Column: ‘A Little Rebellion Is A Good Thing’

March 6, 2018

[Opinion column written by MP Chris Famous]

“I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing” – Thomas Jefferson

My fellow Bermudians let us to take a moment to recognise that this week marks the 2nd anniversary of one of the greatest rebellions that ever took place in Bermuda or even the entire world.

Which rebellion you ask? The rebellion of thousands of Bermudians locking arms and surrounding the House of Parliament in Bermuda for one week in March of 2016.

A little rebellion is a good thing (2)

Why did they lock arms and surround the House of Parliament?

They surrounded the House of Parliament because they knew that their freedom was under threat by the intended actions of the then OBA Government.

Prior to them surrounding this house they asked the OBA to step back from their draconian plans to gentrify the voters list.

Did the OBA listen when the people blocked East Broadway? No

Did then Premier Michael Dunkley step back and allow democracy to reign? No

A little rebellion is a good thing (3)

Like a bull in a china shop, the then Michael Dunkley led OBA government arrogantly proceeded to do as they wish.

Hence the people stood up and stood firm for five days.

Who could ever imagine the grounds of this House seeing historic numbers of Bermudians locking not just arms but locking their heart and souls.

Thousands of Bermudians making sure to bring their entire families out to pray for change.

Thousands of Bermudians bringing food and snacks to share with others.

Thousands of Bermudians dancing to the drums of our Gombeys.

A little rebellion is a good thing (4)

Indeed, it was a beautiful rebellion

Even more than a Rebellion, it was a Revolution.

A Revolution because thousands of Bermudians decided that they take a stand and will not; go to school, go to work or sit down at home.

A Revolution because thousands ensured that they were properly registered to vote in the upcoming election.

A Revolution because it marked a turning point in how younger Bermudians viewed democracy.

They did not just read about people historically standing up for their rights, they themselves took a stand for their rights and thus became a part of ‘his and herstory.’

The lesson in all this is; no matter who is Government; the PLP, the OBA or whatever they change their name to, the people of Bermuda are never to be discounted, disrespected or dictated to by any government.

Simply put, the people of Bermuda will rightfully rebel.

Indeed, “A little rebellion now and then is a good thing.”

- Chris Famous, a PLP MP, can be contacted via email at Carib_pro@yahoo.com or Twitter at @ryderz777

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Comments (112)

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  1. Double S says:

    “My fellow Bermudians let us to take a moment to recognise that this week marks the 2nd anniversary of one of the greatest rebellions that ever took place in Bermuda or even the entire world.”

    In the USA and other western countries anti-immigrant polices, actions, demonstrations etc are considered to be bigoted, racist and intolerant.

    in Bermuda they are considered to be the greatest rebellion.

    MP Famous didn’t you recently state the PLP is for all people? Pure and utter lies (as usual).

    • Standing Strong! says:

      “the people of Bermuda are never to be discounted, disrespected or dictated to by any government.” UM UM, UNLESS it is the PLP government.

    • Onion Juice says:

      It takes a Revolution to make a Solution.

      • Onion Puke says:

        Takes an idiot like you to drink the Koolaid

        • Kim Smith says:

          Could you make a comment without resorting to name calling? It diminishes the contribution IMHO.

          • Onion Juice says:

            Its a part of Bermuda’s Historical ideology of systemic racism. Remember Canonair called Arron Hill the same thing. And that came from someone who is a senior figure in our society to an aspiring young man who has potential to playing a major role in our community.
            Well all depends who you ask, to some he is just as bad as those young men who are a menace to society.
            Thats just the way it is.

            • Mike Hind says:

              And PLP members have used it against their opponents as well.
              Show an ounce of integrity and stop trying to make this one sided.

          • northR says:

            “Could you make a comment without resorting to name calling?”

            Could you direct that at your minion bigot, OJ?
            Thanks.

      • The Original Truth™ says:

        PLP are the ones who caused the issue by approving the most work permits EVER whilst IB was out the door and Bermuda was in the middle of a recession. OBA was just trying to put the nails in the coffin by making guest workers PLP let in permanent residence. Why not ask your beloved PLP who these guest workers were that had soooo many of their permits approved while necessary IB workers were leaving. PLP the cause of the problem could never be the solution.

