Senator Furbert: Regrets Comments About Song
This afternoon [June 10] a statement by Senator Laverne Furbert said that she regrets the comments she made about the ‘Proud to be Bermudian’ song recently.
Senator Furbert said, “I regret the recent public comments that I made regarding the song, Proud to be a Bermudian.”
“I may have overreacted, and as a journalist I respect and recognise the value of freedom of expression. Therefore, let me be clear that nothing I have said, thought or done was intended to restrict that freedom.”
“I spoke personally and passionately about my views and I am learning that as an appointed public officer, I no longer have the luxury of speaking so freely regarding my personal views,” concluded the statement posted on the PLP website.
‘A group called ‘The Bermudians’ is behind the recent release of the ‘Proud to be Bermudian’ song. Copies are being sold for $10 with proceeds being donated to the island’s public schools.
‘The Bermudians’ said the idea behind the song was to, “revive and re-instill a sense of pride in being Bermudian and is aimed at bringing all Bermudians together.” You can view the full lyrics of the song here.
Earlier this month Senator Furbert criticised the group in the Senate, referencing conduct at a protest they organized against former Premier Dr Ewart Brown. She said she was “publically embarrassed by a member of that group on television“, and that she was not “anxious” to buy the DVD.
During a recent ZBM newcast, Senator Furbert said she found the lyrics “offensive”. She said she has “no problem” with the person who wrote the song, calling John Woolridge a “talented musician.”
Senator Furbert talked about the first verse of the song : “There’s no denying these are not our best days. So many things gone wrong, it seems we’ve lost our way. But for us this is not how the story end, we’ve braved rough seas before, and we’ll do it again.”
Senator Furbert told ZBM, “In other words these times that were are in now, under the leadership of the Progressive Labour Party government, are not our best times. That’s how I see it.”
“But I will suggest some of the words are nice, but I find some of the words offensive. That is why I cannot support this song, and as I said on the radio, I will not purchase it.”
“I spoke personally and passionately about my views and I am learning that as an appointed public officer, I no longer have the luxury of speaking so freely regarding my personal views,” concluded the Senator.
That is the exact reason as to why Sen. L. Furbert should have never been appointed in the first place. It would have been smarter if she was appointed as a PLP Analyst (or Spindoctor). As a young person I find that the opinions often generated by Ms. Furbert are contentious and often end up going viral.
This is by far the craziest comment ever made….. Senator Furbert often attempts to make issues political. If you listen to the words of the song… Bermuda has seen better days. Does any one in their right mind think these are the best days right now in Bermuda? The PLP leadership have not really lived up to Bermuda’s expectation either. Things have become worse under their leadership. As far as I am concerned David Burch who was not a political leader did more for the country because he followed through. Politics in Bermuda is just a BUG game. All they do is talk to get your vote and after that…???? If they can appoint people like Senator Furbert that speaks volumes. Yes, I too believe she is extremely contentious!!!
@Time for a change.. Please don’t confuse my hint of sarcasm as a crazy comment. I find some, not all of her attempts to be rather conflicting and deviate from the political issues at hand. Sen. Furbert lacks the finesse and politiical etiquette as most of the Politiicans we encounter now.
And she apologized because her comments stemmed from her own personal beliefs not that they have any bearing on a political platform. I appreciate your sentiment and yes, she draws contention, but she doesn’t stick to the facts at times. Her impassioned speeches are coupled with her own perception and personal beliefs which leads me to believe why in her capacity as a former journalist can she not remain neutral or point to the unknown.
Not every single issue warrants commenting on and I find that this is what Sen. Furbert does. She practically had her own show each night she dialed into Court Radio.
Far be it from me, but it is the understanding that when an MP takes an oath, the liberities and freedom of expression on any level becomes lessened. Because of that role, you are automatically on the defense (just a natural assumption when you enter politics). You have to defend your stance, your party’s view and stand by the decisions you as a Minister and the party makes DESPITE your own personal beliefs or actions.
Sen. Furbert’s could have been utilized in many other facets all of which have no room on the political floor. In this game of politics there isn’t any time to spare one’s feelings or political views all of that get’s lost after the individual assumes the role. (just an observation)
Just a point, at no point do I see the word sorry, which is what is required for an apology.
