Full Text: Premier’s Final Speech
This evening [Oct 27] Premier Dr Ewart Brown gave his final official speech as Premier at the Berkeley Institute. The full text follows below:
Good evening Cabinet Colleagues, Members of Parliament, Party Executives, Delegates and PLP Members.
Four years ago, you placed in my hands the opportunity of a lifetime and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream – A dream born within me in my youth, a dream cultivated by my parents Helene and D. A. Brown – A dream that some scoffed at and others prayed would never be fulfilled – A dream that one day, I would have the opportunity to do what only nine Bermudians before me had; serve as the leader of the country of my birth.
It was through your trust, support and sacrifice that I have had the opportunity to serve you, work for you and with you to bring real and lasting change to our country. Through your trust, support and sacrifice, together we have moved to improve the quality of life of our people.
Forty-eight months ago I stood before you and promised you a government of action and execution. Promise made, promise delivered.
In 2006 when I was campaigning to be your leader, Bermuda had benefited from 8 years of successive PLP governments. Yet, there were tasks my administration assumed to continue the PLP legacy of working on behalf of all of Bermuda’s people.
It was a place where single mothers often struggled to find affordable daycare for their children.
It was a place where some children would have to worry about money to catch the bus to school.
It was a place where those with the will but without the means were denied access to higher education.
It was a place where our seniors, the bedrock of our society, the men and women who laid the foundation of our country, struggled and sacrificed to pay for their car registrations and their healthcare needs.
It was a place where you could live in the city of Hamilton or the Town of St. George’s and still be denied the right to vote or have a say in the affairs of your community
It was a place where the divisions between Bermudians black and white, were swept under the rug, avoided and ignored – leaving years of pain, anger and injustice unresolved and unanswered.
Yes, in 2006, Bermuda was a very different place. Thanks to the path left for me by my predecessors Dame Jennifer Smith and Hon. Alex Scott, and thanks to my Cabinet colleagues and PLP parliamentarians and Senators, our government over the past 4 years has continued to make great strides on behalf of our people:
- * We have FutureCare for our beloved seniors, and affordable day care for our precious young.
- * There is an improved health care delivery system, so our residents can seamlessly access health care from some of the best hospitals in the world – Hopkins, Partners and Lahey.
- * We have an urgent care center in the East end with plans for one in the West end.
- * There is no indigent clinic. All of our citizens have access to the same health care system – no more poor persons’ clinic in Bermuda.
- * Dockyard has been revitalized, and a brand new cruise ship pier has been built to allow us to stay competitive in the cruise business by being able to accommodate the mega ships.
- * The eye sore that was Club Med on the hill is gone. Your PLP government has worked hard to ensure the people of Bermuda, particularly the people of St. George’s that our world heritage site will be renewed… and it will thrive with jobs, a new hotel, spa, and golf course. St. George’s will have a Park Hyatt luxury-branded hotel within the next 3 years.
- * The PGA Grand Slam of golf came to Bermuda, and through TNT, resplendent Bermuda was showcased in 88 million households in the US and 100 countries around the world.
- * The Grand Slam was played on Bermuda’s own public golf course, Port Royal, which has been heralded as one of the most beautiful public courses in the world.
- * Lower-cost airline travel and airline carrier and destination options to and from Bermuda are regularly enjoyed by our residents as well as our tourists now– that was not always the case. Meanwhile, there is no time wasted at TCD and fast ferries are commonplace.
- * We have a Mirrors program for our children to help them chart healthy paths during their challenging teen years.
Our list of accomplishments goes on and on. Yet our work is not finished.
This is why even after I am gone we must fight on – not for me, but for our people, for the Bermudians who believe in fairness and equality……for the Bermudians who work hard, play by the rules and sacrifice so their children can have a better future……for all Bermudians who deserve to enjoy the best our country can offer. This is who we fight for and why we must never back down, never bow down, never retreat, never yield and never, ever surrender.
The combined opposition has never been weaker, never been more desperate, and never been more deadly. A wounded, cornered animal is perhaps the deadliest of all the denizens of the wild. Never forget that.
There are those who believe that once I am gone efforts to divide us, delay our agenda and destroy our reputations will end and the threat will recede. To those who have been beguiled by sweet words and hollow promises of unity once I am off the stage, I say don’t be fooled!
Hear me and hear me well. The agenda that will continue to oppose the PLP and all it stands for is one that would return power to those who had it before. That agenda has not changed, their tactics have not changed, and most of the players have not changed! You owe it to our people and you owe it to yourselves to never forget that.