    • Ashley M de Sa says:

      Well that’s name calling honestly. It’s not racist or bigoted to be anti-immigration. It can be sure, but so can being pro-immigration. Just because someone calls it that doesn’t mean it’s true. There’s nothing racist, or bigoted or intolerant about securing a future for you, your children and your fellow citizens.
      My point is that anti-immigration isn’t necessarily bigoted. Most people who are anti-immigration have that opinion for non-bigoted reasons. Sure there are some racists and xenophobes in the mix as well, but the majority aren’t.

  2. Double S says:

    How come MP Famous didn’t note the racist mutterings that were spouted by the so called ‘protesters’ during their anti-immigrant protest or the fact that four school children were chased away by the so called ‘protesters’ due to their outward appearance?

    Is that what MP Famous and the PLP consider to be great?

    • Onion Juice says:

      Well now you know what Black Bermudians have been experiencing ever since we landed on this Island.
      Dont feel good does it?

      • Sandgrownan says:

        You proud of that you scumbag?

        • Kim Smith says:

          Why the name calling? It detracts from the comment.

          • Onion Juice says:

            Thats part of the subliminal racist ideology.
            We are making progress though, they called and did worst to our Forefathers.

          • Double S says:

            So you say nothing to OJ when claims his ‘culture’ to be superior and other cultures as being ‘disgusting’ or when he claims that certain people aren’t ‘real Bermudians.’ But you have an issue with people calling him names?

          • northR says:

            “Why the name calling?”

            Why the racism, bigotry, and homophobia?…it detracts from the conversation.

      • De Thruth says:

        So 2 wrongs make a right????!!!! Grow up!!!! When will the past be the past and lets concentrate on the present and the future!!! Where is the protest to the SUGAR TAX that will lead to businesses closing or RAPPING the pockets of struggling Bermudians. Just like the DIE HARD OBA supporters if the PLP say this is it no one says a word!!!!! If the peoples campaign doesn’t say protest then noone moves?????? Emancipate UR Mental Slavery!!!!!!

      • Anbu says:

        Onion juice for the millionth time. You are not now nor have u ever been oppressed. Stop it. Straight up. Black bermudians are not oppressed here. Now get up and go donsome work like the rest of us. Only thing u are oppressed by is your brain

    • wahoo says:

      Because it did not suit the objective of this particular plp bulletin. Mr. Famous is the chief of propaganda which means reality changes daily for him just like the flavor of koolaid on offer. Wasn’t it last week he was saying that the plp need to encourage more white people? It would be awesome but the majority of whites cannot ignore the racial ramblings of plp radicals.

  3. Truthertz says:

    “one of the greatest rebellions that ever took place in Bermuda or even the entire world.”

    Is this man serious with that comment? Does that mean Trump’s proposed border wall will be the greatest wall ever built in the entire world? Or is this author’s anti-immigrant sentiment righteous whilst others are racist? Bermuda has a real hate problem these days.

    • Standing Strong! says:

      No there CAN’T be a hate problem, Christopher Famous wanted us to hold hands and sing songs only one week a go! Say it isn’t so!

  4. sandgrownan says:

    What a load of utter and complete tosh.

  5. San Patrick says:

    Thanks to all those who participated in this demonstration. It is now time to convert governing responsibility into greater economic participation. Time for action and less talk.

    • Mark says:

      This was the worst demonstration of how gullible people will believe the ramblings of marally corrupt people who are looking to use them tobgain power. This dusgusted me as a bermudian and i will not allow it to be memorilized like something good. Its pitiful. Time for action is right. Time for a real revolution.

      • Onion Juice says:

        Well it looks like majority of people disagreed with you according to the numbers.

        • OnionPuke says:

          Like Forrest Gump said -”Stupid is as stupid does”.

        • Anbu says:

          No onion juice again your stupidity trumps all logic as usual. Im with mark. See how well u muppets do against a real revolution.

  6. inna says:

    So now that you and your PLP’ers in, no more rebellions??

  7. dick francis says:

    Slight hyperbole, no?

    My fellow Bermudians let us to take a moment to recognise that this week marks the 2nd anniversary of one of the greatest rebellions that ever took place in Bermuda or even the entire world.

