Sen. Furbert On Palacio “Black Apartheid” Exhibit
Senator Laverne Furbert has hit back at aspects of the recent artistic showing by Manuel Palacio, as well as statements he made about his latest exhibit entitled “Black Apartheid”.
Mr Palacio said, “Black apartheid is about the similarities under a Black Government and its white counterpart; in fact I believe there are no changes with the treatment of “others” – people who look different.”
The exhibit depicted a number of prominent black people with blonde hair and blue eyes including PLP MPs, former Premiers Dr Ewart Brown and Dame Jennifer Smith, and labour leader and recently nominated National Hero Dr EF Gordon.
Another one of Mr Palcio’s pieces was entitled ‘I Hate White People,’ and showed Bermuda’s streets renamed as Old Boy’s Club Place, Discrimination, Cohorts Way and Oligarchy Places.
Senator Furbert said, “Mr. Palacio’s perception of Bermuda’s recent and not so recent history is as skewed as that of a five-year old,” and continued on to say that, “Apparently there are some in our community who have heaped praise on Mr. Palacio because of his depiction of black members of the PLP with blonde hair and blue eyes and his depiction of Dr. Brown as a gangster.”
“I wonder how these same people would have reacted if Mr. Palacio had depicted Sir David Gibbons or John Barritt with black faces and “nappy” hair. I wonder how white Bermudians (and some black Bermudians) would have reacted had Mr. Palacio depicted Michael Dunkley smoking a marijuana cigarette?”
“I believe that had this been the case, the white community would have shown their dissatisfaction in no uncertain terms. We may have even seen some law suits,” said Ms Furbert.
Quoting Mr. Palacio as saying he “struggled to find reasons to be impressed by Dr. Gordon’s achievements”, Ms Furbert said if he were “more aware of Bermuda history, he would know that Dr. Gordon was indeed the hero of the working class.”
“Those of us who support the PLP do not do so because it’s a ‘black government’, rather we support the PLP because it is the only political party that has consistently fought for equal opportunity and justice for the ‘little man’, which includes white people,” said Ms Furbert.
The full article by Senator Furbert is below:
After reading Manuel Palacio’s comments regarding his latest exhibit entitled “Black Apartheid”, two things became immediately obvious to me.
One is that Mr. Palacio ‘s perception of Bermuda’s recent and not so recent history is as skewed as that of a five-year old, and the other is that Mr. Palacio obviously has no understanding of how apartheid affected those millions of blacks, coloureds and yes, whites, who have called South Africa home for centuries.
I did not attend the exhibit and have no intention of doing so, however from what I’ve seen and read, it appears to me that the exhibit is as meaningful to the real Bermuda as those water colours of pink cottages painted by so many Bermudian artists.
In his first interview with the Royal Gazette about the exhibition, it is reported that “the works stemmed from the frustration he and other artists felt after the Government chose someone from overseas to create a sculpture of the former PLP leader Dame Lois Browne-Evans”.
If that was indeed the case, I really don’t understand why Mr. Palacio chose to direct his anger at former Premier Dr Ewart Brown and not at Minister Derrick Burgess, the Minister responsible for engaging the overseas sculptor.
Is Mr. Palacio’s memory so short that he has forgotten that it was Dr. Brown who commissioned Bermudian artist, Carlos Dowling to sculpt Sally Bassett, and at considerable cost to the Government?
The other thing that Mr. Palacio, and others who have come to his defense, have seemingly conveniently forgotten is that Zenos Frudakis, the sculptor chosen by Minister Burgess, is as Bermudian as Manuel Palacio, in spite of the fact that Mr. Palacio has had two Bermudian wives and is the father of four “Bermudian” children.
Mr. Palacio has also conveniently forgotten that it was Dr. Brown who started the “Big Conversation” in an effort to bring the races together in Bermuda. We all should know that in order to bring the races together in Bermuda, it would take a collective effort by all. Unfortunately not enough of us participated in that initiative.
Maybe Bermuda needs to go the route of South Africa and hold a “Truth and Reconciliation” Commission. To blame the continued racist practices in Bermuda on Dr. Brown and the Progressive Labour Party Government is as disingenuous as one could get.
I note that Mr. Palacio uses the misnomer that many in Bermuda use when describing the PLP as a “black government”. Nowhere will he or anyone else read in any literature produced by the PLP, including its Constitution, its election platforms, or public statements, where the PLP refers to itself as a “black party” so how could it be referred to as a “black government”.
History has already recorded that many whites who chose to publicly support the PLP were ostracized by the white community and in this instance I think in particular of Alex Outerbridge.
Apparently there are some in our community who have heaped praise on Mr. Palacio because of his depiction of black members of the PLP with blonde hair and blue eyes and his depiction of Dr. Brown as a gangster.
