn’t even wanna start with what ya clinic does lmfao….get outta here

        • Gotham says:

          Doc, you sound like you are running (for election I mean). Come on, out with it please…

          • Kangoocar says:

            I surely hope not, Bermuda can’t afford him anymore!!!!! Once is enough, thanks!!!!

    • 1 became hard pressed post 1998
      2 over budget and poor workmanship
      3 not needed at 20 mph in cars designed for our narrow roads (authorized over sized SUV’s)
      4 tha are on the moorings or on strike more than they are working
      5 never needed pre1998 (gang free island)
      6 during the ” Platinum Period” ahahaha
      7 fired staff at a clinic in Paget with no words from the BIU
      And the list goes on……

      • LaVerne Furbert says:

        Were the staff at the clinic in Paget members of the BIU?

        • Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown says:

          Laverne,
          How dare I terminate employees in my private business!

          • fairmont was not allowed to

          • Jack Taylor says:

            Funny how ‘some people’ think they are the only ones that have the “right” to terminate employees that are not up to par. In fact, ‘some people’ have even terminated people that were up to standard, but have dared to make their voices known. I will dare say that ‘some people’ have even gone one step further and used their influence to terminate people at their associate’s places of business. They do this and they get away with it. That’s why the majority of some people’s places of business are not unionized to this day. They want to retain the right to treat employees exactly as they want. Then have the nerve to take pot shots about the clinic.

          • aceboy says:

            Employees that wanted to join the YunYun.

      • JUNK YARD DOG says:

        Sport. Utility. Vehicle.

        Advantages.

        1. Better brakes.
        2. Larger Running lights.
        3. Larger wheels and tires.
        4. Better all round viability.
        5. Stronger chassis and body.
        6. Better Steering.
        7. Better road holding.
        8. Make better Police cars.
        9. Higher ground clearance.
        10. More Cargo area.
        11. Practical.
        12. Higher Quality.
        13. Safer in a collision.
        14. Advanced braking technology.
        15. Better Suspension.
        16. Easy access and regress
        17. Class “A” / “H” S.U.V. availability.

        Disadvantages.

        1. There are none !

        • cicada says:

          What nonsense.

          SUV have:
          higher roll-over risk than cars
          higher gas mileage than cars
          lower safety standards (classed as trucks not cars) resulting in more deaths from accidents vs cars
          have higher bumpers etc causing more damage and more deaths to car drivers
          the higher ride height also causes the drivers to have a false sense of security leading to poorer driving practices
          too wide for Bermuda roads
          harder to park in Bermuda parking lots
          have high vanity-based pricing
          poor rearward vision has led to many “backover deaths”
          etc etc

          those want a US life-style perhaps should move there

          • Jack Taylor says:

            If that is true, why aren’t there tons of accidents then? Check the accident stats. Few in SUV ‘s. And if I want one, that’s my business. All the negative comments come from you jealous haters that can’t get one.

        • Uncommon Sense says:

          Junk yard dog – what facts do you have to back up your claims regarding SUVs?
          Better steering, better brakes??? Really? Is it just better because it is bigger?
          How is it practical to have a car that belongs on highways on Bermuda’s small country roads??
          How about the higher gas usage which surely is not practical in these financial times.
          Every other car now seems to be a $40,000 SUV – how many Bermudians can really afford a luxury car in these tough economic times?
          I guess this is the ignorance surrounding these vehicles.
          When are we goign to realise these vehicles do not belong on this tiny, overcrowded island. Ban new importations or at least tax them as a luxury item!
          Thanks Cicada for your common sense.

    • Your joking says:

      Please go on with the list …looking at your list of 7…I see maybe a couple of months of so called work….Not 14 years and 2 billion in debt..

    • pebblebeach says:

      8. Destroyed the Bermuda treasury…

  5. DarkSideofTheMoon says:

    Speaking of Premiers, Craig Cannonier has been mighty quiet lately…..

    • Mike Hind says:

      Why don’t you call and ask what he’s been doing and let us know?

      • Hmmmmm says:

        If we have to call and ask, isn’t that the issue ? Unseen, unheard in politics equals ineffective. Politics 101.

        • Mike Hind says:

          Or… he could be working.

          It’s not always doom and gloom.

          I know there’s a need to denounce the OBA and the Premier for every single thing, real and imagined, but there’s usually a simple explanation.

          If you’re serious about wanting an answer, ask in the right place.

          • Hmmmmm says:

            You’re a funny guy. When the PLP was silent, refused to answer questions, gave few interviews or didn’t report on their activities, your team (I know you’ll react to that yellow grunt bait!) called it corruption, deception, lies and a lack of openness and transparency. Now when the OBA/Premier Cannonier does it “he’s working”. Oh ok. I get it.

            • Mike Hind says:

              “My team” meaning?

              I don’t have a team. I speak only for myself.

              But it’s easier to lump me in with everyone else, innit?

              I love how you KNOW you’re in the wrong with this (with the “grunt bait” line), yet still go forward with it.

              Amazing.

