2010 in Review: Bermuda Politics
In March former leader of the United Bermuda Party [UBP] Wayne Furbert formally announced his intention to join the Progressive Labour Party [PLP]. Mr. Furbert delivered letters to his constituents in Hamilton Parish saying he “has changed the flag he carries, but not changed his heart”.
In May, a marathon debate on the controversial topic of gambling in Bermuda showed the vast majority of MPs were against the concept in Bermuda, with 23 of the 32 speaking against gaming.
In July, hundreds of protesters marched from City Hall to the House of Assembly to protest the Municipalities Reform Act 2010. Lead by Mayor Charles Gosling, the group marched chanting “Save our city” until reaching the House of Assembly. Minister Zane DeSilva, who tabled the bill, was greeted with boos, and shouts of “coward” as he left the area, which he later attributed to racism.
As former Premier Dr Ewart Brown prepared to step down, Paula Cox, Dale Butler and Terry Lister all started campaigns to win the PLP Leadership position. In July Terry Lister was the first candidate to declare, also becoming the first Bermudian politician to actively use Twitter. Soon after Dale Butler declared he would run, as did then-Deputy Premier Paula Cox.
Paula Cox, seen as an early favourite, became the new Premier after she won in convincing fashion with 124 votes to Terry Lister’s 39, and Dale Butler’s 2. Seeking the position of Deputy were Randy Horton, Terry Lister, Walter Roban and Michael Weeks and Derrick Burgess – the eventual winner.
Prior to stepping down, Dr Brown held a Gala Weekend, which the PLP said raised $250,000. The weekend consisted of the Green and White Beach Party at Snorkel Park, there was the Premier’s Golf Tournament at Port Royal, the First Lady’s Luncheon, and followed up by the Black Tie Gala where tickets started at $500.
In November, Premier Cox announced the new Senate, with Kim Wilson and Colonel David Burch returning, and new Senators Cromwell Shakir, Laverne Furbert and David Burt joining them.
Also in November, Premier Paula Cox shuffled the Cabinet, creating new portfolios and appointing new Ministers. Deputy Premier Derrick Burgess took on the position of Minister of Public Works, a slight renaming of his old portfolio of Works & Engineering. Colonel David Burch assumed the portfolio of National Security, after previously holding the portfolio of Labour, Immigration and Public Safety. Minister Zane DeSilva took over the position of Minister of Health from Walter Roban. Dame Jennifer Smith was sworn in as the new Minister of Education. Michael Weeks made his first entrance into Cabinet, taking on the position of Minister Without Portfolio. Terry Lister took on the position of Minister of Transport, a portfolio previously held in conjunction with Tourism by Dr Ewart Brown.
Neletha Butterfield returned to Cabinet, albeit in a different capacity. She served as Minister of Culture & Social Rehabilitation under former Premier Dr Ewart Brown, and was appointed by Premier Cox as Minister of Public Information Services. Walter Roban was appointed as Minister of the Environment, while Glenn Blakeney was appointed as Minister of Youth Affairs, Families, Community and Sports. Premier Cox appointed Patrice Minors to a new portfolio; Minister of Business Development and Tourism, while Michael Scott returned to Cabinet as Attorney General & Minister of Justice,
In December, former Government Senator Marc Bean romped to victory in the Warwick South Central by-election, with the Progressive Labour Party candidate retaining the seat previously held by former Premier Dr Ewart Brown. The election saw the BDA contest their first election under the party’s banner, with Sylvan Richards winning 70 votes, while Devrae Noel Simmons of the UBP picked up 78.
okay I can’t hold this one back.
Mr. Furbert delivered letters to his constituents in Hamilton Parish saying he “has changed the flag he carries, but not changed his heart”.
I hate to quote scripture, but “can a leopard change its spots?” or “I am the Alpha and the Omega, I change not” or “there is nothing new under the sun”
If a politician “walks the floor of the House” (i.e. he/she goes from the govt to the opposition, or from the opposition to the govt) then a bye-election should be held. The very act of “walking the floor” to (and from) the elected government underminds the entire democratic process. Currently the Bermuda electorate want a PLP govt. Technically a few persons in the PLP could simply say “to hell with all that”, and cross the floor forcing the electorate to stomache a govt they never wanted.
On the other hand, if an MP (from the govt or opposition) goes to the back-bench, or if they go from one opposition party to a different oppostion party then that’s different.
Wayne Furbert should have been forced to run again under the PLP flag in Hamilton West in a bye-election.
Maybe one day the Bermuda Constitution will be amended to address this weakness in our democracy.
hear hear
Whats your point New Rule.
With all and little you said/stated..um cunfoozed.
The only thing I could gather from you comments was that it would be good if a few PLP MP’s crossed the floor and joined the backbone….aka UBP.
Now that would set Hamilton ablaze again. But then for all the wrong reasons as history does repeat itself, day after day.
2011?
A road, yet travelled but minutes away.
Terry, I was saying the opposite. It would not be “good” Terry if the PLP MP’s crossed the floor (to join whatever party) since the electorate want a PLP govt. Put down that (what ever it is) and read (and comprehend) what I’m saying.
Enough of Wayne Furbert !!!this man needs to get out of politics…we have all had enough of his $%^&
Nothing to put down. If you have something to say, say it. Your worser den mee…..
“Cross the floor”…………….
You must be in another house. Hardwood floors there are.
Now, carpet……..thats another beggar…………….