Sylvan Richards Calls For Drug Testing
[Updated] Providing a copy of his own drug test, Sylvan Richards, the BDA’s candidate for Constituency #26 said today [Nov 10] that “We believe that since the call for drug testing has been put on hold for MP’s and the current talk is about doing things differently, we should start now with constituency #26.”
Mr Richards has called for all potential MP’s for the upcoming by-election for #26, to submit to drug testing, saying “To show that I am embracing transparency and willing to walk the walk, I have submitted myself to a full testing and my results are here for all to see.” Pictured below is a copy of Mr Richards screening results:
Mr Richards, an insurance executive, is making his political debut in the December 15 by-election for former Premier Dr Ewart Brown’s seat. The PLP has put forward former Senator Marc Bean and the UBP is anticipated to field political newcomer Devrae Noel-Simmons.
Craig Cannonier, Leader of the BDA said in relation to Sylvan’s willingness to stand up to the scrutiny of the electorate “Sylvan has today demonstrated his character in leading by example in taking a drug test. The constituents of #26 deserve to know that Sylvan will not just talk – he is a man of action. After all actions speak louder than words. I have faith that the constituents of #26 will recognize Sylvan’s commitment and integrity.”
Mr Richards full statement follows below:
“The Bermuda Democratic Alliance embraces transparency and openness in conducting the People’s business. In that spirit, we believe that since the call for drug testing has been put on hold for MP’s and the current talk is about doing things differently, we should start now with constituency #26.
I therefore call for all potential MP’s for the upcoming by-election for #26, to submit to drug testing. To show that I am embracing transparency and willing to walk the walk, I have submitted myself to a full testing and my results are here for all to see.
In the coming weeks, I will be listening to the concerns of local area residents and setting a local agenda so that area residents will be properly represented in the House of Assembly. I look forward to meeting with the constituents on the doorstep and working with them to change Bermuda. “
Update 2:44pm: The UBP rolled out their candidate at 2pm; Mr Devrae Noel-Simmons, and he has also undergone drug testing, and produced the certificate. He said the UBP did not ask him to take it, he took it upon himself to take it and paid for it himself. Photo and story to come later this afternoon
Update 3:53pm: The PLP has responded to the drug testing concept, full statement posted here.
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careful there….u might be opening a can of wors that u dont want to open
This bye-election is already Historic and I welcome my fellow Bermudians to be a part of the positive energy which Sylvan and the BDA is sweeping across Bermuda. Come join us at our next Regional Caucus Meeting. Deep down, we all know Sylvan is doing the right thing; deep down we all know he is Leading by example; in your heart you know he’s right and that he deserves your vote. The Bermuda govt needs an Intervention, it needs to spend some time in Rehab, the Bermuda govt needs people like Sylvan and the BDA.
I wonder if Marc bean will post his?
Well done Mr. Richards.
What about alcohol?? That’s the worst drug of all!!
FINALLY someone that gets it!
Everyone is hot and bothered by “Drugs” When Alcohol kills more people than all the drugs combined!
Drug testing is a wasted of time and money for everyone. I do not think what someone does on their personal time should matter at work! That is an invasion of your employees PRIVICY! As long as they do not bring controlled substance’s into the workplace. I do not see a problem at all! Get with the times Bermuda!
Well, seeing as illegal drugs are… um… illegal, someone doing illegal drugs on their own time CAN effect their work. One example would be if they got arrested for using illegal drugs. That’ll put a crimp in their productivity.
Also, employees do have a choice to work there. It’s not all on the employer. If someone disagrees with an employer’s policies, they can, especially in Bermuda, go elsewhere. No one is forcing them to undertake a drug test. It’s just part of the job.
Being a HR professional I understand the cause and affect of this situation very well. Several Ceo’s and business people alike use marijuan on a daily basis and it does not affect their productivity. The purpose of my comment was to enlighten people on the issue of alcohol abuse which is very prominent in bermuda . From what I have seen and heard in Bermuda it is acceptable to come into work hungover and even drunk ! Which to me is an issue vs causing this big hoopla over drug testing.