              • Hmmmmm says:

                Deal with the substance of what was said as oppopsed to your usual deflection and focus on the minutiae. What’s your proof/evidence that the Premier is working?

                • Mike Hind says:

                  The substance of what you said is based on a lie and a misrepresentation.

                  I don’t have a team.

                  And I didn’t say, outright, that he was working.
                  I simply suggested that this might be the reason that he’s been quiet.
                  It’s certainly as valid a suggestion as anything else claimed and, unlike the things that “your team” do, I only offered it as a suggestion, not as a fact.

                  As for “my usual deflection”? You’re confusing me with yourself.
                  I don’t deflect. I address people’s point and the things that they ACTUALLY say, unlike you.
                  Here you are asking me about things that you WISH I had said and denouncing me for things other people have said.

                  Do better.

                  • Hmmmmm says:

                    Translation: I have no proof. I extended the benefit of the doubt to this Premier because to do otherwise would defy my team’s script.

                    • Mike Hind says:

                      I don’t need proof!
                      I made a suggestion, that’s it. Try actually reading the things I say…

                      But speaking of proof, you DO need proof of your accusation that I have a team.

                      Back that up, please, or admit that you’re wrong

                  • Coffee says:

                    Mike your right , he is working and he isn’t quiet either . As a matter of fact I saw him in St.Davids over the holiday , Good Friday to be exact . He was building a fence , yes a fence . You see several of the elders tried to corner him on the Lambe Foggo issue and Craig being Craig constructed a pretty little fence called non-committal and he promptly sat on it .

                    • Mike Hind says:

                      You’re a ridiculous little troll, aren’t you?

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      Just the way a Premier should be, quietly getting on with the job of making sure that the various Ministers are getting on with their jobs.

      We had our turn of Doc Hollywood who was more like a used car salesman with the daily grand announcements of how this was gonna happen or that was gonna happen. Nine times out of ten, nothing happened. It was all pointless made for TV noise.

      Had enough of that. Look where it got us.

      • Jack Taylor says:

        Since he’s being so quiet, what is his100G press secretary doing? Certainly not writing any speeches for the boss. No press releases either I suppose.

  6. Looking in says:

    Gangs flourished,tourism tanked,unemployment rose,social assistance needed,truckers and taxis driven out of business,The grand Atlantic,crippling debt, cronyism,and the list goes on.

  7. Jack Taylor says:

    Mike, do you ever go back and read your posts? You come across as a total little weasel.

    • Mike Hind says:

      Hey, Jack.

      Yes. I do. All the time.

      Care to elaborate on your accusation?
      What do you mean by “total little weasel”? That’s a pretty vague insult.
      What is it about my posts that give you this impression?

      Is it when I ask… and occasionally demand… that people be honest?
      Is it when I beg people to show a little integrity?
      Is it when I point out hypocrisy and lies?
      Is it when I respond to weird little personal attacks from anonymous posters that know nothing about me?

      What is it, Jack?

      Care to elucidate?

      • Mike Hind says:

        Silence is deafening.

        • Jack Taylor says:

          Just as I predicted, every few minutes you were checking to see if it took the bait so that you could reply. Then we would go back and forth, both trying to get in the last word. Just as I predicted, you would not be able to resist making a comment on my lack of a comment! Mike, you are so predictable which is why I purposely ignored you until you commented again. You are just so much fun, but I’m going back to ignoring you now. Goodbye.

          • Kangoocar says:

            I will translate for those that don’t understand what you mean jack, you are simply trying to say that you have NO answer to Mike!!!! And this is coming from someone that has very different views on US politicks with Mike but, I will stand behind him any day when it comes too him only saying what he believes is factual and he only expects the truth from others, which actually is a lot more than we get from a lot of people that posts on here!!! When you have the likes of betty posting on here who is made up of many people which includes former plp ministers and present plp mp’s also the Bettie’s take on other names as well, then we have the likes of coffee who has stated that she is a WHITE female??? These types of posters need to stop their lies and nonsense because it benefits nobody, all it does is cause more of a divide amongst us and we simply can’t afford that in BDA anymore!!!!

            • Jack Taylor says:

              I don’t have to give him an answer on why I hold a certain opinion of him. As you can see, he was puzzling his own brain trying to figure it out- hence the long list of “was it this?” or “was it that?”
              If it will make you both feel any better, he can tick off whichever one he thinks best applies.

              • Mike Hind says:

                The one that I think applies is this one:

                You’re just another PLP demagogue desperate to prove relevance, so you attack anyone who dares question your party’s line or has the audacity to ask for honesty or integrity. You’re looking to denounce me because I ask simple questions that expose your shoddily constructed fabrications for exactly what they are.

                It keeps happening, time and again, and then you run away and disappear.

                Just like your going to do. Mark my words.

                We deserve better than this.
                We deserve honesty. We deserve integrity. We deserve better than this sort of nasty, trolling politicking.

          • Mike Hind says:

            Not even close to true.

            Try honesty.

            Oh, and we’re you “ignoring me” when you posted your original insulting ad hominem?

            You’re just like the rest of these sycophantic little demagogues, taking a potshot while hiding behind a pen name, then running away when asked to back up your posts.

