People’s Campaign For Equality, Jobs & Justice
[Updated with video] The “People’s Campaign for Equality, Jobs and Justice” was launched today [Apr 17], with a press conference held outside City Hall in Hamilton.
Committee members include Reverend Nicholas Tweed, Keith Simmons, BIU President Chris Furbert, BPSU President Jason Hayward, Dr Michael Charles, Linda Meinzer, Molly Burgess, LaVerne Furbert and Dorita Rogers.
A flyer being passed out at the event said, “The People’s Campaign for Equality, Jobs, and Justice is a coalition of concerned people of goodwill who have joined together to give voice to the condition of the country.
“As a group we are concerned with the growing frustration and mistrust of the political process in view of the continued rise in unemployment. growing gap between the haves and have not’s and the unequal burden of sacrifice being placed on the lowest and least.”
They plan a series of meetings later this month as a lead up to their “May Day Rally” and march on May 1st, during which they plan to present the Government with a “People’s Manifesto” that will “set the standard of expectation outlined by the people of Bermuda.”
Update 3.26pm: Speaking at today’s event, Rev Nicholas Tweed said, “The Peoples Campaign for Equality, Jobs, and Justice is a coalition of concerned people of goodwill who have joined together to give voice to the condition of the country.
“As a group we are concerned with the growing frustration and mistrust of the political process in view of the continued rise in unemployment, growing gap between have’s and have not’s, and the unequal burden of sacrifice being placed on the lowest and the least.
“This coalition out of a shared love and concern for the country feel the need to speak in an effort to reset the moral compass of the island and its leaders around a set of core issues.
“The people have formulated this Manifesto in order to guide those who represent them so that they cannot continue to implement policies in the name of the people that do not serve the interests of the people.
“The people of Bermuda are entitled to expect that those who are entrusted to lead will be guided by the will of the people, and make decisions based upon priorities that are consistent with the expectations, hopes and aspirations of the people.”
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Great idea. Seems like the people are being rolled under the bus in favor of big business concerns.
You don’t go into business to make employees ! Yet Businesses provide employees with fantastic opportunites for growth, wages and benefits inclusing share owbnerhip plans in some cases.
IF YOU DON’T LIKE BUSINESS that are accountable to their shareholders (investors , owners), then start up your own and just EMPLOYEE PEOPLE, with the Employees being the owners.
Go on, stop expecting everyone to do things for you, GO DO IT YOURSELF !
The multinational business here give millions upon millions to Bermuda, their employees also donation money from wages. They also spend hours giving back to the community. Their employees earn a decent wage and have decent benefits…..so exactly who are the businesses you are hateing on?
You just can’t spell. From what I see n read… (hating)
Says the guy who spells “and” “n”… and doesn’t know how to use a comma… or form a sentence.
People who lives in glass houses and all that.
hmmm actually you have it wrong they go into business to abuse work permit holders. Work them like slaves and turn around and bring another one in to replace them once their down to the bones.
WOW… What exactly are you trying to say? Your spelling threw me of course.
Well???
Give me a break! Whose leadership did business leave under? The PLP! Who spent all our money? The PLP! Who is trying to fix it? The OBA! It seems some people will do anythingggg to try to make the OBA fail. At least it’s obvious so most people can see right through it.
What’s the PLP got to do with this group of men and women? The statement reads “As a group we are concerned with the growing frustration and mistrust of the political process in view of the continued rise in unemployment, growing gap between have’s and have not’s, and the unequal burden of sacrifice being placed on the lowest and the least.”
Lowest and least?
Well your not talking about yourself and family and friends LaVerne.
ou got yours sister.
If there is mistrust in the political process, then surely both the current government and opposition (the PLP – under their watch unemployment started to rise) have a lot to do with it. The fact that you don’t think see this makes me question the motives of the group.
LaVerne, this is classic PLP rhetoric, and many of “the committee” are known PLP stalwarts, you included.
I’m shocked that you are proposing taxing the highest earners, have you any idea what damage that would do? It would lead to mass departures of the people who make the decisions, and huge Bermudian additional job loss.
You lot really don’t get it, do you?
Vortex, do you have a better solution?
