PLP Call On People To Join Today’s Silent Sit-In
[Updated] Education Minister Dr. Grant Gibbons “attempted to mislead the public into believing that further education funding was at similar levels as previous years,” Shadow Minister of Education Lovitta Foggo said, with the newly-appointed Shadow Minister calling on people to join the “Silent Sit-In” at the Cabinet Office grounds today [May 6] at 12 noon.
Ms. Foggo said, “In his press statement yesterday, Education Minister Dr. Grant Gibbons attempted to mislead the public into believing that further education funding was at similar levels as previous years. This may be the case for government scholarships, however, this is not the case for further education awards.
“Bermuda Government Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit. Further education awards are given based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.
“In the National Budget 2014/2015 the funding for further education awards was decreased to $40,000, a loss of $700,000. This is a marked decrease in funding. Students that may not qualify for a government scholarship will now find themselves likely unable to continue their tertiary education due to this decrease in funding.
“We find this unacceptable and totally impractical. The OBA government campaigned that a student’s financial situation should not be a barrier to receiving a college education, yet once again their actions have contradicted their words.
“We call on all people who support a return to the previous further education levels of $700,000 to join the Silent sit in at the Cabinet Office grounds to be held on today, Tuesday, May 6 at 12 noon,” added Ms. Foggo.
Update 12.29pm: The “Silent Sit-In” is underway.
Update 2.51pm: Video from today’s event
i have an idea Lovitta, how about you get all of your PLP comrades to come up with the shortfall and donate it to the cause! i am sure that $700k wont even make a dent in the $800m the PLP squandered away!
Education of our young people is vital for any country to succeed moving forward. Education is one of the key factors by which a country measures its standard of growth as a nation.
Government allocation of funds:
Teacher Training Awards:
$35,000 (2012)
$30,000 (2014)
Government Scholarships (8 max):
$855,000 (2012)
$825,000 (2014)
Mature Student Award:
$295,000 (2012)
$85,000 (2014)
Further Education Awards:
$760,000 (2012)
$40,000 (2014)
Looks like Further Education Awards has taken the greatest hit.
During this key time with the a changing economy further education is most important. Stand up for our young people today.
Government must ensure that our children stand a chance at least in further Education:
Don Greason is paid: $113, 480 for writing speeches…can at least educate 4-5 of our children in higher education.
Charmaine Burgess is paid $105, 765 to organize press conferences, we can not give a scholarship or award to at least 4 more students.
Tourism Board is paid $200,00 to attend meetings, yet still no improvement in Tourism., and government not willing to stand by our children and educate at least another 4-5 students.
Premier’s travels so much, one has to question are we really reeping the benefits of it all…$180,515 REALLY
Crockwell minister of tourism has gone everywhere, yet our tourism product remains the same at an expense to us the tax payers at $167, 144
Government OBAubp overall travel in 2013 was $5067.000 and yet we take from one of Bermuda’s most important resources our young people. REALLY
It seems to be where is the government’s priority in all of this as monies are put where they deem it should be, yet our children are left out in the picture.
PEOPLE COME STAND FOR OUR CHILDRENS FUTURE TODAY
Blah blah blah blah blah. Does anyone actually read the horribly written drivel that Betty puts out there? Pathetic excuse for the English language. Give it a rest already.
Good information and it makes sense and its people like Redo who cant accept it.
The OBAubp fans and diehard supporters vote in block, like during the election. They do not vote based upon critical analysis of the issues facing Bermuda. They vote blindly, one can clearly see this based upon their dislike or like clicks on the blogs. This seems to suggest Bermuda will not move Forward or Change. That change only comes from a certain race in Bermuda who vote based upon the issues, which are black and others. While this is true, many will attempt to reject it. Those rejecting it with such anger are those whom fall in the category of voting for one party for more than 40 years.
The reality is this group of folks have voted one way since party politics. I think change will never come from these folks. The change in voting comes from Bermuda’s blacks and others. But the higher percentage of whites continue to vote in a blind fashion and blindly defend an issue regardless if RIGHT or WRONG. WHAT A SHAMEFUL BLINDFAITHFULNESS FOLLOWERS.
