BTUC Calls On Premier To Withdraw The Bill

December 7, 2016

Saying that “history will record Friday, 2nd December, 2016, as a dark day in Bermuda,” the Bermuda Trade Union Congress [BTUC] called on the Premier “to withdraw the bill that has caused so much angst to the people of Bermuda.”

BTUC Meeting Dec 07 TC

In a statement, which was sent to the Governor and the Premier, the BTUC, which consists of multiple unions, said, “At a meeting of the Bermuda Trade Union Congress [BTUC] held Monday, 5th December, 2016, representatives expressed their utter dismay at the events on Friday, 2nd December, 2016, while young and old Bermudians were exercising their constitutional right and were savagely and barbarically assaulted by Bermuda Police Service officers using pepper spray.

“Section 10 of the Bermuda Constitution Order 1968 states as follows:

Protection of freedom of assembly and association - ”Except with his consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of peaceful assembly and association, that is to say, his right to assemble freely and associate with other persons and in particular to form or belong to political parties or to form or belong to trade unions or other associations for the protection of his interest.”

“The Police Service is supposed to ‘protect and serve’. On Friday, we witnessed a ‘para-military’ group bent on destruction, descend upon peaceful protestors. These officers proceeded to violently attack the people and many are still complaining of injuries as a result,” the BTUC said.

“Over the past few years we have seen these types of violent attacks on our television screens, in particular in the United States of America where innocent people have been assaulted and attacked by police officers, we did not expect to see this type of behavior by Police Officers in Bermuda.

“The BTUC believes that someone needs to be held accountable for what occurred in the City of Hamilton on Friday, 2nd December, 2016.

“The Bermuda Trade Union Congress is demanding that the Governor or the Premier immediately issue an independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate what transpired on Friday, 2nd December, 2016.

“All Police Officers who were responsible for pepper spraying the people who were involved in the peaceful protest should be put on suspension pending the outcome of the independent Commission of Inquiry.

“In addition to the above, the BTUC is calling on Premier Dunkley to withdraw the bill that has caused so much angst to the people of Bermuda.

“History will record Friday, 2nd December, 2016, as a dark day in Bermuda. The BTUC trusts that those leaders who were responsible for those atrocities would be held accountable.”

click here Bermuda protest on Dec 2nd

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Comments (122)

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  1. Know it All says:

    No. How about the BTUC announce they will allow free access to the people’s property for the democraticly elected officials. That’s a first step.

    • A sensible way to go and he should act upon it immediately and make that announcement before Friday to avoid such another, and greater disaster.

      • Onion Juice says:

        These politrickens made a F!@#ed deal without putting it out to tender, no RISK for de developers (whom get paid regardless if they continue or not and have a option to sell), MILLIONS of $$$$$ lose in revenue, withholding important contractoral infforation from their collegues (whom you want to vote on) and de public and de people cant object.
        F!@#ing Buĺl S!@#

        • Build a Better Bermuda says:

          The airport needs to get replaced, so we will be loosing those revenues anyway, and they will be going to an overseas company no matter what. Another AECON or a foriegn creditor that we will need to borrow to pay this off, ultimately the money is gone out of here. But with your beloved PLP’s plan, we would ultimately be spending more money to bandaid a dead facility, while bidding time to be able to afford it our selves (that act alone will only prolong that period until we can) and then they would still spend as much if not more to then build a new airport. In the end, the PLP would cost taxpayers (and by extension our education system, healthcare, senior, social programs…) more than double what we ultimately are paying CCC/AECON. The PLP’s plan would actually cost us more than the ‘MILLIONS of $$$$$ lose in revenue’ than this deal.

          Oh, and as the contract points out, we will actually be owning the airport, AECON will have the commercial lease to operate it, and only it. The Airport Authority will be overseeing their operation to ensure they are in compliance with the contract, overseaing the airspace and everything outside of the immediate terminal operations. All financials will be reviewed by the Authority to ensure AECON aren’t trying to stiff us and upon completion of the lease hold, AECON must present us with a fully functional and up to standard airport, and they cannot sell their holdings without approval and oversight from the Authority.

          • Wayne Wonders says:

            So why was this such a secretive deal?

            This is another perfect example of the OBA kettle calling the PLP pot black (and for you nonsense spinners this is NOT a racial comment)where they have again duped the voting public by failing to be transparent.