I will answer for Vortex Laverne, when will you and your type of socialist thinking people ever get the FACT that every time any government worldwide raise taxes on those that actually create the wealth, the revenue to those that raised it DROPS!!! You need to stop thinking in Socialist ways, which by the way has failed every time it has been tried and and start to think in the way of LOWERING taxes on those that actually employ people and even you would be amazed at the results!!!!!
Well actually I do. I would do the very reverse of what you are suggesting. Who are hiring in Bermuda? IB, only IB, and the insurance sector to be exact, and those jobs make other jobs – spending in stores, kids in schools, building work, bars and garages. And you want all that spending to leave because some of the spending isn’t Bermudian?? It’s crazy. The point is it’s a world economy, I just want people to spend here and your micro-economics, protectionism does the reverse.
Yes I would love a fabulous tourism industry, or some prosperous manufacturing, but we don’t have that, and it’s cold for 6 months a year, so we won’t have that. So in the absence of your crazy idealism, you want to blow up a huge global insurance industry, located on a tiny little island in the Atlantic, which really has no place to be here, and will relocate in hours to 10 other little islands who will welcome it with open arms because you want to tax them – the very reason they are here in the first place.
And if you don’t get that, then your campaign for jobs should have the same success as the Ex-Government you are all pretending not to represent.
Sorry but the Oba are failing because they are a bunch of snakes who make promise they can’t keep.
They are ploiticians, not magicians! They can’t do it all at once!!
And don’t get me started on the widening of the gap between the haves and haves nots! Under whose leadership did Bermudians leave the island for england because they couldn’t afford to live in Bermuda any more? The PLP! The problems didn’t start when the OBA came in….
If Bermudians can not afford to live in Bermuda, it’s because international business raised the cost of living beyond what average citizens could afford. Higher wages in IB means higher rents/ property prices, food, utilities across the board. Now when the Great Recession came we’ve priced ourselves out of the market in many cases, so IB goes where its cheaper. Yet you blame the PLP, which makes no sense.
And who was at the helm when Bermuda’s economy tanked? Definitely not the OBA.
And who was at the helm when our tourism numbers tanked? [For the record, that started well before the global recession began to have an impact.] Definitely not the OBA.
And who was at the helm when our tourist arrivals continued to fall when our competitors were seeing increases? Definitely not the OBA?
And who …
Bermuda’s economy began declining under the former UBP government. Continued under the PLP leadership. Continues to decline under the OBA.
The same is applicable to Tourism.
When are we going to put our collective heads together and start working towards a viable and sustainable solution?
Bermuda’s economy began declining under the former UBP/ OBA government. True statement . Sam Donaldson blew the whistle on the naval base and Bermudas Real cash cow moved to greener pastures . The OBA/UBP would have us believe that they were financially prudent but, they were propped up by the US taxpayers .
Coffee: So are you saying that we as Bermudians are dependent on the US big time? Or are you saying that Bermudians can make their own way in the World? YES or NO answer please?
Just asking, ‘cos I’m not sure any more after reading your posts?
I say that we call our own shots, on any given day. Always have, always will. Dennis is telling us the right things and all Coffee has in response is political point scoring. BERMUDIANS its time to start ignoring our politicians!
I’m saying that yes , the Americans have always been the backstop for the fragile Bermuda economy . One way or another no matter how you slice it .
@ Portia, you are totally wrong!!! Your socialist type thinking is exactly why the poor was left behind as the IB sector got bigger here, I only have a high school education but saw an opportunity and took the biggest risk of my life to start a business that in a round about way catered to them, what I did could have been done by just about anyone who had any gumption, I now enjoy an income that would be enviable by a lot of the higher up IB workers and also employ people as well!!! I get sick and tired of people that continue to defend the indefensible!! There was no excuse for anyone in BDA that did not benefit from what the IB sector was bringing to all of us, those that didn’t, was simply because they were to lazy to to better themselves and preferred to wait for the hand outs ( socialist way!!! )
Also I do believe this group is politically motivated!!! Were was their outrage while under the plp Bermudians were becoming unemployed in droves???? Their silence back then tells anyone with half a brain all they need to know!!!!