Sad that Bermuda’s white population will never change or move forward. The Minister spin on Bernews does nothing but further endorsed the negative behaviours of the white population in Bermuda, his core support base, and removes Bermuda further from any movement forward or change.
Change now is only a myth presented by the OBAubp government. Folks are feeling this more and more each day, as their fait in the OBAubp continues to erode. This is the Change that OBAUbp promised, yet do nothing to bring about CHANGE. GUess it was nothing more than a falsehood.
Well spoken young lady. I was glad to see the young people stepping forward and taking a strong stand. Today I was very impressed with the actions of PEOPLE STANDING TOGETHER ON SUCH AN IMPORTANT ISSUE.
OTHERS that write such NONSENSE AND DISTASTEFUL remarks do not understand the significant of further education opportunities for those that require it. One could ask why do they care? Well folks of White Privilege seldom are able to reflect on others whom are of less privilege. I know this “RAW TRUTH” will anger some folks. But it has to be said.
“Our most obvious challenge is the economic, social and psychological disparity between the races and the consequent hostilities.” As clearly indicated by Dr. Hodgson. This is encouraged by the OBAubp.
“The “core principle” of this country is, and always has been, to maintain white supremacy and the economic and social domination and exclusion of blacks to ensure a racial divide.” Dr. Hodgson, this is so critical.
NOw those enblock OBAubp voters please take time to vote. But hopefully you will examine the real issues at stake here, but I know that is too much to ask and not reality.
BETTY..where was all your criticism when it was announced that the PLP could not account for $800 MILLION !!!!! You have all the answers, so tell us, where did the money go? $800 MILLION is missing!!!! Therefore every right thinking person must assume that those in power at the time know EXACTLY where it went OR, they are clueless which equates to INCOMPETENT …synonyms: inept, unskillful, unskilled, inexpert, amateurish, unprofessional,.
So BETTY, which one is it!!!! C’mon, you know.
Did not mean to like your post, as a matter of fact I think it’s a joke. While the OBA is making more mistakes than the PLP did, you keep on whining about the past. Do you think that it is a good thing that there will be less Bermudians who will be getting an education or not?
What $60m Grand Atlantic-sized mistakes has the OBA made?
By the way, it will be more Bermudians, not less, that get the benefit of govt money.
This is less ‘whining about the past’ and more explaining the present and future. Policies of the past led us to our current situation, which is why hard choices have to be made to balance the budget.
And you ignored the question, where did that $800 Million go?
Your comment is racist, divisive and a complete fallacy. I’m white, and I very carefully consider the consequences of my vote on the future of Bermuda. You and I may disagree on the best party for the future of our country, but that difference of opinion is based on political beliefs… not the colour of our skin. To suggest otherwise is insulting and leads to further distrust of the entire political process. I personally do not agree with this particular cut in government spending, but I also didn’t agree with the PLP government’s wasteful and divisive brand of politics for the 14 years prior to the OBA term. When the next election comes around, I will vote according to both parties’ complete record and my belief in their respective abilities to lead this country into the future. I can assure you my skin colour has nothing to do with it, and I hope for the sake of my home that the same is true for you.
Looks like you and Rhonda have been given the same crib sheet to keep submitting ad nauseum. You are comparing the 2012/13 budget (the PLP budget) with the OBA’s 2014/15 budget. It was the PLP that spent the $760,000 on Further Education Awards, and in that same year they went over the Department of Education budget by $3 million. Last year, 2013/14, the OBA government spent $200,000 on Further Education Awards, so the drop is from $200,000 to $40,000. Why weren’t you complaining last year? The overall amount for all scholarships, went down from $1,241,000 to $1,000,000, a total cut of $241,000.
Government Scholarships:
Under the PLP only 8 people could get a Government Scholarship (max 8), but now capped at $35,000 at least 23 people can get support…. this is a good thing to help more people get educated !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
23 is nearly 3 times as many people getting the opportunity !!!!
You should be singing the praises.
Note: The Bermuda Scholarship Act only allows for 8 scholarships max. There will only be 8 scholarship given out this year mate. Not sure where you get your figures of 23 scholarships from.
