Video: City Confirms Black Mayors Conference

May 21, 2014

The Corporation of Hamilton confirmed today [May 21] that they will host the 40th annual Conference of Black Mayors in October, which they said is expected to attract some 400-500 delegates from the United States, South America, Africa and the Caribbean.

Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy was at the press conference, saying he was there on behalf of the Government to “express our support for the Conference.”

City of Hamilton Bermuda, May 21 2014

Minister Fahy said, “I acknowledge that there has been much discussion about this event in the community and in the media. As the Minister responsible for Municipalities I publicly advised that before the Ministry could endorse such an event, I too had to be satisfied that all was in good order and that this event was in the best interest of the City of Hamilton and Bermuda, before we could support the Corporation’s efforts.

“At my request the Mayor and his team undertook to do their due diligence to the point where I as Minister was content with the information provided.

“Today, I am satisfied with the discussions I have had with the Mayor and his team and therefore thought it was only fitting that I publicly stand in support of the Corporation’s efforts.

“I am hopeful that the Conference will be a success for both the City of Hamilton and Bermuda and am optimistic that the Government of Bermuda and the City of Hamilton can work together on future endeavors,” added Minister Fahy.

The Minister Fahy said the Corporation’s budget was approved at $100,000 and said there will be some additional spending.

Speaking on some of the reports surrounding the event, the Minister said, “There are ongoing issues that have continued to go on in the United States, but that does not take away from what the Conference is trying to achieve. That’s what this is about.”

The Minister added, “If I was dissatisfied with it, I would not have approved it.”

22 minute video of today’s press conference:

Hamilton Mayor Graeme Outerbridge said, “After a detailed due diligence process by the Corporation, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Minister Michael Fahy, we are very gratified to announce our hosting of this very important conference in Bermuda.

“The city and island will be hosting delegations from the United States, South America, Africa, the Caribbean, and even China. The 40th CBM Conference will be international in scope and dimension.

“Here in the city we are excited with the prospect of bringing the world to Hamilton, sharing ideas and forging new relationships, creating business opportunities, and learning how other cities and towns manage their businesses and services.”

Deputy Mayor Donal Smith said, “In October of this year we will be greeting between 400-500 plus delegates from as far away as Brazil, Colombia, China, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, Senegal, South Africa, Nigeria, Jamaica and the Caribbean Islands and we shall be reaching out to many other countries with the advice and help of the African Union.

“These influential people will enjoy the hospitality afforded by our hotels, restaurants and the famed leisure activities of our Island. Hopefully, they will return to their countries to urge their colleagues and constituents to come to Bermuda.”

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Comments (53)

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  1. Lick My Chicken says:

    And the saga continues.

    • Calling says:

      I would call on all residents of Bermuda to stand up and call on the leaders of the African Nations that may be attending to call for a stop to the sex trafficking, forced female circumcision, kidnapping, and legal slavery that continues to flourish in many African countries today. Many of us like to pretend that these things only happened in the western nations 100 years ago, by whites, or that it is not our problem because they are far away.

      I’m not suggesting a protest – but since all of these mayors are going to be in one place, we must deliver a message, whether by petition, or by a march (or both) to get them talking about stopping these horrible acts.

      • Take a stand at The U.N and you may just get a chance to have a voice, other then that you are shooting in the dark at a target that keeps on moving.

  2. Takeover says:

    I bet you the CORPORATION OF HAMILTON brings more people to Bermuda with this conference than new Tourism Authority does in the first 12 months of its existence

    • LOLOL says:

      LMAO

    • haha says:

      you already lost ya bet dummy….

    • Luis Suarez says:

      Correct, this is a mess, but compared to those romantic/religious events the PLP did, where noone came, this is dreamland.

    • Argument says:

      I bet this brings more people to the island than the PLPs $4 million+ Beyonce Concert.

    • Um Jus Sayin' says:

      Yes, that may be true, but we the people wouldn’t have to pay for the tourists when they come here. I dont understand why we have to come out of pocket $350,000.00 to have these visitors come to the island. Oh, wait maybe the OBA can use Mr. Landow’s and others political contributions to cover the costs.