            It is CLEARLY evident that the key and integral steps are NOT present in this airport case and these gaps make it very difficult to actually assess that the most economically advantageous strategy was selected. this is VERY significant in proving OBA has not considered the optimal solution for Bermuda prior to engaging the potential developers to build the new airport.

            There is also NO hard evidence that a sole source Public Private Partnership would offer more value for money than if it would have been a competitive, open and TRANSPARENT procurement strategy. As clearly stated, the is a definite gap in the OBA evidence to support their claims of us needing to go the route of this preposterous pile of rubbish they are continuously feeding and spinning to us!!….and yes, there is evidence to suggest that a fairly competitive PPP procurement process would have been more viable.

            Now hear this Mr. and Mrs. Public and in particular you OBA and Bob Richards hoodwinked believers, MANY of the KEY studies and models for this sole sourced and “something smells like a rat” gift to Aecon were developed BY AECON rather than the Bermuda Government who is none other than the “can’t keep a promise and be trusted” OBA, yes…spearheaded by Mr. Own Personal Agenda Richards.

            What is also VERY VERY concerning is Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC)affordability components fail to express the essential features of ALL associated costs to be borne by the TAXPAYERS during and after this project and also what is the contingency plan should this non-transparent shenanigan fall through.

            To really expose the blatant lies by the Minister Richards, despite the REPEATED comments regarding the lack of investor interest to justify GIVING away Bermuda to these Canadian sponges, there is clear evidence from various sources there was private sector interest and bankability for airport redevelopment projects and the Bermuda airport was considered for a PPP and private financing opportunities.

            Tell us OBA, what happens of air arrivals do NOT….I repeat, do NOT increase?…yes, we all know…once again BOB will increase the passenger tax to drive even more visitor arrivals to another destination!. Also to ask is will there be a cap to be placed on the amount of PROFIT Aecon can make on this shady deal?

            It needs to be CLEARLY outlined that ANY increase in the profit margin generated beyond the 1.6% per annum should be funneled through the Government purse to the Bermuda taxpayer.

            The sickening and treachery of this deal is Minister Richards’ insistent lack of transparency in revealing the ACTUAL dollar value of the penalties as well as any other penalties linked to this “stinks like a rat deal” if Bermuda withdrew from this arrangement

            Once again to all of you hoodwinked OBA’ers, Bob Richards lied by telling us all that there will not be any costs to the Government for this airport project when it is clearly outlined that there is a (% funding gap covered by the Bermuda Government taxpayers!!…whooo boy you are busted again Bob!

            Want some more compelling information?….this Richards reports (which I now refer to as the Bermuda Propaganda Report or BPR)does NOT in any way inform the Bermuda taxpayer how CCC selected Aecon, how their process follows best practices OR how competitive tension in the supply chain between Aecon and its competed contractors would benefit the Government of Bermuda.

            Ok OK…now here is the exciting part!…..Bob Richards’s justification for this “stinks like a rat deal” was that it was cheaper and faster than the traditional (ummm…mandated?)tendering practices that the OBA and company have been continuously blaming the PLP for not doing.

            BUT, the British Government issued a letter of entrustment requiring that the UK Government and the Bermuda Government MUST agree on what measures are required to address the deficiencies that are CLEARLY identified in the Deloitte assessment reports

            Here I write in bold letters now (this is mainly for the blind OBA supporters) this directive from the UK Government.

            THE GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA MUST PUBLISH A WRITTEN AND EVIDENCE BASED ASSURANCE THAT THE REQUIRED MESAUSRES HAVE BEEN TAKEN BEFORE THE CONTRACT CAN BE CONCLUDED.

            So Bob, OBA and you follow the pied piper followers (not supporters) you are absolutely no different from everything you speak so negatively about the PLP Government and SUPPORTERS

            • Build a Better Bermuda says:

              Wow, you think this deal was secretive??, It’s been the most transparent government contract to date, and the only reason it hasn’t been any more transparent is due to contractual obligations that are common in every big business negotiations. But don’t let that get you off your anti OBA soap box. I’m sure you wouldn’t get down if even everything you asked for still said this is a good earl for Bermuda.

        • Rhonnie Oliver says:

          Nothing about putting a project to tender means getting a good deal.

          And if there were viable companies who could do the job, we’d be hearing about them.

          Stop listening to the political nonsense from both sides and think for yourself.

          We need a new airport. We need jobs.

          Where’s the better option?

