So a-hole why did the PLP close the free clinic during the former Premier’s reign?

So a-hole what do you say about the Cedarbridge facts that I revealed to you?

So a-hole why do you lecture me of living in the past but keep on harping on things that you were not even alive for?

So a-hole why do you accuse me of cherry picking lines from a speech but yet seem to ignore three quarters of my post?

Actually a-hole what do you know about the struggle, since you have already stated once before that you are a young buck?

Funny.

You have it all twisted. I bet you think everything I said is hogwash. You know nothing about the struggle. You think because slavery ended “177″ years ago you white people stopped being a-holes? Well the world still ain’t equal! You wouldn’t know nothing about. Peace

I am reading this and reflecting on Mr Simmons, he would say one of the reasons for his leaving the UBP was that it was racially motivated…..have a conversation with him, let me know what he says to you. I have heard him state this in a public speech, privately and in the media. There was an RG interview in which he indicated this was one of the factors as well (do not recall the date). Also he stated a few other factors. Just for clarification and curiosity!

The process of how the PLP select their candidates is a much more open and democratic method that is why Mr Ashfield will not say it was due to race. Also, I am not sure I think the PLP have a few white candidates also seeking candidacy. Seems to more this year than ever!! To my knowledge, I believe recently, the UBP/OBA attempted to make changes to their candidate select process, to reflect a more democratic approach as well, almost like the PLP’s procedures.

A discuss with Mr Furbert, also did not reflect the views presented here. Mr Furbert will indicate race and a few other factors intertwined contributed to the situation. But ask him, he really great to talk too, if you pass him on the street.

Anyway…did they print that advert, while Kim Swan was away at the conference, and Mr Swan was in England? I wonder if Mr Swan will remain faithful to the UBP or join the OBA/UBP when his level of hurt releases itself. Very interesting. Guess best just to wait and see. How do they say it…..One day in politics or is it 24hrs in politics ……. is ………anything can happen……its like????? .wishing them all the best in their political journey.

Dame Evans was and/is known for her many accomplishments, infamous quotes as well as her involvement in the riots. Those type of events are always remembered over others who preach love and tolerance. She was also the leader of the very vocal Opposition.

So i guess who makes the most noise wins in your eyes?

Dame Evans was abd/is known for her many accomplishments infamous quotes as well as her involvement in the riots. Those type of events are always remembered over others who preach love and tolerance.

So why do you expect white people to jump on the PLP bandwagon just for the sake of not being labeled a racist by someone like yourself? If an organization constantly used negative racial rhetoric against black people would you vote or join them?

In contrast, Opposition Leader Wayne Furbert seems to believe that Mr. Adderley’s supporters were not racially motivated.”

So Mr. Simmons believed that he was racially attacked by UBP members who sought to elect another BLACK candidate in his particular constituency.

I guess Mr. Devent, and other incumbents, who are fighting to save their candidacy in their respective constituencies, can claim the PLP is a racist party if he loses his position to Mr. Commissiong? Of course it can’t because there are no white people involved. Silly me…

I can GUARANTEE you that Dame Evans name is much more widely known amongst the whole Bermudian community than Dr. James. I did not know anything about Dr. James until I stumbled across this speech.

But I can tell you that I knew of Dame Evans way before Dr. James.

I did not learn about Dame Evans or Dr. James until I got older and was interested in local politics.

I guess I can say the same about asking any black person in their 20s who Dame Evans was and who Dr. James is then? Most would think that Dame Evans is the end all and be all of Bermuda politicans while Dr. James was nothing but an Uncle Tom.

Same sh*t…

Just erase the word black and that’s exactly what some in the PLP try to portray any sort of opposition or crticism as being.

