Opinion: “We Simply Will Not Get Up And Leave”

December 30, 2014

[Opinion column written by PLP MP Michael Weeks + Updated with OBA response]

“Please get up and leave and go somewhere else.”

These were the words spoken on June 14th 2013 by then OBA Attorney-General Mark Pettingill in reference to Bermudians who were upset with moves by the OBA at that time.

Not one OBA MP spoke out against those comments.

Not one.

For many in the community it was a clear indication of the direction in which the OBA government views Bermudians on a whole.

“Please get up and leave and go somewhere else.”

One would ask why is it that this government is seemingly so callous and uncaring towards the people born in this island?

The common sentiment is that the OBA does not care about Bermudians who are forced to leave this island due to the high cost of living and lack of job opportunities for born Bermudians. This sentiment can clearly be explained by pointing out policies and legislation brought forth by the OBA.

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for information of this Honourable House, a draft bill of the Public Bodies Reform Act 2014” Premier Michael Dunkley July 2014

In October 2014 Finance Minister Bob Richards held a town hall meeting to explain the intentions of the OBA government towards thousands of Bermudians employed in the Civil Service.

Very pointedly, he stated that the OBA had no other choice but to cut Government departments and jobs.

At that point over 5,000 Bermudians and their families came to the realization that the OBA had little to no concern about how those affected will :-

  • Purchase groceries
  • Pay their rents
  • Pay their mortgages
  • Educate their children

Again for many, they remembered this statement from OBA MP Mark Pettingill, “Please get up and leave and go somewhere else.

Recently the CEO of the BTA Mr. Bill Hanbury stated that Bermudians were needed to be in the hospitality industry in order for tourist to fully enjoy the Bermuda experience.

In Oct 2014 Minister Fahy brought forth policy that would allow bar, pub and restaurant owners to bring in non-Bermudian entertainers without hiring Bermudians entertainers.

So a few questions that arise:-

  • Why would the OBA put in place policy that pushes Bermudian entertainers to the background?
  • Why would Bermudian Musicians be sidelined if there were a concerted effort to take our Bermudian Tourism product to higher levels?
  • How would Bermudians Entertainers look to display their craft and support their families?

Again for many, they remembered this statement from OBA MP Mark Pettingill, “Please get up and leave and go somewhere else.”

So the question remains, why has the OBA Government sought to put policies in place that would actively disadvantage Bermudians in the following areas:-

  • Experienced Musicians
  • The Civil Service

Again for many, they remembered this statement from Mark Pettingill, “Please get up and leave and go somewhere else.”

Far too many Bermudians have already been forced to leave and go somewhere else because of the high cost of living and or the inability for qualified Bermudians to find full time employment.

Each of us know of at least two or three Bermudians and their families who now reside overseas.

It is for these reasons that the PLP have presented several ideas to generate jobs for Bermudians and promote a fairer and more diverse workplace. We have continuously called for Comprehensive Immigration Reform to provide balance for guest workers whilst ensuring the protection for qualified Bermudians.

Additionally we have proposed the expansion of closed job categories to ensure that qualified Bermudians have a right to job opportunities in their own country.

We simply will not get up and leave and go somewhere else.

- Michael Weeks

Update 4.55pm: In response, OBA Chair Lynne Woolridge said, “The Opposition are doing their best to hoodwink and bamboozle the Bermuda public through a constant stream of misinformation, half-truths and outright fabrications. This barrage of false statements is a disservice to our entire community, and too often the public accept these falsehoods as truth.

“The most recent twisting of the facts has been instigated by MP Michael Weeks, who takes a quote made during the debate on an amendment to the Human Rights Act in the House of Assembly by MP Mark Pettingill.

“Mr. Pettingill said during the debate: “And so maybe now they will come home, what a wonderful thought, what a wonderful thought. And I hope for every one that does we have one homophobe that leaves and goes somewhere else. So all the ones that feel that strongly about this on some religious basis that are entirely homophobic, please get up and leave and go somewhere else. Because I think there are a lot of countries not as advanced that will embrace you and say come on in. They can go somewhere else. And I will be happy about that too.”