        • Look both ways says:

          just like d hospital right “OJ the bender of truth”!

        • Serengeti says:

          “Putting it out to tender”
          Oh, is that where the contract is given to a company secretly owned by certain people?

          Or is it where the contract is put out to tender to find the cheapest option, and then the price is increased by 400% when the work actually starts?

          LMFAO.

    • Truth Teller says:

      How is it that on issues of this type the OBA has paid bloggers ready to make sure that the first comment posted is an adverse one?

      Its like clockwork. Every time!

      • Know it All says:

        Am not paid or even a real supporter. I’m just tired of the shenanigans being played that undermine the fabric of our democracy and how race is brought into everything for political gains. Unions are putting out official statements, even though it isn’t a union issue and a small minority are effectively bullying the people that have been elected to run our country.

      • Look both ways says:

        you lot are to much with gin and juice!

    • Build a Better Bermuda says:

      As there was recorded assaults against police officers even before the riot police showed up, they can stop referring to this as a peaceful demonstration. As it is illegal to block access during a peaceful protest, they can stop referring to this as ‘savagely and barbarically assaulted’, when that isn’t even close to what the police used and when it was the protestors unlawful actions that lead to the escalation to begin with. The reason we have a HoA is so that free debate can rule the land. It is leaders like these that are the cause of this, using deliberate and inciteful language to purposefully ensure that reason does not prevail on this issue. We see this time and again by these weak leaders who see force and agreesion as a means to an end, as strength in leadership, rather than a thin facade to cover their inability to reason. When you look at the tactics the police used, they were far more measured and proportionately less than the tactics and language the PLP, BIU, PC and now CURB and the BTUC are using to exploit this to their own benefit.

      How many out there on Friday actually have taken the time to read everything that is available about this deal, taken the time to truly understand how we are where we are and how this works for Bermuda’s needs.

      How many would be supporting this deal if was the PLP presenting it as a good deal… there in lies the hypocrisy of many of those there that day, including their leaders.

      It is ignorance to say that this money will see use loose million of dollars to some overseas company, because this airport needs to be built, and no matter how it gets built, some overseas company (whether another AECON or a lender) will be getting paid for it.

      If you need any further proof that this is nothing more than a political football for the PLP, you need only listen to how they flatly refused to say that they would back this deal even if the AG signed off on it when they were asked directly.

    • Joe Bloggs says:

      Am I understanding this correctly? Forget about building a new airport (since we cannot afford to borrow hundreds of millions to build one in the traditional way) and forgive the several hundred people who prevented Parliament from sitting and debating the Airport Bill? And then Punish the police officers who tried to open Sessions House grounds so that Parliament could sit?

      Does anyone else care that preventing a Parliamentarian from performing his or her duty is a criminal offence?

    • Build a Better Bermuda says:

      It is interesting to seeing the same dislike number ranges here and in other articles being employed to denounce any statement that doesn’t falls in line with the ‘oppressive’ narrative. Similar wise is the likes, but with the likes arena, more people are actually commenting in opposition to the ‘oppressive’ narrative. Typically an indicator that the PLP, PC, BIU… & Co employ a large ‘click farm’ marketing than the OBA’s.

  2. BLIND SHEEP says:

    Blind leading the Blind.

  3. Unbelievable says:

    They don’t speak for me! How dare BTUC make demands of the Government without a membership vote! I’m sick of this political dishonesty by unions. NO! The issue isn’t about labour. Your leader stated that!!!!

    • Onion Juice says:

      No its not a labor issue, its a F!@#ing NATIONAL ISSUE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      • Come Correct says:

        So why aren’t there 20,000 people out there? Assuming the rest of the population are children. National? How about protesters don’t block the democratic process before riot guns and tear gas have to be used. Complaining about pepper spray is a joke. I’ve been tear gased 5 times in my life, 4 in one day and it’s a helluva lot worse…oh and baton rounds from a riot gun hurt like hell just an FYI. That warning is for protesters since we know from your comments you sit your a$$ at home and call yourself a warrior. Keyboard warrior Mockingay.

      • Sage says:

        Onion Juice is clearly delusional.

