Podcast: Crockwell On Resignation, Politics, More
Former Tourism and Transport Minister Shawn Crockwell approached some members of the PLP about forming a coalition government after he quit the OBA Cabinet, Bernews can reveal.
In the latest Bernews podcast – an in-depth interview spanning over 45 minutes — Mr Crockwell said it had been wrong to suggest he was considering crossing the floor of the House of Assembly to join the PLP.
However, in the interview he adds: “I do have quite a few friends on the other side [of the House] and I have met with a few of them and we have had conversations about the best way forward for Bermuda.
“I believe we have too much political divisiveness based on the fact that we have two political parties and the history of those parties.
“I would like to see a solution and I think the solution could be a form of coalition government,” he said, adding that there “were discussions” but it was not “deemed feasible at this time.”
On the Government, he said “certain views were not embraced” adding: “Too often we did not really listen to the concerns or we do not validate the concerns by members of the community.
“We have examined an issue and we have decided the position that we should go in and the direction and we base that on our analysis and our intellectual understanding. But we have to park that sometimes and validate and listen to the concerns.
48-minute podcast with MP Shawn Crockwell:
“On many occasions I felt these issues were very sensitive as they relate to the black community, we should have paused and tried to embrace it.
“It is not always about the decision. I am not undermining the decision. In most of those cases when you listen to the Minister articulate the reasons why I supported going forward.
“But quite often I would provide consultation that we should try and validate some of the concerns in the black community.
“If we had done that, we may not have found ourselves in the positions we were in.”
Bernews’ podcasts aim to provide an in-depth look at current affairs, and the text extracts above represent only a small portion of the full interviews.
You can also download the episode in MP3 format here, view past podcasts here, subscribe via iTunes, or download the Bernews app and enjoy advance listening, with each episode available for download directly to your phone or tablet earlier than it is released on our main site.
Go home Crockwell. These friends of yours have imported a non Bermudian on a work permit to distrupt and cause untold damage to the reputation of this island, particularly in relation to Tourism. The whole Preserve Marriage Group, which is simply another PLP offshoot will do irreperable damage to that industry. Are they your friends too? The ones you want to form a coalition with? Jebus, I need a smoothie.
How is PLP pary of Preserve Marriage..
They almost all voted to explicitly ban gay marriage.
So that means the PLP is preserve marriage?
Yes
Another great Podcast Jeremy Deacon………
Thank you very much!
If you know something, you should say something
Let’s remember now the OBA has the votes to pass the law, but they prefer to hide behind a 300k referendum. June 23 will be a waste of time. The OBA will not pass the same sex marriage law and risk losing the next election especially when it’s to close to call.
They don’t have the votes, and the PLP will oppose it.
TO ACEBOY:
Shawn Crockwell is part of Bermuda’s democracy. Scores of people are THRILLED that he made up his own mind and did just what he thought was best for himself and people.
GOOD FOR YOU, Shawn Crockwell.
Democracy my @$$,and hundreds of people STILL on de Stop List for a spliff.
TO ONION JUICE:
Too bad you feel that way.
Whether it is democracy your @ss, or WHATEVER, he has rights and he is utilizing them.
Hats off to you, Crockwell!!
Forget the @ss!!!!!!
Diplomatic Immunity give @$$e$ safe passage, while de average Joe blow has to suffer.
Democracy huh? A small group of people clamouring for Bi Partisan Immigration reform shut down our democratically elected government. They flocked to the Hill in support of a faked hunger strike. The PLP supported this and then made ridiculous unworkable demands about Immigration reform showing clearly that a Bi Partisan approach was not possible. It was mob rule, not democracy.
Yet somehow Mr. Crockwell’s friends have convinced him that a coalition governemnt would work? Please.
I have no doubt that Mr. Crockwell did was is best for HIM. None at all.
TO ACEBOY: You are incorrect. The protest on the hill WAS NOT to support Ms. Matthie’s hunger strike. Got it wrong there, Pal!!LOL.
You want to play word games? The PLP and their extension The People’s Campaign decided Civil Unrest was to be undertaken. PLP MPs called for it. It was not a democratic protest, it was mob rule shutting down a democratically elected government. Full stop.
…and if you were honest for one second about this you would admit Ms. Matthie’s hunger strike was completely bogus. There WAS no hunger strike.
I believe you Shawn, “knows what side of of the bread his butter is on…Only fools rush in where wise men fear to tread”
Mr. Crockwell the former Bermuda Democratic Alliance (BDA) should never have allowed the UBP to merge. The BDA group was a mixture of black and white Bermudians. The UBP saw this as an opportunity to trick, merge, concord and divide. The UBP knew that no black Bermudian was ever going to vote UBP again. They swept through the former BDA party like cancer and tried to trick everyone to believe that Mr. Craig Cannonier was the leader of the OBA. So what did they do is have every UBP voter flip flop over the OBA in 1 night and say we have changed.