Tru!
True!
Retraction– offered a statement of regret!
Have all of Bernews’ Commentators lost their minds:
1) Leading Offshore Reinsurance Market;
2) Recently hosted OECD Global Forum;
3) On the White List;
4) Dire need to further diversify IB Sector (and Economy) to create employment opportunities for future generations;
5) Crime, unemployment, housing and healing the ‘racial divide & distrust’ in our society – all major tasks for any government (PLP or OBA)
6) Implementing a succession strategy both in Government (Civil Service), the House of Assembly and in the Islands Businesses and IB Sector – to ensure our educated talented 30 – 45 year olds now take the reigns.
And we are even talking about Senator Laverne Furbert, her and her Generation are now defunct and incapable of implementing a strategy that solves even one of the national (macro) issues listed above.
Please Bernews Commenators, take your comments to the people you plan to vote for and hold their feet to the fire so Bermuda can move forward over the next 10 – 20 years. Its time to switch off the loud, derogatry talk show mentality, personal attacks and focus on developing Bermuda. Stop placating these people and stop recognising them as they have little to offer Bermuda’s real challenges.
The thought of Laverne Furbert as an Member of Parliament MUST be worrying even the most loyal PLP Supporter.
Worker Seeking Real Leadership in My Country!
You raise some very interesting and poignant points. However, lest we be reminded that this platform is just that. An avenue for people to offer their comments without facing any sort of prejudice.
These comments offer no exact remedy and are simple blogs unrestricted by the confines of being labled a racist of facist. To be quite honest, I’d rather engage in a healthy dialogue with any MP or members of either party so that the issues you raise are addressed one one one or one by one.
She helped increase sales of the DVD and CD. Let’s get her to attack more product. DId she get a commission?
Then give your $10 directly to the charity of your choice.
That is what you say when your boss gives you a good tongue lashing….Please some one stop her from becoming Bermuda’s Sarah Palin!
BWAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Perception is reality and the mood or tone set in the song is only a reflection of what so many Bermudians are feeling or thinking. Ms. Furbert should consider that as she often finds herself making contentious comments that often go awry and viral.
Furthermore, there should be a course in political etiquette when quipping about the semantics of a song or any matter that merely paints the state of a country. In the words of the late great Robert Nesta Marley:
“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery.”
‘A group called ‘The Bermudians’ is behind the recent release of the ‘Proud to be Bermudian’ song. Copies are being sold for $10 with proceeds being donated to the island’s public schools.
10 bucks for a single track. Thats Bermudian alright. lol. be damned for that much money.
Think of it this way – Donate $10 to our public schools whom have had a major budget cut and get a free CD single of “Proud to be Bermudian”
For $10 you get the CD and DVD. It is well worth every penny
It is a dvd and a Cd for $10. Both are very sentimental and makes u proud watching it. Also providing for our schools provides for our Children!!!
Mr Watson you get a cd and DVD for $10. All proceeds are being donated to assist teachers in public schools that are feeding children….washing clothes for them….and purchasing some school supplies….the money is benefitting the children our future.
We regret having you as a Senator!
We must give credit where it is due! Brown did not appoint her to the Senate despite her falling on her sword whenever the opportunity presented itself.
Cox simply made a bad choice!
Clarification—-falling on her sword for him.
It was not a bad choice, its a practice commonly used to put every-day people into the senate in order to bolster the votes, in Bermuda’s makeup Thaao Dill was a prime example executed by Dr.Brown.
One of many bad choices made by Madame Cox, in my opinion. From not exercising her power of veto as Finance Minister under Doctor Brown, to cutting programs and initiatives that assist the most vulnerable in our community while retaining the vastly inflated salaries of herself and the rest of the Parliamentarians and senators, to appointing Ms. Furbert not only to the Senate but also to the Human Rights Commission, to name just a few of her bad choices. Senator Furbert has made several comments that make it clear she is NOT the most unbiased person around.
To Bulla Bulla; I agree with u 100%. WE don’t need people like her running our country. I would be a Proud bermudian if she left office!!!!!