            Thanks for proving me right.

            Your sort of behaviour will keep you and your ilk on the wrong side of history.

            We deserve better than this.

  8. Alvin Williams says:

    Premier Browne there is a well known saying; ‘History will absolve me’This statement was made by Cuban leader and president Fidel Castro another leader who many wish would go away including many American presidents from
    Eisenhower to Bush; president Obama don’t seem to have the same fixation.
    President Castro step away from the leadership position on his own terms as you did; although he had health issues and like you he is still here.
    As regard to the decision to accede to the American request to take in the four Uighurs; I believe all the jumping up and down on the part of the British was a put on. You are not going to tell me that these two nations who were in lock step in military intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan and at one point under British Prime Minister Blair; Britain was called an American poodle so willing they were to join America when ever they deployed military force; that now America was going to sell out British interests and step all over their toes in regard to making a special deal with the premier of a British oversea territory(Colony) that was going to upset British relations with China with all that British trade with China at state? We know what is happening with China and the Uighurs in Western China who by the way are not Chinese. They face the same situation as the people of Tibet whose lands have been over run by China Han Chinese population majority. The Uighurs are Muslim and are in continuous conflict with the Chinese as they resist this take over just as the people of Tibet continue to resist. Trade is the bottom line here and Britain concern it is going to lose out to Chinese trade if it is seen that one of it’s overseas territory is giving aid and comfort to a people it is suppressing. So indeed history will absolve the decision of Bermuda to take in the Uighurs who I maintain are freedom fighters whose people are resisting Chinese rule.

    • Yahoo says:

      There are also well known things called punctuation and grammar.

    • Kangoocar says:

      Alvin, are you seriously defending Fidel Castro??? You are even more out to lunch than I thought??? You really need help!!! Secondly, there is two simple reasons why Obama does not have the ” fixation” on Fidel, firstly, Fidel is not in charge of Cuba anymore ( not sure were you were when that happened?? Probably fighting some battle in the 1960′s in your mind,) and secondly, you would be hard pressed to find any leader in the world that actually listens to Obama, he is the laughing stock to all of them especially Putin these days!!!
      Hope this helps you???

  9. Archie says:

    How long ago did Dr Brown leave office? And stories about him still generate this level of discourse? Wow. I guess this too shall not pass….

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      How long did the PLP blame the UBP, still doing it, for any & everything that they did not like? How many still mopan on about how life was 300 years ago?

      The DREB disaster is recent living memory. As he was known to say “Get over it”.

    • Nancy says:

      That speaks to the power of one of Bermuda’s greatest leaders Dr. Brown. No other leader can drawn such great power and media attention. Well done Dr. Brown. Many love you, and I know you are aware of that. Wish you would come back and be that powerful leader once again and bring out people back together again. I love how the haters are upset…it makes me smile with great joy.

  10. BllueFamiliar says:

    About the only thing in the article that amused me was his use of the term ‘we’ in regards to bringing in the Uighrs. But other than that, it was pretty mild with expected biased.

    When it comes to Dr. Brown, I didn’t and don’t like the man for his bigoted views. I certainly didn’t trust him, but as been said above, there were some good things that came about under his leadership, and they should be recognised alongside the negatives.

  11. swing voter says:

    was Bermuda better off pre 1998? Too bad the UBP imploded. Too bad the PLP changed their values from ‘power to the people’ to grab everything you can and screw the rest of you. OBA are not perfect, but they are the only chance we have to survive our 2.1B debt owed to foreign…remember when you used to laugh at Jamaica…go ahead and laugh now ;-( we were fooled.

    • Jack Taylor says:

      What exactly did the PLP “grab”? To the best of my knowledge, they did what they could to help people that were in need. The PLP had a social conscience, a little thing called “compassion” for those less fortunate. Something that people born with a silver spoon in their mouth may know absolutely nothing about.

      • Kangoocar says:

        Are you serious??? Your plp did more damage to the ” less fortunate” than any other political party in Bermudas history!!! You are a typical blind sheep that has your head up your arse!!!! Wake the heck up!!! You do realize the massive unemployment problem is a direct result of the plp policies on the IB sector don’t you??? Of course you don’t!!! Try looking around for once and take note of who the majority of unemployed are!!! It may surprise you because they WERE AND ARE the less fortunate!!!
        Also, why don’t you compare the less fortunate situation as they are now, to those that were in power (plp ministers) financial situation now, and wake the HECK UP?????

        • Jack Taylor says:

          And I suppose you think the OBA will wave it’s magic wand and make everything all better? Whatever happened with those 2000 jobs they promised?
          By the way, what evidence do you have that the massive unemployment is a direct result of the PLP’s policies on the IB sector?
          Awaiting concrete examples to back up your claim. No fluff, give me proof positive.