As there are threats outside the Party, there are threats within the Party as well. There are those who believe that their personal interests and persuasions should come before the Party and the country. There are those run to the propaganda arm of the combined opposition, and under cover of night and anonymity attempt to divert, divide and destroy all that you, I and so many before us have worked so hard and sacrificed so much to build. I say to you, speak your piece within the party framework. Work for change within the party framework. Don’t be afraid to state your name and your position. I and others may disagree with you often, but the PLP has room for dissidents and we will respect you. But don’t come to Central Committee meetings and Caucus, hear all of our strategic positions and then run to your friends in the combined opposition to tell them everything you heard in confidence. If you are that close to the Royal Gazette and others who wish for the demise of the Party, why don’t you just man-up, join them and fight us from the outside? Be our open enemy if you find us so objectionable. Do as you would do in a domestic marriage – just leave! Find someone else to spend your life with, with whom you might be more compatible.
I say this because tomorrow we will select the fourth person to lead the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party since the victory of 1998. Our next leader will need your loyal, unwavering support more than a PLP leader has ever needed it. That person should not be made to fight within and without the Party. Too much is at stake. All the arrows that are released from Friday onward will be geared toward destabilizing the Party in an effort to win back the government in 2 years. The PLP needs all hearts and all hands on deck. Be sure that yours are in the right place.
The person we choose will become part of a proud lineage – one of which I am grateful and honoured to belong. As I did, our next leader will follow in the footsteps of legends, stand on the shoulders of giants, and walk in the shadows of the greatness that was L. Frederick Wade and Dame Lois Browne Evans. And, undoubtedly, our next leader will leave his or her own mark.
Regardless of who we choose tomorrow, I know that the Party and Bermuda will be in good hands. The three currently seeking your support are known to all of us and each bring a unique set of strengths and abilities that will move Bermuda forward in ways and at a pace yet unimagined.
It has been said; “Uneasy is the head that wears the crown.” Despite this, any leader of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party will never find themselves alone.
I have been blessed to have at my side, my rock, my lady soldier and my love, Wanda – A woman who sacrificed so much in support of my dream of a better Bermuda. A woman who, in spite of all the things hurled our way, has always conducted herself with class, dignity and honour. Wanda I thank you and so look forward to spending the rest of my days with you.
To my sons, Trey, Donnie, Kevin and Maurice – you have been supportive, understanding and a constant source of love and comfort. Thank you.
To the next leader of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party: The love and support of your family will be the bedrock of your strength as you go forth and lead our people. But, know that as you ascend to leadership you will gain another family, unconnected by blood or familial relations but eternally connected through our shared values, beliefs and hopes for our country.
Wanda and I saw the power of our other family first hand in the prayers, letters, emails, voicemails and whispered words of encouragement that over the years played a major role in giving us the strength to go on fighting for Bermuda.
We saw its power in the thankful faces of the families that benefited from free daycare and free bus service for students.
We saw it in the relieved eyes of our seniors who through FutureCare no longer have to worry about whether they can afford to get the quality medical treatment they need and deserve.
We saw it the eyes of the students at the Bermuda College who took advantage of the free tuition to improve their skills and become a more active participants in Bermuda’s economic success story.
Much has been done. Yet much remains undone. The time is coming for a new generation to seize the wheel and steer the ship of state to the horizon. My generation – the one that marched to tear down racial barriers in the 60’s; protested for social change in the 70s; moved up the ladder of success in the 80’s; built our homes and educated our children in the 90’s; and led our country for the first decade of the 21st century will soon leave the stage as I have. But, there are many who have not left the stage, and they should not leave…Many should be honoured, respected and treasured — because they have much left to contribute to our country.
To our young, bold successors, I say: Hold on…there is much you can learn from those of us who get free public transportation. You still need some of us – maybe not all of us. Let the young and the not-so-young work together as we transition to the next generation.
Today will mark the final time that I stand before you as your Party Leader and Premier of Bermuda. The past 48 months have been a truly unforgettable experience, one that Wanda and I will treasure always.
To my Cabinet, Parliamentary Colleagues and Senators, thank you.
To the Central Committee and Party Executive, thank you.
To my Branch Chair and branch executive, thank you.
To my outstanding team at the Cabinet Office, thank you.
And last, but certainly not least – to you – members and supporters of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party, thank you.
To our next leader – May the Force be with you! God Speed!
here’s a summary
The island is bankrupt and a mess….but we have PGA golf!!!
There is no question his legacy will live on for decades…..Narcissism at it’s best.
And Beyonce!( rolls eyes)
Lying, vulgar, race-baiting creep – go back to California and your son who was arrested, and the other one in jail.
Haha tell us how you REALLY feel!!
Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Yup, tenth leader of Bermuda, but mark my words, he’ll be the first not to ordinarily reside in Bermuda following his departure from office.
With the Martha Vineyard home purchase and his home in Bermuda allegedly up for sale, you can bet on it.
So long suckers!
Why didn’t he trumpet about the raise in taxes that had to occur (due to wild “free” promises and so called “mis-appropriation” of the people’s money) during a recession effectively increasing the cost of living in this country already and literally eliminating any savings that might have been procured through the daycare, Futurecare and college intitatives?