“Senator Furbert told ZBM, “In other words these times that were are in now, under the leadership of the Progressive Labour Party government, are not our best times. That’s how I see it.” ”
Yes LaVerne, that’s how we non-kool aid drinkers see it as well.
Are you serious? You are no different than her, with that last statement. You and her need to brush your shoulders off!
People like you just make things worse and prove Sen. Furbert right when she talks about people like you. There are ugly people like you who don’t belong in Bermuda…all that kind of stuff-at least try and be original…we’ve heard it all before and it’s BORING.
For the record, maybe blacks could only afford to drink kool-aid after working FOR FREE for your white forefathers and you, their descendants, are STILL BENIFITTING from our FREE LABOUR while our forefathers had NOTHING to leave us.
As much as I disagree with Sen. Furbert on this issue and others, she’s right when she talks about people like you. All you’re doing is making us more determined to keep the PLP in power-you all need to stay humble…if you get back in, watch the arrogance return and black people go back to being treated like crap.
I disagree Sen. Furbert. I believe you ARE entitled to voice your personal opinion and I personally do not care unless it effects the government. President Obama called Kanye West a jackass for interrupting Taylor Swift, so surely you can comment on a song if you please. So WHAT!!!
@ White Christ– Yes, President Obama did so, but he did not raise it on a political platform in senate.
True!
It’s not the song but some of those behind the song.
Come on Laverne stop getting personal about matters and be more professional!
Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Senator Furbert realises she made an error in judgement and has issued this statement. Had she not, she would be crucified. And now that she has, she is still crucified.
One thing I give to Senator Furbert, she never hides behind her name, unlike most of you wjo have condemned her. Let it go.
Are you not hiding behind an alias as well?
Somethings are just better left unsaid! Better judgement should have been used. The tongue is the must uncontrolled part of the body, once you say something you can never retract those words. I guess life is a learning lesson even at that age for the most obvious matters. Sigh! “Proud to be a Bermuda” not sure with the party that is currently running the island at the moment and the crazy comments that I have heard in such a short period. The apology sounded like the IPhone autocorrect! Spell the word wrong and the phone puts in a word that is not relevant.
was going to say he same thing FYI. Ms furbert has made enough headline in the week. She has out did her freedom of speech powers and its now time to ban her next week of any articles. I find all of her comments offensive, and rude. She has not one critical opinion that justifies her actions. I cannot even believe I read this ridicule that is printed in the paper that has to do anything with her. What was the PLP thinking? Senator??? Ms furbert is not a good chess piece nor would i consider her a pawn on the playing field. Nothing good comes out of people like this. The game that she wants to play, ideally is not the one she is going to win in her favour.
Ha Ha!!!
“To Quick Question” regarding “Clearing it up”, I was thinking the Exact same thing…you just beat me to the punch! LMBO
Mrs Furbert is a political appointee. She is supposed to represent Bermuda, all Bermudians, not just the Bermudians like her who slosh the Kool-Aid. As such, she is, and should be, held to a higher standard.
Her comments and vitriol will define her history, just as they will for her cousin (most recently departed these Islands)
What’s with the Kool-Aid comments? At least we blacks just love our dogs, we don’t ‘LOVE’ them like white people do.
Read between the lines on THAT.
…actually, “drinking the Kool-Aid” (and the comments in this blog referring to it) has nothing whatsoever to do with race. It actually is a reference to Jonestown where many followers of a cult unwittingly committed mass suicide by drinking Kool-Aid that was poisoned. They blindly followed the cult all the way to their deaths. “drinking the Kool-Aid” is quite a common term referring to anyone who blindly believes and follows something even though it seems obvious to others that it is way off base.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonestown
Regarding the dogs, I (who am white) and my wife (who is black) love our dog the same (and in the same manner). Am not actually sure what you are really referring to, but at the same time, don’t think I care to know.
just to clear it up. The reason we hide behind false names is that if we disagree with anything PLP we are told we are RACIST. We are not allowed to say that we disagree – we are just seen as those who HATE BLACK PEOPLE.
PLP has yet to come up with a better way of doing business. Thats cos the HATING BLACKS thing still works!!!!!! DUH!!!
This is of course P A T H E T I C !!!!