Like I said: Same sh*t, different decade

2) You can state it was due to the treatment of black people. But why were they not voted out before 1998 if they were so terrible towards all black Bermudians? If black Bermudians are the natural swing voters then why did they vote them in continuously. The UBP were voted out for becoming a complacent party who believed they could never lose power. Sort of like how the PLP mindset is nowadays (re: Min. Blakeney’s recent outburst in the House). And don’t say it was the way the boundaries were written please (see paragraphs 5 and 6 of Dr. James’ speech)

3) Might be an old speech, but many of the issues that Dr. James saw with the PLP exist today. Seeking to divide the races, calling out fellow blacks as house ni&&ers and Uncle Toms that do not submit to the PLP entirely. Same sh*t, different decade.

In the end I posted that to show Ganja Mon that the PLP’s stance on white people and anyone that fraternizes with whites has remained fundamentally the same since their inception. And to ask why whites don’t overwhelmingly (cause there are some that support the PLP) support the Party is akin to me asking black people why don’t you support the Tea Party movement in the USA.

During that changing time, a few black leaders spoke out boldly, and to speak in this manner to white leadership was consider very decisive approach. There were some political individuals during that era who were strong in their positions. (For example, you can compare them to individuals like Mr. Ottiwell Simmons, and Dr. E. F .Gordon that spoke out strongly on issues, and they were perceived by many whites as nothing more than trouble-makers, out to do damage to Bermuda. But, they were bold and extremely assertive individuals. They were not afraid to stand up to the white hierarchy, and take action if they had too. Dr. Gordon stood up to them, and as a result they refused to call him by his name in the House of parliament. Today Dr. Brown can also be known as one of those assertive bold characters that confront individuals face to face).

However, the Hon. Late Dr. James was an individual who did not like confrontation; he appeared as a timid, reserved, nice, introverted, calm, black man, well educated and believed that the approach should be much calmer and mellow. He spoke in a soft voice and never really push hard or advocated for black people. He believed that if a black person did response in a outspoken manner, this would lead to destruction of Bermuda and her people.

Nevertheless, there were some black individuals during that time, who did not speak quietly, they wanted to be heard. They spoke in such a way that it made heavy political waves. , and so they were labeled as individuals who were extremely radical and misleading and deceiveful.

They stood up to the white hierarchy and were label as such….. Out to damage the entire Bermudian society. But of course,….. So when one read, an old speech, one much reflect the era in which it occurred and what other factors were going on during that time. There are other variables and conditions that impacted such a reflection by Dr. James. But, I believe he got it wrong……

I can pick many more lines from that article that exemplify how the divisive mindset of some in the PLP have not changed since the founding of the Party. The same mindset that is no longer relevant in a 2011 Bermuda and/or World.

“I’m sure you weren’t alive when the PLP was founded, or when this article was written. Why bring up history of the PLP that you were not living through”

I guess I did it in the same way as you and others continually bring up slavery which was abolished 177 years ago. And I am living through just about the exact same mindset as of today with the same political party.

“We have had Land taken from us from the Government or Monarchy for “Tourism”.

The land was not taken from these individuals. A pittance was paid, but I agree it does not make it right, but the land was not stolen as some love to infer. Also, you are mistaken to believe it was only black families that resided in the area at the time. This fact is conveniently ignored by so many it is disgusting. Even Sen. Furbert highlighted that point during the SDO debate and you and I know how much she loves white people.

Also, going off your initial premise why are you bringing this up as it occurred in the 1920s and you obviously were not around at the time.

“UBP closed down institutions like Robert Crawford because they weren’t impressed with the amount of Trade skills young blacks were earning with no legitimate excuse as to WHY.”

I imagine the same reason that Stonington Campus (i.e. hotel training for Bermudians) was closed within the last decade or so (correct me if I am wrong) or maybe the same reason that the PLP closed the free indigent clinic a few years back. Maybe you should ask the powers that be about those closures.