I agree balance the budget, on the backs of those that can’t afford the cost of higher education…this will allow us to create jobs, building another prison to houses the uneducated population……,
INNA I have a better idea, why don’t you get your oba government to honour their campaign manifesto. They have lied from the get go.
People are tired of them and if our next steps needs to be a protest march to government house to hold a no confidence vote. You would get triple the amounts because the OBA must go.
So, the alternative is the PLP? LMAO, give us a break. We will never forget the 14 destructive, self serving years that the PLP spent destroying this countries, standard of living, employment, education!
Many of us willll never forget the 30 years of UBP plantation politics that has returned with the OBA.
Or, you could… you know… live in a democracy and let the duly elected Government do their job and, if they don’t, elect someone else to do it.
That’s how democracy works. It does not, nor should it, bend to the whims of the party who lost throwing a tantrum, which is what you are suggesting.
If you think opposition supporters are throwing tantrums, what do you call the actions of OBA supporters who continue to deny that their govt. has lied to the public and made many mistakes since back in office?
Also getting back to this article, do you think it is a bad thing that the scholarship funds that are specifically allocated for those with financial needs have been cut so drastically?
You might respond but I don’t expect you to answer my questions.
I think you’re confusing me with someone else.
I also think you didn’t actually read what I wrote and just responded to a couple of words.
Also, I’m not sure you understand what “throwing a tantrum” means, as OBA supporters’ denial of “their govt.” lying isn’t “throwing a tantrum”.
I’m also not sure why you’re asking me about OBA supporters. I don’t speak for them.
Now, to answer your question, I think that the scholarship cuts you refer to are a sad, but probably necessary, decision.
I also think that they are temporary.
Is that enough of an answer for you?
Here’s a Q for you: Gan you give a definition and specific examples of what you mean by “Plantation Politics”, please?
Oh, and here’s an appropriate quote…
“You might respond but I don’t expect you to answer my questions.”
They have made much less mistakes than the PLP have made. Dr Brown sunk your party took advantage of your racial haterd and got rich quick you all are so blind to that. Also take a real close look at who you support see what families they truely come from Browns, Furberts all rich PLp for the working man in image only.
LOL
PLP / BIU = trouble makers
huh??
Back in de 50′s and 60′s they were labeled Communist!!!!!!!
Same sh1t different era!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So you agree they haven’t changed with the times.
Good to know.
No just pointing out de same Oligarchy, Racist, Ideology still exist today, as a matter of fact even de (Black Panthers in the U.S.A the Black Beret of Bermuda) were called Communist while de Jim Crow system were ruthless in trying to eradicate The Black Power Movement who were fighting for Equal Rights and Justice, Hey sounds like Today
Like I said Dip Stick, Same Sh1t different era!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LMFAO
We all know you changed your name from “mazumbo” to “steve biko”.
Do you have an aversion to using the letters ‘th’ these days, or are you trying to sound ‘cool’?
FLMFAFO
The Minister of Education doesn’t make the cuts Foggo. If you worked in Government you would know the allocated budget is dictated by the Ministry of Finance. I f you want to complain, talk to the Minister of Fianance. In other news, budgets have been cut by over a million in other Ministries. How will this country settle its debt if you think we can keep operating like previous years? That thinking is what got us here and thanks to you guys I have to take furlough days because someone up top over the last decade got trigger happy spending.
PLP will never understand how to balance a budget!
it was the Minister of Education that delivered the news and is responsible for the budget regardless of who dictates the funding. He is responsible for explaining it to the people.
According to Paula, Ministers, including the Minister of Finance are just cogs in the wheel.
A Cog is only used when you turn a blind eye to something.
explaining it to the people and dictating the funding..
that’s 2 different things!
Strictly speaking, that’s not correct. The Minister of Finance sets overarching budget priorities, but it’s up to the individual Ministers to decide how to meet them. (Though to be fair, it’s Cabinet as a whole that settles a country’s overarching fiscal policy.)
So if Finance says all Ministries have to cut 10%, it will be up to the Ministries themselves to decide how to meet that target. Some may put in place an across-the-board 10% haircut, while others might to allocate the ‘pain’ depending on whether certain areas are felt to be a priority or not. This is an assessment that will be made by the Minister, but often on the advice of his or her technical officers.