Actually you should apologize for your tenure…disgusting man
I don’t believe he has done a single good thing for this country, and certainly not enough to counteract all of the negative things he’s done. The country is deep in debt and immensely corrupt, and racial relations are at their worst in recent memory, and I believe that the blame for that lies directly at his feet (and those of the people who let him have that power and didn’t stand up to him are responsible too).
Good riddance.
Wrong. He is gone.
Why are people so full of hate….I hear you all loud and clear and I ask myself why would I support people like this by shopping in their stores or hiring them for the work I had intended to do at my house. I can shop online or overseas and the work at my house is a want and not a need so I just cancelled that want…….
Ummmmm… ok
He is so unbelievably delusional of his time in office. I agree with SM – he hasn’t done a thing to make this country better. He hopefully he has a one-way ticket to Martha’s Vineyard this weekend… good riddance!
Let’s hope he’s not given a Knighthood. That would be the final slap in our faces.
The Dark Knight is a suitable name for him, considering all the deals he’s made in shadow and darkness. No wait, that name’s already gone.
Wrong. I hope he is offered it. It would be another betrayal when he accepts it.And he will, if only for his family ( taking a page out of the anti royalist Rolffe’s book )..
Pretty certain he will have a knighthood conferred on him. And he will accept it too. His type always does. They “bow before the throne”, then continue their rant about colonial masters.
Hypocrisy at it’s best.
I hope the next premier is a Jedi..
I would support that.
Wow. You people are so hateful it is disgusting.
Wow you people defend wrong and refuse to acknowledge bad governance to a point where it is….disgusting
Hate often times is earned. Doc has worked extra time to earn his..
It is sad that you are all so full of rage and anger that you can’t see that you yourselves are to blame for the situation our country finds itself – - we all are. Education and the national debt didn’t start when Dr. Brown took office – - – our social ills didn’t start when Dr. Brown took office – - – to say that our country’s problems are his or the current government’s fault is dellusional at best – - I clearly admit that Dr. Brown and the current government did not do all that they could have to make it better – - – AND I CERTAINLY DON’T AGREE WITH DR. BROWN ON MANY ISSUES AND HIS HANDLING OF CERTAIN SITUATIONS – -but I refuse to sit and place blame when I know that my country has produced a generation of lazy, self-absorbed, “deserve it just because I’m a Bermudian” thinking morons that do not take any resposnibility for their own actions – - they are constantly playing the blame game. I am young, black, hard-working, with a positive mind and spirit – - I am not a member of the PLP, UBP, BDA or any political party – - I believe in people and their passion to effect positive change in our community – - my advice = stop blaming the out-going Premier for everything wrong in the country (the easy way), stop blaming the government for why you don’t have this or that (the easy way), and start to be the change that you so deeply desire by actually DOING something (the ONLY way) – - get your hands dirty, mentor, volunteer – - – if not, why then don’t YOU leave the country so that those of us (white, black, ex-pat, locals, etc.) who care can begin to make our country great once again.
It’s a simple plan – - – are you in or are you out?
Yng Black Mind says
Well Said !!
I doubt that most people lay the blame solely at his feet, and I agree with you to a certain extent. That said, his style of leadership was divisive and self-serving. It’s arguable that all politics is, but his was more blatant and more extreme than anything Bermuda has seen in recent memory. It’s naive to insist that he wasn’t self-serving.
The unwillingness on the part of (some, by no means all) to take responsibility for themselevs and for the changes they wish to see is a rant for another time and place.
@SM – - I can agree with part of your statement; however, the comments presented earlier in this post clearly indicate a level of blame – - for you to infer that the “responsibilty” issue is a “rant for another time and place” seems fairly dismissive to me and indicates that “those persons” that you refer to in your post will never admit their involvement in the problems this country faces. My statement (which I do not believe was a “rant”) was simply an opportunity to provide a level headed commentary on a very bias “tirade” or attack on the outgoing Premier.
As far as the first point you raise, I mean that the problem with Bermudians refusing to accept responsibility for their actions and problems (and that’s a generalisation, and in no way meant to detract from the many Bermudians who do, but it’s hard to ignore the ones who don’t) isn’t anything to do with Dr. Brown, and so doesn’t really belong in this conversation about the Premier and what he has (or hasn’t) done for the country.
I never said your comment was a rant. I don’t agree with everything you said, but you raise valid points in a way that’s conducive to debate.
@SM – I understand your point and agree to a certain extent – - I believe the lack of responsibility does have a purpose in this discussion about the Premier as many previous comment on this thread indicate that the Premier blatantly scoffed his responsibilty as Premier and went out for self – - and I personally would like to tahnk you for your views in this discussion – debate and open dialogue is the only way we will be able to evoke any real change in any situation.
In his speech it mentions racism as one of the things he “fixed” and it’s appropriate for you to say “Young Black Mind” but wouldn’t be appropriate for me to put “Young White Mind” would it? He didn’t do a damn thing for racism and all of his followers don’t care if he did or not.