“Mr. Weeks has taken some of these words out of context and insinuated that they were directed at all Bermudians.

“Here is the real truth. The OBA Government has been on a mission since the December 2012 election to rebuild opportunity in Bermuda – a tall order given the fact that it inherited an economy that was in a free fall, causing job losses for thousands of Bermudians, the flight of investment dollars and broad awareness that the Island was heading in the wrong direction.

“The Government’s work appears to be taking root with the announcement of hotel developments, a growing international business sector, new leadership in tourism and the America’s Cup — all major positive shifts that were nowhere on the horizon when Mr. Weeks and his colleagues were running the Government.

“For Mr. Weeks to now express concern for the welfare of Bermudians is deeply hypocritical, and very disappointing. He says the OBA Government is “callous and uncaring”. What words then would he use to describe the multi-year disregard by PLP Government policies and attitudes that damaged the hopes and dreams of Bermudians of all ages in all communities? He clearly has forgotten that there was a very real reason Bermudians voted them out of office.

“That Mr. Weeks should base his attack by twisting the meaning of a quotation taken out of context reflects the emptiness of his party’s situation today. It’s just bad, negative politics. Shame on you, Mr. Weeks.”

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Comments (115)

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  1. CJ says:

    Judging the OBA on what one person said one time is nothing less than idiotic.

    It would be the same as judging PLP on similar comments such as:

    “We don’t care what you think”.

    Or perhaps:

    “We had to deceive you”.

    etc etc.

    Yet again, the PLP grasps at straws. can they possibly get any more pathetic?

    • It's about time! says:

      I’m sorry, what is truly IDIOTIC is deliberately twisting someones quote completely out of context in order to suit one’s own TWISTED agenda to incite certain emotions from a dwindling electorate. Notice how he not only uses the misquote but repeats it over and over again throughout the article…no, it can’t possibly get any more pathetic…then again…

      With this pathetic opinion piece by Mr. Weeks we should all be SHOUTING for him to “just leave and go somewhere else!!!”

      Seriously

    • Raymond Ray says:

      M.P. Michael Weeks Sir,
      Why are you belittling yourself when most that know you know you to be far-more intelligent? This article is nothing but a damn lure :-( I also realize there are countless people that will believe all / anything published by the Opposition Party Members and that’s a grave mistake :-(
      People need / must learn to think for themselves if they want to be a part of the solutions as oppose to being a part of the problems .

    • Black Soil says:

      The OBA couldn’t care less if every Bermudian became a successful musician. So stop the BS. Or would you like to showcase so much as one TALENTED local musician who is RELIABLE and willing to work for reasonable rates. The thing is you CAN’T, cuz if you could showcase a TALENTED musician who has been rebuffed from every which establishment you would.

    • ERJ says:

      REALLY Weeks? You gotta come better than this! You took a quote by Pettingill when he spoke about homophobes and twisted it as the basis for this Op. Ed. It’s totally false and desperate mis-representation by you!

      • hmmm says:

        What Weeks has manipulated so far out of context, its abuse of the Bermuda population. He thinks we are gullible and stupid.

    • Justin says:

      Agreed, after all this I don’t think a person of his integrity should be allowed the privilege of being an MP in Bermuda.

    • Kenik says:

      Disappointing! A complete twisting of a quote. Mr. Weeks I expected better of you of all people.

      • Dude says:

        me too. I just met him for the first time last week. he used to work for my Dad and came over with a big smile to say hello. such a nice guy. who wrote this Bull Crap for you Michael?

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      Not one PLP MP spoke against those comments, plus others.

      Not one.

      Some folks have very short & extremely selective memorys

  2. Joonya says:

    This is truely sad. I have lost what remaining fraction of respect I had for you Weeks. Futhermore, lets not start reanalyzing political quotes from the past, trust me you do not want to open that can of worms!

  3. hmmm says:

    Huh? Been drinking Mr Weeks?

