PLP Confirm Renee Ming As C#1 Candidate
[Updated with video] The PLP has announced that Senator Renee Ming will be their candidate for Constituency #1 St Georges North in the upcoming general election.
This marks the first official candidate rollout by either party, and while the General Election has not yet been called, both parties have been moving into election mode, with both running advertisements.
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Speaking at today’s event, Senator Ming said, “St. George’s is truly special to me. It is the parish in which I was born and raised. I was schooled just around the corner at the island’s first public primary school, the best primary school in the universe, East End Primary School.
“I spent my formative years here and enjoyed the warmth and protection of family and friends in the homes and streets of this very constituency. St. George’s has been good to me and as such I feel compelled to do everything I can for her and her people.
Senator Ming with PLP MPs and Senators
“There is a sense of pride amongst us St. Georgians as we feel honoured to protect her image. St. George’s was the original capital of our wonderful island and is home to the oldest Anglican church in the western hemisphere, St. Peter’s Church. I imagine that when Sir George Somers and crew landed here in 1609 even they knew it was the best part of the island!
Senator Ming and Opposition Leader David Burt at today’s announcement:
“Why are we here? We are here because apart from the obvious historical accolades that we could bestow on my wonderful parish, we in the PLP recognize the importance of her strength politically.
“St. George’s needs a representative who will champion her cause, a representative who is homegrown and cares for all of her people. I stand before you today as that person.”
Senator Ming and family:
“I have been on the doorsteps and in the houses of many of the constituents in Constituency #1 and I have heard the call for a more inclusive Government, one that works with the people and values the contributions of all.
“I know that for us to move forward as a country we must recognize that everyone matters. To take the theme from former US Democratic candidate, Hilary Clinton, we are stronger together. I believe in inclusion and I always seek to garner the thoughts and ideas from the people I represent.
Update: Video of today’s announcement:
“The next Progressive Labour Party Government will see continued improvements to the infrastructure of the town of St. George’s to enhance her beauty and accessibility.
” We recognize the need for a waste water treatment facility that can service the entire town and are committed to finding a workable solution that fits.
“In the absence of a physical Police Station in the town, we will work collaboratively with the Bermuda Police Service on a long-term proactive policing plan for St. George’s that will reduce crime while offering a true sense of safety to residents and visitors alike.
Results from Constituency #1 St Georges North in the 2012 General Election:
“We will continue to listen to the people of St. George’s and ensure that the St. George’s Community Centre which caters to all ages remains a viable establishment which hosts community events while offering programmes for the entire family. We will look at any solution that helps to improve the quality of care for our seniors housed in the Sylvia Richardson Seniors Facility.
“I am committed to working with the St. George’s community to address your needs and concerns,” added Senator Ming.
The announcement concluded a short time ago, and we will have additional information and video later on.
Update 5.28pm: Senator Renee Ming’s full statement follows below:
Good afternoon Bermuda,
It is indeed an honour and privilege to stand before you today to as the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party’s candidate for Constituency 1, St. George’s North for the upcoming general election.
Firstly, I give thanks to my Lord and Saviour without whom I’d be nothing. Secondly, I would like to thank my family each of whom have been nothing but supportive. And finally, I thank the leader of the PLP, the Honourable E. David Burt JP, MP, the Executive and the Organizers of the party for their confidence in me and my ability. Let me say what you all already know, I Love St. George’s!
St. George’s is truly special to me. It is the parish in which I was born and raised. I was schooled just around the corner at the island’s first public primary school, the best primary school in the universe, East End Primary School. I spent my formative years here and enjoyed the warmth and protection of family and friends in the homes and streets of this very constituency. St. George’s has been good to me and as such I feel compelled to do everything I can for her and her people.
There is a sense of pride amongst us St. Georgians as we feel honoured to protect her image. St. George’s was the original capital of our wonderful island and is home to the oldest Anglican church in the western hemisphere, St. Peter’s Church. I imagine that when Sir George Somers and crew landed here in 1609 even they knew it was the best part of the island!