      • Build a Better Bermuda says:

        Your right, it is, it’s about getting people back to work, replacing a dying facility and getting the best deal to do both. Since this deal has been read and reviewed by many people and given the thumbs up from the independent parties that have, where is the issue. The issue is with those that want the cake and eat it too. You are confusing ‘national issue’, with a ‘nationalistic view’. If we are ever going to recover this country to point where its economy can allow Bermudians to once again find success, we need creative solutions like this one, because the PLP solution to continually borrow us into an unsustainable debt will only lead to the complete collapse of all ththe services they say we should provide the people.

  4. John E. Thorne says:

    What happened on Friday is tragic however, it all could have been avoided had the protesters not broken the law by blocking access to the House of Assembly grounds. I am afraid those people who organised the protest have to take some responsibility for the outcome. It is my understanding that the police asked them to move to allow access and they refused. Had they followed the police’s instructions it also never would have escalated to a very unfortunate situation.
    The PLP, the unions, the OBA and the Police all have to share the blame for this one.

  5. Ringmaster says:

    The BTUC is correct on one point. “The BTUC trusts that those leaders who were responsible for those atrocities would be held accountable”.

    It was the Leader of the Opposition who called for the demonstration with no rules, no warnings as to how to behave and no guidance. He and other PLP MPs clearly shown in videos doing nothing to diffuse the situation. Sorry, but the police are there to uphold the law not back off under threat.

  6. M.C. Beauchamp says:

    Atrocities? Are they really using that word? In itself, that is as shameful as blocking access to the House of Assembly. Disgraceful.

    • Build a Better Bermuda says:

      Deliberately selected language to escalate emotive response in people and dissuade them from operating with reason. Psychology 101 in how to control people on mass and get them to avoid listening to reason, when reason doesn’t work in your favour. It is always easier to get people to follow your lies, when you get them to hate your opposition. It is often difficult to get a reasoning person to hate than to trust, but with a crowd it is much easier, that is why ‘mob mentality’ or ‘mob rule’ are not positive terms and have never produced positive results for a society.

  7. Bill says:

    The people who were blocking the entrance were in fact breaking the law. Same as if people blocked a Hospital entrance, police station entrance, etc>>> you can’t just block any old entrance even if you were “peacefully protesting”. There are rules and regulations that people have to follow. For the police spraying pepper spray that isn’t cool, but they should have been arrested instead for breaking the law.

  8. Kidder says:

    Who are these people you speak of, i.e. what percentage of the population is in angst?

    • de fence says:

      Well I think we are all in angst. The majority of us because the democratic process is being perverted, and a few hundred because they didn’t get the election result they wanted.

      • hmmm says:

        and all this time Burgess and Brown and Smith were not being transparent at the COI.

        Don’t you see, don’t you see…the PLP has distracted you with this, the PLP have played us people of Bermuda….

        The anger and venom should be demanding the truth from those identified. Yet the PLP tricked you into ignoring that !

        Stop being a sucker, a fool and point your anger in the right direction.

  9. Kangoocar says:

    Why are unions even getting involved in this? Ok we know why and it has everything to do with being part of the combined opposition! The time has long past that they should be held accountable for their ILLEGAL actions, Blocking the HOA from doing their work along with pulling members off their jobs which totally goes against their CBAs, all employees that participate further in this ILLEGAL work stoppages should have their jobs terminated immediately and all benefits acrued cancelled! When will those in a posistion to deal with this ever learn the fact that, every time you allow this behavior to happen, the next time it gets worst! Enough is enough with these law breakers, deal with it OBA, NOW!!!!!!

  10. ESS ESS DEE says:

    I hope the Government of the day continues to push their whacka$$ agenda. This way we will continue to show you what happens when you continue to put Bermudians last…..and yes the BTUC whilst I am not a member I wholeheartedly agree with your letter and position as the Government of the day surely does not support BERMUDIANS. Bring it on heffers. U have now cost yourselves the next general election. Too much of this B$hyte.

  11. Sabrina says:

    Please people. Call your MP. Let them know where you stand. The majority rules. They were elected to represent you in Parliament. If they don’t, do not vote for them in the next election. This is the way to get things done in a democratic society.

    • de fence says:

      The majority only rules if they can actually get into the House of Assembly and rule.At the moment we seem to be subject to mob rule.

    • Onion Juice says:

      De stupid @$$€$ should’ve not voted them in de first place.

      • Sabrina says:

        No – we should have kept the PLP and we would all be starving right about now.

      • Come Correct says:

        Because the other option was so much better. The democratic process, to Mockingay, is only Mockingay gets to decide.