“UBP built Cedarbridge in the 90’s because they knew their power was going to be short lived so they wanted to destroy the next few generations with gang mentality”

Ahh the myth that is so easily debunked. The PLP, while in Opposition, continually cried out in that the existing education system was nothing but a white supremacist system that mis-educated black Bermudians and demanded change. The UBP at the time enacted the change which was wholeheartedly supported by the Opposition at the time. This is easily reflected in the fact that the Board that signed off on the changes included PLPers. Don’t believe me, then do your own research on the matter. And if you think that the UBP, or anyone at the time, said lets create this system as it will create gang warfare and strife in the black community then you belong on Zeitgeist conspiracy films. Or maybe you watch too many. And if you didn’t realize there have always been black UBP members, supporters, MPs, Senators and Premiers involved in the Party. Are you accusing them of instituting a system to oppress their own? Pretty sure Sir John Swan et al will argue with you on that point.

Finally, don’t tell me about my upbringing. You don’t know me from a hole in the wall.

So again, why do rant at white people for not overwhelmingly jumping up and down for a party that never had and still disregards too this day?

“I’m sure you weren’t alive when the PLP was founded, or when this article was written. Why bring up history of the PLP that you were not living through”

I guess I did it in the same way as you and others continually bring up slavery which was abolished 177 years ago.

“We have had Land taken from us from the Government or Monarchy for “Tourism”.

The land was not taken from these individuals. A pittance was paid, but I agree it does not make it right, but the land was not stolen as some love to infer. Also, you are mistaken to believe it was only black families that resided in the area at the time. This fact is conveniently ignored by so many it is disgusting. Even Sen. Furbert highlighted that point during the SDO debate and you and I know how much she loves white people.

Also, going off your initial premise why are you bringing this up as it occurred in the 1920s and you obviously were not around at the time.

“UBP closed down institutions like Robert Crawford because they weren’t impressed with the amount of Trade skills young blacks were earning with no legitimate excuse as to WHY.”
I imagine the same reason that Stonington Campus (i.e. hotel training for Bermudians) was closed within the last decade or so (correct me if I am wrong) or maybe the same reason that the PLP closed the free indigent clinic a few years back. Maybe you should ask the powers that be about those closures.
“UBP built Cedarbridge in the 90’s because they knew their power was going to be short lived so they wanted to destroy the next few generations with gang mentality”
Ahh the myth that is so easily debunked. The PLP, while in Opposition, continually cried out in that the existing education system was nothing but a white supremacist system that mis-educated black Bermudians and demanded change. The UBP at the time enacted the change which was wholeheartedly supported by the Opposition at the time. This is easily reflected in the fact that the Board that signed off on the changes included PLPers. Don’t believe me, then do your own research on the matter. And if you think that the UBP, or anyone at the time, said lets create this system as it will create gang warfare and strife in the black community then you belong on Zeitgeist conspiracy films. Or maybe you watch too many. And if you didn’t realize there have always been black UBP members, supporters, MPs, Senators and Premiers involved in the Party. Are you accusing them of instituting a system to oppress their own? Pretty sure Sir John Swan et al will argue with you on that point.

Finally, don’t tell me about my upbringing. You don’t know me from a hole in the wall.
So again, why do rant at white people for not overwhelmingly jumping up and down for a party that never had and still disregards too this day?

The PLP then was made to create or try to create equality and and an integrated society. It only took 50 years for the PLP to finally convince its people of a time for “CHANGE”.

I’m sure you werent alive when the PLP was founded, or when this article was written. Why bring up history of the PLP that you were not living through?

I personally cant speak on past politics but I do know that Black Bermudians are in this situation of voting PLP based on race because we feel its our turn to be in Power. We have had Land taken from us from the Government or Monarchy for “Tourism”. Land that now has Golf courses and massive Town houses on it worth millions and millions. Businesses (construction, Landscaping) crippled by banks while that same bank offers great deals to Portuguese men in the 60′s.

UBP closed down institutions like Robert Crawford because they wasnt impressed with the amount of Trade skills young blacks were earning with no legitimate excuse as to WHY.

UBP built Cedarbridge in the 90′s because they knew their power was going to be short lived so they wanted to destroy the next few generations with gang mentality. All while they KNEW they were destroying public education and putting their children into private schools..I can go on and on about stuff you know little about because its not a part of you or your upbringing. You wouldnt know, simple.