Why are we here? We are here because apart from the obvious historical accolades that we could bestow on my wonderful parish, we in the PLP recognize the importance of her strength politically. St. George’s needs a representative who will champion her cause, a representative who is homegrown and cares for all of her people. I stand before you today as that person.
I have been on the doorsteps and in the houses of many of the constituents in Constituency One and I have heard the call for a more inclusive government one that works with the people and values the contributions of all. I know that for us to move forward as a country we must recognize that everyone matters. To take the theme from former US Democratic candidate, Hilary Clinton, we are stronger together. I believe in inclusion and I always seek to garner the thoughts and ideas from the people I represent.
The next Progressive Labour Party government will see continued improvements to the infrastructure of the town of St. George’s to enhance her beauty and accessibility. We recognize the need for a waste water treatment facility that can service the entire town and are committed to finding a workable solution that fits. In the absence of a physical Police Station in the town we will work collaboratively with the Bermuda Police Service on a long-term proactive policing plan for St. George’s that will reduce crime while offering a true sense of safety to residents and visitors alike. We will continue to listen to the people of St. George’s and ensure that the St. George’s Community Centre which caters to all ages remains a viable establishment which hosts community events while offering programmes for the entire family. We will look at any solution that helps to improve the quality of care for our seniors housed in the Sylvia Richardson Seniors Facility.
I am committed to working with the St. George’s community to address your needs and concerns. In addition to my parochial aspirations, I will continue to advocate for gender parity and be that voice for a more fair work environment for women.
I will continue to champion public education as the primary and best option for Bermudians. As the proud parent of an East End Primary student and as a public school graduate I recognize the need for education reform.
Integrity is my core principle and the next Progressive Labour Party government will be committed to good governance. I will advocate for policies and procedures that will ensure that we will be a good government, one for ALL the people of Bermuda.
In closing, I recognize that the Bermuda we have today has changed. The past four years have been painstakingly emotional and have seen many divides. This is not the Bermuda that we want for our children or for us! We want a Bermuda that can work for everyone; a Bermuda where everyone is treated with respect, a Bermuda where the negative stress is not absorbed by our children. We are at a critical stage we must heal and work as a unit to respect our differences while growing together.
That is the Bermuda that I envision, that is the Bermuda that I will work tirelessly to give you as your representative in parliament.
So, I encourage you at the upcoming election to and I paraphrase the words of former US President Barack Obama; “Don’t complain, Vote!”.
Opposition Leader David Burt’s full statement follows below:
Good afternoon to the members of the media, PLP executive, Party members, Branch Executive and members from Constituency 1 – St. George’s North and all our gathered supporters.
I am delighted to be here today to present the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party’s first chosen candidate for the next general election in the place where Bermuda politics began: St. George’s.
It is with great pleasure that I introduce Senator Renee Ming as the candidate for Constituency 1.
Renee Ming is a born St. Georgian who has strong family ties and roots in St. George’s, a deep passion for St. George’s and a proven track record of not only working for the St. George’s community, but getting results.
With volunteerism spanning many years, Renee’s history of service predates her political career. From volunteering with the African Diaspora Heritage Trail, to past executive membership of St George’s Cricket Club, and her active involvement in the St. George’s Corporation Activities Committee, the World Heritage Site Committee, the St. George’s Preservation Authority and the St George’s Parish Council, Renee’s commitment to the community is evident.
After being elected as a Common Councillor for the Corporation of St. George’s in 2009, Renee was instrumental in developing the town’s activities committee and was appointed to a special committee to explore capital development opportunities.
In May 2012, Renee was elected as an Alderman, a post she held until November 2012 when she became a candidate for the PLP in St. George’s West.
Appointed to the Senate in December 2012, Senator Ming has been a firm voice for the people. In November last year, knowing the level and depth of her commitment to public service, I was proud to appoint her the Opposition Senate Leader.