    ROFL

  8. Mark says:

    What absolute nonsense.

  9. Rockfish#1and#2 says:

    He should try his hand at writing science fiction.

  10. jt says:

    Don’t forget as government you’re actually supposed to accomplish something. So far nothing, and even less than that from you personally.

    • Onion Juice says:

      Well for starters, seniors and workers got an increase for the first time in 5 years.

      • wahoo says:

        To be clear the taxpayers are giving those things the plp are taking credit, it was easy for them. The only jobs they will create will be public service one’s again at the taxpayers expense. The above article does not make true investors feel comfortable about a government that promotes illegal activity at the drop of a hat. I wonder if premier Burt proof reads this stuff before infamous hits send.

        • Onion Juice says:

          Like de taxpayers payed for a sailboat race for Billionaires.

          • Anbu says:

            And got a few hundred mill in return. Why is that so hard for u plpers to understand?

          • Heyyy says:

            That was an investment into the island which has already made a profit for Bermuda and Bermudians and will continues to do so.

            If you think the AC was a bad thing for Bermuda despite the independent reports and the feedback from visitors, the industry and the locals who engaged, then you have a serious issue and should seek medical attention.

          • nerema says:

            How many $64m investments is Burt making that return $335m? Hmmmmm?

          • rumsoak says:

            Drink a 40 and lie down. 300 MILLION dollars. Black mayors conference?

      • jt says:

        Let’s see how that balanced budget promise plays out.
        Anything else? Anything that produces revenue or has created a job?

    • Ashley M de Sa says:

      Not necessarily. A government is meant to keep a country functioning well. The only time a government should accomplish anything is when they country isn’t functioning well.
      I actually like that the PLP aren’t doing much, I far prefer it to all the stuff the OBA were doing, they were doing far too much and causing far too much risk.
      A good government shouldn’t be doing a lot in my opinion.

  11. Warwick West says:

    Oh please! This was not Custer’s last stand for gawds sake!

    Mr. Famous – note to self – no need for such grandstanding. It was not even that wonderful or even helpful – maybe to you but certainly not for Bermuda.

    • Onion Juice says:

      How many places around the world was Parliment or Congress surounded by a human chain to prevent politicians making a shady deal?

      • Sandgrownan says:

        Didn’t work though did it – we still get a new airport. More PLP failure

      • One Who Escaped says:

        Once in Poland and once in Iceland are just two right off the top and I’m sure many more. Those are only recent.

      • Warwick West says:

        OJ – how many places in the world can be surrounded by a human chain?…….frankly not many cuz none of them are as SMALL (!!!) as Bermuda’s Parliament………so dont get too carried away………easily done when it is the size of a picnic blanket!

        Now………….lets talk REAL WORLD…

  12. Warlord2 says:

    Does this guy really think he is a writer.

  13. Reality Bites says:

    Why celebrate an attempted Coup d’état?

    • Onion Juice says:

      America celebrates July 4th, France celebrates Bastille Day, China celebrates the Communist Revolution and almost every country that was Colonized celebrate Independance Day.
      And your point is?
      LMAO

      • sandgrownan says:

        How is a bunch of lazy-a$$ Bermudians whining about something they are ill-equipped to comprehend in any way shape or form similar to the examples you list?

  14. nerema says:

    Last week his ghost-writer was talking about how the PLP wants to be more appealing to white people.
    This week we’re back to normal. This was obviously ‘written’ (I use the word loosely) by Chris Famous himself.
    Ridiculous, deluded, and full of himself.
    He’s baaaaaack!

  15. MJ says:

    This might be the funniest column ever written.

    What complete and utter codswallop.

  16. Noel Ashford says:

    Chris, Give me a break. It was a day that highlighted how deeply uneducated some of us are about where our money comes from, what we can afford, why we are broke and how we avoid income tax to pay for years of prior PLP incompetence and the next 4 that follow.

    • Onion Juice says:

      Well we know money dont grow on trees, but we pull over $70 Million out of thin air to host a sailboat race for Billionaires.