The trick worked because the 2012 election saw the OBA win 19 seats to the PLP 17 seats. Now the Premier is placed a majority black cabinet in the front of a 95% majority white party what are the odds on those tricks.
Wait till next election UBP OBA, you will see the full force of the populist of my people. No more tricks.
TRICK = a cunning or skillful act or scheme intended to deceive or outwit someone
The old Black/White argument. Shocking that would come up on a bernews comment section! Even if what you say is true- are you saying that the opposition haven’t done there fair share of tricking the public? Really? Its all politricks! The worst part is that the tricks are played on the very people who support them. But its ok if they look and talk like you do though right? Than its somehow different
It goes both ways!
It is old and tiring.
No matter we are all Bermudian and only want the best for our island and its future generations no matter one’s skin color.
But I do notice though how a white supported Party is a bad thing but a 100% black party is the right thing in some people’s eyes.
But go ahead and put the PLP back into power. They will have to work with the same mess that they created and the OBA had had to contend with since they came to power. Basic math doesn’t discriminate nor will it change its mind due to a new government.
“But I do notice though how a white supported Party is a bad thing but a 100% black party is the right thing in some people’s eyes.”
Of course, the reverse is also the case for some people. As you said, it’s old and tiring.
As far as I know there is no ’100% white party’.
There is one almost 100% black party, and one party that seems roughly representative of the racial make-up of the island.
Perhaps the 100% black party would be more successful if it broadened its appeal.
“Liar liar” your pants are indeed on fire:
a) unlike white Bermudians generally black Bermudians have been far more diverse in their political choices over the last half century. On average 20% of those black Bermudians who do vote, vote for white dominated party which over the last few decades has not even governed for the most part in their interests.
The problem in Bermuda is that we never see whites swing politically at all election after election. Talk about lemmings!
b) The PLP is black by default only because (see (a) whites in Bermuda never willingly participate in black dominated organizations where they will constitute a minority.
Hell, every election they go to great lengths to turn that demographic minority into a de facto majority thus the UBP and now the OBA.
The BDA could have avoided its predictable fate if only they would have acknowledged (A & B).
It’s up to a political party to appeal to voters.
The OBA appeals to a more varied voter base than the PLP (at least it did in 2012).
If the PLP wants to win in 2017, it will either need to change its approach to appeal to the entire community or hope that it can win back enough swing voters from it’s core demographic.
Ok you’ve explained the last election relating to why white ppl don’t vote PLP. Now explain the rest of the last half century away. …. I’ll be waiting
Segregation, oppression, income inequality, education inequality..
It’s for the same reason that black people in the USA don’t very often join the kkk.
“If the PLP wants to win in 2017, it will either need to change its approach to appeal to the entire community or hope that it can win back enough swing voters from it’s core demographic”
… or count on enough people being disillusioned with the OBA (mainly: swing voters) to either switch their votes as protest, or abstain from voting next election.
That would be because historically both parties have been welcomed black Bermudians.
The other party, much like the US Republicans, makes it known their utter disdain for people that a) don’t look like them and/or b) don’t think like them.
I have heard the same argument may times over. But the one thing you left out is the nasty, divisive and derogatory comments made by the PLP against certain segments of Bermuda’s demographics.
So can I ask, why would any white person flock to the people given the hatred retained by its elected members and their supporters, who both openly express their racial prejudice?
So black people enjoy the ability to be more of a swing vote as both parties clamor for their support due to sheer numbers. But on the other hand one party dismisses the white vote because as one of their former Senators so eloquently put it no too long ago ‘we don’t need your vote to win/retain power.’
This dynamic isn’t unique to Bermuda. Minorities in the US generally vote in-bloc for the Democrats because the other option is just full of hate, vitriol and disdain for them.
Ignore the obvious all you want. But it is the truth.
Sure “Liar Liar” sure!!!!!!!! White males are the new victims of bad black people. I get it.
You know what that is called: White privilege and it is alive and well in Bermuda along with their racism.
And no more so than in the political domain where a party that derives approx. 80% of its vote from whites who despise the black majority just as their forefathers did are represented in the House of Assembly by black members who comprise about 80% of the OBA’s representatives.
I wonder why? It must be because unlike the majority of black Bermudians whites are enlightened and not filled with racial hate.
As evidence they even allow the right type of black people to represent them as MP’s!
Not really bothered by your dismissal of my opinion. But I can tell you it is the truth for many.