As Shadow Minister for Municipalities and the PLP’s Senate spokesperson on Finance, Public Works and Education she hasn’t been afraid to be a very strong advocate for St. George’s. This is what St. George’s needs. This is what Constituency 1 needs.
What has impressed me most about Renee, has been her driving passion to serve Bermuda, without fear or favour. Her strong and measured approach and embracing of the PLP’s Vision 2025 plan for Bermuda, has demonstrated to me that Renee is committed to delivering results for Constituency 1 and for all the people of Bermuda.
She is astute; she is trusted; she is a leader; and she has a demonstrated track record of community service.
Quite simply, she is the best choice to lead the people in Constituency 1.
I proudly present Renee Ming as the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party’s candidate for Constituency 1.
I’m so proud of you Renee!!!
You DEFINITELY have MY vote!!
You are a quality politician with morals and an honest character. I look forward to you representing C1 for the next 4 years!
#politicsatitsbest #youcancountonher
Renee is a good all round person and I wish her the best in the election!
Renee has morals and character(although she chooses to serve under an certain leader), but she will not and cannot say the same of Burt and the rest of that crew. There-in lies the problem.
Somerset will never have that problem, even though de Bear sold out.
She reminds of Paul Cox. A great person with great values and morals that would have done great things for Bermuda. Unfortunately, we all witnessed what happened to her – which was rather unfair. She was given the honourable position of being put in charge of the countries finances but quickly learned that she wasn’t “really” in charge of the public purse. She was used, abused, and discarded by those that called her friend. Then came her second mistake, she accepted the call to become Premiere by these same individuals and was left holding the bag and with all of the blame and fingers pointing at her. She should have been stronger, and stood up to her fellow PLP “friends”. However, she trusted them, and while she took all of the heat, they quietly backed away.
Hope Renee listens to her heart and sticks to what is right for all and not in the best interest of the party.
#youprobablycantcountonher
She runs circles around the OBA representatives. She is well versed and she cares about St George’s. She is truly a woman of integrity. Kenny Bascome doesn’t even come close in terms of capabilities.
Somewhat of an unfair statement don’t you think? I spent some time living and working in St. George about 10 years. You would be hard pressed to find someone that cares more for his community then Kenny does. What exactly has she accomplished for St. Georges that Kenny hasn’t? I know many VERY TALENTED, GIFTED, SMART AND CAPABLE people – but that does not always translate into DOING anything! Some talk and turn away, while other talk and act. I agree that she is capable, but too insinuate that she is better than Kenny is insulting to all of us that know him.
Perhaps you should be stating that IF the PLP had involved her 10 years ago, St. Georges might still have a Golf Course, a new hotel, cruise ships, police station. I believe she would have fought for it, although I doubt that the great ruler would have listened.
What? Kenny is awesome that guy lives and breathes St. Geo.
I agree.
The battle for Bermuda government will be in #1 and #2. The party that wins #1 and #2 will govern the country – game on!
Let the political guessing games commence. Thought they’d have given her another shot at #2 considering how close she came to winning it in her first go-round.
One down , 35 to go.
Nothing personal lady.
You believe in inclusion? So why do you let your supporters discriminate with their words and never refute them?
Oh please.
Exactly. Just more fluff from a PLP candidate.
What did Ms. Ming do before she made this leap into politics?
She stayed silent as a Corporation Councilor while the PLP stripped away the Corporation’s revenue stream and allowed St. Georges to flounder under the PLP’s reign.
Now that the OBA has St. George’s back up and running again, she has all of a sudden found her voice to oppose all the positive developments for the Old Towne.
Her love for the PLP outstrips her love for St. Georges and her previous inaction and/or silence proves exactly that.
Something new , lots of old and a bit of UBP on the side
Lovely woman,just with the wrong party
She treats politics like a sports team instead of a serious policymaking role.
New hotel coming,cruise ships back in the ole town.Remind me why we need the PLP back in power
Please remind us again of what the PLP did for St.George’s in their 14 years at the helm and what the OBA has accomplished so far.