      • Sandgrownan says:

        Idiot

      • De Truth says:

        Which created the Endeavor Program that helps with children with Autisum and other learning disabilities. No matter what money and exposure Bermuda got from the AC to help children over powers it all!!!! Again stop drinking the Green Koolaid and grow up and actually see the good from that Sail Boat Race. Lets see what other Sports Tourism the Government comes up with???!!!! Plus Koolaid is bad for u!!! Try water!!! Its clear. No color and refreshing!!!

      • wahoo says:

        Investment you ding dong how come you do not mention the $350M projected return? That is money that was not previously here. Government’s job is to facilitate a robust economy by encouraging foreign capital. You have been conditioned to think that they are here to hand out money – that only happens if you are a close friend or noisy doctor.

      • Anbu says:

        And the return on that was what again onion juice? More money than the plp have ever been able to generate in the entirety of any of their tenures. Only took them one event to destroy any record you have ever made

  17. Jus' Wonderin' says:

    My fellow Bermudians let us to take a moment to recognise that this week marks the 2nd anniversary of one of the greatest rebellions that ever took place in Bermuda or even the entire world.

    HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH you need to deflate yourself bra. At the end of the day Bermuda doesn’t matter to the world, we’re a dot in the middle of the ocean that is insignificant!

  18. Jared says:

    What a load of crap.

  19. John Joseph says:

    Chris everything the OBA did is being repackaged and sold back to us. The reason being is that many of the decisions taken were needed.

    I can live with the PLP because David Burt is more Conservative than Socialist and thankfully is recognising that the PLP failures of the past by the former grandees must not define the party or our collective future. The PLP is truly a centre right party with a leader that all of Bermuda can buy into. I rejoice that we have moved on to a more inclusive version of the PLP.

  20. Goose says:

    This protest was entirely about denying the right to have a say in Bermuda to individuals who have contributed to Bermuda and paid taxes for decades in most cases.

    The protest worked doesn’t need to be celebrated. If letting those who contribute to society have a say in the direction of that society is derided as “gentrification” perhaps they should go where their contributions and opinions will be more valued.

    All the while we’ll keep celebrating our hollow Trumpist victories in our racially homogenous one-party state.

  21. Stevie says:

    Famous. You not famous. Period

  22. puzzled says:

    Bermuda people beware.
    This man is what you see happening in the USA.
    A pawn being used.

    You will remember my words when you eat each other.
    Evil hands at work.

    • Ashley M de Sa says:

      I actually like the direction the US is headed in. If that happens for us as well, that’ll be great! For as long as I’ve been alive, the US has been a terrible countries with anti-American laws. I’m happy for them, they’re finally starting to see what having their own country is like. It’s not the same thing though, the states had destroyed themselves starting decades ago, they’re finally fixing the evils of what happened to their country. In Bermuda we don’t let things like that go one for decades upon decades. So we have a lot less to fix.

  23. Standing Strong! says:

    Famous leads me to think of Richard Nixon.

    You know what they say about ole Dick,

    Nixon is one of the few in the history of this country to run for high office talking out of both sides of his mouth at the same time and lying out of both sides.

    Harry S Truman quotes

  24. Heyyy says:

    I wish Chris Famous would stop trying to manipulate Bermudians with his spinning of events. It is disgusting and wrong.

    Christopher Famous is a propaganda merchant and nothing more. Are you one of his victims?

  25. Bobza says:

    Haha, it’s ironic that I was just listening to a guy stating how “Some people” want to try to subvert the right of the government to govern.

  26. Ringmaster says:

    Totally delusional. That was not democracy – democracy is what happened in December 2012 and July 2017. What MP Famous is lauding was mob rule, by the majority against the minority.
    Fast forward. In December 2016, those who were pepper sprayed were used as tools by the PLP elite. The reports asked for by the PLP to try and show the airport deal was against Bermuda’s interests have shown it is not the case.
    Meanwhile in the real world, Bermuda is in recession and this time the PLP cannot blame the worldwide recession. They have the responsibility, again.

    • Ashley M de Sa says:

      That is what democracy is…….democracy is majority rules………. What you mean is that’s not civilised democracy, which sure fair point there, but it was democracy because all democracy is is majority rules.

  27. jimmybadger says:

    “A Revolution because thousands of Bermudians decided that they take a stand and will not; go to school, go to work ”

    So, like any other day basically?