I wonder how these same people would have reacted if Mr. Palacio had depicted Sir David Gibbons or John Barritt with black faces and “nappy” hair. I wonder how white Bermudians (and some black Bermudians) would have reacted had Mr. Palacio depicted Michael Dunkley smoking a marijuana cigarette?
I believe that had this been the case, the white community would have shown their dissatisfaction in no uncertain terms. We may have even seen some law suits.
Further, Mr. Palacio stated that he “struggled to find reasons to be impressed by Dr. Gordon’s achievements”. As I said in my opening paragraph, Mr. Palacio’s perception of Bermuda’s recent and not so recent history is skewed.
He obviously has not read “The History of the Bermuda Industrial Union” by Ira Philip, or Dale Butler’s book “Dr. E.F. Gordon: Hero of the Working Class”. Certainly if he were more aware of Bermuda history, he would know that Dr. Gordon was indeed the hero of the working class.
I guess it would be too much to expect Mr. Palacio to read either book mentioned above, or the contents of the Petition that Dr. Gordon took to London.
I, like Dr. Brown “support freedom of speech and freedom of artistic expression”. However, I also believe that there can be abuses of this freedom which is granted by the Universal Declaration of Human rights and in my opinion, Mr. Palacio came very close to abusing his right. Certainly there are enough examples worldwide of artists who have abused this freedom.
I think in particular of the case where a number of European newspapers published insulting cartoons of Prophet Muhammad. One commentator said in response to these insulting cartoons “Islam has a great respect for freedom of expression and free society, although it always regarded freedom as limited by the freedom others.
An absolute freedom is only found in the jungles among animals. We don’t live in a jungle, we live in a multi-cultural, multi-religious society and freedom of others includes a respect for the faith, tradition, property, and personal dignity of people”.
Bermuda is not a jungle neither is Dr. Brown a gangster. The fact of the matter is that Dr. Brown has done more in his personal and private life to assist many young, and not so young, Bermudians realize their dreams, than many others in our community.
Additionally, those of us who support the PLP do not do so because it’s a “black government”, rather we support the PLP because it is the only political party that has consistently fought for equal opportunity and justice for the “little man”, which includes white people.
Oh, this is going to be good, grabs popcorn….
Better still , grab a live wire and jump in a fishpond !!!
This is another example of how the PLP simply cannot take criticism. The evidence against Dr. Brown is overwhelming. He had the opportunity to be the best leader Bermuda ever had…and he blew it. His ability got him to the top, but his character and integrity stopped him from hanging on to it. He said in parliament that Dr. Gibbons was a “racist dog”. The “first” of many things Dr. Brown did. And remember this Bermuda. So long as the PLP remain in power, Dr. Brown waits in the wings.
Well done Senator Furbert!
Some (many) will criticize her comments because of their dislike for her, but if they truly absorb her comments and think about them, they will realize she is absolutely correct.
No she isn’t. It’s a poorly argued response for someone who dares to challenge her narrow perspective. It’s actually pathetic.
I could pick through it and disect each point..but I love the bit about freedom of speech, said without the slightest hint of irony. It’s actually funny, I can’t even get angry about it. Schoolchildren argue better, if they could be bothered.
Eat ya popcorn and hush!
How can she be correct and she hasn’t even seen the exhibit. She is speaking in ignorance. I saw the exhibit and it is thought provoking. One’s interpretation is based upon their own perception and I did not find it offensive or incorrect in any historical sense. It merely incites thinking. It was a courageous attempt by the artist and if she has chosen not to view it she has negated her right to comment. IMHO.
You may be right, but the exhibit only shows the surface of things. If he were to dive a little deeper into Bermuda history I think his exhibit would change dramatically.
I agree. Manuel Palacio is starting to burn bridges and they may be bridges he’s gonna need to get back on the other side… Does this guy think just because he has a picture in his head of others he can disrespect people like this… I was taught that if you have nothing good to say about people, don’t say it at all…SMH
Disrespect? burning bridge? Sounds like a veiled threat>
“we support the PLP because it is the only political party that has consistently fought for equal opportunity and justice for the ‘little man’,”
How are those BIU accounts coming along? The ‘little man’ would like to know where his weekly contributions are going. Need another decade or two to bring them up to scratch?
How’s those changes to the Human Rights act coming along? Having a bit of trouble with those two words and a comma?
Today’s hypocrisy proudly brought to you by a PLP senator.
“we support the PLP because it is the only political party that has consistently fought for equal opportunity and justice for the ‘little man’,”
When compared to the OBA, whoose history is that of a few months, of course it is correct. Remember, UBP never fought for the little man. However, giving the way todays government is going it won’t be long before that statement is quite the opposite.
Who writes this stuff for her. Wonder where her money is.
