Opposition Leader On The Westminster System

August 29, 2014

[Opinion column written by Opposition Leader Marc Bean] Over the last few months, there has been a growing amount of Bermudians who are openly voicing their opinions on a wide range of topics, such as the economy, social issues, immigration issues and/or cultural differences.

Many who speak to us say that it is time for Bermudians to put aside political tribalism and look to new forms of governance other than the Westminster system that pits us against each other politically. We wholeheartedly agree with seeking better ways to move Bermuda forward.

One of the pitfalls of the Westminster system is that it is based on a winner-takes-all construct. The ruling party essentially has the power to write or rewrite laws or policies as they wish. The opposition party, on the other hand, has virtually no influence in Parliament. The net result is a never-ending cycle of limitless power being inherited by one side and absolutely zero power given to the other side.

In a society such as Bermuda, where we have always been separated by race and economic classifications, adding the Westminster system makes for a lethal cocktail of social division. This toxic mixture has seeped into almost every fibre of our society.

Increasingly the general sentiment of many in the public is that what was once their vote for hope and change has turned into nothing more than a sense of hopelessness and of feeling shortchanged. Many were indeed swayed by fancy flyers, persuasive promises and long lists of new ideas.

What they have found, however, is that, one by one, almost all of these promises were broken merely because the age-old need for political power superseded the age-old need for people power. These broken promises have left many Bermudians feeling violated and robbed of their trust in the political process on a whole.

To those who voted in expectation of promises unfulfilled, we fully understand why you made those decisions. Your vote should mean much more than simply empowering the few for their own purposes of self-gain.

On our behalf, what we can say is this – in what may seem our darkest hour, is now the time for us, as Bermudians, to seek unity over division based on previous political choices or age-old societal differences.

To the mother who is concerned about how to continue to pay her rent,
To the university graduate who is having a challenge finding work in Bermuda,
To the senior who is forced to decide between buying groceries or buying medication,
To the government worker who is concerned about further job losses or pay cuts,
To the business owner who is seeing a drop in the number of customers,

You can no longer afford the luxury of being lured in and given false hope with fanciful yet undeliverable promises.

The time has come for us as Bermudians, to sit down together and explore both our pragmatic realities and possible options as a nation. There is no one to rely on but us. There is no one to rescue us but us. At the start of each day, at the end of each day, we only have each other.

Fellow Bermudians, it is paramount that we continue to stand for and with each other. We thank you for continuing to share your ideas with us and your support of a better Bermuda for Bermudians.

Stay Blessed

- Marc Bean

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Comments (46)

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  1. Barracuda says:

    Please tell us what this miraculous system of governance is that you wish to employ . oh yeah, no solutions .

    • Raymond Ray says:

      Mr. Marc Bean and many of his associates have an innate talent, one of convincing people. They have the ability to dazzle many people with diamonds while simultaneously filling their heads with bull crap!
      Remember fellow voters this is the same Progressive Labour Party that got Bermuda (you and I) in this rut :-(

      • The Underground Movement says:

        Well’ thats what most Politicians do” example ex Premire CC got good percentage of the PLP base to
        simply to vote OBA by using the right words at the right time — now most of the Promises hasn’t been filled and’
        there is a new Agender by the OBA so I gather the Opposition Leader feels it’s the right time to talk.
        This is Politic’s be it bad or good.– if you know Politic’s’ – all the Opposition leader is doing is making his weekly
        comment to his base.— it’s that simple!

        • Mikka says:

          Mr Bean should delve into his party’e abuse and constant mismanagement of said system.

  2. Creamy says:

    So roughly translated this says: “we will never win under this system, so can we change the rules so we can be in charge again?”

  3. Cleancut says:

    “There is no one to rely on but us”
    “There is no one to rescue us but us”

    You can certainly rely on this Government to rescue us from the 14 years of PLP mismanagement.

  4. hulktoo says:

    All we have is /and negative comments. Why is this, why we as a people are unable to come together and embrace change. We must come together and understand that these elected work for us. We need to put into place a system that allowes these elected to be held accountable for their actions. (no diplomat immunity) Until then we will never move forward as a country, to be human is to err, we must be one, we are slowly becoming a product of our own enviorment. we create these monsters, now we dont know what to do with them.
    How may we find a solution , if we dont know whats wrong.

    • Hmmm says:

      “You can no longer afford the luxury of being lured in and given false hope with fanciful yet undeliverable promises.”