The Ministry of Education determine which pot the allocated funds are cut from.
Good Idea! Go sit on your backsides while the productive Bermudians try to repair and rebuild this country
some people just don’t learn. hint hint lovita foggo.
some people should do their homework first before running their mouths!
Ms. Foggo is being a bit loose with the facts. The PLP Government spent $760k on Further Education Awards in budget year 2012/2013, the same year they overspent the Department of Education budget by approx $3million. The overspending had to stop, and the OBA was faced with the hard task of doing just that. Last year, during the 2013/2014 budget, $240,000 was spent on Further Education Awards. The budget estimate for 2014/2015 is $40k,an estimate and a figure that may be changed as the year progresses. So here’s the math: the OBA has cut the budget for Further Education Awards by $200,000, not $700,000. They have also directed additional funds, as a matter of policy, to teacher training and other programs to improve the system for kids who are there now. This is not anti-Bermudian, this is realism. Now, if you believe that the Bermuda government (OBA, PLP, whatever) should provide free college education for all Bermudians, that’s a different argument.
Government allocation of funds:
Teacher Training Awards:
$35,000 (2012)
$30,000 (2014)
Government Scholarships (8 max):
$855,000 (2012)
$825,000 (2014)
Mature Student Award:
$295,000 (2012)
$85,000 (2014)
Further Education Awards:
$760,000 (2012)
$40,000 (2014)
Rhonda, you are comparing the 2012/13 budget (the PLP budget) with the OBA’s 2014/15 budget. It was the PLP that spent the $760,000, and in that same year they went over the Department of Education budget by $3 million. Last year, 2013/14, the OBA government spent $200,000 on Further Education Awards, so the drop is from $200,000 to $40,000. Why weren’t you complaining last year? The overall amount for all scholarships, went down from $1,241,000 to $1,000,000, a total cut of $241,000. These cuts were in line with all government ministries. You just don’t get it.
good to see you can copy and paste! learned that new function on your keyboard today??
Why do people feel they are entitled to a handout? We never had money given to us in our day and although we dreamed of going away to College/University, our parents couldn’t afford it; we knew it and if you didn’t win a scholarship, you had NO choice but to go out to work! No one helped us financially. Sell some of your assets? like your fancy car, your boat; give up your expensive purchases, get a second job and pay some of the costs yourself?
I had to work and pay for my own further education !!!!
Hmmmmm, why should Bermuda educate it’s people, when we can get other country’s people, that other countries educated…, we can give our people jobs building prisons for themselves…
whhat?
Same here! Student loans and a Work Study job. I never once looked for a handout – why would I expect someone else to pay for something that I wanted? Sadly, that is the first thing many people do – “where’s the free money? Who is going to give me money for the things I want.” Ridiculous mentality…and I knew this BEFORE I earned my 2 advanced degrees, thank you!
What an incredibly ridiculous comment. It’s a shame so many ppl agree with what u said. If u believe that at no point in your family’s existence did they receive help from the government then u are in denial.
So from your reasoning a student with a 4.0 gpa n drugged out parents should be made to suffer because they were born into a broken family?!?
Smh what ever happen to compassion n empathy? I guess ppl only look out for their own now days..
The PLP supporters simply do not understand that there is NO MORE MONEY. Your people spent it all. So, go ahead and sit silently, all the while contemplating where all the money went.
…it’s because they’re unemployed right now and don’t have anything to do and this is a way to have a little get together with your PLP peers and make you feel important
GeeeeeeSussss… you lot should change you name to PMP-Progressive Marching Party. Can this party not do anything without employing bully tactics?
“attempted to mislead the public into believing that further education funding was at similar levels as previous years,”?
Didn’t he say that the total was down? By, like, almost a quarter? That’s not “similar levels” to me.
Maybe they’re using different definitions of words?
“Maybe they’re using different definitions of words?”
Exactly.
Maybe instead of sitting around complaining get off your backsides and help find one of our valuable tourists who has been missing for 4 days!!