          • Kangoocar says:

            You want proof??? I own a business that mostly caters to certain IB sectors local real estate assets, and have done so since 2005, starting in 2009 when the brilliant cogs decision to raise payroll tax on top of the earlier Drebs and handbags decision to place term limits on them and all of a sudden these places were becoming vacant!!! When I starting asking, I was told they are not comfortable anymore and are shifting departments out of here!!! Thankfully what I do was not effected because they owned the properties I service and still do to this day, but I can sure as heck tell you that it is a constant reminder everyday when I see these properties that now are sitting empty because of all the plp bad policies and along with it, the locals that are now by the trickle down effect are now UNEMPLOYED!!! When will you guys get it?? And when it comes to the OBA, I can only tell you that after all that was done to destroy our economy by the plp, it will take a lot more than the OBA to repair it!!! It will only take ALL of us working together to repair this problem but unfortantley the plp are not included in the All of us until they are finally honest and admit their mistakes and apologize and then be seen as wanting to help!!!!!

            • Coffee says:

              Didn’t you say lived in the states ?

              • Kangoocar says:

                There is a huge difference between lived and live!!! You are the one that misleads people not me!!!

            • Jack Taylor Is My Real Name says:

              You were in the real estate business. That business is going belly up in the USA, UK and all over the world. Because your particular line of work isn’t booming cannot be blamed on the PLP’s policies. You said you “started asking”, however I gather you did not survey every IB company. I would also venture that you did not sit in on any boardroom meetings. Therefore, you have no concrete evidence on why any of the companies made any business decisions that they did. That means any theory you have is pure speculation. Unless you can give me direct evidence of what you are saying (not hearsay or barbershop gossip) then I am not buying into your point.

              • Kangoocar says:

                I am not in real estate business and sorry to disappoint you but my business to this day is doing extremely well!! On the topic of why the IB sector left here, you have no clue and you are the exact reason the plp stayed in power so long and caused the carnage they did, the plp support base is totally blinded by factors that are not important any more and are just not capable of opening their eyes to what was being done to them by their own!!!,

                • Jack Taylor Is My Real Name says:

                  So I take it that you have no proof that some IB companies left due to the policies of the PLP? All you have is your own assumptions based on hearsay from a few people you spoke with.
                  I figured as much.

                • Jack Taylor Is My Real Name says:

                  Furthermore, you began yourcomment by stating that your business caters mainly to certain IB companies realestate aassets. You go on to state that the places are standing empty. Now in the next breath you state your business is doing extremely well. If you cater mainly to IB business,whichyou claim has been chased out, then how are you doing well? I would think you would be quite happy with no complaints.

            • ….Surely you jest. says:

              I know your type so well. I can almost hear you spouting this nonsense live. You are the reason this economy is in the toilet. Yes, you. You and your “one horse town” philosophy that stifled diversifying the economy when we could so that we could survive the whims of your fickle friends in IB. Do you REALLY think the only reasons they left were PLP policies ?! We drive on the left and I’m sure they’d prefer to drive on the right. Does our refusal to change that make us unfriendly and unwelcoming? Do they really care? These are the same guys who holiday in Castro’s Cuba, invest in Mugabe’s Zimbabwe, spend dirty weekends in corrupt TCI and secretly lure Russian oil money into their portfolios. Do you expect people to believe that a payroll tax mistake (and yes I accept that was wrong, ill-timed and poorly communicated) and term limits drove them to the bosom of the Swiss and the Irish?

              Listen, compare the reduced job numbers in IB announced today with the $11.7 billion in profits for 2013 and THAT’s the reason they left, outsourced or downsized…..they were forced to find a better, more efficient way to do business and all the concessions, reversed term limits, property rights and policy fellatio the OBA is performing ain’t bringing them back in the way they were because to do so would erode those profits. These are bottom-line, bottom-feeders who couldn’t give a rat’s azz about our internal politics, as long as they can make money and pay minimal tax.

              Stop lying to people about the requirement for friendliness and other assorted BS. For an unfriendly 14, PLP years they made record profits in Bermuda and started to cut a trail in 2009 on the heels of the GLOBAL recession not because of anything t do with our poxy little billion dollar economy: i.e. 1/11th of 18 companies’ annual profits. Get real.

              • Kangoocar says:

                Wish I had more time to respond, I never said it was the only reason they left, but in times of rising costs and lower revenues the worst thing that can be done to a sector that feeds us is to RAISE costs and appear HOSTILE to them!!! Everything the plp did to them was wrong at the exact right moment, which has lead to many of their own supporters by way of the trickle down effect become unemployed!! And the plp is yet to be honest about???? Thankfully there was enough intelligent plp supporters who saw the light and either did not vote or voted OBA, another 5 yrs of the plp carnage and we would all be starving to death!! I am one of the lucky ones that can leave anytime I want because I am financially secure and have also my choice of USA, Canada or Europe to legally live in, it is those not so lucky I feel sorry for!!!

  12. CremeBrulee says:

    Ghetto politics, gutter politics, sectarian politics; I cannot bring myself to forgive him. Maybe he will stay in Jamaica.

    • Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown says:

      If I moved to Jamaica, I would not be able to run for election in Bermuda, would I ?

      • Kangoocar says:

        Please don’t, for all of Bermudas sake, And that includes those that support you!!! They are just not bright enough to understand the carnage you caused!!! Thanks to your time in office, we can’t afford you anymore!! Once was enough, thanks!!!