I noticed that you ignored every singly point in my post.
Well done.
Single, that is…
Interesting. This is not something I had remotely thought would enter this debate, but it’s timely. Well done, Sir.
After more thought…this makes me uncomfortable. A drug test would show that I take psychiatric medication, and (in the hypothetical instance where I am a candidate in a bye-election), having that revealed publicly would be detrimental, and unnecessary as my competence is not defined by a disease that is under control.
I’d like to see the specifics as to what substances he would test for, and how.
I don’t think that every candidate would have to show the form as Sylvan has done above. If there is other prescription medication used for psychiatric reasons the person being tested can reveal that to the tester. The certified tester can then determine if the candidate is drug free for illicit drugs.
That is the point – to make sure our law makers are following the laws of the land.
I think you’d have to make it public, or set it to a small board of some kind at least so there’s less of a chance of it being twisted by one tester, you know? Otherwise it could easily be the same old favouritism that we’re used to.
We do have a national drug board. It is used for Athletes that represent the country. (I am sure other groups as well). The forms are confidential (in other words it is your choice to show the form as you complete it). There is a certified report that is given by the tester (meaning the company / group that tests). That is provided as a legal certification.
I didn’t know how that worked. I stand corrected and revert to my previous stance of ‘this is a good idea’. Accountability has to start at the top.
I’m sure the test would be for illegal substances. Prescriptions would not fall under that catagory.
ALL MP’s and People in Authority should be tested!!
EVERYONE!!
MP’s,Police,Prison Officers,Traffic Wardens,Civil Servants.
NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
The Politicians make all the men and women that represent our country in sports take a drug test. Shouldn’t they be held to the same moral standard?
YES THEY SHOULD!!! I agree 150%!!!
No exception indeed “call as it is”! Harness your energy for the good of our future generations and come to our next regional caucus meeting!! Your country needs you!
This is what leadership is all about! By embracing random illicit-drug testing of those at the top Sylvan Richards is walking the walk.
YAWN! Like come on….drug testing?? How bout we do Lie Detector Tests instead!!! Especially for #2 on your list.
Lineage,
you have something to hide?
I like that one…. definately lie detector tests instead !!!!
Taurus. So if alcohol shows up the in test then the candidate fails. Simple as that.
the drug test is inconclusive to all drugs so its mainly for marijuana.. Iam strictly opposed to drug testing and any other assinine test.. we have plenty of incompentent people that may be drug free..do idiots get a free pass for being drug free.? how about a competency test every six months for all gov.workers, managers, mps ect? thats what we really need, then we can determine whether or not they are replaced ,instead of them sneaking in some consultant to make them appear knowledgeable! who isn’t on some sort of drug anyway!? from birth to the dying bed we are induced throughout our lives with drugs and some are dangerous to the point that we cannot drive or drink while taking them so lets get of the drug tripping test !some of our children depend on drugs related to all types of conditions including ADD ect…it is a contavention of privacy and free will to determine what i should intake on my time off that might still be present in my system at the time of a test,.. unless i am being taken care of completely !! I see know reason for these random drug test !
Drug testing? Really? Is this really necessary? There many better things to focus on than this. I see this as a serious waste of time.
Louis,
got something to hide ?
I AGREE!
Isn’t there anything else to talk about in Bermuda? Like let’s say Crime rates and unemployment! What people do on their personal time is no ones’ business! Take the drug testing out for everyone PERIOD!
So much for the BDA not promoting a spirit of divisiveness in politics…reeks of gutter politics and headline grabbing…Get off your Pedestal Mr. Richards…!
Really? Gutter politics!!?? This has been an issue in public debate for some time. Athletes representing Bermuda MUST submit to drug testing…and indeed anyone considered an “elite” athlete has to provide whereabouts forms AND agree to be tested without notice. What Sylvan has done is show that he is willing to be up front and transparent — not tell the people how to behave and then do as they want (just by way of example: “you Joe Public, need to tighten your belts financially” while at the same time “we will spend your money with wild abandon” — just by way of example!)