It’s just a control tactic used by the PLP … STOP being afraid of being called a racist . In Bda any unpleasant truth or fact seems to get labelled as racism. Cause they know white people are terrified of the word..
There’s far worse things to be than a racist .. especially an unproven one.
Pretty clear that the Premier has spoken, in the same way that Marc Bean was dressed down by Ewart Brown and had to retract his opinion when he rated the Government’s Educational efforts as F. Sad that Marc Bean was right.
Senator Furbert needs to learn that there are responsibilities in being a Senator.
Has anyone ever considered that perhaps it was a wise or strategic move to place Ms. Furbert in such a position? Sen. Furbert has an open platform to address any and all issues that she deems fit.
With that being said, I am not implying that her comments are justified, right or wrong, but for many years, Sen. Furbert has been a proud advocate of the PLP and comes from an era that seems to remind many of the injustices Blacks faced.
Truth be told, the injustices that many Blacks faced are challenges that minorities such as the Portuguese community faced as well.
PLP needs to replace her with Johnny Barnes! Actually I blame ZBM for even giving her the air space! Tell me why she even mentioned Collie Buddz? NEXT!!!!
And you no I am proud to be a Bermudian and would go the extra mile for any child on this Island .
Paula finally pulled out the wooden spoon and made her apologize…..now if she’d only send her to her room………..PERMANENTLY!!
Let’s not be fooled. That apology was made with the next election in mind. Had she not done so, her chances of winning the primary in Hamilton parish would have been greatly reduced. Simple as that!
Wrong! she just polished the wooden spoon after Burch.
Well, I didn’t much like the song. Mind you, the intention was great -but the song…boring.
As for Sen. Furbert, you must understand that she can only blindly support the PLP and those who have promoted her (EB). She is trained as a typical socialist who will until the end support the party line. It is what she does. Do not expect her to see the other side, because there isn’t one. Admire her for that, but don’t take her to task, it is a waste of time.
And why should she retract? She doesn’t mean it (the retraction). Politics is what it is. I am so sick of politicians not standing up for what they actually believe -if indeed they have any individual thoughts. Sen. Furbert I know. Dislike, yes. But knowing makes her acceptable.
I applaud the Senator for this statement. This must be one of the few instances I have heard of a politician acting with humility after an error of judgment.
I’m now looking forward to Ewart Brown and Colonel Burch’s apologies over the Uighur fiasco & Tony Blair’s admission that the Gulf War over WMD’s was actually a war crime.
It was only a matter of time before she put her foot in her mouth! I’m sure she got called into madam big boss’s office and got a slap on the wrist! This may calm down her anguish because in this case she made herself look really foolish. Her and a few others have really turned me off from the PLP. They will no longer get my vote! I’m sure I’m not alone!! (CC – Premier in Waiting!!!)
James 3:2-6 (NIV)
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. [3] When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. [4] Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. [5] Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. [6] The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
This lady is definitely out of touch and obviously a waste of public funds. Is she a Cabinet Minister? If so she needs to repay her salary. Noteworthy is that she was a Brown supporter but he never made her a minister. Ohh by the way Kanye West is a jackass.
The song is mug anyway.
Laverne Furbert is certainly NOT one of the reasons why I’m proud to be a Bermudian. She exemplifies some of the worst attributes of a human being (And I use that term very loosely for her), and it annoys me that someone like her gets paid from the public purse to spread more of her hate around.
Sen Furbert was way out of line, she takes everything on this earth as a personal attack against her party. She is always grumpy everytime she comes on the radio she just doest have anything positive to say. I just don’t understand why she’s so bitter for a female and a mother. “So many things gone wrong, seems shes lost her way” continue with the song lol.
From Burch to Furbert… @ least I found humour in Burch….
His humour was only a distraction for attacking and destroying his enemies.
I actually like the ‘Laverne Furbert Show’ …. She is one of our country’s finest comedians and I applaud her producers (the PLP) for giving her a soapbox to spout her comedic stupidity. She cracks me up most times she opens her mouth and I wonder sometimes if she actually lives here cuz I swear the other day I heard her say she lived in a country called PLP.