But it is interesting to read this part:

“Coloured Bermudians who support the U.B.P. are often attacked as Uncle Toms. It is claimed by the drivers of the hate-train that we are being used”

History repeating itself I guess…

Quoted below.

Speech by Dr. Clarence James at the City Hall on 11th October 1967.

My Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:

My appearance here tonight stems from a longstanding interest in race relations which began in 1948 when I first went abroad. At that time I was clearly a product of a rigid dual system of education. This segregated system was even developed to the point of granting scholarships under different names. There was the Bermuda Scholarship and the Rhodes Scholarship for white children. There was the Bermuda technical education scholarship for coloured children which I received.

Once abroad, I suffered through a period of adjustment to an integrated educational environment at McGill University. This adjustment took real effort on my part for the first year or two. I also became keenly interested in the problems of racial discrimination in general and especially those problems as they affected Bermuda, my home. Dr. Gordon, and others, made Bermudians aware that the root of the problem was the lack of universal franchise, which particularly affected the coloured segment of the population. This I believed, and still believe, to be an accurate appraisal of the basic cause as far as Bermuda is concerned. So, I followed with interest the events which led up to the mixed land and universal franchise used in the 1963 elections. I returned home just prior to these elections. I actually joined the P.L.P. at that time because I felt the party was sincere and completely in support of racial integration in Bermuda. I vigorously supported the protest against the lack of true universal franchise and the gerrymandering of the electoral districts.

But during the succeeding years, I sadly noticed in the P.L.P. a growing movement to abandon their early claim to foster racial integration. They developed an increasing and persistent dissociation from all sincere efforts to promote racial integration in such a way as to produce results. The P.L.P. trend has proceeded in recent months to the point of a virtual hate campaign. The hate campaign, if allowed to gather steam, will eventually lead to a division of the races and to destruction of Bermuda. Of course, I left the P.L.P. when I found they were bound in this direction.

In the past two years I have also observed increasingly sincere efforts made in support of meaningful integration. These efforts have been made by a group of men, led by Sir Henry Tucker, known as the United Bermuda Party. And the U.B.P. is supported by a large group of liberal white and coloured non parliamentary members, some of whom are former members of the P.L.P. In the early days of the United Bermuda Party I cannot fail to admit that I looked upon the party as a white party, with token coloured support – too weak to be effective in the area of race relations. Subsequent events indicate that the U.B.P. was, indeed, sincerely responsive to the strong public opinion built up by the early P.L.P. and by several other organizations before it.

The most important event was the development of our new constitution. In the face of aroused public opinion, in spite of public right-wing opposition and while in command of a majority in the house, the U.B.P. did what was right in the matter of franchise. They adopted the present universal suffrage of 21 years of age, with no extra advantage for land owners, by abolishing the plus vote and by reducing the voting age from 25 years to 21 years. I dare suggest to Bermudians that the real enemies of progress in race relations are those members of the legislature, and that segment of the population they represent, who voted against this measure.

Then came the constitutional conference during which the true position and intent of the U.B.P. was consistently distorted by the P.L.P. with the help of Mr. Geoffrey Bing, a proven distorter of human rights in Ghana. The U.B.P. has been branded as racialist and most recently the Governor has been branded as a racist and white supremacist because he, too, signed the majority report of the constitutional conference.

What does this constitution actually provide that is so racially inbalanced? It provides for 26 seats in the constituencies where there is a clear coloured majority, and 14 seats in constituencies which have a white majority. How then can the U.B.P. or the Governor be seriously considered to be promoting white supremacy?

The members of St. Paul’s A.M.E. church (with which I am associated) have had the Governor as guest visitor on numerous occasions. I am quite certain that they do not agree with the disrespect heaped on the Governor of these Islands by the certain P.L.P. leaders. This disrespect was obviously condoned by the rest of the P.L.P. oligarchy at the time, at least until they observed the broad and general opposition in Bermuda to this sort of distortion and mud-slinging.