    • ESS ESS DEE says:

      Um which part of THE OBA r u not getting does not listen to the Bermudians on this island. @Sabrina Please stop with your suggestion of a passive approach in getting our government to listen. They already know how we as Bermudians feel and if they dont then they are even further removed from the reality right in front of their faces. We as Bermudians should not have to fight this hard or fight at all with n e government to put us first. Why is the OBA so concerned with ensuring everyone is taken care of besides Bermudians. That is really the million dollar question. Clearly this arrogant, disgraceful group of numnuts trying to govern this island are pushing their own agenda and we as Bermudians will keep pushing on. The disrespect must end and it must end immediately. And in fact it will end. It will end with the demise of the OBA which will be validated during the next general election.

  12. Toodle-oo says:

    This entire ‘perpetrators becoming the innocent victims’ lie has become tiresome beyond nauseating .

  13. Charlie says:

    It would be really good if the OBA could grow a pair and stop being such lame ducks…..

  14. Truth (Original) says:

    BTUC, BIU, BPSU, Peoples campaign and the PLP.. All of these entities make up what I call the combined opposition.

    You do NOT speak for all of Bermuda.
    You are NOT the Government.
    You CANNOT try and govern through Mob rule as a standard approach to things you don’t agree with.

    You DO NOT speak for me.

    THIS IS A DEMOCRACY ! Step aside and let the debate in the house take place.

    • Onion Juice says:

      Solidarity defeats dictatorships.

      • Hmmm says:

        Burt is attempting a dictatorship and all over what has been determined as a fair deal by independent groups.

      • Look both ways says:

        Solidarity? with let me see, 20 W&E EMPLOYEES (should be fired) 30 grannies with grandchildren, Derrick Burgess saying he knows something of gun and bullets, Wayne Furbert acting like who knows what and the drug addicts, vagrants, and of course Jason Hayward with his disgusting foul mouth and I would imagine you! Not to mention your new leader Burt, he`s gonna be special ain`t he. Scared to debate already!!! whose the chicken?

      • just wondering says:

        what utter nonsense – in what way is the House of Assembly a dictatorship!! these few hundred people or so prevented democracy occurring – they exercised their will over that of the properly elected Government – THAT is dictatorship!!

  15. wahoo says:

    If I did not love my island so much I would say push the BILL forward. Clearly, in my opinion, it would result in the anti-Bermuda party getting what they think they want. Let us say that yes we get AG to comment on this airport thing and at the same time we need the BIU and others to submit their books. FAIR?

    Gee I wonder what CURB has to say….Look for racism wherever you find it, in this world there are many two way streets. I do not want my country being torn apart like this.

    • Onion Juice says:

      We had 400 years of murders, rapes, hangings, injustice, stolen land, wrongful termination of employment, denial of jobs, meger wages, trumped up imprisonment and the list goes on for African descendants in our History, and the stench of racism will not be easily ignored.

      • Warlord says:

        Well Onion Juice you can always go back buddy

      • Hmmm says:

        it is nothing like that under the OBA….so all your angst has nothing to do with today, but history. Wake up, before your hate eats you up . It is you that you hate!!!! Stop taking your self loathing and anger of your own failures on others. Take responsibility for your failures and learn from them, strive to be a better person and improve yourself .

      • Look both ways says:

        Bermuda has the most black millionaires per capita than anywhere!! Its obvious your not one of them useing the tired excuse of yesteryear . Why don`t you ask one of them how`s it done crybaby!!!

  16. smh says:

    Regardless of who gets their way, Bermuda loses.

    If the people get their way then Bermuda is on the hook for approx. 20 million to CCC for the plans, engineering, models, etc.

    If the government wins then the people are going to seek greater means to get their way.

    • Onion says:

      So we have the Unions opposing creating jobs and saving the taxpayers money. Got it.

  17. jt says:

    It’s not a labour issue.

    • Onion Juice says:

      We already know that @$$ #%££, its a National Issue which is more important.

      • Know it All says:

        See you have a real finesse to the use of the English language.

      • jt says:

        If the objective was truly the airport I might be swayed. But it’s not. We both know it.
        Until thousands show up it’s just the same, opportunistic crew being trotted out by the same leaders with the same, tired objectives that the majority of the country knows about.

      • Hmmm says:

        So it is not a labour issue., then why are labour unions even opening their mouths.