    • Mixitup says:

      And comments like this ^^^ are really what drive a wedge between Bermuda. And how I can tell the writer is not Bermudian? There are no Bermudians who would speak this way about their fellow islander. Dispicable!

      • sandgrownan says:

        Oh yes there are……any of us with an ounce of self awareness appreciate just how stupid a tiny, irrelevant island we are.

      • Anbu says:

        What are u on about?! Yes we do because its the truth majority of the time! Lmao. This place is full of the most entitled arrogant self loathing people on the planet. U are delusional if u think otherwise. The truth has been in your face for decades now. Come off it man. Now i know u wont believe im bermudian i guess because i havent used my name but whatever. Pot meet kettle. Once again

  28. D says:

    This is the same dude that said the PLP need to start reaching out to ALL Bermudians?! Ahhhhhhahahahahahahaha.

  29. Alvin Williams says:

    Good opinion MP Famous one thing is for sure no one else will write about our struggles and no one will record our history that we will have to do that ourselves. That protest outside Bermuda’s parliament was a act of patriotism done by Bermudian patriots.

    • Zevon says:

      Mob rule. We haven’t forgotten what Hayward had written on his t shirt that day.

    • Heyyy says:

      Pathways to status, the PLP then put through basically a similar idea and then gave away control of Bermudian Business.

      You are gullible Alvin, but don’t be stupid.

    • sandgrownan says:

      Struggle? It was a bunch of lazy Bermudians who were lied to by the PLP.

    • Anbu says:

      Because u and especially chis, dont struggle

    • Ben l says:

      Alvin you’re just a wind up meechant or a thicko.

  30. WHAT says:

    Alvin Williams please you think other people besides you have not struggled. Why is it always about your people’s struggles? Educate yourself and stop looking for sympathy. Please…”………

    • Alvin Williams says:

      Two Bermuda’s and until that changes I will defend my side of that reality.

      • Anbu says:

        As i will defend mine. With brutal efficiency

  31. Mary says:

    This fool is a legend in his own mind

  32. campervan says:

    Just curios as to whether this poorly penned deflection is designed to distract from the foot in mouth antics of the PLP’s anti gay agenda that has now gotten International attention or if its to turn local heads away from the fact that Bermuda is sliding into a recession, saddled by debt it can’t pay. Or maybe its designed to distract from both.

  33. WHAT says:

    Alvin is called they worked for what they have. Obviously something you no nothing about. Or you spend every cent you make. Then grudge hard working people that save as the other Bermuda. You are pathetic to say the least. Keep following your people see where you get.

  34. Dready says:

    What gibberish

  35. Melissa says:

    Hold on…”one of the greatest rebellions that ever took place in Bermuda or even the entire world.” Seriously?!?! There have been a lot of bigger rebellions in the world than this “rebellion”. Grab a history book sir because you have missed out on a lot of information in your life. Suggest you start with recent Spani eectilns and the colonization of Nee England and the Boston Tea Party and work your way backwards…

  36. spinspinspin says:

    ‘My fellow Bermudians let us to take a moment to recognise that this week marks the 2nd anniversary of one of the greatest rebellions that ever took place in Bermuda or even the entire world.’

    Bwahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

    Someone want to tell Chris that if he’s trying out for Just For Laughs, it’s in January!

  37. George says:

    Amen. Now how about a Public Holiday.

  38. aceboy says:

    Hey Famous…the protest was about the airport development, which is ongoing now. Are people now living in slavery and have had their freedom taken away as a result???

    The whole laughable dramatization was simply political games and everyone knows it, including you….unless you really are as stupid as the stuff you write.

  39. Warwick West says:

    OJ – how many places in the world can be surrounded by a human chain?…….frankly not many cuz none of them are as SMALL (!!!) as Bermuda’s Parliament………so dont get too carried away………easily done when it is the size of a picnic blanket!

    Now………….lets talk REAL WORLD…

  40. Rocky5 says:

    Just like the General Strike of 1981, there will be long term negative economic consequences to the “Trump like right-wing rebellion of 2016″

  41. puzzled says:

    Damn……………….
    I have missed this section for years.
    Bermuda is another world that I just found.

  42. Outside-in says:

    Such inherent stupidity in some of these comments. Pathetic.