  3. Ace girl says:

    This is nonsense, why is all of this taxpayers money going to this organization? Donal Smith sure calls the shots. Is there no one who has the authority to stop this nonsense in its tracks? Incidentally, in the interests of fairness and equity will we be hosting the White Mayors Conference next year?

    • Rockfish#1 says:

      I would like to meet the Mayor from China.

      • Terry says:

        That would Mayo Suntan Woo
        Nice fellow.
        Are the North Correia ‘s cumin?

    • Luis Suarez says:

      with you ace girl.

      donal smith, you will never have any credibility.

    • Ace girl you must be very young or naive or both,because we already had the white mayor’s conference,back when Blacks could not vote in the city of Hamilton.Then as time went on and we had the real 40 thieves,the White Mayors ran everything.

      I feel you though sweetheart, don’t let your nerves be to ruffled. The majority of Americans did not know how they were going to deal with a Black President and if that was a great shock, they better get ready for 2016 when we will see the likes of the very first woman President.

      On a lighter note when October comes you won’t even notice to much of a difference, because all of those coming ARE black, THEY WILL FIT RIGHT IN DON’T YOU KNOW.You will only notice them once they get around to meeting the O.B.A

      • nuffin but the truth says:

        so I guess you’ll be issuing bermuda shorts to help them fit in

      • Argument says:

        Duane at times you can post some incredibly ignorant comments.

      • Ace girl says:

        I have great respect for Barak Obama and I was thrilled that he became the first black US president. It Is not about race it is about doing the right thing. ‘There is none so blind as those who will not see’. Incidentally, I am neither naive nor young. In fact I may even be considered intelligent. What about you Mr Santucci? Time to get the shades off, and respect the opinions of those who differ from yours. By the way, you might want to read your Bermuda history on the Trade Development Board, the forerunner of the DOT often referred to as the ”Forty Thieves”. They laid the groundwork for the Tourism industry which was the lifeblood of Bermuda for many years. Couldn’t be all wrong!

  4. Joey-Bag-O'Doughnuts says:

    So, has anybody looked into having a “white” mayors conference. Oh, yeah, that would be racist right?

    • mixitup says:

      For heavens sake you have Santa Claus, Mickey Mouse, Superman, Batman, Wonderwoman, the Pope, and even Jesus. How about you flick through all your cable channels and count how many channels do you see an images of a black people other than the ‘First 48′ Get it yet?

    • Mark says:

      Too many people for our infrastructure

    • JJ says:

      You are so ignorant. It wouldn’t be racist, but this conference is to bring black mayors together who have overcame racial barriers created by white racist in the past. The same race of people who enslaved, segregated and intentionally prevented economic growth and progression of blacks in addition with preventing the gaining of power to black and also Hispanics by policies and corruption. This is commending and empowering our race of mayors in addition to brainstorming ideas for enhancing their city or town. The tea party isn’t enough for you?

  5. Congratulations to the Mayor,Deputy Mayor,Councilmen/woman, Minister Fahy and all others working behind the scenes.This is now a fact that there is some credibility of workings within the Corporation of Hamilton and it’s elected officials.

    I don’t think Government would involved themselves to the degree that they have if this was not a viable venture and a en-devour that is sure to be very positive for Bermuda beyond the pocket book. I would like to think that we are dealing with men and women of integrity unlike false reporting that was given earlier in the year.

  6. Truth is killin' me... says:

    Bullsh***ers! Everyone in that picture including the OBA!! All they good at is spending everybody else’s monet!!!

  7. nuffin but the truth says:

    400 to 500 they are saying…I’m LMAO already at this B/S tripe!

    (I bet the real total is NOT disclosed!).

  8. somuchless says:

    Is there even enough hotels to accommodate these people or are they coming by cruise ship? Lol

  9. Mark says:

    Thank god ! All the money outside of Bermuda is in black run cities

  10. 1minute says:

    Deputy Mayor Donal Smith said, “In October of this year we will be greeting between 400-500 plus delegates from as far away as Brazil, Colombia, China, …”

    Donal, How many black mayors are there in China?