  18. Ham says:

    Pass the bill. Let them strike. Cut the size of the civil service. Legalize gay marriage. The OBA won’t win the next election so they might as well start doing the things they have avoided doing in an effort to win votes.

    • Onion Juice says:

      I dont think you would like de outcome.

      • Hmmm says:

        What outcome…if you are threatening to hurt people say it. your hollow word do not frighten me or anyone on this island.

        • hmmm says:

          C’mon Onion Juice…awe lil’ baby too afraid to speak.

  19. Windwhisperer says:

    I’ve already left the BPSU. The whole thing stinks. This bill has nothing to do with the unions, and they certainly don’t speak for me.

    I fully support the new airport plan, even if it should have been tendered.

    We all know if the Government stopped the process now and tendered it, the unions and their sister parties would find fault with that.

    • ImJustSayin says:

      It seems that the Unions and the PLP look for any excuse or controversy to get at the OBA…even if it isn’t logical.

  20. CPM says:

    How can a few people destroy our island with their mob rule antics
    Time for a hard stand, if you break the law then pay the price

    • Onion says:

      They are getting a lot more with the 24/7 misinformation.

      They will win this and Bermuda will lose.

      • Onion Juice says:

        U.B.P. dictating days are over, you will be held accountable and we will force you to be transparent.

        • Sojourner says:

          Like you forced Ewart Brown to be transparent? Oh yeah, wouldn’t answer questions as it would tend to incriminate him.

        • Just the Tip says:

          So when are you going to hold Dr Brown to account? You telling me you are perfectly fine with a him going “I’m not guilty of anything but don’t make me testify cause it might incriminate me”.

          All the shady deals he and the MPs under him did and yet no one seems to want to hold them to account.

        • Onion says:

          There are hundreds of pages of public documents. It is literally the most transparent major government project ever.

          Meanwhile many of the same documents from the similar Hospital project are still secret or redacted.

          The PLP and Unions are the biggest hypocrites I have ever seen.

        • hmmm says:

          Burgess, Brown and Smith?????

  21. Lois Frederick says:

    A case of the tail wagging the dog. Why even have elections? Let the Govt. Govern as elected.

    • Onion Juice says:

      Ya like Jim Crow, Apartheid and Nazism, they were Governed as elected but people STILL opposed their F!@#ed up ideology!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      • Know it All says:

        So an airport transaction is associated with those events? Got it. Guess Transformers are about to invade us and Westworld is the reality we live in too.

      • bdaboy says:

        funny, when it comes to same sex marriage, OJ, you want the government to uphold the laws as they stand…you’re a hypocrite. Look the word up and then ask a 12 year old to explain to you what it means.

  22. Rockfish#and#2 says:

    And who is the president of the BTUC?

  23. John says:

    We are still waiting to see the BIU financials ???

  24. Triangle Drifter says:

    Well now, are there any subsections of the PLP consisting mostly of the same people who have not joined the chorus?

    Nice of the executive of all of these groups to speak up. Did any one of them take a vote to see how their membership feel on the matter? Have any of the union members who suffer in the conditions of that antiquated old building been asked how they feel?

    No, not likely. The exectutive don’t care what the members think.

  25. Kevin says:

    i have to ask how do 200 people dictate to the government ….Chris furbert must resign he surely does not represent the majority of his employers ( the members)
    Lets get on with the business of getting Bermuda back on track …14 years of floundering need to be erased ….. Our whole future is being fought for and the BIU and PLP dont want us to win …they want to win …..hey 14 years of them should have have at least brought to your attention that they just don’t have what it takes
    Your choice …a life with potential or possibly Haiti like conditions

    • ImJustSayin says:

      I wonder if the current union leaders or the PLP leaders didn’t make any noise about the Airport developement would those sheeple still be out there protesting. So many people in today’s world cannot think for themselves. SMH!

      • Onion Juice says:

        @Kevin you should be asking how can a handhul of polititians dictate to 75% of those opposed in de polls.
        Did you now SpongeBob has already borrowed over $1 Billion in 4 years?
        Would you care to address that our will you and ya blind followers harbor on 14 years and ignore these 4 years of spending like drunken sailors. Mmmm where have I heard that before.
        Embarrassing and Pathetic.

        • jt says:

          Do you hear whistling when the wind blows?

        • Ty says:

          @Onion Juice

          “Would you care to address that our will you and ya blind followers harbor on 14 years”

          This coming from the only 400 year old person on the island. How about YOU move on from 400 years ago and catch up with the rest of us.