@Jays – - If you were to refer to yourself as “Young White Mind”, there would be no issue from me or any other sane minded individual. Dr. Brown is a politician – plain and simple – - because he created the “Big Conversation,” he believes he can say that he did something to improve race relations – and I believe that it did help – very little, but it did create dialogue for some.
The problem with the “Big Conversation” and his race relations push was simple – - en masse, whites did not (and some still do not) trust Dr. Brown and saw him as a “I’m gonna get back at them” Negro, AND more importantly, he appointed a race radical as his relations spokeperson who frequently spoke out of turn.
Trust is needed to provide a foundation for race relations – - and that does not start with the Premier and the government – - that starts will individuals and their families – - I encourage all Bermudians to step out of their comfort zones and realize that we are in this together.
You may see it as white people not liking Ewart Brown cause they thought he was going to “get back at them” but black, white, asian, european it doesn’t matter who you are, you can dislike a premier if you personally don’t think he’s doing a good job! There’s no need to pull the race card and say “generally white people don’t like ewart brown but i’m not a racist”. Also, since when do white Bermudians refer to Ewart Brown as a “negro”? All white people aren’t the KKK you know.
I am one of the most frustrated “colour blind” people as I don’t give a damn about the colour of your skin it’s whats in your head and I don’t think it’s right that people need to bring race into ANY of this.
Co-signed
LOL
@Jays – - you have confused me – - I referred to Dr. Brown as a “Negro” to emphasize the mentality that some white Bermudians (some of which I spoke with personally) actually had in regards to his intentions and motives when he became Premier – - I never stated that white Bermudians refer to him as a negro.
You yourself in your previous statement indicated that my reference to myself as “young black mind” as appropriate but you referenced as “young white mind” would not be – - I disagree. We do not bring race into this – - – race was a part of this from the moment he became Premier – - probably even before – - when the PLP actually won the government in 98.
Referencing the KKK is simple a deflection from my point earlier – - I agreed with you – - he did not help race relations – - we must do better – all of us.
Agree with that completely, and I’ve said it 100 times, Bermudians’ own apathy and refusal to hold our elected officials accountable is very much a part of the problem. In fact I’d say it’s the very reason this ‘monster’ has been created to begin with.
I agree with (young black mind) 1000%!!!!!
Thank you, Yng Black Mind, you said it well and I agree with what you type. Keep up the positive interecation.
Really. Why shouldn’t we blame him and his PLP supporters?
168 million in debt before the messiah dropped from the sky and as he ascends via the vineyards,he leaves 1 billion smackeroos deeper in it..So why should we not be doc haters again????
@rj jones – “Doc Haters”, as you put it, do not assist in the resolution of problems – - yes, you can be angry and upset, but I am simply asking to be a part of the solution, instead of simply blaming the problems on “him and them.”
Solutions are found when people address the root cause of our problems. Ignoring or attempting to side step the nonsense that we have endured for the past 4 years is akin to ignoring an open wound and hoping it will heal itself.
And please let me be angry for just a few more days. Heck the pain from this mess wont dissipate anytime time soon. Feel that pull on your pockets? That is your hard earned cash being ripped away from you..
@Jones – - if you need that time, so be it. I believe that you are over-stating his importance, but I respect your right to express that point of view – - just wish those who may think like you cause appreciate that others do not think as they do – - simple – - and I feel that pull on my pockets – - it’s been tugging a lot longer than 4 years – - and definetly longer than 12 for that matter – - – not a plp, ubp or party thing – - it is a Politician thing
lets look at one aspect..
bermuda’s debt was what 4 years ago?
bermuda’s debt is what now?
that was not caused by previous premiers. that one was solely at his feet. at that is one of the biggest kickers of them all.
@Lissa – - – thanks – - but I just wanted everyone to know that I do not believe that Dr. Brown was a saint – - like them, I do beleive there is plently to be upset about – - but to simply be angry without solution is wasteful energy.
@Yng Black Mind
So what’s the solution(s)?
1 Crime (I believe this is fueled by the below)
2 Education (I am not interested in blaming just solutions to this)
3 Debt (Maybe I should take “it’s not my money attitude” and not worry about future generations?)
4 Race (Very interested in your response to this one as I have been alive for 30 years and it is now the worst I have ever seen in Bermuda for those who a politically minded it almost mirrors the US today.) I am white so maybe I do not have a say in these matters. I struggle with everything that you do trust me. I stand on my own and my wife four feet holding may family with her.
LOL (but not on these issues.)
@LOL
Let’s start with 1 – Crime – - you are correct, it is fueled by the other problems you listed – it is probably the toughest problem that the country does face – - but you yourself have already provided solutions to the problem – - we need to tackle our social ills (education, opporunity, debt) in order to get a handle on crime. Additionally, I believe the BPS needs to stop being a “service” and become a “force” once again – - I personally do not need to have a police officer make me “feel good” when addressing me – - if I have broken the law then I should be made accountable – - also, I believe the BPS can do more in regards to enforcement – - that will help.