      Isn’t that what your gambling shop does….lure people in with the hopes of winning money?

      • Greed Killed Bermuda says:

        Um no – people actually win money so its not false hope.

    • Silence Do Good says:

      Which monsters do you speak of?

      The previous monsters that got us in the current mess or the current monster that are moving in a direction that does not settle right with a minority of outspoken voters?

      Politricks from both sides is unbelievable… but what upsets me the most is the current opposition monsters beating a drum for all sorts of collaborative change and doing the right thing now, this instant, when they had my vote and 14 years to make the changes they are now strongly behind.

      Whenever I read these articles, I honestly believe that politician must think I am a real idiot to continual fall for their bull (piles of dirt).

      My recommendation to political monsters … the next time you publish your thoughts or open your mouth publicly comes with constructive solutions to our real problems not just let’s throw out the baby with the bath water for a solution in how to regain power.

  5. FrankTalk says:

    The “we don’t care what you think” party (as Govt) is complaining about their role (limited role) as opposition.

    Who writes these jokes?

  6. Onion says:

    So one day this guy is posing giving a green jersey to Kim Swan as if he was a sports team getting a new player and the next he’s decrying political tribalism?!

    You don’t get to one day call people demonic muppets and then the next expect people to take you seriously when you turn into Gandhi the next day.

  7. Starting point says:

    Lets save everyone a load of time and recognize the opposition has no issue with the government system, they simply want independence, know that the MAJORITY of Bermudians do not support this effort so they cast doubts on the government system, knowing that if they can build support for this then they can back door the independence issue (i.e. any non Westminster system would have to be under an independent country).

    so the debate is independence – I for one look forward to the next election and to see if the PLP or any opposition (or the OBA to be honest) is willing to put their political future on their philosophical stance. Doubt they have the conviction to be honest at they would rather win and get the pay check vs. lose and stand by their belief in independence.

  8. Allan says:

    I actually think (save for the little digs here and there) that this hits a reasonable pitch. We need proportional representation in Bermuda. I think it is the only way forward to stop this cycle

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      I’d love to see some form of proportional representation. Do away with representatives of zones & have representatives for all of Bermuda.

      Top 36 are in. They then have to work together & sort out who is best suited for what making sure ALL are involved with Governing.

      Dreaming on.

  9. Independence says:

    If we were independent we could re-write our political landscape in a way that we feel best represents us. Our problem is constant fear that somehow the longest serving self-governing territory with its bam and legal system and established business model will turn into Jamaica (economically). I don’t believe we can change the Westminister system as long as we remain a colony. So ask do we really want change or not.

    • Genius says:

      You better believe that if Bermuda were to become independent, there will be a mass exodus of businesses and ex-pats. Also, say goodbye to your UK passport, and hello to applying for travel visas to go anywhere off island.

      • Greed Killed Bermuda says:

        Seeing we have more rights to the US with our Bermuda Passport than our british one, i fail to see your logic.

        • LOL (Original TM*) says:

          Those rights your talking about were not negotiated by Bermuda the British did that. So we would have to re negotiate with out the hugh backing of GB so we would most likely be see as the rest of the independent island in the south. Also the US would finally be able to “take their revenue back” as they would love Bermuda to fail as far as the IB is concerned.

          LOL

          • ole Onion says:

            Smh they’d only leave because of the court of laws !! ie: legal system judges etc. !! They’d know we can legislate any way who ever had the power to do so !!
            Tell the truth !!!

        • Truth Hurts says:

          Please explain? You don’t have an automatic route to reside in the US and claim benefits so what better rights do you think you get in comparison to a British Passport Holder

    • Hmmm says:

      the PLP introduced the Party system in Bermuda. Now he says it don’t work…..another PLP fail then is it.

  10. Steve Davis says:

    I agree Marc, but only the Government of the day could enact this change. If the OBA were to propose a change in our system of Governance, the PLP/BIU would cry bloody murder.

    Bermuda is the size of a small town, yet we have the government of a large country. We have over representation. MP’s that are responsible for a few square miles. In reality the saying, ‘too many cooks’, holds true in this circumstance.

    Not only do we have too many representatives, there is also a lack of intellectual capital willing to get involved in politics. In the UK, the nations best and brightest will win out in a rat race to gain the seat as an MP. In Bermuda, a person of below average intelligence can easily claim the position just based on the merits of political territory.