That is actually a very good question. Doesn’t look like Ms Furbert’s normal style to me.
Someone explain how she is part of the govnerment????This is why we wont progress as a country, too many old people run the country. We need youthful people who don’t have the same bias’s as our elders.
Damn straight, old people think the way their life time has tought them to think. They are note in tune with todays realities.
“Those of us who support the PLP do not do so because it’s a black Government” What a joke!! If that is the case why is race used so often by this party and lord forbid don’t let a black person say something negative about your beloved party.
Can we have some clarification here please?
“Mr. Palacio has had two Bermudian wives and is the father of four “Bermudian” children.” By putting quotation marks around the word “Bermudian”, are you insinuating that Mr. Palacio’s children are not real Bermudians? If this is indeed what you are saying, please for the benefit of us all, define “Bermudian”.
“Dr. Brown who commissioned Bermudian artist, Carlos Dowling to sculpt Sally Bassett, and at considerable cost to the Government?” Did the government MPs and senators dig into their own pockets to pay for the statue? Or did the government dig into government coffers to pay for this? If it’s the latter then it should read “at considerable cost to Bermudians?” if it is the former, I retract the question and offer my apologies.
I’d like to know this one. Who did pay?
Yes Mate, I’m not insinuating anything. There is no such thing as a “real Bermudian”. I assume that Mr. Palacio is a U.S. citizen, therefore his children are also U.S. citizens. However, because their mothers were born in Bermuda (and I’m assuming again) that makes his children British citizens, not Bermudian citizens. His children, like others, will have to go through the process to claim Bermuda “status”, not “Bermudian citizenship” before they reach the age of 22 (I think). Remember, Bermuda is not an independent nation, yet.
This is confusing. If there is no “real Bermudian”, then every reference to Bermudian should be “Bermudian”. You refer to Mr. Palacio’s two Bermudian wives. Why do you not refer to them as “Bermudian” in the same way you refer to his children? Why are some references to Bermudian and others to “Bermudian”. What makes a person Bermudian as opposed to a “Bermudian”, or “Bermudian” as opposed to Bermudian? If you’re a Bermudian do you become a “Bermudian” if you marry a non Bermudian, or is that a non “Bermudian”?
Can anyone please explain whether or not Mr. Palachio’s children are any less “Bermudian” than any of the children of former PLP leaders who married spouses of foreign origin, and in most cases had children. I refer for example to Walter Robinson, Dame Lois Browne-Evans, L. Frederick Wade, and Alex Scott.
ZING!
The difficulty Ms Furbert has with her rebuttal, is that the artist’s interpretation will find common ground with many in Bermuda – irrespective of their colour.
Her Little Man – White People comment – is she talking about Zane?
Or Correia proud owner of the BDA Cement Company……………….
LOL
How is it that when white people join the plp white people hate them
Zane and Correia have been around for years when the upb was the goverment you never heard white people talk about them.hmmmmmmmmmmm.
BLACK PEOPLE PAY ATTENTION…..
Yes people, pay attention!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just like when blacks join the UBP and now OBA other ‘black’s hate them !
Womans just stirring dee sheet, detz hall…….
Diversion, attack, conquere………
It is obvious that Minister Furbert has way too much time on her hands.
Don’t you have work to do, from the state of the country it would seem you could find more things that need to be done other than responding ot people’s freedom of speech regarding your cousin.
Furbert is right to address what is clearly a flawed, and to be honest, silly politcal statement. It is more self serving than provocative and in my opinion, the artist is just an angry man with a brush and paint, attempting to be clever.
Furbert’s racial rants are often incoherent and insensitive, in this instance she is quite lucid & succinct, and as such, correct when she questions the fledgling artists’ lack of understanding of our history. She is equally correct in suggesting that his depictions are vile and distasteful.
How can you suggest that Ms Furbert’s ‘opinions’ are correct?! Opinions are neither right nor wrong they’re just opinions, and like a**holes everyone has one.
Star boy ..please have mommy tuck you in….clearly this subject has taxed your young mind..
Sigh!,
I hope you don’t have something in yours haaaaa.
She has a right to say whatever she likes, I just can not fathom with the dire state of this country HOW any politician has time to play on blogs. It just goes to show that ministers don’t have much to do; their consultants and civil servants do all the work for them and they are just a figure head to take a paycheck.
Although I usually don’t agree with LaVerne’s comments, this time I must agree with her. She’s right on this one! If we as a people are depicting the politicians in our country in this matter (ie. gangsters, the “blonde hair blue eyes” etc,) then we are almost as bad as America with their “Socialism” posters of Barack Obama and former presidents. I think it’s absolutely disgusting. Whether we like certain politicians or not, I think we should still show some level of respect, because believe it or not, the international community watches us. And when we act like this, it looks bad on Bermuda as a whole.