Actually it wasn’t just IB that did that, the whole pricing ourselves out of our own reach began during the heydays of tourism and was simply continued by the influx of IB.
Bermudians…politicians, business people and the average Bermudian together… simply didn’t acknowledge the likelihood that it would end.
I do believe that the PLP is, in part, responsible for the position we’re in. They, more than anyone else, did not do anything to make us look good in the eyes of IB which could have more easily stayed with us than leave. In fact they actively did their best to offend IB.
Instead of taking care of the goose which laid the golden egg, they chased the goose off. No consideration for long term benefits in their ‘me first’ focus.
I like the idea but they should choose another color
looks to much like the oba
About F–ing time, anywhere else around the world they would’ve been kicking @ss, bunch of passive natives !!!!!!!SMFH
Who’s @ss exactly are you kicking, but your own!
It’s called in your face.
Which, they do everyday via many means.
Shalom.
Red is significant as it is the colour chosen by the International Labour Organisation (ILO)in recognition of International Workers Day which will be commemorated on May 1st. The OBA did not invent the colour read.
You know, unless we are retired or unemployable, we ALL work to try to make a living, to survive and try to build a future.
These people don’t want equality LaVerne.
Ask them if they want equal treatment of ALL employees and potential employees regardless of national origin.
Ask them if they want equal treatment of gay people.
These people have a very narrow view of how they use the word ‘equality’.
Sandy Bottom, unions do not discriminate. All members of unions are treated equally. I am familiar with the BIU’s membership form and it does not question one’s sexual orientation or gender.
You know very well that these people would be against equal treatment of all regardless of national origin.
And don’t even try to tell us you’re for equality for gays. You said yourself you reserve the right not to rent your properties to gays. Ypu’re a rich landowner who is against equality for all.
It’s all in how you word something Ms Furbert. The unions don’t discriminiate, but many of their membership certainly does.
And out of curiosity, does the form question ones ethnic or racial background?
The BIU Membership Form asks:
Nationality. Why?
Country of birth. Why?
Bermuda status y/n. Why?
Marital status. Why?
Is spouse a BIU member. Why?
Number of dependents. Why?
These questions are there so that the BIU can discriminate against people based on national origin, ethnic background, sexual orientation, and family background.
All they’re missing is Comrade Starling.
I hope he joins the group upon his return on Island. He would also be great !! People Power at Work…wonderful….Thanks for standing up for the Average man or woman…good
Great to see PEOPLE STANDING on the issue that are facing the average citizens. I am impressed that the people have formulated this Manifesto in order to guide those who represent them so that they cannot continue to implement policies in the name of the people that do not serve the interests of the people.
Seldom do Bermudians stand together on such issues, this is refreshing and I look forward for the work of this committee. But I also realize that it will take all of us to assist in this movement of looking out for our brothers and sisters.
Great going forward !! PEOPLE POWER RAISE UP MY PEOPLE.
You missed the bus. Should have been there when the PLP were in power.
We ARE ALL concerned and NOBODY likes the POSITION THE PLP PUT US IN.
And of the poosition the BIU puts us in every time Chris has a hissy fit and snatches his ball and runs home.
It’s about Principle and Workers Rights, and you cant blame Chris it’s the workers that make the decision he just happens to be the spokesperson and if it wasn’t for the Union you would see how much of a Third World concept would transpire, ridiculous wages that don’t compete to the high cost of living and minimum to no benefits, that’s why employers hire and abuse those from countries less fortunate then us.
If you know of an abuse report it. Otherwise you are just as bad as the employer.
What abuses do you know of?
Not off hand but you’re avoiding to comment on ridiculous wages ,little to no benefits and pathetic hours.
According to the International Labor Organizations mandate the Standard Work Day is 8 hours and the Standard Work Week is 40 hours but unfortunately through GREED some employees ignore these standards and abuse workers, especially migrant workers who are bond to contractual bondage, due to the poor economic state where they’re from they dare not complain knowing the consequence of deportation, and they expect Bermudians to comply to these sub-human practices that are common in Third World countries.