Those responsible for making the decisions that govern our lives need to be clear thinking – and being free of illicit substances has to be seen as a benefit.
This action is not headline grabbing at all — the BDA says it will be different — and this shows that we are. For the Better…For A Better Way.
Didn’t you get the memo? Anything the PLP doesn’t want to do is “Gutter Politics”
What is wrong with everyone? Why is this being compared to athletes. Drug testing in athletes was designed to detect and deter abuse of performance enhancing drugs by competitors.
This is clearly a publicity stunt!!!!!! Congratulations Mr Richards that was very smart. What will be youre next stunt, maybe he will have a camera crew follow him around everyday to prove that he doesnt do any other dodgey activities. What a way to get votes…
@ludicrous,
Your statement is false drug testing athletes became mandatory after Bermuda sent a football squad to Panama some years back and they embarrass the country by getting caught with weed. As I am in a sport that demands testing they tell you they are looking for illegal drugs first then enhancers. Sorry to pop your logic with some facts………
LOL
Local athletes who represent Bermuda abroad; firemen and police officers all have to be drug tested. But people who hold our highest office whom are making decisions of national importance are not subject to mandatory or voluntarily drug testing. They could be effecting such decisions while under the influence of illegal drugs. Well done Sylvan for taking the initiative and setting the standard…..
Excellent Sylvan – it is important that our candidates lead by example – Congratulations.
Whoa!!! That is a man with commitment. We have Politicians making the rules for the rest of us to follow and when it was suggested it was refused?? Why – is there something to hide??
We have athletes having to be drug tested (as young as 11 yrs) to represent Bermuda and yet our “Leaders” who represent us and Bermuda are not willing to be tested.
As our new Premier stated “Change” this is one of the first items that should be on the agenda!!!
this is great! well done mr richards! To Louis – how is it a waste of time? It probably took him just moments to do this! I am glad to see that someone is taking the bull by the horns and doing the right thing and is not afraid. do you really want people on illegal drugs to govern you?
Police officers and firemen are drug tested. It is a known fact that a significant reason why it is difficult to recruit locals for these positions is that a significant number of them fail the drug test. It is also a fact that anyone who participates in organized sports locally must be drug tested…even ping pong players are drug tested! Any athlete who represents Bermuda internationally has to pass a drug test. So in reponse to Louis & Lineage I guess in your opinions it is OK for mere athletes to be drug tested along with police and firemen…but members of the government who represent Bermuda on the international stage and who are responsible for proper governance of our island, people in whose hands we trust for drafting legislation and debating legislative matters on the floor of the house…the very people in whose hands we entrust the very future of our country…let me get this right…in your opinions it is OK if these people are high when they are representing us….really?????
Obvious says “So much for the BDA not promoting a spirit of divisiveness in politics…reeks of gutter politics and headline grabbing…Get off your Pedestal Mr. Richards…!” Please explain how this is gutter politics? I think we need to know who is doing what!! i did not read in his statement don’t do drugs – he is just saying he does not!
ahhh “Yawn” … BDA you lot are a little late ya kno. This idea been brought up years ago by the UBP. Dem guys all got it done…only thing people waitin on is PLP do it. BDA = same crooks, different name/party, reusing other ideas for their own benefits.
if it was a good idea that was swatted down, then i dont see the problem with someone else trying to bring it to the front again!
bdashotta – you’re not a shotta by shootin them type of shots “same crooks, different name party” that’s a whole lot of BS.
Sylvan (and the BDA) are standing up and showing that they support real change, they’re making these ideas a reality and not just talk. CASE IN POINT!
What are you doing to make Bermuda a better place?
And sittin off aint doin much…
@ Optimistic – and what…when de UBP first called for it and did it that weren’t real change?? They weren’t standin up and supportin’ change?? Good for Sylvan…but what ideas they really puttin’ out that havn’t already been said by the PLP or UBP?? Doin my part…whats wrong wit sittin off??