    • Terry says:

      Actually, you would be surprised.
      Not directly but of African decent.
      My neighbor is Indian and everyone thinks he is Chinese.
      Irony.

    • Mile High Club says:

      Deduct 1 from figures. Miami area Mayor just resigned yesterday.

  11. 69SSRS says:

    Maybe Kwame can get a day pass and be key note speaker??

    • Mixitup says:

      Or the Toronto Mayor…. Nevermind, he’s probably on the stop list.

  12. Rick Olson says:

    Meanwhile ROME BURNS !

  13. Jonny rocket says:

    OMG i cant believe those idiots are going ahead with this conference and the idot government is supporting it…

  14. Tough Love says:

    I’m looking at this with a side eye, but I have some comfort knowing that tough Min. Fahy approves. I still don’t get why we are paying them money though.

    For all those hating on black mayors, just close your eyes in October. If you don’t understand celebrating overcoming the very real obstacles of racism in the world TODAY, just go back and read that report about the surrogate and look at the news. Miles to go before we sleep.

    • Jonny rocket says:

      please, the real NCBM president has said they don’t know anything about a conference being held in Bermuda. This is nothing but a means to get large somes of money.

  15. aceboy says:

    This will come back to bite us. HARD. The NCBM has a trail of unpaid creditors lining up in court in the US and the CBM is a brand new entity run by the same people who ran up the debts of the NCBM.

    WHat is Fahy thinking???

    • anon says:

      Fahy’s think we need to do whatever right now to stabilize the island until things calm back down and the Gov. can get on with it. Hopefully their picking their battles right now and going head to head with the night mayor right now, wouldn’t be in our best interest as a country. Eventually turfing the night mayor and his deputy will hopefully be part of their longer term plan.

      • aceboy says:

        Is spending $350,000 stabiliizing this island?

        We won’t get a penny back out of this conference, mark my words. The bookings will simply not materialise and vendors will be hurt.

    • Terry says:

      Keeping the peace.

  16. seas the day says:

    How racist is that!I demand equal time….I demand a human race mayors ….whatever…..I don’t care what it is mayors nonsense….or whatever….why just a black one?You effing people are racist to have just a black one…!Shame on you!

  17. seas the day says:

    We don’t want anymore politicians period….they are the effing reason Elmer fudd hunts wabbit…..I’m gonna ask you like my wife asks me….”What is wrong with you?”…..”There must be something wrong with you!”

  18. seas the day says:

    Don’t you know they want money?……Send them home right this effing instant!

  19. An American indian tribal leaders get together is more appropriate…..but no…..you would rather appease another culture sigularly.To what end?……non inclusive sigularity is only …non inclusive singularity…….I prefer …I much prefer human race and its strides in evolutive acceptance and general ability to be as one….a collective of all…under God….indevisable.

  20. Looking in says:

    Is our mayor able to attend ,it is a black mayors’ conference?

    • Sandy Bottom says:

      Graeme Outerbridge? No, he can’t attend.

  21. nuffin but the truth says:

    LMAO!…NO one will be coming for this so called Conference!

    it’s been Declared BANKRUPT!..read the news..the US has seized all their money.

    The C of H should ALL resign in shame,Donal you should take the lead and quit first!

  22. serengeti says:

    So. Is it going to happen or not?

  23. aceboy says:

    Funny, I just tried to do a search on the conference and NOTHING comes up. The CBM wiki site claim the CBM is in fact a renamed version of the NCBM and the link to their site is broken, with a request for the owner of the site to contact the web host. In searching for anything related to the CBM or NCBM I note that Mr. Kevin Johnson, who was the guy fighting with Vanessa Williams over the leadership of the NCBM, is now leading the US Conference of Black Mayors…what appears to be a separate organisation entirely.

    I think it is pretty clear that the COH and Bermuda has been totally hoodwinked Mrs. Williams and if I were Fahy I’d be saying “I want the money back…NOW!” I hear that a number of rooms at the Hamilton Princess are “booked” for this event, but I suspect they are only booked until the last day cancelable without penalty.

    It is September 17th. This conference is supposed to happen “some time” in October but there is NOTHING online to even hint at an event taking place.

    When are new questions going to be asked of Outerbridge and Smith?