    I suggest that people look into: ‘The Bermuda Governing Council’ for real ideas. You can find them on Facebook.

  11. Sounds like the writer of this column is a typical politician

    For As The Minister Would say “Most Politicians Just Stick Their Index Finger Into The Wind And Follow That Direction”

  12. swing voter says:

    It won’t change anytime soon Mark. For obvious reasons not worth mentioning as I’ll get beat up by both sides….just enjoy your paycheck and pension that ya’ll voted for

  13. Serz doe says:

    “in what may seem [Bermudas] darkest hour”
    Bie shut yah mouth.

  14. Jeremy Deacon says:

    The Westminster system is fine for those in power and not for those out of power …. just ask the LibDems in the UK who have wanted proportional representations for eons.
    I really do not remember Mr Bean criticizing the system or raising it as an issue when the PLP was in Government – I am happy to corrected on that …
    Regarding coming together …. it is the PLP which has recently, IMO, done more to split the ‘nation’ than anyone else. The debate, initiated by the PLP, over the people who hold PRC status has raised xenophobia on the Island to new levels; the PLP organized/backed marches increased tensions on the Island to new levels, also.
    To now say we must come together, to me, sounds awfully hypocritical….

    • Chris Famous says:

      Last year when Marc stated people must be accountable for themselves and stop relying on Government you had nothing positive to say about that

      This year you forget to mention about all the anti Bermudian rhetoric put out by OBA supporters and the anti Bermudian policies of the OBA

      So exactly how objective are your views?

      • Creamy says:

        I can recall applauding Bean’s call for people to stop relying on givernment. Unfortunately it was a flash in the pan.

        What “anti Bermudian rhetoric”, Chris?

  15. JH says:

    I much prefer the old Marc who ranted and raved and didn’t really make any point other than to make a complete fool of himself. Whoever is writing these new releases is certainly not very convincing.

    Hint: you’ve changed him too much and it looks completely fake. Cos it is completely fake.

    PLP had many years in which to change the system but guess what – they didn’t. Now the tide has turned – whaah whaah whaah!

    Grow up!

  16. Sooooo says:

    “To those who voted in expectation of promises unfulfilled, we fully understand why you made those decisions. Your vote should mean much more than simply empowering the few for their own purposes of self-gain.”

    Is Mr bean saying the he knows his party were not working for the people, but for themselves? Sure sounds like it to me!!

  17. Look to yourself for solutions says:

    To the mother who is concerned about how to continue to pay her rent
    – Get a job. If you have one, get a second one. Many single mothers all over the world work two jobs.

    To the university graduate who is having a challenge finding work in Bermuda
    – Try getting an entry-level job elsewhere so you can have the experience required to work in Bermuda.

    To the senior who is forced to decide between buying groceries or buying medication.
    – You should have planned better for retirement. Try getting a job at the supermarket or a similar job that isn’t physically or mentally taxing.

    To the government worker who is concerned about further job losses or pay cuts.
    – Get a job in the private sector, we have way too many government employees.

    To the business owner who is seeing a drop in the number of customers
    – Improve your inventory! Bermuda stores are the worst!

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      Don’t agree with all but some real valid points there.

  18. campervan says:

    Ex PRC’s that are now voters are going to keep you in opposition Marc.
    get comfortable for the long haul

  19. Chris Famous says:

    wow ..

    Political results in Bermuda will continue along the trend of 51%-49% of the popular vote

    so no matter who is in government at any given time, half of the island will be not pleased with election results. The real crux of the issue is well how does this help Bermudians?

  20. Harry Buttle says:

    So what other type of government system do you suggest Mr. Bean? Any type of government short of a totalitarian dictatorship will have effective “parties”. Isn’t that what democracy is about? The people voted to have those ministers represent them in government.

    It’s rich you calling for alternative government that listens to the “people” when your own PLP largely ignored and even name-called those who criticized it during their time in the “big boy chair”.

    The PEOPLE voted. The PEOPLE put the OBA in power. Those who chose not to vote effectively gave their vote to the OBA. Let the OBA get on with their time in government and when the next election comes around maybe it’s your turn to be the ruling party. In the meantime, stop asking questions that have little or no easy solutions.