Only in Bermuda could people sit down, and say nothing, and think they are making a difference.
the picture doesn’t show people being silent perhaps they are whispering Lovitta please tell them to be quiet
I know fact rarely matters, but here you go…
Government allocation of funds:
Teacher Training Awards:
$35,000 (2012)
$30,000 (2014)
Government Scholarships (8 max):
$855,000 (2012)
$825,000 (2014)
Mature Student Award:
$295,000 (2012)
$85,000 (2014)
Further Education Awards:
$760,000 (2012)
$40,000 (2014)
Since you keep repeating yourself, I find myself compelled to do the same. You are comparing the 2012/13 budget (the PLP budget) with the OBA’s 2014/15 budget. It was the PLP that spent the $760,000 on Further Education Awards, and in that same year they went over the Department of Education budget by $3 million. Last year, 2013/14, the OBA government spent $200,000 on Further Education Awards, so the drop is from $200,000 to $40,000. Why weren’t you complaining last year? The overall amount for all scholarships, went down from $1,241,000 to $1,000,000, a total cut of $241,000. These cuts were in line with all government ministries. You just don’t get it.
“I know fact rarely matters…”
-Rhonda Neil
Truer words were never spoken.
Why would Rhonda and the PLP core ever let facts get in the way of their misinformed narrative Mike?
Ssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I see people talking in that picture !
Looks like people are STANDING around and I’ll bet $100 they are talking and NOT silent!
As much as I consider furthering education important. I think it’s far more important to focus on basic education.
Why don’t the PLP call on people to get educated, upgrade their skill set, self improve, study, get good grades… but no… they call on people to sit on their collectives arses!
more educated people mean less supporters who will vote for the PLP regardless what the current state of affairs in our lovely little country may be!
but on a more serious note, education really can be the key to a good bit of our problems. while i understand the concern for cutting government scholarship moneies, there are plenty, and i mean plenty, of private scholarships that go untaken every single year. furthermore, this cry from the PLP camp is nothing more than a continuation to the host of their press releases about what they find unacceptable etc etc.
going back to my first post, IF we had that cool $800 million sitting in the bank right now, i dont think we would have nearly as many problems and issues around Bermuda that we currently do!
Batty Dumpty sat on a wall…
How about y’all jog in place silently or something like that? We are one of the fattest, most unhealthy group of people around!
The PLP wasted all the money.
waste of time. just doesn’t make sense….entitlement at its worse ;-(
BTW I paid for my education after being rejected for bursaries twice. Worked my azz off 16hr/day hotel, delivery truck, landscaping. Since I invested my hard earned dollar in myself, I knew failure was not an option. My degree is more valuable in that regard and I don’t have to pay back a student loan nor do I thank anyone but myself.
From the Minister’s Press Statement:
“The 2014/2015 budget for scholarships and awards has been set at $1,000,000. This is a small decrease from last year’s actual spend of $1,241,000.
The Scholarships and Awards Committee can make recommendations to change the amount of money allocated for each scholarship and award category, keeping in mind the number and quality of applicants for each category. I can then review their recommendations and act accordingly.”
So the impression I get from this statement is that the Ministry allocates funding for education awards, and it is then the Scholarships and Awards Committee which advises on how that should be allocated amongst the categories bearing in mind the number and quality of applications.
In other words, that massive decrease in money for Further Education Awards has as much to with fewer people applying for, or meeting the basic standards of, that category (presumably based on past and present years) as anything else.
So strictly speaking, that there was “a marked decrease in funding” is a fact. But it is a misleading one without a full context.
Has everone forgotten there is a local tertiary education system in effect namely Bermuda College, which costs the taxpayers 20 million dollars a year at least. This 65,000 population, provides all free schooling, and free pre-schooling. In fact, if you need nursery care, you have the Happy Valley nursery. Maybe if we stopped producing so many babies, families could provide for tertiary education when it is required.
The money was spent during the PLP era so where is the OBA supposed to dredge up all that is required for free everything. If you have children be prepared to nurture and care for your children and that means providing the means for further education. It should not be a government’s responsibility.
Amen! Hit the nail on the head.