    • tators says:

      NOT NEARLY AS MUCH AS MARK PETTING-GATEJET

      • Tolerate says:

        So; are you, or are you NOT in agreement that he outright LIED!!!! Simple question. Deflecting with “MARK PETTING-GATEJET” aside; do you agree or disagree with the statement Mr. Weeks Opinion column is a lie?

        • Tolerate says:

          And NO, Mr. Weeks comments have NOT been taken out of context. So honestly; do you agree or disagree his Opinion Column is a lie???

      • e says:

        That was a hoot. Thanks for making my day.

  4. inna says:

    The PLP must be out of new moot points to rant on about.. July 2013?

  5. Sky Pilot says:

    LMAO! Pettingill was aiming that remark at the plp.

    • Regina says:

      I know, right? Why do the rest of us know who this comment was aimed at but they don’t? Get with the program former govt.

  6. Toodle-oo says:

    Mr Weeks ,

    You are being very disingenuous here. You have deliberately taken a remark out of context and twisted and woven it into your own agenda and perception in order to wind up your support base.

    The ‘If you don’t like it , you can leave ‘ remark was addressed to the (mostly) homophobic church lobby in relation to the amendments to the HR act concerning gay discrimination.

    Had that remark instead been made in the 60′s in relation to an amendment to racial discrimination laws aimed at a belligerent white group who would have been saying what back then ?

    It has nothing whatsoever to do with any other point you attempted to make or weave it into. Nothing !

    • mj says:

      he took it out of the context but it is still part of the content and suggests that certain people should “please” get up and leave.. how are those words twisted when that was what the oba responce above states verbatim?He is showing how the oba don’t care about certain people in many different ways and from a while ago not just recently… Mr. Weeks also offered solutions but of course that is being ignored.. what would some people do without politics? are there any free thinkers?

  7. hmmm says:

    This country has amazing opportunities for us. There are scholarships left right and centre, there are companies with internships, there is investment in Bermuda.

    We just have to take those opportunities through hard work , development and meeting the 21st Century need.

  8. Jeremy Deacon says:

    Context is always very important Mr Weeks and you have taken the remarks quite out of context; Here they are:

    “And so maybe now they will come home, what a wonderful thought, what wonderful thought. And I hope for every one that does we have one homophobe that leaves and goes somewhere else.

    “So all the ones that feel that strongly about this on some religious basis that are entirely homophobic, please get up and leave and go somewhere else.

    With the electronic library that all media outlets have, you now have to be very careful …..

    • Toodle-oo says:

      I rest my case.

    • Ian says:

      So in what context did Dr Brown say “we had to deceive you”? Lets see how many of the 54 that Liked your point here can be honest with themselves (and others) in their response.

      • Creamy says:

        Can you be honest about Weeks lying?

      • Creamy says:

        DREB mislead the electorate because prior to the election he and his cronies planned to overthrow Jennifer Smith. If they had been honest about it, they would have lost the election. So, they were dishonest. Nothin new there.

        • Ian says:

          Where’s Cannonier Creamy?? You know… the guy that actually won the election for the OBA. Not like it would have happened with Dunkley at the helm. Stop being a hypocrite and see your party for what they are; an exercise in manipulation and social alchemy serving former UBP loyalists, foreigners who want more control over the islands goings ons and the impressionable folks that are dumb enough to think the PLP caused the global credit crisis and scared away 6k expats…

          • Creamy says:

            Um, Brown deliberately decieved the electorate, knowing that the electorate wouldn’t vote for him otherwise. Even you should be able to understand the difference. It ain’t that hard.

            • Raymond Ray says:

              @ Creamy: “You can lead a horse to the water trough but you can’t make it drink…”
              There’s absolutely nothing wrong with anyone having a “dream job”, but they have to be realistic as well as practical at the same time.

            • Ian says:

              Funny you have the gall to make that comment considering the UBP/OBA’s deception was reduced to a study and report before being implemented…

          • e says:

            … foreigners who want more control over the islands goings ons…

            Pretty sure the other lot achieved this by leaving the island a few hundred million in debt to external creditors.