It is now clear that the P.L.P. programme of distortion of the truth is but part of a hate mongering campaign which actively seeks to divide the races. The hate attempts to cover up for the irresponsibility and incompetence of P.L.P. leaders themselves. It creates a frame of mind which would constantly distort a true assessment of what is fair and what is unfair. It breeds civil disorder, disrespect for law and order, and eventual anarchy. Already P.L.P. leaders have instructed Bermudians to break the law, and P.L.P. leaders are now asking their followers to save their money. Could they be actually planning civil disorder and disruption of the economy where there may be no jobs for the very workers they say they are representing? Make no mistake about it, in any disruption of the economy, naturally, politically, or hatefully induced, it is the working class that will suffer the most not because of any malicious intent of those who are relatively more advantaged but because of the general rule that workers have less in savings and fewer alternative job opportunities. Furthermore, the close association of the P.L.P. leaders with their Communist-minded friends during the constitutional conference last November in London leaves little doubt of their alliance with Communist dictatorial policies. These dictatorial policies will usurp the rights of workers for the P.L.P. leaders’ own selfish ends. The P.L.P. thus becomes a power loving party at the expense of the very people which they are supposed to be helping. Independence is just an assurance that they would not be disturbed in carrying out their conspiracy. They want to cut themselves off from any outside democratic influence the same that Ian Smith and his gang have done with their unilateral declaration of independence in Southern Rhodesia.

In this regard, I view the recent close P.L.P. – B.I.U. association as a betrayal of the unsuspecting union members by the B.I.U. leaders who openly flirt with irresponsible and undemocratic leaders of the P.L.P.

The membership of the B.I.U. will be more wise and cautious than their leaders. They will know that a crushing blow was dealt the trade unions in Ghana. Nkrumah at the height of his political power outlawed trade unions and the man who drafted the laws was Mr. Geoffrey Bing. Bermudian workers will not be used by unscrupulous people to grasp political power – a power which P.L.P. leaders will employ to suppress the freedom of trade unions as was done in Ghana.

At this point, one might ask “can the U.B.P. really represent the workers?” My answer is, “yes”. And we can represent their genuine interests far better than any other party! Firstly, the U.B.P. and only the U.B.P. will have a fully integrated team of capable men and women who will have that necessary experience and skill in government, commerce and finance to see that this Island is well run. We are for, and we can ensure, a rising per capita income, together with a better distribution of that income that will result from our commitment to build cohesion between the races. As we accomplish these objectives, who benefits most? Obviously the workers will. All our plans for forward-looking social legislation are entirely dependent upon sound government, and a united and prosperous Bermuda. The United Bermuda Party is dedicated to preserving democratic principles and practices which will ensure that there are no abridgements of human rights and freedoms as we work together to build a better Bermuda. There is a growing representation of workers in the highest councils of our party. These workers are full and equal members of our party. Their presence and their contribution within our party ensures that the point of view of labour will be capably and effectively represented.

Another major area of distortion in race relations is in educational policy. Disputes between the teachers’ union and the board of education have been highlighted by prominent P.L.P. members in an attempt to overshadow a major contribution by the U.B.P. – a contribution which has far-reaching effects in fostering racial integration. That development is the embodiment in the education act of the rule that no government funds can be allotted to a school unless it is integrated. This rule is quite similar to a federal law in the United States which is used to effect integration in the southern United States. Why would the U.B.P. pass such a law if it was a racists’ party? It is noteworthy that the schools which are more than tokenly integrated are those schools which have trustee chairmen who are prominent members of the U.B.P. I refer to the Whitney Institute of which Sir Henry Vesey is chairman, and the Warwick Academy of which the Hon. John Plowman is chairman.

It is also noteworthy that the Bermuda High School could not accept government funds because its building and grounds are largely those which were given the school in a bequest for white children only. The U.B.P. will invalidate this racial designation in future pending legislation, making it possible for that school to proceed to integrate.