If you think it is a white privilege to be hated due to skin color such as people by yourself and your political party then you are mistaken. I can tell you unequivocally that I have been subject to both verbal and physical racism on this island. But I know you don’t care so I won’t bother going into details.
I guess black privilege is the ability to spew the most hateful, stereotyping and prejudiced comments without fear of being labelled a racist.
Either way I don’t care if you don’t care. I just wanted to put the lack of white support for the PLP in perspective. And that is solely down to how the PLP speaks about and views white voters, which is with utter disdain.
If your Party was just a little more tolerant and accepting then maybe they would get more of the minority vote. But they don’t and so they most likely won’t. Who in their right mind would support an organisation that emphatically states that they aren’t a priority and speaks of them as the enemy. Your post highlights that disgusting mindset and approach.
Typical white paternalism from “Liar Liar”.
Always with the denial and false moral equivalency.
The politics of white grievance lives on Bermuda as it does in the US. Its just that our whites like “Liar Liar” present theirs with a whiff of Bermudian style politeness.
I guess you’re unaware that whites currently constitute a majority of the US electorate. Whites constitute a minority of the Bermudian electorate. You view everything as race; the real issue is majority vs. minority. But there’s no convincing you of that; your mind is long since made up.
Reading what you write will give you an idea why whites will not join the PLP. You show precisely why. You demonstrate your distain for whites quite clearly. Why would I want to support a party that is full of people with your attitude?
It is IMPOSSIBLE for a white Bermudian to feel in any way welcome in the party that had as it’s Great Leader e-wart brown, the most cynical race bater that this island has had to suffer through in recent history.
That’s because NO GROUP has ever collectively stood up for black people EXCEPT BLACK PEOPLE THEMSELVES! hell no to a coalition, this government doesn’t give a hoot about you unless you are rich !
TO MERCY:
Yup!! That issue will ALWAYS come up.When, Mercy, share their opinions, if it involves the old RACE issue……GOOD.
It is here to stay. No matter who address it, it remains.
So become more of a realist and pitch your pessimism.!!
Wow you’re going to hurt the oba feelings with this true blog! Dam that hurts…and I don’t even vote for the clowns.
Lmfao racist much?
You can’t wash it off Crockwell. I hope the filth goes to the bone. There will always be people like you that’s why this island is so polarized. Nevertheless it is a real toss-up for the voter – bankruptcy under the PLP or economic division under the OBA – two really bad choices. Mike said he wants to help the Black Community – still waiting.
The only thing that Mike’s did for the black community is sell chocolate milk.
My feelings exactly regarding the immigration fiasco I think it could have and should have been handled better for sure. It gave the plp and their various branches an opportunity to make noise which is what they do best and seem to enjoy. Fahy did not need a crystal ball to foresee that coming what was he thinking?
Anyway Mr. Crockwell stay aboard you know that we cannot afford another plp government.
All this BS is tiresome….fix the economy, zero employment, etc.
Shawn, you were a very good ambassador for Bermuda and did an excellent job in the Tourism Ministry however, I’m disappointed that you even entertain the idea that that trumped up excuse for a demonstration on the hill was legitimate.
Those people did not represent the black community anymore than they represented Bermudians as a whole. They were a special interest group called the BIU / Peoples Campaign and to give them any kind of validity is a dangerous move to make. They currently have the power to bring a Government down and they flexed that power when they stood, arm in arm, around the House of Assembly looking for a riot. All the Ministers on either side knew this and backed down.
This, if anything, should unite Ministers on both side of the House to a common goal, ensuring that democracy is protected. Perhaps your intellect and concern for the black community should be focused on protecting those rights first.
All Shawn did was outsource his responsibilities to the BTA and the Gaming Commission and in both cases they have failed to get the job done!
Shawn should refund us the money we paid him and he should be required to take his BTA and GC cronies with him!
What a waste of 3 years and no increase in Tourism and no careers / jobs from gaming!
I was speaking to a friend who made the observation that while Shawn was in the OBA fold, he could barely do any wrong. Now he has left and has spoken publicly he is subject to quite viscious attacks. From what I have seen and heard today, I agree with that observation, especially given the fact that he actually defends the policies. #uglypolitics
Where do you see attacks on Crockwell in this thread?
Are we reading the same page?
Call it what it is Jeremy. White Bermudian style racism. As he no longer is serving their interests he now reverts back to the black Bermudian category; rather than the honourary white guy category which was the designation he held before resigning.
Jeremy you have been here long enough to know how it works by now.
Where are all these vicious attacks?
Thank you Mr. Deacon, Mr. Crockwell and Bernews. This is just getting started. Make no mistake that Mr. Crockwell is pro-Black. Crockwell is pro-Crockwell as he ought. Let’s see if any PLP MP’s take the bait and join with him. It will be very refreshing and very politically astute if he were to pull something off. There is no better time than now with a 19-17 balance in the House. Crockwell is head-n-shoulders above the current leadership.