  26. Unbelievable says:

    OBA – DO NOT BACK DOWN. GROW A PAIR FOR A CHANGE.

  27. Spectator says:

    “…young and old Bermudians were exercising their constitutional right and were savagely and barbarically assaulted by Bermuda Police Service officers using pepper spray.” Right there the BTUC lost its credibility. And it gets worse:”we witnessed a ‘para-military’ group bent on destruction, descend upon peaceful protestors.” The BTUC must living in an alternative universe. The only group bent on destruction is the BTUC, which is bent on destroying Bermuda’s democracy and delegitimizing the current government. The Commission of Inquiry report can’t come fast enough.

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      Nothing like a good serving of drama to get the masses stirred up. Facts? We don’t need no danged facts.

  28. Are you kidding me? says:

    When is BTUC going to back off and let the government t of the day do their job, so des respectful ,you don’t like how they do things take it on Election Day …and where on hearth were you when PLP was doing their thing?

    • Unbelievable says:

      Exactly. Where were they when the PLP ran up all this debt?? Secretly hoping things would work out I bet.

      We are sitting here with nearly 3 BILLION in debt, no resources to do anything, the PLP playing games with the electorate, the police getting told to go away by a group of protesters, and the OBA the weakest Govt I have ever seen. And I’m an OBA supporter.

      Ain’t this some nonsense?

  29. Enough says:

    Think they are missing the important part about the protest being anything but peaceful. To suggest the police were savage and barbaric and used paramilitary tactics really does show the lengths they will go to in order to drive fear into the public. More and more lies.

    It is clear at this point that the PLP do not want to debate the issue so it is now time that our elected officials do what they were voted to do and push this through. Do not let a weakly led and misinformed few ruin the country for the rest of us.

  30. Ringmaster says:

    Funny in a way that the PLP forget that the “Riot Squad” was not only introduced by them in 2006, but in fact they wanted a SWAT Team. At the same time they also wanted the control of the Police to be moved from the Governor to the PLP. Oh if only! Be very careful of what you wish for.

  31. DJO says:

    angst caused by union wannabe leaders that DISSRESPECT the letter of the law and HIDE behind old folks and the like. You KNOW you deliberately BROKE THE LAW not by the peacful protest but by free access denial to HEAR some of the FACTS

  32. O.M.G says:

    I say let’s go block the union buildings and the PLP buildings stop them from doing there dirty business

  33. Build the airport says:

    The place is a shambles.

    You can’t make all the people happy all the time.

    BUILD BUILD BUILD.

    NO NO NO to breaking the laws and rules of the country.

  34. Ringmaster says:

    How about “38,000 thousand Bermudians want the OBA to proceed with the Airport Bill on Friday”. Let the PLP debate it and show their financial knowledge in a transparent and open way. Guess what – it will only take 2 OBA defectors to derail the Bill. Is the PLP so weak they can’t swing two people?

  35. Wow says:

    Keep going. DO NOT withdraw the bill! Govern as you were elected to do. Thousands are standing with you and for the future.

    • DarkStar says:

      It is those thousands of supporters who need to be seen and seen loud. Burt and Furbert have this whole thing all wrapped up and are grandstanding the hell out of this-and these ‘thousands of OBA supporters’ are making it easy for them b/c they do not have the backbone to go and march in support of the OBA.

  36. CPM says:

    Why does’nt Furbert stick to his salaried job and stay out of politics
    He is trying to disrupt the lawful administration of our island with a few hundred followers egged on
    On the positive side Government got a furlough day last Friday with a wildcat strike by bus and ferry operators + the trash collectors-no work no pay

  37. Unbelievable says:

    Exactly. Where were they when the PLP ran up all this debt?? Secretly hoping things would work out I bet.

    We are sitting here with nearly 3 BILLION in debt, no resources to do anything, the PLP playing games with the electorate, the police getting told to go away by a group of protesters, and the OBA the weakest Govt I have ever seen. And I’m an OBA supporter.

    Well ain’t this some nonsense?

  38. Brier says:

    NO NO let the Government get on with their duties

  39. clorox and bucket says:

    this is basically… an htter dismay kf events… that wdre instigated and counter pdoductive.
    I loath election years because of these tactile behaviors.
    We are one people.
    Prssented apart go a devizive end.
    I personally feel dejected and disgusted by the apparent goal… greed.
    At this junction I feel our most pdoducgivd avenue of response to this issue is abase.
    To anything other than common sense… and a distinction of our entire ebb and flo.
    We are one people… but those who would seperate us would have one common goal.
    Juzt remember… this is the bouse… this is the steeple… look inside… see all the pdople.