I welcome “bdashotta” to attend the BDA’s next regional caucus meeting. You will be listened, and we will respond in a meaningful dialogue. I see a place for you in our growing movement for change, change for our future generations.
Peter,
You are sounding more a like trained parrot repeating the sounds of a broken record in your quest to be an independent party.(Independence from the UBP’s Doctrine is not part of the BDA’s stategy). Your attempt to recruit non UBP/BDA supporters/members is pathetic. The only difference between the two parties is the open caucus meetings that BDA has just resently started. All of the statements presented so far by both parties appear to come from the same speech writer.That writer is in the payroll of the tree that the leaves dropped from.
Enjoy Remembrance Day
Dragging,
I’m not in the payroll of anyone. One of the reasons why I got involved in politics was due to the amount of extreme cynicism in this country. If you join any one of the Legacy parties half the population labels you and shuts you out. I make no apologies for encouraging people to join the BDA…and I extend my hand out to you as well.
Well done Mr Richards , you have my vote.
bdashotta: please tell me how mr richards and “newbies” to politics who have said they voted plp and were plp members = UBP crooks? you are the very problem these guys keep talking about!
This bye-election is already Historic and I welcome my fellow Bermudians to be a part of the positive energy which Sylvan and the BDA is sweeping across Bermuda. Come join us at our next Regional Caucus Meeting. Deep down, we all know Sylvan is doing the right thing; deep down we all know he is Leading by example; in your heart you know he’s right and that he deserves your vote. The Bermuda govt needs an Intervention, it needs to spend some time in Rehab, the Bermuda govt needs people like Sylvan and the BDA.
Here in the US, most companies require all new employees to be drug tested along with doing a full background check. In some cases and depending on the security level of the employee, random tests are conducted with very little warning so that the employee does not have time to dispose of drugs in his/her body. Marijuana, Cocaine, etc are the most common drugs that come with a drug test however many companies will request much more. I believe it is a great idea…why not test leaders of a country that has so many problems, especially with drugs. It starts at the top.
Most companies have a zero tolerance policy for employees that fail drug tests. The get fired on the spot.
What would the Bermuda voters want done if a sitting member of parliament failed a drug test?
Would the MP be allowed to vote in the house?
Would they need to vacate their seat?
.????
Good question. If a sitting member of parliament failed a drug test they would be treated just like you and me if we fail a drug test. Can anything be more fair? And yes, they would be expected to leave the House; just like you and I we would be kicked off the sports team if we tested positive. Again yes, their seat would be vacated and then it would then be filled in accordance with the Bermuda constitution. And you know what “interesting”….me thinks there would be a lot fewer junky politicians if this process was in place. I invite you “interesting” to attend a BDA regional caucus meeting. We will listen to all of your concerns and I hope you will listen to ours. Hopefully you will join the party and be part of wave of positive change which is sweeping this country.
Be sober, be vigilant …
Our leaders are tasked with a job of immense importance. It cannot be understated. They make decisions on a daily basis that will affect every man, woman and child that lives here. To think that there are those in our society who are comfortable with our leaders, potentially making these important decisions, whilst high, is not only shocking but it is indicative of how far down the beaten path we have gone with respect to our declining moral values and is testifies to the disconnect that people have about the decision that our leaders make and the quality of life that we enjoy ..or not.
Get tested Mr. Bean !
Well said!
And BTW Mr. Bean it only takes a few minutes to get tested – less than the time it took to write a statement saying why you wouldn’t….. Lead by example …. or not!
Congratulations Sylvan Richards for starting this conversation again and taking action instead of “wasting time” debating it. No “headline grabbing” here – just setting precedence. I want my Government reps to have integrity, transparency and Bermuda and our people at the forefront. Sylvan and the BDA seem to check all of my boxes. Well done and keep up the great work. This definitely seems like a better way!
There is “must be a better way”! Harness your energy for the good of our future generations and come to our next region caucus meeting!!
Well done Sylvan. The BDA will practice what they preach and this shows that clearly. All our leaders should submit to random testing. What do they have to hide??