Nothing intelligent in what you just said. If you openly criticize anything/anyone, you will get the same!
You people actual ready what they write here?
Meaningless observation!
Smiths
Except, I obviously forgot to read what I just wrote!
I wish he had not stepped down, but I admire his courage in doing so.
He also acknowledges that the decisions made were not wrong, they were just feared by the black community. The Opposition keeps drumming up fear constantly with wild unsubstantiated allegations and it seems that will disable the Government from doing the right thing for Bermuda. So have as much consultation as you want, but as long as fear reigns nothing will be done and that is not a victory for anyone.
The story is about Shawn Crockwell , and we have only a handful of comments on it. Most of the other comments are on none related issues. We are really mess up as a people. Neither political party has yet to put the people first. AND THE PEOPLE DON’T CARE. The country is in need of Leadership . Will it come from Michael, Marc, Dale, or Tarry. Bermuda does not care, we are still calling out for Paula . Best wishes Shawn.
Its people like you and Shawn is why we’re messed up as a people.
TO RODNEY SMITH:
Perhaps YOU can toss your name and hat into the vicious political ring. Good Luck, Roddy!!
NO THANKS.
I said “From what I have seen and heard today”
But here are three from this thread:
You can’t wash it off Crockwell. I hope the filth goes to the bone.
Shawn should refund us the money we paid him and he should be required to take his BTA and GC cronies with him!
Go home Crockwell. These friends of yours have imported a non Bermudian on a work permit to distrupt and cause untold damage to the reputation of this island, particularly in relation to Tourism.
Plus the ones I ha
Those aren’t from OBA supporters/posters.
Those are from the usual negative naysayers who have nothing positive to say about any OBA person and/or initiative.
So they never thought that he ‘could do no wrong.’ Actually quite the opposite.
Now go back and see the vitriol aimed at Terry Lister by the leader of the PLP and their supporters when he resigned. That is a good example of what you are trying to insinuate.
I for one am sad to see Crockwell go as he has been probably one of the most effective Tourism Ministers of recent times.
I agree. The first two, for sure, are PLP supporters. Criticising Crockwell is nothing new for them. They were merciless when he was tourism minister.
JD is looking for something that isn’t there.
Guys – I said “seen and heard”
What about the other guy, pretty sure they support OBA
How have we as a country done, under different governments, over the last twenty to thirty years. Has a person bent on having his way as a politician ruined the quality of life for future generations of Bermudians in respect of the Pathways to Bermuda status legislation? Could not all those seasoned parliamentarians have seen this on the horizon?
Leopard
Spots
Shalom.
I dont think crockwell shares much commom ground/opinion/policy with the PLP. I like him. In fact judging by some of his opinions,he can be of more valuable to Bermudians by remaining within and having influence on the OBA. I guess he could improve the PLP as well if he was given a voice. I wonder which party would give him more of a voice? interestingly enough,I dont think the answer is that obvious.
So sad to think that local politicians cannot represent all races. Why does Mr Crockwell keep having to refer to the black voters. Didn’t white voters vote for him too? Just sayin!
See my comment ^
White voters only voted for him because he was ubp or oba
They still voted for him, does that make their vote have any less rights than a non white voter? Your argument doesn’t even begin to make sense….think about it.
I think its the hidden meaning.
If you get a chance,listen to the podcast and forget about this article and judge it all for yourself. Very interesting and some good food for thought
I have already said watch out for the Turn Coats an old saying. He getting himself ready to jump the rope thinking they are going to be the next party to run this country God help us. It’s so sad that they meaning the PLP are trying to divide the country. Brown was very good at doing that especially coming up to an election. Can some one tell me WHAT did the PLP do for there Black community. Giving things free is what has put your people out of work, casing the company out of this island has put them out of work. So what Crockwell is say is that the white community does not matter. If it is always going to be about BLACK AND WHITE with PLP we will never go anywhere. Believe it or not there is a lot of white people out of work. God be with us trying to get this country back on it feet. There is a lot of people out there that just don’t care and live off the country for free. There mind set has to change to make them into better people. That’s what happens when you give them everything for FREE.
Country is already divided. Its just not apparent to you yet.
I just listened to the interview. Intelligent, articulate and honest. Well done Jeremy. Obviously most of those who have responded did not listen to the interview at all. We say how beautiful Bermuda is and how friendly the people are but sometimes I have to wonder! The reality is that Bermuda is not out of the economic woods yet and the next election may very well decide the future of this small and very delicate island. I would want to see the elected officials work together rather than fight all the time to guide us to safety.