        • ….Surely you jest. says:

          Every time you call us stupid it makes me smile. The current Premier cannot hold a candle intellectually, politically, or otherwise to Dr. Brown but you’re intelligent for supporting him and I’m an idiot for not doing so. Only in Bermuda is mediocrity so celebrated and elevated. We’re in this mess because people like you set the bar so low that the best and brightest are rarely attracted to political service. What Bermuda cannot afford is this ridiculous amateur hour we’re enduring under the OBA. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve certainly had half-wits around the Cabinet table before; the difference now is that it matters. Keep calling us stupid under the cloak of anonymity. When you emerge and beg us to be friendly to tourists and your buddies in IB and we’re surly instead, its because we know what you really think of us and that does not make us the friendly lap-dogs that make you comfortable when you order that gin & tonic we’re making for you. Keep it up…….

          • Kangoocar says:

            Ummm, were did I call anyone stupid in my post you are responding to??? I think I said ” not bright enough” now I have to ask why you are saying what you are when it comes to the present Premier and the present Amateur government as you call it!!! You do realize don’t you that your plp racked up a debt that is totally unsustainable and because of it has thrown many out of work whether you know it or not!!! You can call the OBA amateur all you want, ( and I will agree they have done some stupid things ) but I will take them any day over a party that spent like drunken sailors that resulted in the mess the OBA are having to deal with!!! Funny how you can’t see that?? The plp to this day have not been honest about their shortcoming or even acknowledged their mistakes! And you can’t see it?? Hmmmmn!!!!!

      • Lone Wolf says:

        Don’t let them get you down Dr. Brown. I am classed as a white Bermudian male and we don’t ALL think alike.

        Personally, I think you were and are a great Politician and a very strong leader. I may not have agreed with EVERY thing that occurred under your rule but you did do a lot of good and that cannot be denied.

        I’m not for any particular party. I vote for who I think is best for the job at the time.

        If you were to run again right now, or at the next election, I would vote for you because I don’t see ANYONE in either party, currently, who can hold a candle to your leadership abilities.

        At least you GOT THINGS DONE! Whether some people were for or against it. Since you left, all I’ve seen is a whole lot of broken promises (from BOTH parties) and a LOT of talking with nothing at all being accomplished.

        So these lot can say what they like but I’ll vote for you if you come back.

        • Nancy says:

          Well said @Lone Wolf… Dr. Brown a great leader who got things done. The haters will continue to hate, regardless, but the facts speak for itself.

  13. BIGGADON says:

    Say what you like about Dr Brown…. he was is by farrrr the best actual politician bermuda has ever seen…. he may have been to far ahead for bermudians to appreciate the leader he was….. I like the fact that he was willing to go outside the box for his country…..as much as certain people in our community accused him all sort wrong doings, which none of the accusations were proven… some went as far to try and set him up remember Checkgate…. that really opened up my eyes to how bad some folks feared Dr Brown, that didnt work either he just rised above that too…. this man was never afraid to make a decision ( thats what leaders do )I cant say the same Paula Cox or The current Premier ….. Am not a blind Loyalist to any party but this is my view of Dr Brown

    • Jack Taylor says:

      I agree 100%. Like him or leave him on a personal level, it cannot be denied that he had superior leadership skills. For the life of me, I cannot understand why people blame Dr. Brown for life as we see it in Bermuda now. There was a global recession, was that Dr. Brown’s fault? Was little Bermuda supposed to be left miraculously unscathed?
      Was Dr. Brown responsible for the rise in crime? Did he pick up a gun and shoot anybody? Rob anybody? Kill anybody? The last time I checked, there is a little thing called personal responsibility. The only people that were to blame for those things were the people themselves.
      And funny how people complain about some of his initiatives (like the ferries), yet they still use and enjoy them. Funny, funny people some of you are!!

      • Barracuda says:

        You are too young to get it .

      • cole says:

        You must be too young to recall the many police that were removed from the island nor the slashed police budgets. Crime was allowed to fester and grow. We went from a large surplus to a massive deficit due to wild spending in boom times when the wise thing for the govt to do is save for the next recession. These were bad government decisions by Dr. E.B.

  14. DirtyPolitician says:

    Sounds like Ewart really loves Jamaica! Oh, and all of those places he claims to love and visit on a regular, not including his own country of birth! Why in the name of hell did he run our country again? Really turned things around for the worst in the long run, how pathetic, hope he stays there. C’est la vie et bonne voyage amigo.

  15. Mark says:

    Please – move there and stay! Take Lavern with you!!

  16. Looking in says:

    This guy messed Bermuda up and made poor people worst off.Go spend your money in casinos and take your cronies with you!

  17. Alvin Williams says:

    The late Nelson Mandela would never criticize Fidel Castro because he sent Cuban troops to help Angola defeat the apartheid soldiers of the former white minority regime and thereby freed South West Africa now known as the independent state of Namibia. It also convince the white rulers of South Africa that they could not wage war outside of South Africa’s borders and at the same time put down the resistance of South Africa’s black majority and hence hasten the end of white minority rule in South Africa. of course I would not expect the Kangoocars of this world to know this they depend on their news from CNN.