Amazing woman and excellent choice. If only that party selected a leader who was as outstanding to compliment and guide her.
The PLP repeatedly promised ground would be broken for the Hyatt Regency in November 2011. Nothing happened. They were failures.
They did tear down a hotel doesn’t that count? Can’t remember who got to push the button.
Dreb.
It was a photo op. A stunt.
Lord and Saviour .
Next guy to run for Leader will be Noah.
Enjoy the rest of summer.
Renee you alright but sorry. Not my vote. Hollaaaa
Sorry but your political party turned its back on st.georges for 14 years , they closed the police station , shut down the volunteer fire service , not a moment spent on finding cruise ships to visit the easy end . shut down the St. Georges Golf Course then demolished a perfectly good clubhouse in trying to decieve st. Georgians of new development. They handcuffed the corporation trying to bankrupt them because of who the Mayor happened to be. And you want me to vote for the PLP not a chance not today tomorrow or ever sorry you are representing a party that can’t get out of their own way.
Kenny Bascombe isnt perfect and I don’t agree on a few levels but the OBA has worked hard for StGeorges and they have my vote
Very well said Kevin, How can you St Georgians even think bout voting PeeElPeepee. They can give a rats 888s bout the east. Didnt try to gdt tourist in the east. They mad about the hotel being built in the east. They mad about the airport being built in the EAST. They dont want us to have a golf course. You know why. EB wanted Port Royal to look really good with revenue and Kim was sorking in east as a golf pro. Go figure. PLP should just go away. I ll rather England take over before them.
Well Canada beat them to that.
Renee you have been visible in the community for a very long time. I appreciate your service. You have my vote! Continue to be strong and represent the people of your constituency. Show them what professionalism looks like and sounds like no matter what negative OBA’ers say!
Perhaps Tweed could resurect the plp in The old Town
Renee, you have our vote!
How many jobs has this woman ever created?
a big fat zero.
You need thick skin for the Politricks around here. She’ll be alright!
Lovely, woman with the wrong party! What makes you think your party is so great! No matter what you all say there will be negative comments in regards with the PLP. Kenneth Bascome does nothing for St. George’s, full of talk and used as a puppet for the OBA vote. If you and the rest of the OBA think he is so great, he should have been given a Ministers position. Renee continue to do what you have to do for the people of St. George’s and don’t listen to the negative comments from the OBA who always think they are the suitable party for Bermuda and do everything right for the people of Bermuda. Most of you bloggers are foreign and say things to benefit you while staying in Bermuda. Don’t respond to my comment because I don’t want to hear any trash you have to say.
Renee is lovely, she has the training and mentality to put St. Georges above party drama. I’m anti-PLP but I believe she has our best interests in mind.
So I just watched the video. Inclusion and being part of the government???? Sounded like she made that up to me – what does it mean? NOTHING! Lady, you are talking a whole heap how come nobody behind you even smiled? Kenny B. you got this one! St George’s don’t forget.
Rene Ming you got this seat in the bag. That Kenny Bascome is as useless as square cricket ball. All he does is, ” blah! Blah! Blah! St.Georges! Blah! Blah! Blah! Its better to be thought the fool, then to open up your trap and remove all doubt. How are those good sleeps you been getting in the house of assembly? Speaker of the House says, ” Mr. Bascome, do you wish to comment?” Bascome,” Huh? Yes ah Blah! Blah! St.Georges. Then back to sleep, now that is a good life.
Lets be honest we have two people who truly do have a passion for St George’s but which one is capable? Kenny who doesnt speak to or engage his people. He has failed his people on their main issues; immigration, education and crime! He hasn’t spoken to any real issues in 4 years. Mrs Ming has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with. She addresses the issues head on with facts and sensibility. She is capable and reads and responds well. Kenny reads horribly and isnt able to articulate anything. During the budget debate he couldnt answer any questions on tourism or transport, Gibbons had to assist him. Kenny may be a nice guy but he doesn’t have the skill set. Renee gets my vote she will be good for St George’s.