2 – Education – tough but not impossible – - first, we need to go back to streamlining our classrooms – this means placements based on academic strengths and weaknesses – - yes, this may appear to be a bit non PC however, we need to meet our students where they are and move them, according to their actual ability, to where they want to be. A technical school, as well as a magnet school (i.e. performance arts, boy centered or girl centered only schools, etc.) will be necessary for our education system to turn around – - we need the benchmark for success to be raised (remember 80% is mastery – thus 55% is not a passing grade) – - and we as parents need to be involved in the success of our students and the schools.
3 – Debt – - Government needs to cut its spending – - -trust me, they’re already doing that – - do I believe that the civil service needs to cut jobs? Maybe – - however, I do know that the civil service employs nearly 40% of Bermuda’s workforce,so if jobs are cut, we go right back to our social ills. Money is tight all around (all Bermudians are feeling the pinch) – - people need to save and invest their monies wisely.
4 – Race – - I agree LOL – raca relations are not where they should be – - we start with ourselves – - I take everyone as an individual – not white or black – but as a person. I raise my children to think the same – - when they say “white” in a neagtive way, they are corrected swiftly and reminded why they should not speak that way. The same is true when they speak negatively about “black” or any other race – - race relations will never get better until we understand the basis of that statement – “Relate.” We do not socialize together, we do not eat together, we barely even speak to each other – en masse (not individuals). You are my brother and your family is my family – - Black people in this country must let go of the “slave” mindset – which blames all our ills on white people (let go, not forget) – - and start to reach out – as do whites as well. The opportunity is primed to tackle this “giant, pink elephant in the corner” – - Fear is the enemy of change – - we simply need to commit to start – - here’s how – - if you have kids, where are you trick or treating? My family will join you for part of the evening.
“One step starts the journey”
I agree with your comment above and can of course see some exceptions as I have stated that politically minded people I feel become polrized. My core family realy has no problem with race we are a mixed bunch and enjoy each others company I live in an apartment with my mother-in-law, wife and kids. We do go trick or treating usually at Sunshine Vally by the regiment and Rock Away good places for candy
. Pleae forgive me but as it is a Sunday my wife feels that we should not be going as she does not like them out on a school night but I am working on her if we do I am unmistakable I have two kids one is full black that I have helped raise from young and one mixed still very young. If you see me introduce your self I would bite I’m usually….
LOL
I meant I wouldn’t bite “Haha” I caught myself.
LOL
Thanks for the invite – - my family will try to swing by and I will make myself known if I see you – -
One step forward two steps backward.
Forget Dr. Brown, we need to focus on what is to come, we have to clean up the mess, fast! or everything this Island has endured for 400 years will go to the dogs. If international business leaves and the youth of today are not educated, the Bermudians of tomorrow with be so socially inept, poor and uneducated that no hotel or business will hire them. Everything any Bermudian has invested in this country will vanish and Bermuda will be home to crime, violence and poverty. Don’t believe me? it can happen to any bady run country and has! Especially one as small as ours with nothing to offer the world other than Tourism adn Tax breaks. The present PLP government has done everything to stay in power and nothing to govern the country. The Civil Service is a clear example of over employment and the failing education system is a clear example of why Bermudians will not be upto scratch to work in alot of International Companies. Instead the Government looks to force inept people into employment positions . They also agressively tax International and Bermudian companies through pay roll to pay for the vast mistakes made through their own mismanagement and budgeting. All of this coupled with Ignorance and Greed leaves little hope for the days ahead. There is no racial issue here, it is simply self serving ministers taking what they can from the tax payer, while they can get it. If the government really cared we would not be in this situation after 12 years of leadership from an all Black party. 12 years! In 12 years has the Young Black males situation become better worse? I think the later, all because the Government failed him and will continue to because the bigger heads are only interested in themselves. Wake up Bermuda ! My advice would be to plan your escape route now!
There’s a hole in the pale so lets elect Dale.
It’s too late to fail and were not up for sale,
So lets get ready to bale, and stand by the rail,
For the Butlers in charge,
And we need a good nail to seal this leaky ship,
Then we can prevail.
A great day too all.
Dr. Brown without you:
-I would have to drive an hour to work in the morning but now i can take a ferry(commuters)
-I couldn’t afford to put my kids in a good safe nursery but you have given me a subsidy so i can afford to do so(Mothers)
-I would have to walk home from school some days when moma was broke but now buses are free for school kids(Students)
-I now have access to healthcare and my prescription drugs at a price i can afford(seniors)
-I am assured that this jurisdiction is well regulated and i won’t be harassed by regulators in other countries that i do business in (International Business)
-I know their are going to be a lot of contracts available (work) with all of the hotel developments coming on line.(construction company owner/worker)
-I can go to college, i thought i would have to work after high school being my mother can’t afford college(student)
-I was involved in gangs but mirrors changed my life(would be gangster)
-I would still be detained in an abusive, illegal, and immoral prison; Guantanamo Bay (ughirs)
-I always heard of bermuda but could never afford to fly there. With jet blue its finally affordable.(tourist)
-Finally there is an actual conversation about reconciling the racial problems of the past (old man who grew up in a segregated bermuda)
Dr. Brown thanks for all your hard work, the people of bermuda are appreciative and thankful.