    • Kangoocar says:

      alvin, CNN???? You really are out to lunch aren’t you??? CNN, CBS, CNBC, ABC to a lesser extent, are networks that left leaning nut jobs such as yourself watch!! I only watch them occasionally to educate myself on the nonsense you lefties watch and learn from, I watch the fair and balanced news network Fox who actually have both points of view on and let the more intelligent viewers make their own decisions!!! Now onto South Africa, can you find anyway to praise the present government on how they are benefiting their population??? Not for one second do I believe what was going on with apartheid was correct but, please can you tell me how well the masses are doing now????

      • Bermewjan says:

        Fox… fair and balanced?!?!? That is hilarious. You are truly gifted in your humour.

  18. Rockfish#1 and#2 says:

    Wow! It’s amazing how one man can generate so much heat, especially so long after leaving office.

    Perhaps he will spend some of his OWN money and bring Beyonce back to cool us down.

  19. Lone Wolf says:

    Oh and PS., I’m tired of hearing about the debt, debt, debt. Can anyone here name a country that is NOT in debt?

    If you can, then I will accept that because I admit that I am not up-to-date on every country’s financial situation.

    However, from what I do know, MANY (if not all) countries are in debt. They always will be. Those debts are never REALLY paid off. It just goes around and around and around.

    How is/was Bermuda supposed to move forward if we just squirrel away money and never spend on anything. Dr. Brown spent money and got things done! Bottom line.

    So what if some things went over the original quoted price? That happens all the time, everywhere.

    Anyway, I think that’s all I have to say for today.

    Peace out ..

    • Toodle-oo says:

      Do you understand that you and all of the rest of us currently owe government , thanks to the fiscal ineptitude of the plp , something like $38,000 each ?
      Unless you die very soon they will be after you in one way or another for that money for as long as you live.

      But based on what you wrote I don’t really think you get it. How do you handle your own debt , if you have any ? Do those people you owe money to just forget about it because ‘everyone has debt’ ?

      What I do understand though , is that as of right now about only 49-50% of Bermudians ‘get it ‘ . It’s clear which group you’re in.

      • Kangoocar says:

        @ Toodie, the likes of Lone Wolf is exactly why the plp got away with what they did for so long!! Lone wolf and his type have no understanding of what damage this debt is causing already and sadly I don’t think they will ever get it!!

      • Lone Wolf says:

        I’m not in any “group” at all. Hence my pen name. We ALL need to contribute to move Bermuda forward. Government(s) all over the world “come after” (as you put it) their people for money.

        It’s a fact of life. Be thankful you’re not in the U.S. where they have to pay additional annual taxes to the Government based on their income.

        I still maintain that at least Dr. Brown got things done. Instead of just talking, talking, talking about doing things and changing his mind about it every two minutes just to keep “certain” people happy.

  20. Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

    After reading a large portion of these posts, I honestly think that the most significant amount of hostility towards Dr Brown has abated, however, I honestly do not think that Bermudians (majority of Bermudians) really want you back in politics, Dr Brown. Why? Well culturally and socially you set a tone and attempted an indoctrination of race politics. In other words, you fed the electorate the ideological disingenuous attempted belief system that you were being persecuted because you are Black rather than because Bermudians, Black and White, have grave reservations about your ethics in politics and the lack of ethics at the core of your administration in public office.

    Dr Brown led the country into a political terrain where he demanded the ‘entitlements’ of political office far beyond any other premier, and more attuned to the setting of a presidential and/or Saudi royal style (the latter more in tuned with ostentatious spending to rival the Saudi oil kingdom) than Bermuda has ever witnessed and/or experienced. Quite bluntly he demanded and took from the public purse funds to fuel a Hollywood lifestyle whilst in public office. But he scolded his fellow Bermudians for displaying and/or demanding their sense of ‘entitlements’, even as he led the pack. A very poor example of leadership which can be measured in ‘do as I say not as I do’ leadership. Bermuda is now rife with Bermudians demanding entitlements, but surely Dr Brown did not create their runaway sense of entitlement – agreed – but he exploited it for personal gain, time and time again, especially as leader of the country.

    Dr Brown has a very divisive personality and cannot take criticism from fellow Bermudians, example, Dr Grant Gibbons was called a “racist dog” in the House of Parliament by Dr Brown, and, when told to apologise by the Speaker, EFB withdrew the word, ‘racist’ but allows the word, ‘dog’ to remain. Now just pause and re-position this scenario, had Dr Gibbons called the doctor derogatory names, such as ‘a backward Uncle Tom’ then withdrew the word ‘backward’ but allow ‘uncle Tom’ to remain, would it have been acceptable to Bermudians, Black or White?

    The most hostile and/or confrontational emotions and/or actions in Bermudians have been tested by Dr Brown by the double standards in his political campaigns, such as, race as a political ideology, embroiled in fierce verbally abusive responses to his critics and he unwavering manner of using the public purse to launch legal fights for political ends and to hide the full extend of his unethical conduct (spending) in office.