      • Build a Better Bermuda says:

        There was no other context, other than they did not want the electorate to know just how divided the the PLP was in the lead up to the election for fear of losing support. The was no other depth to his statement other than political selfishness.
        In contrast, Mr. Pettingill’s statement was that they were going to protect equal rights in this country and that if you didn’t like that, then you were welcome to leave

        • Ian says:

          And you somehow feel Pettingill’s comments, as a politician, were appropriate in an island that [like it or not] is largely represented by folks with religious backgrounds?

          • Creamy says:

            Yes. But in any case, Weeks lied about what Pettingil said. He LIED about it.

          • aceboy says:

            LOL

            All of a sudden you seem to care what is “appropriate”?

          • Cha says:

            Religious folks fostering hate crimes…Attending church and blindly following a “preacher” does not give you a moral “trump” card or make you a good person. Hate is hate and that is what the church is promulgating in the debate.

    • mj says:

      homophobic—–homo = man. phobic = fear of.. homophobic = fear of man

      • Ian says:

        I think the homo part is short of homosexual [not necessarily gender specific]… Seems strange one would be afraid of a gay person though as they tend to be quite pleasant.

      • Mike Hind says:

        Nope. Incorrect.

        Homo- as a prefix

        homo-
        Latin from Greek, from “homos” – same
        1.
        a combining form appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “same” ( homology); on this model, used in the formation of compound words ( homomorphic).

        And Homophone and homologous.

        And homosexual, meaning “Sexually attracted to the same gender as yourself.”

        Homophobic is a recent word, and comes from a shortening of “homosexual”

        So… yeah. Nice try, but you’re wrong.

  9. Creamy says:

    Taking a few isolated words out of context, and presenting them as something they weren’t. Disgusting.
    But it’s not the first time the PLP has lied to us, is it.

    This from Mr “we have 100 interested buyers for Grand Atlantic” Weeks.

  10. CJ says:

    Thank you for the clarification Mr Deacon. Mr Weeks should be ashamed – but I’m sure he’s not. PLP never has and probably never will take responsibility for their actions.

    After all, its so much easier to blame it all on 400 years of blah blah blah.

  11. Sandgrownan says:

    LOL…caught out lying again. You’d think they’d give up!

  12. Chaos Theory says:

    Ouch ! Mr Weeks, this one must hurt!

  13. Joonya says:

    SMFH.. And these are the people who ran our country for 14 years..
    This is so irresponsible. I think the media should hound Mr Weeks and demand a response on why he feels it necessary to twist Mr Pettingil’s comments, and the rationale behind it. You demand accountability, well take this opportunity to lead by example Weeks.

  14. Mutual Respect says:

    I, for one, am incredibly disappointed by the lack of maturity Michael has shownn this article. It does nothing to move Bermuda forward but only serves to continue to sow division amoungst us. There really does seem to be two Bermuda’s, one that wants a united Bermuda and one that wants to keep Bermuda divided to serve it’s own narrow political agenda. Very very disappointing Michael.

    • umjusayin says:

      Where the hell have you been @mutual respect; we are a country divided. Take your head out if the sand!

  15. Ty says:

    WOW – MP Michael Weeks. – I totally agree with Joonya above in losing every respect for you. That was the lowest of low attempts to “SWAY” the people of Bermuda. You should be ashamed and actually “APOLOGISE” to the people of Bermuda. Did you not think that Bernews would pull up and attach the actual link to which your comment refers too – or were you hoping that people would just read your opinion piece and agree with you. Have you also noted that NOT ONE of your supporters agrees with your sentiment – hence NO comments from the PLP side.

    Such a disservice and totally not impressed at all…..

    but hey…. The Happiest of New Year to you and your Family. Take these couple of days to reflect and regroup and refocus.

  16. Unbelievable says:

    Haha once again a PLP MP has twisted a story and has had to be corrected. It’s usually Derrick Burgess or Zane Desilva that gets caught out.