I’m never going to deny what the unions did for us in the past, but in this day, in this country, the unions are completely unnecessary. What is necessary is teaching of a work ethic over the entitlement attitude that is a huge part of our culture now, one that is fed regularly by the unions’ workers over employers attitude.
People need to learn that without employers there is no work, and without workers there is no business. We need to work together, not constantly play tug of war. It’s no wonder we’re in the mud pit most of the time these days.
As a business operator who has never denied a legitimate charity request, I find the universal statement about businesses putting profits over people a huge steaming pile of hate and polarization on a platter.
Businesses are suffering too you boobs, great idea to poke us while we are down.
While there are unethical businesses in Bermuda, and monopolies, the backbone small husinesses deserve better treatment than to be victimized in such a fashion.
Shame on all you simpletons! Look around. Wake the f up!
No, not all businesses are suffering. Many are making out like bandits and capitalising on the down market to reduce staff and cut benefits. Look at some buisness articles on here, you’ll see many companies reporting handsome profits. Yes Some small guys are struggling but certainly not all.
And what do you have to feel victimized for? You give to charity, that’s good. Perhaps you should encourage more of your fellow buisness leaders to do the same. Your conscience should be clear. No need to attack people who have genuine concerns about what’s going on.
Exactly! Booo freaking hoooo. Stop waiting for handouts.
I listened to the guy who spoke.
No clue whom he is.
Sounded like an American but be local but schooled overseas.
More bull ***** from the PLP and BIU.
Not political my bumb.
March on 1st May.
Koolaide……………………….
Shalom.
Dislike all you want.
These people want revolution.
History, History….
The father of the newly appointed pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Hamilton is the Rev, Dr. Kingsley Tweed. He’s a man whose name is indelibly stamped in the pages of Bermuda’s history and elsewhere as a freedom fighter, fearless labour leader and champion of the causes of the underprivileged. A whole chapter in the 333-page book, The History of the Bermuda Industrial Union, authored by Ira Philip, is devoted to Kingsley.
He is referred to as a charismatic, articulate young carpenter with a pronounced call to the AME Church ministry who featured prominently in the rebirth of the BIU following the death in 1955 of Dr. E.F. Gordon (Mazumbo), the Father of the Organized Labour Movement in Bermuda.
Kingsley came to the attention of the Union’s leadership and the Special Branch of the Bermuda Police Force at about the same time in 1952. He was employed at Kindley Air Force Base as a mechanic, working alongside seniors who were founders with Dr. Gordon of the Bermuda Workers Association.
GREAT STAND FOR THE PEOPLE !!
Nicholas tweed spoke !!!
You never heard of Rev.Tweed! than you are not been listening to the news or reading your paper. So who is full of bull???? He is a well educated person on like you it seems!! And he does his research. So maybe if you went to church now and than, you would not be asking who is he. And this is not the PLP OR BIU, It’s the people who are tired and frustrated the have the guts to speak, when people like you are afraid too. But I bet you would love to reap the rewards. God BLESS!!!
Let’s have justice for Bentley Friendly Society.
They chose red. The color of the OBA very shocking. You have a lot of dieheard PLP fans (names I wont mention) so I am shocked they didn’t choose green.
I just hope no strikes come out of this.
Red is the international color for World Workers Day….
This is a tee up for the upcoming Island Wide strike this summer..
Let me see…
That inadequate finances should not be a barrier to Bermudians going to college… I agree that there should be a provision for a guarantee low-interest student loan backed by government (tax payers) if not already in place.
That Business in Bermuda place profit over people… Welcome to reality, businesses are in business to make profits which in turn they expand to make more profits and hire more staff. Good companies have learned that treating employees fairly and with respect helps to increase their profits.
That every person should be entitled to a livable wage… Yes they should and if they are not getting that from their present employer they should find a new employer or improve themselves for their own economic position. Companies who cannot retain good staff due to level of pay will figure it out eventually. Increase in wages only increases other items (inflation) and the lowest paid workers still are hard done by at any level.
That those who receive the highest level of income should pay an equitable share of tax… Sounds like income tax. The rich can afford tax shelters and creative ways to avoid taxes (hence, Bermuda as off-shore jurisdiction) the ones who end up paying the lion share of taxes are the middle class and poor, who gets pushed further below the poverty line.