    There are some individuals who should never return to public life as politicians in Bermudians, Dr Brown you are definitely one individual who Bermudians owe not gratitude and Bermuda could have been much better off without your contribution to public life.

    I would venture to say that you destroyed a few other political careers along the way, such as, Paula Cox and tarnished the reputation of Dame Jennifer Smith, undermined the premiership of Sir Alex Scott and made the reputation of Kim Wilson questionable, but you just understood and catered to her (Paula Cox’s) ultimate weaknesses; she had a very poor sense of political timing (both to accept the PLP leadership and to call a general election) and the outright, unapologetic manner in which she pursued massing wealth over public service sacrifice.

    Together you two almost got away with legally giving Cox a full-time Finance Minister salary as a part-time Finance Minister who held a full-time job with Ace Insurance – the greed flowed abundantly during your rein at the helm until it was glaring self-evident during Cox’s administration that the party was definitely over.

    Now you may salivate a comeback, but I do not think that the OBA is asleep at the wheel, even as I am not blowing kisses at the current premier. Now that would be an interesting political fight, Brown vs Cannonier. However, Cannonier has brought a certain amount of peace and the ability to think through the issues rather than reactions to every perceived slight, every racial comment and/or presidential-esque grandstanding, the rest is history in the making.

    London, England

    • Kangoocar says:

      Perfectly said Vallrie,

    • CremeBrulee says:

      Ms. Akinstall,

      I am very impressed. Well said and Thank You.

      • Coffee says:

        Ms. Akinstall ,

        When I read your post a little song came to mind .. You know the one by Ol’Blue eyes Frankie. Now give us your take on the episode surrounding Dr Brown , the Uighurs , the governor the FCO and the American Dept of State .

        • Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

          Actually Coffee, I don’t know the song that you are suggesting…

          And, in case this is one of the many slurs that go back and forward in order to obscure the debate, save your time and energy and produce a cogent argument on the issues.

          But why should I give you my take on your above metionables? Why not give us your take on your forementioned subjects? The topics appear to resonate better with you.

          If you care to defend Dr Brown, be my guest. However, if you have read any of my other posts, you will realise that I am equally as critical of Premier Cannonier, and some may say far more critical of Cannonier than Brown.

          However, I will not nor do I intend to try and please any of you ‘political loyalists’ because each leader has his/her strengths and weaknesses, and I try to position my argument based upon my perception of their strengths/weaknesses as a leader. You may chose to agree or disagree with my assessments, but one thing is for bloody certain, I will offend some-one as my opinion is objective rather than subjective (rational rather than emotionally based).

          Actually I liked Brown, but he is not cut out to be a political leader; he cannot build nor sustain consenus, he lacks harmonious balance and he is totally unethical (and the latter will not change overnight). He is well educated, but when he used the public purse to target and pursue his critics in a very destructive manner he lost my respect, trust and goodwill. And please do not give me the, ‘they did it too’ rationale, we were suppose to be of a higher standard. Well he quickly throw that ethic out the door (or underthe bus)as he became seduced by the power, prestige and perks of the office. Hell, he was so impressed by the perks that he invented some new ones, so now we know what ‘entitlements’ the leader of Bermuda can demand from the public purse.

          So exspect crticism of Brown and the manner in which he conducted himself in office from me. And please, IF you have any sway with the doctor, tell him that his retirement is total justice for Bermuda.

          London, England

          • Coffee says:

            Awww everybody knows the song ‘ I did it my way’ , made Famous worldwide by FRANK SINATRA

            I WILL use my time and my energy to once again ask you a legitimate question that IS part of your debate and IS AN INTERGRAL PART OF your issue which you somehow managed to avoid entirely .I would imagine the low point was when I thought that inviting the Uighurs to come to Bermuda at the request of the United States was going to be met positively and my political opponents turned that into an effort to unseat me. But we did what we had to do and they were not successful.” This according to the piece reported by The Jamaican Observer and copied by Bernews .

            The topic resonates with ALL BERMUDIANS and I trust in your ability to elucidate on the matter . Please oblige….OR DON’T .

            Now I would never chase you around BERNEWS like it’s an old red ford two door sports car ! You have no worries there .

            Now give us your take on the episode surrounding Dr Brown , the Uighurs , the governor the FCO and the American Dept of State .

            • verbal kint says:

              You mind explaining what the Hell an old red Ford two door has to do with anything?

            • Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

              I have a law degree not a jounalism degree. I do not write commentary by the commend of others, I write as it interests me.

              I have avoided it because I am disinterested.

              London, England

              • Coffee says:

                Sooo…your not interested in writing on the Uighurs , Dr.Brown , the Governor of Bermuda , the FCO and the US Dep.of State . The only issue that you totally ignored is the one that anyone who has a degree in law would have sunk their teeth into . But I love how you took journalistic privilege to write a very interesting expose’ on Dr.Brown and did not include the highlight or the lowest point of his term depending on how one received the idea of accepting the Uighurs .