For all those who don’t really like Mr. Brown look at the good he’s done. Were only humans and can only do so much at one given time. I applaud Dr. Brown for making the most of his time to transform bermuda for the better.
For the whites that dont like him cause their racist and the blacks that dont like him cause they dont think he went far enough or switched sides he is a good man with good intentions we should be proud this man was willing to sacrifice to serve his country.
Again thank you Mr. Brown.
@Get a Clue
How can these things be sustained in the long term without tax increases? I think you need to get a clue. “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
To those racist blacks who don’t like white people and those racist whites that don’t like black people please leave or get a life and work together for Bermuda and not for your selves. You are only staving everyone else. Perspective.
Some people make me
LOL
I just tried to reply to this post but I kept getting too angry at the “whites cause they’re racist”.
So I’ll leave it at that. Think about who’s racist in that sentence.
There is so much wrong with this, I’m not sure where to start. There’s also the lingering suspicion that the poster is just another of the PLP’s paid consultants, who post from abroad impersonating thoughtful Bermudians. Especially as it looks like all you did was run through the Premier’s list of accomplishments and add who benefitted at the end.
However, let’s look at some of them, not that I expect you to respond, but just in case:
Education – Scholarships and funding existed before Dr. Brown. And Education is worse today than it was 3 years ago.
Crime – You mention the handful of kids that have gone through the mirrors program, but ignore the fact that that gun/ gang crime is staggeringly higher now than 3 years ago.
Tourism – You mention that JetBlue has opened up cheaper flights to Bermuda – but total air arrivals are lower than 3 years ago.
International Business – You mention that we’re well regulated, yet ignore the fact that the number of jobs associated with IB on the island is lower than 3 years ago.
Those are the only serious points in your retort worth addressing to be honest. The fact that you’ve listed as an achievement the interests of 4 exiled political prisoners pretty much proves that you’re more interested in spin than reality. So I guess you’re all signed up to the PLP machine then?
It’s probably Jedi-Master Brown commenting himself.. Has no clue of what’s really going on.. ADD maybe? There’s gun crime? OMG LETZ BUILD POOLZ
Our Outgoing Premier is already gone…. left the island on the early flight this morning it seems.
I apologize for the statement ‘for the whites who don’t like him cause their racist’, i framed that wrong, in no way was that statement intended to suggest all whites are racist; but i do believe that 90% of whites that DONT like him feel that way because he is a black man thats not willing to compromise to whites or blacks for that matter; blacks have been submissive to whites for a long time and the fact that Ewart would be so defiant to them creates a level of dislike that causes them to criticize him even if he is doing good. But this discussion has nothing to do with that back to the issues:
Education: I agree the funding did exist but it was his decision to ensure the amount available increased. You could say they are worse, but the new Cambridge curriculum has just been introduced this year. Things have been done to rectify the situation. Larry Burchall wrote a good article in this weeks sun, you should read it, after that you will see its not Dr. Browns fault.
Crime: Years ago before the consistent shootings Dr. Brown suggested implementing swat teams, harsher legislation and other measures to help with crime. But for some reason most of vocal bermuda didn’t feel those measures were necessary. They felt Dr. Brown was exaggerating about the extent of the
problem. Now that the issue has become even worse its obvious that the measures he wanted to implement swat teams ect may have decreased the level of crime that we have experienced recently. Maybe he should have been himself and did it anyway even though the public didnt support him.
Tourism: Jamaica is the only country within the Caribbean region that has continued growth in tourism. This in not a problem endemic to bermuda but rather a consequence of the economic crisis. He has done well in his role was minister for tourism. Cheap flight and now hotels are being built. His not god, his did a good job. Even the owner of the reefs acknowledged publicly that he has did well in teh role.
IB: This has nothing to do with government, taxes or anything that media are talking about. The obama administration is causing a lot of uncertainty in the business world in regards to tax obligations and so on. So for example as a the owner of a IB company not knowing what obama was going to do, would you:
A. Stay in bermuda and accept the effects that the new legislation will have on taxes
B. Move to the EU or Swtizerland where you are aware of what your taxes are and will be for the foreseeable future.
Especially companies that are in the business of risk management, which do you think they would choose, surety or mystery? I wonder. The reason these companies are leaving has nothing to do with Bermuda and us having the infrastructure and environment for business to thrive, but rather the companies need to know for sure what their tax liability will be and moving to europe will allow this. How can a company worth billions by market cap alone be able to forecast and do budgets if they don’t know how much tax they will have to pay? They can’t that’s there leaving. The taxes they will pay in Europe are more than they pay here even with this years increases, so the tax increases aren’t the reason their leaving but rather knowing how much tax they must pay. The royal gazette will tell you anything, sometimes we as people need to actually comprehend what is being said and look at it from a rational point of view, not political or emotional.