  17. PLP - REBRAND! says:

    How far the PLP have fallen. You guys need to regroup, think collectively about who you are and what you stand for and then come back to the table as an effective opposition.

    You will not win the next election based on these tactics. You will only win if you start reaching out to the educated swing voters in the middle who want a reason to vote for you. You need to update your economic policies and plans and get some smart fresh blood into your party who understand what educated Bermudians need.

    The Internet has taken away the power of politicians to simply use “politricks” to get votes. On fact opinion colums like this or Chris (BT) can be coutner productive. Splurting division and boundaries based on half truths taking things out of context alianates the swing voter.

    You already have your base voters – no matter what you say these votes are yours. You need to focus your attention elsewhere and not alienate the middle. I am for hire if you need me….just message here and I will be in touch.

    • Onion says:

      What good is it to rebrand when the individual politicians are willing to be totally dishonest?

      Weeks was supposed to be one of the good guys but what he did with this article is inexcusable.

    • Real talk (original) says:

      ^This.

  18. Terry says:

    The irony of all this is the fact that it takes weeks to respond.
    And weeks after chasing Monday through Friday to find that it is the WEEKEND.
    Shalom.

  19. cj says:

    How far the mighty PLP have fallen. They were able to fool people with their lies at one time but sadly (for them) those days are over.

    No longer can they blame everything on the passed 400 years, and cloud every issue with race card BS.

    In order for PLP to ever get back into power they will have to actually do something which proves they are a viable future governmnet.

    We all learned and suffered from their previous activities.

    The people who suffered the most were the very people they said they would help – poorer black folks. Remember this next time they come to your door with false promises.

    Weeks is nothing but a disgrace.

  20. Kangoocar says:

    OMG!!!! After taking a two week break from reading these blogs, the very FIRST article I read is this, and the plp are still telling lies???? Once again I have been proven wrong by the progressive LYING party, everytime I think they can’t get any lower, they prove me wrong!!!! This is shameful but expected from those liers!!!!
    I would love to hear the plp sheeple defend this nonsense!!!!

    • cj says:

      You won’t hear them defend it because they never ever take responsibility for anything they do wrong. It will be the usual wall of PLP silence. It boggles the mind why anyone would still support these compulsive liars.

      • umjusayin says:

        Seriously!! And the OBA have never lied to the electorate! They have always done what they promised and acted in the best interest of Bermudians. Once again the one-sided, sick thinking OBA cronies are at it again.Call a spade a spade please.

  21. chipp says:

    Both parties fighting for turf as they call it and the police get called in worst then the so called gangs and they supposed to be running the country what year is it and were are all the jobs must be blind or just can’t see all closed eyes not sleep pray bda

    • hmmm says:

      If you have been following the jobs board there have been tonnes of jobs.

  22. Rhonda says:

    Mr. Weeks using this quote in this context IMO is wrong…just like how OBA uses the sorry we mislead you quote from Dr. Brown….

    but even in context, to say if I don’t accept the life style of gays, one needs to get up a leave…. is not only wrong but irresponsible, to put it mildly, especially coming from the Attorney General at that time..

    • Kangoocar says:

      Rhonda, can you please explain how using the ” we had to deceive you ” quote, was taken out of context?? And please note, I corrected your ( we had to mislead you ) mistake??? Also while you are at it, please explain the ” we don’t care what you think ” quote, and the, we have ” nearly 100 interested buyers for Grand Atlantic ” quote from mp weeks??? I do realize that you yourself handle the truth very loosely at times, so your reply should be interesting????

      • Kangoocar says:

        Now that is hilarious??? Rhonda gets 22 likes, cj and myself get 11 and 19 dislikes in ten minutes??? Alaska hall must be passing around the special tea and brownies tonight???? You lot are pathetic??? HAHAHA!!!!!

        • Rhonda says:

          Kangoocar, the word used by Dr. Brown was mislead….not deceive…. talk about spinning things….