For those waiting for Marc Bean to take a test I will tell you this, it doesn’t matter if he does or does not because passing a drug test does not make you fit to hold political office and Politically, socially, culturally, Spiritually, and intellectually, neither of the two running against him, or their colleagues can walk in his shoes! In my opinion.
Well it’s a good thing your opinion doesn’t mean much then…
How about legally?
If they fail a drug test, that’s definitive proof that they have broken the law. Doesn’t that make them unfit to hold political office?
Drug testing is to transparency as IQ testing is to…. and EI testing is to….
BDA thank you for exemplifying the meaning POLITICAL POSTURING in 21st century Bermuda politricks…
This is not a moral issue or an issue of personal choice. This is a legal issue. Bermuda has on the books a misuse of drugs act. It is law. If that law is broken the punishment is a fine, imprisonment or both. The use of marijuana, cocaine, ecstacy, herion etc in this country is illegal. All Members of Parliament swear to uphold the laws of this country. If an MP decides to use illegal substances for whatever reason he or she is breaking one of the very laws they are sworn to uphold. Therefore, all MP’s should obey all laws regardless of personal preference or choice. Leaders must lead by example. Those making arguments about whether drug use affects the user one way or the other are missing the point or are deliberately trying to put up a smokescreen. Using illegal drugs is in breach of the law. It is illegal…period!!! All the aarguments defending this behavior amounts to double minded babble-speak by PLP operatives. Let us embrace Tranparency, Honesty and Integrity for a change.
Well said Puff Puff – and the last time that I checked there was NO LAW stating MPs should be required to be “drug tested”…I put that in quotes because the current drug tests test for so-called illicit drugs – well how about any candidates, MPs, etc. that may be abusing over the counter drugs – are the fit to run and represent although the test wouldn’t pick that up? How about those that might abuse alcohol? Where do you draw the line?
If the BDA candidate really wanted his test to be valid he should have taken the cameras in there with him – as who knows if that sample was correct or if he didn’t take the time to doctor it (excuse the pun)…How long was this their political ploy? Supposed a person abused drugs up to a month ago and now takes a test to say he doesn’t, what does that prove? There are soooo many ways to beat the Benedict’s place test. I know that for a fact and yes, I do know people who have done it on more than one occasion. The test proves nothing and the whole argument is faulty as there are so many “outs” and non-relevancies to the everyday Bermudian.
Deal with the issues affecting the people in your constituency based on their needs and not on your self-glorification, self-righteousness and Julius Caesar complex.
“Where do you draw the line?”
Illegal drugs. That’s what we’re talking about. That’s ALL we’re talking about. That is where we draw the line.
As for your obfuscation of “who knows if that sample was correct or if he didn’t take the time to doctor it”, you are now impugning the company who did the test.
I know from experience that each test is witnessed and would not have been signed if that witness saw anything shady.
You say “There are SOOOO many ways to beat the Benedict’s place test”. I know that for a fact and yes, I do know people who have done it on more than one occasion”.”
I’m thinking this is not true at all and that you are lying about this to further your agenda of defaming Mr. Richards.
HOW do you know this for a fact? Have you done it yourself?
You say that you know people who have done it on more than one occasion.
And you didn’t report them? Does this mean you approve of criminality? Of breaking the rules? Of cheating?
Or are you just silent because they are your friends?
If so, how does this make you any better than those who refuse to come forward as witnesses to shootings and other crimes? The ones that are actively taking part in making this country worse and worse?
I’ve been a witness to drug tests on many occasions and I will tell you one thing. NO ONE has got by me. NO ONE has beat the system when I was there.