Governemnt should be moving away from grants (scholarships etc.) and more towards establishing interest free loans, which eventually become low interest loans some time after an individual graduates. This puts people in a position to succeed, but also requires them to follow through with their endeavours. It would also decrease the amount of money spent by government over the long term.
Has anyone heard of a loan? I myself have recently graduated from college and by no means did my parents have the funds to pay for it all. I busted my butt applying for grants and scholarships through government as well as the school and I also had to apply for a number of LOANS. I have graduated 45grand in debt and counting this is by no means anything in comparison. A roommate of mine had it by far worse with her parents declaring bankruptcy, getting a divorce and her dad lost his job. She did not let money prevent her from getting an education and is now currently 200,000 in debt and growing. So please all of you on here stop complaining about how our youth cannot afford it as that is BS! Also the further education award declares a student must obtain above a 2.0 well in my opinion that’s just pathetic. Anyone with that low of a gpa does not deserve a scholarship for that matter hardly any scholarships in the USA both athletic and academic are given for a student with lower then a 3.0 gpa.
Stop complaining
how much does Bermuda pay into the UK tax system to help with all the heavily subsidised university places that Bermuda students take advantage of in the UK?
Well done recent college graduate! Believe me you will have a wonderful return on your investment. Education is not strictly book learning it is the university experience, living in another country, dealing with other cultures and learning to be tolerant. Be proud of your achievements and your tenacity. Unfortunately, we have created generations who can only move forward with handouts. You are absolutely correct, a GPA of 2.00 is an overall D grade or mediocrity. Set the goal posts where students can strive for success. Continue on with your education as baccalaureates are now acceptable for only entry level positions. You can do it ( but now look for scholarships, you have proven your worth).
The ignorance and disrespect of the few in attendance makes you wonder why Grant Gibbons gave them any time….particularly the large man with then white beard. Ignorant fool
It is clear that Bermuda may not be able to sent it’s young people overseas for further education and to hear the policies of this government that may become a reality sooner than we think.
The finance minister has stated that Bermuda is coming out of it’s economic recession; but not a word on the plight of thousands of Bermudians still facing high level of unemployment? This in combination with the announce OBA government’s cut back in educational grants and scholarships will further hinder Bermudian ability to pay for higher education for their children in overseas education institutions. But we must educate our young people which are the future of Bermuda. As a country we have long had the belief that Bermuda can not educate thier people beyond High school although the Bermuda college increasingly has become the exception. But how about to the university level? Other countries which have less economic resources that we boast about; to hear the finance minister’s recent statement; mange to do just that; educate their own people. I look forward to the day that a Bermuda university is built on the site of the current government house lands and save ourselves as a country two million dollars that we pay out subsidizing Britain’s diplomatic presence annually and the question I ask; for what?
“It is clear that Bermuda may not be able to sent it’s young people overseas for further education”
“This in combination with the announce OBA government’s cut back”
Notwithstanding the numerous grammatical errors in the preceding remarks from an apparent journalist, I agree that we Bermudians are fortunate and successful enough to ensure that any capable and proficient voter should be afforded the opportunity of further education.
The question now becomes who qualifies and how will we collectively afford their eduction given the fiscal constraints the former PLP Government have burdened us all with for the next few generations?
It’s very easy to complain about the decisions and choices of the current Government but voters are more interested in hearing about what the PLP are willing to admit regarding their shortcomings which lead to our current demise. They consistently attempt to pace blame on others but even more so the current administration who they now criticize for attempting to fix their own mess.
Does anyone else see the duplicity in this position? Will the Alvin’s of this world ever admit to the PLP’s complicit role in our fiscal demise? Or will they just be content with sticking their head in the sand of our failures ignoring their part in our current demise?
err Alvin,
Bemudians can avail themselves of HEAVILY SUBSIDISED university places in the UK.
Subsidised by working class British families.
What a deal!
Shadow Minister of Education Lovitta Foggo called for a SILENT sit in…
NOT a rabble of noisy people being rude…
however,as they were all drunk on de kool aid nonsense it’s easy to understand why they were busy running their mouths about something they have no idea of the workings of!
funny!
More complaining from the PLP. In the meantime the OBA are cleaning up the enormous mess of 14 years of PLP chaos, confusion, mismanagement…