That Health care should be accessible and affordable to all… Yes it should but guess who pays the middle and lower classes (tax payers) as Bermuda population cannot support the cost a full blown medical system as the shared cost of a social system is only supported by a limited population. Better medical means more taxes to pay for it taking away from that livable wage.
I am also concerned by these things but am highly suspect that this group will remain apolitical to address these issues in all fairness to Bermuda and Bermudians on a whole.
Seriously…
How about implementing a minimum wage.
Which will create more unemployment. Great idea.
First off, my company is not in the buisness to serve the employee. I have my business to MAKE ME MONEY and I hire people and give then a wage to make me money. Thats life, get over it.
Notice that 5 of the 6 meetings are all at Gov’t schools – sure hope you are paying rent for the use of those halls since the electicity isn’t free and the TAXPAYER is going to foot the additional unbudgeted expense.
reading the flyer…gap between the have and have nots…well I’m a have because I worked my a** off and didn’t depend on others to fund my way through life.
Maybe these folks need to get behind the present administration and work together to more forward, not throw speedbumps in the path.
You make a lot of valid points, but remember that the “gap between the haves and have nots” doesn’t simply boil down to hard work for a lot of Bermudians. Social inequity and structural inequality are very real issues, and must be addressed. The inflammatory language used by “People’s Campaign For Equality, Jobs & Justice,” however, will only serve to alienate people from attempting to deal with the problem.
Irony has a few meanings and defenitions.
The ones and those named are all million airs.
BIU broke.
Furberts own half of crawl heal.
BIU/Workers voice pay them.
No mortgages.
Anyone got a bus I can throw em under…..(disclaimer- Jest)
The saddest part is is that the group has legitimate concerns, and bring up issues that do indeed need to be dealt with on the island.
However, the fact that the leaders of the group have been so outspoken politically against the OBA and for the PLP (like LaVerne Furbert ,for instance) means that any sort of coalition with the current government (which could add legitimacy to their cause and furthermore actually lead to some beneficial legislation and spark discussion on the issue) will be near impossible.
Perhaps if the group could veer away from using the current government and island leaders as scapegoats for issues that have plagued the island for a long time, and instead use their time and effort in seeking viable solutions to these problems, then they could actually help guide some positive and necessary reform.
It’s all about division and race “Bermudian”.
Look at them.
Look at the millions they take home each year.
Divide and conquer for themselves.
There has been a Corporation of Hamilton policy in place for decades, if not longer, disallowing political or quasi-political events to take place on the steps of City Hall. Looks like that has now been abandoned, along with general competency by the elected members of the COH. Will they now allow all political parties to hold events and rallies?
“People’s Manifesto”
because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things that we know that we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns, the ones we don’t know we don’t know
…………..Stop the blame game….
Hanbury will soon be joining ! Heatly preferred to leave than to have to deal with furlough days and a conniving government .
Joining what?
Ravallooshean dood.
Jingus.
Adjust yah cords…..
Even your questions are boring .
Sad .. Do Better .
Seriously.
Joining what? This group?
Why would an foreigner join this group?
I’m asking a question because I don’t know what you mean.
Why is that so bad?
Knew it was only a matter of time before this bitter
— chimed in.
Bitter? Me?
Are you serious? I asked a simple question!
Why the personal attack?
Mike and Terry…give it a rest. Please? Good grief.
Wait… what?
What did I do? Why are you lumping me in with that crazy old drunk?
I asked a very simple question because I didn’t understand what “Coffee” said.
Give it a rest?
Give what a rest? Asking questions?
And your a crazy middle aged yookalaylee player.
Wow are you really the Uke is so cool. I love you!
Hard to imagine this as much more than an union arm….and quite likely a plp leg.
when will our politicians grow up ? we need to rectify our problems NOW…. all we are doing is comparing the former gov to the now gov..
We are so sick of Roban.Desilva,and Weeks and Furbert,they are pathetic.
This looks like an interesting development and I wish them the best of success.
I hope that they get a lot of support! I look forward to seeing how they develop.
What a surprise.