THAT, sir, is a FACT and I challenge you to prove me wrong.
ok, so know because I do not support the mentality of forcing people to give their waste excretion (aka urine), I am obviously a supporter of gun crime…this is the type of insane logic that people are usiing…its called spin and its not the cricket kind…you must think people are idiots…
by the way, you do not have to doctor the test in the test room…witness or no witness…if you really knew anything about drug test you would know that…and I am not trying to malign the test facility or the candidate, all I am saying is the way they went about the test is faulty as it prejudices their motives and the integrity of the action…its obviously purely politricks…political grandstanding…political posturing…political theater…it has no bearing on reality…
I would be more impressed if all the BDA MPs and candidates, reps, etc. went in at a random time to be decided by an independent person and presented their sample….but I know that all of them wont be doing that…
it must be a good time to be a drug testing company…I wonder who has shares in these things…
No, sir. That is not what I said. (Oh, and you used the “Spin but not the cricket kind” line already.) You are misrepresenting what I said and then making personal attacks.
I asked you a question. You haven’t answered that.
As for “by the way, you do not have to doctor the test in the test room…witness or no witness…if you really knew anything about drug test you would know that”, you are very obviously making things up.
For the record, the test is administered like this:
A sealed bag with the test in it is given to the witness, who gives it to the subject. The subject and the witness go into the bathroom. The subject fills the cup in front of the witness, then seals it and (hopefully) washes their hands. They then go to have the test read.
The cup is never out of sight or in a position to be “doctored” as you claim.
You say “I am not trying to malign the test facility or the candidate, all I am saying is the way they went about the test is faulty as it prejudices their motives and the integrity of the action”
Firstly, you ARE maligning the test facility AND the candidate by implying that A) the facility is incompetant and B) the candidate would do something like doctor his test… so that’s untrue.
Secondly, can you explain what you mean by “the way they went about hte test is faulty”? Whom? Prejudices WHO’S motives?
I understand that you support your Party, but the time for lies and misrepresentation is over. It’s unacceptable.
Perhaps Bean is just afraid he will miss the cup and get it on his hands?
O wow hen piss in a cup and pass a test he hasnt said anything about the issues in his area. Some people do not even have a cup to piss in
Interesting how the UBP candidate is a convicted drug felon, the BDA founder is a convicted drug felon, while Mr. Bean has no drug citations on his record, yet he is the one being crucified by the “anti-drug” caucus. Same ole, same ole. If your PLP your guilty…cuz we say your guilty.
Sylvan and the BDA know that this is a branding stunt. At the next general election they will have to give back their UBP seats and will have no cred, therefore this desperate stunt. There is no requirement for testing MPs. End of discussion.
I guess the BDA candidate will have to have that big Bob Marley tattoo on his arm removed…wouldn’t want people to think he supports the use of Cannabis now would we….maybe he should also attend a different church – wouldn’t want people to think that he discriminates against homosexuality, which is a view taken by that particular church….is he hypocritical or is he just plain ole’ confused…?
I’m not fooled…
That’s three times in three different threads that you’ve spammed about his Bob Marley tattoo.
Are you REALLY that scared of him that you have to waste this much energy in such a desperate smear campaign?
Smear campaign…thats a laugh…I learned the tactics from the BDA members that are posting on all three articles as well as their campaign political theatrics…boy, truth has you irritated hey…
What truth?
The BDA hacks have just been posting a call to join them, over and over, cutting and pasting. Irritating, yes, but there are no personal attacks in their “Take that passion and join us” posts.
Your repeated “LOOK! HE HAS A BOB MARLEY TATTOO! HE MUST SMOKE POT!” posts are a political personal attack, which… um… is pretty much the definition of Smear Campaign.
Funny how you continue to post in this thread, but refuse to address the questions I asked of you about how you, or others that you know about, have “beat the test”, which I think is a complete and utter lie, designed solely to attempt to smear a candidate from a party other than the one you support.
UE
You must realize you are talking to the PLP propaganda machine same as in 2007 with “RockSolid” can’t you tell who they are? Their strategy is “Obvious” divide and concur “Dragging a lure” is if they can bait you in to they line of thinking. So “Makia” can illegitimatize your arguments and denounce “White Jesus” as they go…………..
LOL
PS.not to mention other obvious pr people from seemingly all other parties even if they are really the same party.
I would prefer an integrity test!!!
If you look the date of the test it is 2010…hmmmm
Look at the date of the article