  40. clorox and bucket says:

    my spelling was correct… i have browser interference….

  41. mmm says:

    Do we need a new airport ? Can we afford one out of the public purse ? Are we losing all rights and privileges of one of our major revenue streams, by letting a foreign company build the airport and run it for 30 years ? Will there be hands off when it comes to work permits ? These are questions that again need to be looked at, and independent body tell us our options.

    • hmmm says:

      Yes, no , no as if we borrowed at available rates to us vs Aecon borrowing at Canadain govt rates and then paid the costs we would be losing money on the new airport. It only works because of the borrowing rate differential….We could not afford to do it…also guess what, rates are going up it is not going to get cheaper !

  42. rodney smith says:

    You have come to the cliff and looked over. Do you have a chicken liver ? Friday will tell if the bill is withdrawn. It is the governments right to debate this bill. OR DO THEY NEED PERMISSION FROM CHRIS FURBERT ?

  43. Micro says:

    You know, the PLP should focus their energy on convincing OBA MPs to vote against the bill.

  44. Neb says:

    Yes withdraw the bill….just forget it. Bermudians deserve to have an airport that is falling to pieces, leaks, is dangerous and outdated. Scratch this plan, pay whatever costs need to be paid to pull out and thank the foolish unions and PLP who are intent on turning Bermuda into a Banana Republic. Bermuda is so divided with the vocal minority now controlling the country. The events of Friday played directly into the hands of the lunatics….

  45. Riley says:

    The PLP/BIU “masses” seem to have been organized overnight to hit the dislike button on Bernews commentators whose opinions differ from theirs. In between resetting their devices for the next hit, perhaps they could consider the PLPs own record on large public expenditure projects – and think about ways of getting us back our money, wherever it is.

  46. unus sed leo says:

    O. K….. so I honestly do not feel obliged to pay for a companies buisness.
    So when you build it why not have bac put solar panels throughout and hydro electrick at the bridges either side!

  47. unus sed leo says:

    electric

  48. Truth teller says:

    Get proactive construction and landmark to build it problem solved.

  49. Sandgrownan says:

    Where were all these pricks when the PLp drove the country into the ground?

  50. Will says:

    Sadly the misinformed. The bill has only caused angst among 300 or so people..not a very large representation of bermuda and that’s only assuming everyone there actually cares and knew what was going on. Most people I’m sure turned up for the riot not the protest.

  51. Rada Gast says:

    “‘para-military’ group bent on destruction, descend upon peaceful protestors. These officers proceeded to violently attack the people…”

    Clearly trying to whip up the mob by turning them into victims, the perpetual tactic of the current opposition.

    And then we have Walter Roban on the news claiming that disabled people were also the targets of the police action. I have yet to see anyone disabled come forward and say they were involved.

    Outright lies and distortions of the truth are the weapons of choice that are being used to prevent the elected government from governing.

  52. Terry says:

    Well this will be my last comment on this fiasco.

    Apparently the Unions and the opposition are running the country and the government is in exile.

    Thanks to a former premier and the PLP and the I-Ah-Tollyah Chris Furbert we a totally screwed.

    Adios Bermuda.

  53. campervan. says:

    The day democracy in Bermuda died :(

  54. Swing Voter says:

    The OBA must do better or the PLP will become the new government next year. Do you old skool UBP bies remember 1998, and why you were kicked to the curb after 30 yrs? Do you realize you would have remained in opposition if not for Cannonaire, Crockwell, Pettingale, and the other BDA-ers…..Dunkley straighten your mess out, fire Greirson(or what ever his name is) and listen to the BDA-ers or you’re finished!!!!!

  55. bdaboy says:

    ” Do you old skool UBP bies remember 1998, and why you were kicked to the curb after 30 yrs? ”

    It took 30 years to ‘kick them out’, and only 14 years to rid the island of the PLP…you’re not making a very strong case for yourself.

  56. John says:

    This is Mr Furbert lobbying hard for a ministery seat in the new PLP government watch as he will be minister for labour and immigration a pay back for his rallying the troops role and radio show revolutionary act.