It has been said that race will be a major issue in the next general election. I think this is true. The coloured people in these islands will have a clear choice – they may choose to participate wholeheartedly in the establishment of racial harmony and integration and in the elimination of every vestitage of racial discrimination by supporting the U.B.P., understanding that the leaders of the U.B.P. are sincere in this regard, and understanding that they are to participate wholeheartedly, not in any token manner, but in proportion to their numbers.

Alternately, coloured people may choose to be used by the power hungry leaders of the P.L.P. They may climb aboard the hate train of the P.L.P., run by irresponsible and unscrupulous leaders towards the destination of self destruction of the economy of the island and, therefore, of themselves. And when they arrive at their destination, they will find Mr. Bing there to trap them like he trapped the people of Ghana. Where there can be no escape without bloodshed.

The white people of Bermuda also have a choice. They can either solidly support the United Bermuda Party and their fair dealing with the race problem or live in the past and support the racist independent. If they support such independents they will be stoking the fires of the P.L.P. hate train to faster destruction of the economy and, therefore, of themselves. Incidentally, an independent seat in the next house will not be worth two cents in Chinese money.

One may ask, “what about the B.D.P.?” It is clearly imperative for the future of these islands to find a solution to our race problem. The U.B.P. has moved, and moved sincerely, to resolve the problem. The P.L.P. has moved, and moved deceitfully and with hatred, to confuse the problem. The B.D.P. has not moved. No Bermudian can afford to waste his vote to support a party which is not working hard to resolve this vital issue.

Coloured Bermudians who support the U.B.P. are often attacked as Uncle Toms. It is claimed by the drivers of the hate-train that we are being used. This claim is ridiculous. The U.B.P. urges and welcomes coloured Bermudians to participate wholeheartedly, as full and equal members of the party. Not in any token manner, but in proportion to their numbers – numbers which have already been recognized in the U.B.P.-supported constitution: 26 to 14. Now I ask you, “are we being used”, to maintain a racist government – with a franchise so fairly weighted in favour of the coloured community. I think not.

Most Bermudians would agree that many of the improvements in race relations were the results of pressures of one sort or another. But to say that the improvements are just concessions is to suggest that one is thinking in woolly retrogressive manner in two ways. Firstly, one wishes there were no concessions so that civil disorder and ultimate violence may be justified. Secondly, one constantly bemoans the fact that the improvements were not spontaneously initiated years ago. Both attitudes are quite non-productive. What is most effective is to apply pressures in such a way as to harness and fully utilise responsiveness under the terms of the new franchise towards the development of a truly united and prosperous Bermuda. This is best done by vigorously supporting the United Bermuda Party.

I, like many other Bermudians, am prepared to devote my life in serving the people of Bermuda because I love Bermuda, it is my home. I feel compelled to portray a frank, undistorted picture of race relations as I see them. By doing so, I sincerely hope that I can assist in saving Bermuda from self-destruction due to racial strife. I have no other motivation. Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Its always been that way. These people cant handle not having the power !!

Plain and Simple !!!

And if you don;t think there isn’t racism “ravaging” the PLP, then I suggest you take the advice that you just gave to the other poster.

But I get it PLP racism is a good and acceptable type of racism…

Those that have ears let them hear.

Like how much more radical than what we’ve already seen ? ? We’re in serious trouble here and it’s just so convenient that the worldwide global recession just happened to come along when it did as the perfect scapegoat .

What ‘radical changes’ are you really looking forward to or talking about ? huh ?

Don’t worry , a whole lotta people have a good idea what you’re referring to , and that’s why many millions have left the island since Nov ’98

Should no one vote for the PLP in those constituencies in which those gentleman were voted in under the UBP banner?

Pot and kettle situation I guess hypocrite?

Only in the sense that they’ve proven they have no clue how to run this little island.(and deliberately keep everyone angry)

Politically now , they’re as slick and as sly as can be .. Political organisations around the world must be wishing they could manipulate their support base as easily as the PLP does .