          • aceboy says:

            Rhonda. Do you know what a Thesaurus is? If so, check yours for the term mislead.

            Here is what online versions say:

            Mislead: Verb. Dishonest.

            Synonyms (ie THE SAME AS…my emphasis)

            Mislead, be dishonest.

            Other synonyms include:

            Bamboozle, Con,Hoax, Hoodwink, Sucker…etc etc etc.

            Let me use it in a sentence:

            Rhonda is deliberately trying to mislead readers into thinking that that to mislead someone is better than deceiving someone, when it is in fact the exact same thing.

            • Rhonda says:

              Lol when one is too blind, for it was Kangoocar, that made the distinction, nonetheless, I bet all the people using the quote for political gain. Never voted for a plp Leader in the first place, hence you were never midlead or deceived.

              • aceboy says:

                You can’t be honest at all can you?

                This is what you said:

                “Kangoocar, the word used by Dr. Brown was mislead….not deceive…. talk about spinning things….”

                You are saying that the word deceive is incorrect and a “spin” and that the word he ACTUALLY used was mislead.

                But they mean the same thing.

                Dr. Brown said it, you admit that much and yet now are stating that he did not actually mislead or deceive?? Really? Even though he said it himself?

                You are a classic PLP supporter. Just like the MPs you cannot keep your own spin in the comments straight, just as they can’t keep it straight in the article.

                Well done.

          • Barracuda says:

            How is that any better?

          • Raymond Ray says:

            @ Rhonda: The only difference between, “mislead and deceive” is the damn spelling :-(

          • Rhonnie aka BlueFamiliar says:

            synonym: a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase

    • Mike Hind says:

      It’s not about not “accept(ing) the life style of gays”, it’s about discriminating against them.
      It’s about promoting discrimination against them.
      It’s about denying rights to members of our community, based on a personal choice of beliefs.

      You’re misrepresenting the situation.

      You can believe and accept whatever you want. But the INSTANT you try to demand that other people obey the laws of your faith, you’re in the wrong.
      Denying rights is exactly that.

    • Creamy says:

      Nothing wrong with using the Brown quote. He said it because he mislead the electorate deliberately.

    • sandgrownan says:

      Disgusting Rhonda. Being “gay” is not a lifestyle choice.

      You are a bigot and disgusting. Leave now. You are on the wrong side of history and morality.

  23. Sickofantz says:

    Shame on you Mr Weeks

  24. Dylan says:

    not sure how these guys get around and canvass , they continually shoot themselves in the foot …..no no now i get it the PLP really don’t want to win the next election and what better way then to prove how inept they really are. Like a sports team they need to rebuild with young bright energetic men and women and actually try to think about how we can make Bermuda a better place. PS without giving everything away for free.

  25. Dwarren says:

    This was disappointing to read. Served no purpose.

  26. Double Standards says:

    I really enjoyed the news over the short Xmas period when divisive political articles and opinions were not being published.

    It was lovely, but as they say all good things do come to an end.

    Happy new year all!

  27. Pot Roast says:

    I notice the first few comments got an unusual amount of dislikes. It’s easy enough to clear your cookies and keep refreshing the page to make fake dislikes. And then the further I scroll down that person gave up.

    • Kangoocar says:

      @pot roast, there is nothing unusual about the dislikes, they come from Alaska Hall, and it is very much orchestrated by the plp!!! The moment ” Ian ” posts, you can confirm that to be factual!!! Trust me when I tell you, they are all sitting around Alaska hall, indulging in tea and brownies!!!! Sad bunch they are?????

  28. RJ says:

    I must say, I am surprised at MP Weeks. I have always seen him to be one of the most well-intentioned, reasonable PLP MPs. Yet this article is jarring, as it is unlike him to deliberately twist out of context someone’s words. I suspect Mr. Weeks did not write the above column; only do-signed it.

    • It's about time! says:

      I would tend to agree…I think he was “hung out to dry” on this one…even more pathetic!