  21. Rumforbreakfast says:

    A well written article… I just wish that there was no stab at the OBA in the middle. Everything else is a true reflection of what we’re facing at the moment. The UBP and OBA were really poor opposition, so there was no real problem from that quarter during the PLP government. However, the PLP is such an effective opposition (which, remember, is what they’re there for), that it is causing divisiveness right when we need unity and for all of us to pull together to sort out our economy. You might not agree with the things they say, but you can’t deny that they’re really good at identifying issues (whether they are issues, or not, admittedly) and then speaking out and getting the people on their side. This is how the Westminster System is designed to work, but unfortunately, it is not working for us at the moment.

    So, I believe, for the first time in my life, that Marc Bean may have a point with respect to the system of government. Maybe it is time to put the onus on the individuals who care about Bermuda (Mr. Dale Butler please stand up!) rather than party politics, which seems to be all about hating the other party at the moment and being more poisonous than we should be able to be, having grown up in such an amazing, beautiful place.

  22. PBanks says:

    Here’s the thing. It’s convenient to rail against Westminster when your political party is on the outside looking in. When the roles are reversed, it’s magically not an issue. So don’t pretend that you suddenly have reservations against a political system that at one point enabled you to have free reign.

    I agree that Westminster may not be best for a small country like ours. Maybe a proportional representation system should be looked at. There are other variations used in other countries that may make sense for us. But to expect either of the status quo parties to champion the cause is foolhardy.
    Only we the people can make considerations a reality, by getting third party and Independents into the House. Problem is that most capable political minds already get sucked up by the parties, or told that they don’t matter. Would take an enormous shift in how the populace views what makes someone worthy of House seats.

  23. serengeti says:

    A suggestion for Marc Bean. It might be an idea for the PLP to find a way of broadening its appeal.

    Up until now you have deliberately pursued a strategy of alienating a large proportion of the population. The PLP has become a right-wing, nationalist, anti-immigration, anti-foreigner party. In fact, that is about the only thing you stand for.

    As things are at the moment, you have no hope at all of being elected again.

  24. tic toc says:

    Mr. Beans article is rather interesting.. We obviously have a tacky system that only works for one group of people and always has.. we need justice, truth and correction of past wrongs of inequality regarding treatment. It is a trashy system that has failed most black people for over four hundred years.. It is not a quality relationship that will progress into a unity… the oligarchy that has assumed control of the world to all of our detriment because of a mentality.. We have to admit that people that don’t look alike don’t have the exact same needs and although at one point it might have been reveersed, we have never been in such a hopeless situation as now.. Non-white people are constantly being attacked for not agreeing with white people and it is causing problems .
    scenario—If you want me to eat nuts and I am alergic, but since you have the power to threaten I am forced to eat nuts which causes a reaction that you deny having any responsibility to fix??!!!!!!!!What exactly do you recommend I do? We are caught up in an unfair situation which is divisive..People must be regarded on an individualized basis, not packaged as one entity.. Can’t wait for things to change WORLDWIDE regarding this dominant system of white Supremacy….It is regressive!!

  25. Non Truth ! says:

    There is no way Marc Bean wrote that !! What a croc of BS.

    Stay Blessed,, really Marc ! Tweed writing for you now ?

  26. What is amazing is the amount of time taken to write this Marc/PLP could have looked for a solution to getting people back to work and back in the island for more income. It baffles me how all this bickering back and forth gets nothing done for anyone.

  27. Collie man says:

    Give me some herb tea for me and my children.

  28. Creamy says:

    Bean is the one who wouldn’t even participate in the system for the last few weeks of the Parliamentary session. He chose to “boycott” it and go on marches.
    And now he complains that he doesn’t have enough influence.
    Try actually showing up, Marc.

  29. William says:

    While I too agree that the Westminster system no longer works for Bermuda due to it being too adversarial, however, I also believe that Bermuda has transcended Party politics as well. I believe that we need to implement a system whereby we, as shareholders of Bermuda vote for individuals based on their merit and those members who are elected (they would be considered the Board of Directors) elect the Chairman (Government Leader) who would subsequently elect his executive (Cabinet members) then we have a government in place to sit down and get on with running this country…not based on partyism, but literally getting down to the “people’s business” and collectively finding solutions for the Island’s problems. They do not represent a political party…they represent the people of Bermuda. For an Island of some 62,000 people, this system can work. Systems of this sort work in other jurisdictions such as The Isle of Man, Geurnsey and a few others. You are correct that we must work together and we must change the way we do things. No one entity has a monopoly on knowledge, but collectively we can move forward…we must move forward. With this concept in mind, it is Us, who have to change the system. Changes such as this concept are worth considering and decided by way of a referendum.