                Use that hard earned law degree to enlighten the unlearned among us on the legalese of moving stolen human beings to Bermuda .
                Huge legal story here … Don’t miss it ! Lawyer !

                • Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

                  Coffee…

                  Why not write it yourself rather than fixate on some-one else writing about Dr Brown.

                  The time and energy that you take smirking, your could have published your expose/commendation? by now.

                  We await with baited breath? No? Just use the blogs as a political agitator hiding your identity?

                  You must be very ashamed of your identity if you cannot reveal who you really are.

                  London, England

                  • Coffee says:

                    What I’m ashamed off is the fact that you took the time as a black woman to attempt to tear down one of your own , and that you took license to fixate on the perceived negatives of Dr.Browns tenure . Was there anything positive to say about the man ? Oh yeah , you did say that you actually liked him …Hmmm IDK .

    • verbal kint says:

      Best post on the page.

    • LaVerne Furbert says:

      Valirie Marcia Akinstall, before I say anything else in response to you post, let me say this. I am happy for you that you are now able to access a computer again as you have been quiet on the blogs. I hope it’s not by stealth this time around for you. Fortunately for those of us who post on blogs, we have no need for paper. I’m sure you know what I mean.

      Further, while you attempt to wear the disguise of objectivity in your posts about Dr. Brown, please answer the following:

      1. What is your evidence that Dr. Brown is “totally unethical”? What are your roots of your expertise? Give examples.

      2. What were the new perks that he “invented”?
      3.Your version of Dr. Brown’s encounter with Grant Gibbons differs from the official record. The Speaker NEVER ordered Dr. Brown to withdraw any remark. The reason was that Dr. Brown made clever use of the language and House procedure by saying, “Mr. Speaker, IF I were to call the Honourable Member a racist dog……at this point Dr. Gibbons jumped to his feet and said, “Mr. Speaker, is that member calling me a racist dog?”
      At that point Dr. Brown said,”Mr. Speaker, I can look at him and see that he is not a dog!”
      You are entitled to your opinion about whether Dr. Brown should return to public office. As for me, I am thinking about starting a petition to convince him to do just that!=

      And, that couldn’t be you, the one and only Valirie Akinstall, talking about someone trying to tarnish the reputation of Dame Jennifer Smith. Thank God some of us have a memory. Let us not forget the Coretta Scott King debacle.

  21. LaVerne Furbert says:

    I do believe that in the end, it was the “Smith Government” that reimbursed Coretta Scott King.

  22. Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

    You appear to be so very “captivated” by the Coretta Scott King (CSK) debacle, so prove that the “Smith Administration” paid Mrs King. Don’t just come on this blog to salivate in the smear and innuendo with your contempt to conveal and protect Dr Brown, he can and should defend himself rather than allowing YOU to do his heavy lifting as you coast on his coattails.

    And I am very serious, prove your allegation.

    LaVerne, focus your time and goodwill on issues of better substance, such as, how to propel your life wihtout the shadow of Dr Brown. You adoration is quite eerily bizarre even for a political devotee.

    London, England

  23. Valirie Marcia Akinstall says:

    @Coffee…the following comments are a direct response to:

    Coffee says:
    April 26, 2014 at 5:15 pm
    What I’m ashamed off is the fact that you took the time as a black woman to attempt to tear down one of your own , and that you took license to fixate on the perceived negatives of Dr.Browns tenure . Was there anything positive to say about the man ? Oh yeah , you did say that you actually liked him …Hmmm IDK .

    And my response is as follows:
    Don’t you guys EVER get tired of playing the Bermuda public with,” he’s a black man, you are trying to destroy one of your own.”

    Really Coffee, is this your excuse for Brown? But you and others, namely Brown, can destroy Black women, example LeYoni Junos. Whilst Black women in the PLP stood smirking in the background and did nothing. And you want me to condone and support this type of hypocrisy and double standard.

    Stop using being Black as a sword and shield for Dr Brown, he a big boy, let him step up to the plate.

    Thank God for the compassion and true integrity of Dr Eva Hodgson.

    You may want to ask yourselves, “what did we do to her to make her such a radical?” Coffee, the question should be answered with care and precision.

    London, England

    • Coffee says:

      Ummm… Stay with me Valerie , don’t lose the plot . As a lawyer you failed to mention in your original post that Dr.Brown cleverly outmaneuvered the best constitutional minds both here and abroad , challenging our quirky partly semi autonomous relationship with England so much so that the MOU between all OT have been amended … Huge legal story … But not surprisingly you SMIRKINGLY went for the low hanging fruit .
      Your overarching reason for writing the expose’ was/is to discredit the man and I agree it’s not about him being black … Thanks for swallowing the hook (wanted to give you a little something to charge like a mad bull at )… This thing is a personal vendetta and that’s why you take exceptional pride in letting him know that it is ……VALERIE MARCIA AKINSTALL ..LONDON ENGLAND posting some truth..some half truth… But mostly taking journalistic license to accentuate the propaganda spread by the demagogues of the now ruling party .

      Signed Coffee ,

      ENJOY YOUR CUPPA .