These are people who have legitimate arguments and concerns. Why do you have to comment such negativity. If you don’t like what they stand for, than don’t comment!!, Simple…I wish them all of the best in the world. OBA! LISTEN TO THEIR CONCERNS….they are voters!! ALL THE BEST!!,
If their concerns are in best interests of Bermuda….fair enough. The key components make it hard to think that is the case.
“… businesses put profits over people.” Well, duh! Who goes in business to NOT make money? Seriously, I haven’t recalled anyone ever going in business simply to employee people. Odd, indeed. I have no idea why socialist ideals are popular with some Bermudians.
Everyone has the right to a negative comment. Lord knows that all you get from Betty Tramp and Furball. Ironic that the bulk of them have had a hand in getting us in the exact mess they’re moaning about. Better bin my red socks now.
All good goals, but how to achieve them when the country is broke?
I think what the OBA is doing in moving forward tourism projects and being v biz friendly will create a lot of jobs, right???
Businesses everywhere place profit over people, that’s because they have us by the u know what…
Income tax, no thanks.
Affordable health – that’s a big one and needs $$$ which we dont have as we spent it all in the last 2 decades. but every child in bermuda is free at hospital, that’s something many others dont have.
So this is basically an offshoot combination of the Unions and PLP? Is there the presumption that no one is listening to those organisations so they needed to add another means of voicing their views?
Come on, they chose May 1st as their rally day? Could the union influence/values be any more blatant?
Firstly it should be the “Peoples’” not “People’s” and “have nots” not “have not’s”. Basic errors that do not need College Education.
An interesting concept but why now and not 5 years ago? Clearly it is political in nature despite the comments that they are apolitical. Fortunately for the majority of Bermudians this group will remain just a few dozen due to apathy and the unwillingness to do something to help themselves. If this became popular then watch what remains of International Business leave causing even more problems.
You’re wrong there Ringmaster. “People’s is correct”. And the term “have not’s” is debatable. Are you interested in editing future statements from that group? What’s your e-mail address?
It says “haves and have not’s” on the poster LaVerne.
If you’re right about “have not’s”, why isn’t it “have’s”?
I’m afraid Ringmaster was right. “Have not’s” is a plural and should be “have nots”. Nothing debatable about it.
These mistakes happen quite a bit with your posters, don’t they.
Equality, jobs and justice, let’s start with legislative reform that allows people to join a union if they choose, and not because of where or what company they work for. Equality isn’t entitlement, it means you have the equal right to succeed or fail by your strengths or weaknesses, without interference from outside parties. The best form of employment potection is to perform your job professionally and to the best of your abilities, nobody has ever been fired for being good at their job.
Equality, jobs and justice must be applied equally to employers as well as employees, otherwise it isn’t justice or equality, just another union method of protecting jobs whether the individual deserves the job or not.
I think the energy should be focused on ways to build our economy and our Government revenues. We have a fragile economy based on financial services, from which many families benefit directly and all Bermudians get support. The answer lies in using our collective skills (many of which have been honed in that sector) to build for ourselves as Bermudians. Taxing “them” isn’t the answer. Building “us” is. We have more than enough to take care of our
The question increasingly been asked by Bermudians is where do they fit in
this new Bermuda that the OBA government is constructing?
It is quite clear that a move is afoot to create a Bermuda without the Bermudian.
It was only a question of time before the growing movement of resistance was going to throw up a leadership to lead and give voice to the concerns and interests of Bermudians against this anti-Bermudian one term OBA government and it’s herd mentality political support base.
What is clear is that you hope the more times you write this stuff the more true it will become.
What a load of complete nonsense.
The lows you will stoop to in order to denounce the current Government are sickening.
The lies you are willing to tell are disgusting.
We deserve better than this.
We deserve honesty and not this kind of vile propaganda.
why do this now when the issues that have lead up to this point have been in existence for decades without any concern to change anything….is this an exercise just to appease people?
The last time in history people rallied and gave their government a manifesto they then elected a leader that meet all their demands.
This manifesto has since been published into a wilding know book.
The last time in history people rallied and gave their government a manifesto they then elected a leader that meet all their demands.
This manifesto has since been published into a wilding know book.
*wilding know, should read well-known. Posted before I could check the grammar.