Any Rebuttal
Yea, where did you get the 90% of whites hate Brown stat from? I’d like to see proof of people making statistics on the colour of your skin and what you do and don’t like.
I think you meant to say 90% of Bermudians
The 90% stat comes from the PLP saying that 90% of whites vote UBP and therefore show that this equates racism. This poster just extrapolated the state to fit their argument. Just more propaganda which is rampant these days as some people are desperate to by right and can’t admit anything went wrong. Make me …..
LOL
here’s a rebuttal..
“90% of whites that DONT like him feel that way because he is a black man thats not willing to compromise to whites”
lol not sure how else to put it but that is just horsesh**. A lot of Brownites need to get over themselves and reaslize that now in 2010, there’s not this hatred because a politician is black. sure there are some leftover old guard peeps, but 90%? more like 1-2%.
Secondly, you talk about surety vs mystery? err helloooo does the PLP/brown govt ever do anything thats really “sure”? We have term limits and new taxes.. we have a lot of people complaining that IB doesnt hire enough bermudians.. etc etc… it is NOT a good environment here for IB. Its not as bad as many naysayers thing, but it is still not helping.
how do you feel about taxes going up? none of those things are free.. Brown has just managed to literally turn bermuda closer to a welfare system where the majority pay for the minority. I am paying for that person to go to college. I am paying for that day care. I am paying for that kid to catch the ferry. As is every other person on the island who had their taxes raised.
Get a clue.
I have three words for you ‘Get a Clue’!
I’m a white Bermudian and I don’t like Brown. Not because I’m a racist, far from it, but because of the self serving, egotistical way he has run this country. If you still see him as a ‘good man’ with ‘good intentions’ after the mess he has left this Island in then I’m sorry that your view is so blinkered. I for one am not one of the ‘people of Bermuda’ who is appreciative and thankful. I am glad to see the back of him He has not transformed Bermuda for the better he has done more to foster bad feeling between the races than any other person, the race card was played at every turn, when we marched on various occasions to protest at his actions it was the race card that was played and we were portrayed as rich white folk with a grudge. He has handed out contracts without tender to his friends and relatives (the Friends and Family Plan), he has made no attempt to explain the overruns on any of these capital projects – I’m sorry putting it all down to inflation does not wash. This is our tax dollars he has been playing so fast and loose with and now his tenure is over and I say ‘Good Riddance’. Hopefully the next Premier, and despite hoping that it will be Terry Lister I know it will be ‘The Cog’, will not be a puppet with strings being pulled from Martha’s Vineyard.
And for the black, always voted for the PLP, so called haters like me, I say, thank heavens he has gone. We are a billion dollars in debt, seen deals so bad that if it was a Gibbons we would be rioting in the street. As for all those give aways, seriously, they have to be paid for, and at a time when we have significantly reduced revenue streams. Future Care is a disater about to happen. Don’t think so, then just wait..
Conversation about reconciliation is more a smoke screen and a job opportunity for his ADC Rolffe. Race relations are not improving or haven’t you heard.
What in the world are you on about regarding the doctor making a sacrifice? Are you kidding me? I mean are you serious? Why would a doctor practically abandon his practice to serve the country? If you know Ewart, you know that it isn’t because of his desire to place others interst in front of his. I know him and I can asure you that isn’t so.
Doc has played us like cheap fiddles. We have bought his black power bs with gusto. Saluted him like he is a genuine comrade, wanted to touch his robe like he is the messiah. You have been had, hoodwinked and now brotha man Jets off ( maybe on Jet Blue ) to Vineyards afar. Leaving behind us silly believers to suffer in the mess he has created. Maybe you could buy his house to show how much you really adore this would be radical, who dresses in gucci not dashiki’s.
If life is so great and Bermuda has never been better,then why oh why, is the good doctor departing Shangri-la?
Do you not understand that ‘free’ education and ‘free’ daycare are not actually free, but the cost is actually transferred to everyone via increased taxes that we all pay? Surely you’ve heard the expression that nothing in life is free.
You truly have the right name.
And if we didn’t take the Uighurs someone else would have taken them. They wouldn’t have been condemned to a life in Guantanamo Bay.
“Guys, Bermuda doesn’t want you. We’re going to beat you harder now!”
You get a clue.
Dear Brown
Thanks to you
- I do not know when I should take the car or take the ferry as the ferries are constantly breaking down due to lack of funds for maintenance.
- I thought you promised everyone free nursery care but now we have a means test and I was dollar over.