Come back down here to Bermuda Laverne. Ve byes are a bunch of really nice people who are trying our darndest to be proud and happy in very trying times. I hope soon that you and a lot of other political appointees will put Country before Party.
@Michael Swan
Good 1… Verne’s just vaiting 2 write in dis hur forum/chat..
Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding.
…..Mohandas Gandhi
Anger dwells only in the bosom of fools.
…..Albert Einstein
She regrets is an apology to me my friend
Regrets and apologising are not the same. She may regret saying it as it has caused a lot of back flack, but that is not an apology. To apologise you need to day Ï am sorry!
I think it took A LOT for her to say even regret, I bet You she was humbled Ray
Having re-read the story above, I see that Sen. Furbert regrets making the comments but she has not apologised! H’mmmm….
It goes without saying this apology is disingenuous her reasoning for doing so and timing is questionable given her rancid comments of late. Clearly this issue has become an embarrassment to the party and the PLP handlers or premier Cox herself have ordered her to make a retraction statement. How she was appointed to the senate is mind boggling.
If Premier Cox was a regular listener to the local chat-shows over the past few years, Senator Furbert would not be where she is today.
MP Laverne Furbert JP., MP. as Minister of Finance/Community Development/Economy/Tourism/Housing/Home Affairs/National Security?
Pick one.
If you cant take one of these real responsibilities stick to the talk show.
How on earth did this Lady become relevant, the insane, or fanatics from speakers corner are ordinarily ignored.
Just depends on who’s at the “corner”…..
But just assumed you would know that.
Barritts Ginger beer anyone…….
“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt”.
Keep yah head up grrl…yah doin’ a great job grrl!!!NOT!!!!!!!
Sage advice ; If Ya ain’t got nuffin nice ta say , say nuffin ..
So Sen Furbert refuses to purchase the CD… yet the proceeds will be used to benefit Bermuda’s Public Schools. Nuff said.
she “apologized” great….but why find the 1st line of the song offensive? I didnt think they were refering to the PLP. I thought they were refering to the violence as well as the general shift of anti-social behavior that has become the “norm” on the Island. Could her conscience if she has one be bothering her…hmmm.. just saying
Bingo!
I am so sick and tired of the politicians who spew rhetoric, then when they get the backlash from the public, they claim to apologise! If no wone would have said anything, there would be no regret. It is disingenuous to utter something you intended to say, then to offer an some lame excuse of what you said. Maybe all political parties should learn to think before they speak. Who will ever vote for Laverne Furbert to become an MP. She lives somwhere in the past, resurrecting the ole school thinking of black against black and black on white hatred! She’d never get my vote.
Senator Furbert , please resign we all (black and white) have had enough of your mean spirited comments, you have to get over youself !!!
This is entertaining. With one outspoken person gone, perhaps she is taking over the reigns to entertain the country. I am not into politics but Bermuda’s politics is poisoned with racial games. The parties know that the locals are emotionally attached to any racial connotation and will use it to suit their purpose. WIth any change, the person driving the change must be able to do it effectively. The big conversation was a great idea but with the wrong…….
Mental Slavery is really a problem here and it needs to be fixed. I can’t wait for elections to draw near as it will be even more intense.
yep! you said it all. and no matter what she does or says the majority of PLP supporters will still be following her scent.
LMAO!!!! sounds like sombody’s conscience is bothering them….”its not about you and your crew boo” Thank you “Bermudians” I LOVE THE SONG and IM PROUD T BE BERMUDIAN.
I told you so.You know how we are when you dont say goodmornig,we shut down and there is nothing you can do or say until you say good morning. Your digruntled demeaner rubs us all the wrong way.Its not about politics or songs.
“A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.”
John C. Maxwell
LaVern I think you have done that, and you are big enough, strong and willing to take all the punches that come with it !!
Keep Standing !!
Good to see the apology for overreacting. Let me look in past R Gs for it also. There’s a bright side to story & song, I hope its aims come to fruition.
- Regardless I feel the song really talks about our people & the potiential that we have. You won’t believe how many young people from the age of 12-22 are really enjoying that song. We feel that its an anthem for us now. Myself, the rest of the young people & any other citizen of Bermuda LOVE this song…
- Proud to Be Bermudian…