White’s Island Converted to Juvenile Prison?
The Voters’ Rights Association has released a statement asking if White’s Island will be converted to a juvenile prison. The statement from the VRA, which is co-chaired by Geoff Parker and Stuart Hayward, follows in full below:
The VRA understands that individuals and organisations that have boat moorings close to White’s Island in Hamilton Harbour have been requested by Government to move them before the year’s end.
We are not aware of the specific reason for the relocation of these moorings but it is rumored that Government has new plans for the use of this island, once a headquarters for youth sailing programmes for many decades.
Such rumours include the transformation of this prominent island into a ‘juvenile corrections facility’ which, one can imagine, would require reasonable security and possibly the extremes of double barbed wire fencing and tall watch towers. This would depreciate the view from the multi-million dollar Front Street Offices, The Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel, Paget and Pembroke residences, the Ferry and Tour Boats and from the upper decks of cruise ships visiting the City.
We invite our new Premier the Honourable Paula Cox, who has pledged an open government, to tell us all what her Government’s plans are for White’s Island. Especially, if a change of use is on the cards, to confirm that the appropriate applications will be lodged with the Department of Planning, enabling the general public to view and offer positive comment and or objections.
While the VRA has been quiet for the past few months, its agenda for electoral review and reform is still relevant, particularly for openness and transparency, the hallmarks of good governance.
We have been unable to obtain Government clarification on this matter since first inquiring yesterday, however will update as able.
Update Dec 31: We never received an answer from Government officials.
If a Planning application has not been submitted why do they think a juvenille corrections facility will be built?
“but it is rumored that Government has new plans for the use of this island:
keyword is RUMORED… So basically anyone can start any rumor and Government has to respond to it?
Trying to squash a rumor is like trying to unring a bell. ~Shana Alexander
I agree, I just cannot understand how anyone can postulate a hypothesis based on a RUMOR, yet at the end, present an argument as though based on fact. Dont you guys have anthing better to do with your time than to destroy your own credibility.
Who needs a planning application when it would require an SDO in any case?
Just when you think this Government can’t get more stupid….
How stupid can ‘just joking’ be to consider a rumor as fact. Don’t be so quick to cry foul. This idea (if it is being considered) won’t take off as it is not business friendly, tourist friendly, nor Bermuda friendly for that matter. But for now, its only a rumor
your right..it is a rumor..but this government(and I’m no fan of the other contenders)has a history of sneaking ideas up on you then trying to ram them down your throat. At least this rumor is being flushed out into the open and the government is being told”don’t even think about it”
@ s Brown Govt don’t need no planning approval…haven’t you heard of SDO’s!
I know for a fact that this is false and I am disappointed with the VRA to going to the press regarding a rumor instead of getting an answer from Government first.
I was hoping that the VRA was an neutral entity.. but they seem to have a bias political agenda.
“Just Joking”, as S. Brown mentioned above, it is just a rumor!!
Are you in the habit of rebuking individuals or groups on the basis of a rumor?
Of course, we realize that for some, a rumor is just as good as the truth and that’s why the world is as crazy as it is.
Perfect! What cranal nitwit came up with this idea. Our very own Alkatraz little more than a cellphones throw from Albouys Point. Just imagine… all the trees gone, replaced with a razor wire topped fence around the shorline & lights on towers to rival the lights of the National Stadium.
Who pays for idiots to come up with this stuff?
If the island is going to be used for anything other than what it is perfectly suited for i.e. the Sailing Association, stick the on again off again casino out there.
Want to put the little darling jeuvenile delinquents on an island? Fine. Put them on um…umm…lets see, the one used before, ummmm….Oh Yeah! Paget Island in St Georges harbour.
Paget island? Why not the Falklands? or some northern American island, we took the terrorists.
There was a similar thing on Darells Island.But it was to far to swim for the inmates to rob the Harbour road residents.
Wel I herd det a special SDO is comming. Since it’s Government property, Ewart is having WE dismantel Gombey House and transplant it der. No lain Tex, nuffin….just a rumour…..
Then again…..bet you empty hotel rooms and a daffassis det de Yoo Bee Pee is behind dis………..
Whites Island…..sounds racist to me. Take it over…………………………..
We are all waiting to hear from our premier -what the hell is going on with Whites Island ? and why is called whites Island ?
This could give a new meaning to “HARBOUR NIGHTS”………………….if you don’t get it your an ex-pat or UBP……………….bwahaaaaaaaaaaaa
Pssst! Hey idiots, I heard that actually the government plans to turn city hall into a homeless shelter and public bath house. Pass it on!
Psst WJ I have a bullet and some falsified cheques for you too. Wait ……………
LOL
It’s sad that y’all responded to the ‘rumor’….maybe you should be put out there~!
Looks like we were not far off the mark inna Charles?
“Sunshine of public scrutiny?” Not this PLP Government. Same old through the back door stuff.
Whats wrong with Paget Island, Darrells Island even Ports Island? All of them underused. No, lets throw the kids off Whites Island. They are just sailors. They don’t matter. Thousands have passed through the summer sailing program over the decades. Lets give the prime location to the delinquints. Yea…thats a great idea.
If it is true this is another sad day for Bermuda. Many generations of Bermudians learned how to swim and sail on that island (including myself) with very fond memories of summers spent there. On top of that it was the only affordable sailing camp as the Dingy and Yacht clubs you had to be from a wealthy family to be a member there.
Interesting how Gov’t cut the budget for White’s Island last year – I guess it was to slow the rate of people going there so they could change it to whatever they wanted.
Please don’t take away White’s Island sailing camp!
IF this is true – and that’s a BIG IF, I have never hearsd anything SO ridiculous in my life!! However, a facility like what has been mentioned might be a good idea…….anyone remember Paget Island (I think that was it’s name) in St. George’s?
It has been Leased by CARTEL an Anti-Gang Organization >>>> http://bermudasun.bm/main.asp?SectionID=24&SubSectionID=270&ArticleID=49834&TM=44235.16