- If you managed the economy better my mother could have afforded the bus for me to go to school but what is the point of going to school, education is in crisis and gang members are terrorizing the student populace.
- My father’s mother has cheap healthcare but my mother’s father has to pay over $800 a month. Where is the free healthcare for ALL seniors that were promised.
- We were promised that government would regulate its capital projects with transparency and accountability after Berkley and BHC but we have seen lack of transparency and accountability in our jurisdiction with the new court police building and TCD.
- Due to your mismanagement of our economy and antagonizing the IB sector we are seeing jobs being transferred out of Bermuda, not be being downsized due to the recession. These are jobs never to be seen again.
- We have been given a lot of deadlines when hotels will begin being built but the deadlines have passed and now we are suppose to believe you for the new deadlines. All we have seen during your tenure as tourism minister is the reduction of hotel beds available on the market.
- I thought I could go to college with the promise of an excellent public education which was never delivered. What am I suppose to do now as there are no jobs out there and I have to compete against the private school kids who have a better education than me.
- Thanks for the mirrors program but where is the follow up program to ensure I do not fall back into the gangs. Can we stop some of the gang members using the mirrors program as a get out of jail free card.
- Thanks for bringing the US problem concerning the Uighurs to Bermuda without consulting your own cabinet, never mind consulting the voting public. Those jobs you got them could have benefited our own.
- At a time we are running deficits and have over a billion dollar of debt can we still afford subsidizing the airlines.
- Thanks for giving my second unborn child who will be delivered after you left office a debt of over $30,000 on the day of his birth. Who knows how large the debt will be after this year with that fantasy budget that was delivered last February.
- Also, where is the unemployment insurance that was promised by the PLP. I know I have family members and friends who could use it now.
- There is so much more I could add but just wanted to give to some people a clue.
What is so sad I really thought you, Ewart, could have been one of Bermuda’s finest Premiers when you were elected but you destroyed it by your own greed and ego.
#cosign!
(claps) Someone with a clue. The same certainly can’t be said for the person you responded to.
I just want to say you ALL are CLUELESS SHEEPLE!!! Stop worrying about the medial things and educate yourselves about what and who is controlling our Government. Didn’t Bernews put up a lil bio about the Premier, did you all miss the part where his mother and aunt were UBP politicians!! How PLP is he really, did he not believe in the same philosophies that his mother did…? Come on people, I said that to say this, ALL if not MOST politicians are bred for their ascension into political office!! Their beliefs and political views are taught to them from young, and when it’s the right time they can be put into office to effect the agenda and change that the “REAL” people or entities in power want. It’s not about race, money, free buses, free school, or whatever you feel the issue is. It’s bigger than UBP vs PLP vs BDA, that’s all SMOKE and MIRRORS!!! We have an elite group of people that want and only want one thing…. TOTAL CONTROL of every aspect of each and everyone’s lives and in laymen’s terms a NEW WORLD ORDER!!! I don’t care if you think this is crazy stuff, I think it’s crazy that the Finance Minister and the CEO of the Bermuda Monetary Authority are brother and sister. He regulates the money and she’s responsible for putting forth legislation regarding finances. If that’s not a conflict of interest like the AG said about the TCD madness then I have a bridge to sell you in Dockyard!!! Don’t even mention the fact that their FATHER was the late Finance Minister…. That’s what I mean about breeding politicians and BLOOD LINES!! It’s almost too late for us to create real change until we disband the party system, tell ALL the politicians THANKS BUT NO THANKS and start from fresh with regular people without MONEY and INFLUENCE that can run our country. Not saying anything bad about any profession or demeaning any but my vote goes to the grassroots worker that works hard to earn an honest living, because you have to be humble to serve your fellow man. Not some self serving Narcissist that is doing exactly what his MASTER wants. I’ll even go as far to say that if you think that your leaders are “Christians” and God fearing people then I have another bridge to sell in St. George’s!!! These people worship the DEVIL point blank. Why you think the Premier said and I quote “May the force be with you”, do your research and find out about the symbolism in Star Wars!! It has NOTHING to do with the GOD that I serve!!
He said it cause the next premier is going to be a Jedi.
Whoa is all I have to say..
LOL
Will someone bring me up too speed. How many delegates get to vote. Seriously..I don’t have it available.
Just wanna know how many hands of the ruling party there is. I know the common man has no say.
Terry,
166 PLP members have the future of this Island in their hands
@terry 166 delegates
Thank you both for responding.
166…….damn…..
I think I’ll have a beer…nah a rum………..
Well, I guess we’l have to deal with 166 proof. Thats gotta be potent stuff.
Better finish up my comments now. Time to change the clocks anyway in the comming days even though time is set back or as they call it “fall back” regardless were better off with……….
“Dalelight Saving Time”
Um not a math person here but out of rougly 65,000 peoples ( not all eligable to vote) thats roughly 1 vote for every 392 people…….jingus……..in theory that is.
Ah ehll mu annug evah ha murdna edialooc………………….