  29. Onion says:

    The PLP put the Bermuda government in such bad financial shape that they undermined the pension of every Civil Servant and put the salaries at risk as well. Before the election the PLP promised to keep spending money until they coffers ran dry and paycheques bounced.

    If he wants to attack someone for hurting the Civil Service then he needs to start by doing it in front of a mirror.

  30. High road says:

    Shame. I thOught mp Weeks was one of the good guys from the plp ranks.

  31. campervan says:

    Well Mr. Weeks, that was just plain weak.

    What kind of fools do you take us for?

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      It is going to be interesting to see Weeks & Co try to explain themselves out of this one. Can’t use the well worn excuse of blame the media this time for misquoting them.

      They gave it to the media. Another case of opening mouth before engaging brain.

  32. Stephen Thomson says:

    I call on the OBA to “stay the course” and continue to focus on lifting Bermuda up, create jobs and welcome back all those foreign workers and expats that the PLP literally kicked out of Bermuda. We respect them, need them and want them to return. Bermuda was built on the backs of foreigners and I for one thank them all for their contribution and publicly apologize for our previous government and their actions.
    I call on the PLP to finally stand up and apologize for their actions that have critically wounded our island. Specifically, “term limits” were the nail in Bermuda’s coffin. What a horrendous, narrow minded policy. Please “man up” and apologize to all of us. We deserve it.

    • mj says:

      @ steve–shouldn’t ubp/oba apologise for not dealing with it before it got out of hand, the prcs should thank plp for firstly recognizing their prediccament ( not that i agreed with it at all) and ensuring that they were given a certain security.. The ubp ignored them and now oba/ubp allowing them in the back door of a plp policy, not something they came up with when given the opportunity , they never solved any issues with prcs before..

  33. C Powell says:

    The divisiveness and rhetoric in 2015 from those seeking to simply regain power will be much of the same desperate blind attacks with little true meaning or concern for the damage that is created within our society as a whole. Thankfully Bermudians from all walks of life are not allowing a one sided conversation any longer due to depths that this same group of individuals placed the island in today! Expose divisiveness and rhetoric when you see it for what it is and more people will begin to realize who is truly working in the best interests of the island and all of its people.

  34. Northshore says:

    This is so the PLP`s way of vote baiting! Stuck on stupid and stuck in the past !! Guess they got to you Weeks, cause that ain`t you talking.

  35. cj says:

    Stephen Thompson: You are 100% correct on all levels. However, you will never get an apology from the PLP. They are simply too politically immature to take responsibility for any of their actions. They quite simply need to grow up. Perhaps a few more decades as opposition is just what they need.

    We certainly don’t need a bunch of juveniles running our country – and that is clearly what they are. Completely ignorant, with a total lack of responsibility.

  36. Raymond Ray says:

    @ Stephen Thomson: Don’t hold your breath mate :-(

  37. Never to vote PLP again says:

    PLP…..you were the party against Bermudians and did more than any other political party to disadvantage and hurt ALL Bermudians! Please just stop it with the twisted stories. I’ll never vote for such a divisive and arrogant party again.

  38. Ya got me Rollin says:

    I get it now…. Thanks To all you OBites. A lie is only a lie if it spews from the mouth of a PLP minister/candidate. Here I was thinking that this OBA govt. has not kept some of the promises they uttered prior to that December 17 disaster. Well thanks for clearing that all up for me you OBites. I can now enter 2015 knowing who really keeps promises.

    • cj says:

      Rollin: You are trying to defend the indefensible. Weeks lied pure and simple. But then he is from the PLP. What do you expect from a bunch of chronic liars?

      Anyone who cannot see this, is quite simply too stupid to be allowed to vote.

  39. John E. Thorne says:

    I wish some of our MP’s would “Please get up and leave and go somewhere else.”

  40. X man says:

    I travel end to end everyday because of my Job.- this allows me to get around all walks of life in Bermuda and hear a variety
    of political opinions.
    I must say that there is a belief and bad feeling among Born Black Bermudians that the OBA is developing a system
    to try to push out as many Black Bermudians as possible. – if this feeling starts to grow to the point were its a houshold word
    among Black Bermudians then you can rest assure that the OBA will be a one term Political Party.
    If the OBA is to be trusted by 70% of Common Bermudians then it truly need to explain to the common man there position and whats
    in store for common Bermudians.– because the feeling is that only the Wealthy will taken care off.

    • cj says:

      If OBA is indeed a one term Government, and the people you speak of ignorantly vote the PLP back in, then they will get exactly what they deserve. That will be a desperately poor and desperately bankrupt Bermuda. You will have nothing, and you will all turn to fishing cos that’s the only way you will get dinner.

      It will be 3rd world all the way. Everyone starving apart from those who ate from the trough from 1998 – 2012. Enjoy.

      • Varied says:

        Why would you say, “they”, cj? Are we not all in this together?

        • Rhonnie aka BlueFamiliar says:

          “They” will get what they deserve.
          The rest of us will suffer the consequences of their folly.
          Unless, as many Bermudians I know do, people have an exit strategy.

        • cj says:

          Varied: You are correct that we are all in this together. “They” – meaning those who vote for PLP will get what they deserve. The rest of us (I guess that would be “we” will also get what “They” deserve. A very sad situation.

          Success in politics often relies on the lesser intelligent voter. This is true of many countries – not just Bermuda.

          This is not meant to be an insult – it is merely a fact. Pick your country. US? UK? Anywhere you like.

  41. Alvin Williams says:

    Built on the backs of foreigners ? what nonsense; what a great falsehood; Bermuda in fact has given the foreigner great opportunities; so much so that they now have a government to represent their interests; the anti-Bermudian OBA government. Such sentiments as to suggest that Bermuda was built on the backs of foreigners would not dare be an express opinion in America or Canada or in Britain for that matter; no matter how many immigrants flood the country. One thing is for sure as this year comes to an end; the herd mentality of OBA political supporters will continue their head long rush over the cliff to political obscurity well into the up coming new year.

    • cj says:

      Ignorance is bliss, and you should know A. W.

    • It's about time! says:

      You sir….are moronic! Check your lineage…you and your family are also foreigners to this soil. By your sentiments alone you are more anti Bermudian than most anyone you speak of. You are a traitor to your country and should be treated as such. You bring disgrace to each and every Bermudian with your despicable vitriol.

      You cannot stand the FACT that the OBA is supported by an overwhelming amount of individuals that are intelligent enough to make decisions based on the FACTS and not trumped up emotions based on lies and innuendo.

      There is no “herd” of OBA supporters….but rather a NATION…that grows each and every day!! You can “piss and moan” about it all you want but it will not change the fact that you, and your kind, are a dying breed…and with that, good riddance to bad rubbish…

    • Strike fund says:

      You’re very right wing when it comes to immigration.

      That’s not very Progressive is it?

  42. jt says:

    Desperation mode.

  43. cj says:

    What is perhaps the most pathetic of all, is how people like Ian & Rhonda are actually attempting to defend Weeks. Like there is any defense at all. As I said above, complete ignorance.

  44. cj says:

    Let’s face it. Out of ideas, out of credibility, out of competency.

    PLP is completely finished.

  45. fedup says:

    Funny, a party that calls itself ‘progressive’, yet actively fights against equality.
    Should change your name

  46. cj says:

    It is truly a shame that there are still people in Bermuda who support the PLP. People who have gone through the 14 years of PLP’s incredibly destructive, irresponsible, incompetent regime, yet they still can’t see it.

    And these people are actually allowed to vote!

  47. aceboy says:

    The PLP are still “playing” from the 1998 playbook. “Make a lot of noise, do not be concerned with accuracy and never admit anything. The best defense is a good offense”

    The thought was that nobody would dare speak up because the accusation of racism would be shot back in an instant.

    Well, guess what? Nobody is afraid to call you on your BS any longer.

  48. Sara says:

    The PLP are incredibly desperate. Its not looking good for them.