Poorly managed fiscal finances, astronomical debt, racial retoric as a political agenda, poorly run public transport, BIU issues, rising gang violence and crime, a negative attitude towards the international business community and a failing tourism product (the list goes on) speak much more than an ‘artistic’ opinion to the rest of the world. Those issues above are the legacy of Dr. Brown and we live in that dark legacy. He is a rich man living somewhere far away! If someone has an opinion of him then let them make art, no one has to agree with his artwork but it promotes thought and that is good in such a close minded society.
It does look bad but at the end of the day respect is earned is it not?
LOL
Chill out LaVergne, Its called art. Where’s your sense of humor and creative spirit?
I thought the poster above was quite clever, although in my opinion Mr Palacio used the wrong Cuban…..
It’s not art; it’s politics.
Well her and Eva are neighbors and what one can’t say to ruin a reputation the other can say to ruin a country.
I was thinking to myself she starting to rant on like Eva… no wonder.
Please do not equate Senator Furbert with Dr. Hodgson. The latter has made many valid points, especially with regard to black self-hatred and black on black prejudice, of which the former appears to present a good example. Her most vitriolic comments appear to be consistently directed toward those in the black community who do not agree with her point of view. Her last two attacks were directed first at the writer of the song “Proud to be a Bermudian” and currently at this artist. Both attacks share a common theme – criticism of something she only knows about through hear-say, and therefor invalid.
I made a point to go to the exhibition. Mr. Palacio’s art work was interesting – he is quite talented – but I was more impacted by the written commentary at the entrance (wish I had a copy or that it would/could be reprinted) and the quote from Stuart Hayward that complaining about the previous government while reproducing their actions makes the current government just as guilty (not a quote).
For you information Pastor Syl, Dr. Hodgson and I have much in common, in particular a common ancestry. My father would have been her mother’s younger brother. While Dr. Hodgson and I don’t agree on everything, it’s obvious that we come from intelligent stock, whether you like it or not.
Can you quote me regarding “my attacks on the writer of the song “Proud to Be Bermudian”? I never attacked Mr. John Woolridge. Get your facts right Sister Syl.
Itelligent Stock? well I guess you missed that boat!
too funny…
LOL wow. you’re defense of someone saying another person makes more valid points, and that you are more vitriolic is come back and say your father is that person’s uncle? So you have to be just as correct???
and you’re a senator????
Obvious? To whom?
Intelligent stock…… This entire answer is pure comedic gold.
LOL!!!
I also made a point to go and see the bronze of Dame Lois Browne-Evans in that multi-million dollar construction on Court Street. Were they planning to move City Hall there? But I digress.
Derek Burgess has a lot to answer for with regard to that statue, if he was the one who engaged that Non-Bermudian artist! If anyone thinks that monstrosity looks anything like Dame Lois, they didn’t know her and have never seen her in person. That artist made her look like a bulldog, in my opinion. I am surprised no one else has commented on how unlike her that statue is, surely I am not the only one!
Syl,
You need to take your concern up with Dame Lois’ family. They travelled to the artist’s studio on several occasions and in the final analysis approved of the sculpture. So, you think City Hall should have better accomodations that Government offices? Weird thinking.
I certainly don’t think the artist made Dame Lois look a bulldog and I’m sure her family would be offended by your remarks.
Maybe her expression reflects her thoughts when she learned Ewart Brown had been elected as Premier. She did, after all, have the foresight to express her alarm and concern about such a situation as she saw through him and his intentions.
I would be sorry to offend Dame Lois’ family and I would hope first that they are not so easily offended, and second, they understand my criticism is not of Dame Lois’ looks but of the sculptor who, in my opinion, did not at all capture the facial features of a woman I deeply loved and admired. The thought that down through the ages, people to come will believe that is a true representation of her bothers me a bit – but then perception is very subjective and I only state my opinion, albeit in a public forum, perhaps a mistake.
I definitely think City Hall, which is the seat of the capital of this island, should be better appointed than a set of offices. I realize that offices in the IB sector are often lavishly done, but when the money is coming out of the public purse, I have a problem with what looks like very expensive, yet unneccessary touches.
agreed with Pastor…
dr hodgeson does make far far more useful posts and comments than sen furbert.
Laverne… if you have not seen Mr Palacio’s art exhibition, and you say you don’t plan to, your comments are meaningless because your review is based on hearsay.
This is about the freedom of expression, NOT about insulting the repackaged Ewart Brown Party, its Friends & Family (you being family).
You said, “Mr. Palacio came very close to abusing his right (to freedom of artistic expression).” How did he do that, do you make up the rules? Like ANYTHING critical of your disgraced demigod and his Party is verboten?
Give me a break, will ya!
Star Man, my opening sentence reads “After reading Manuel Palacio’s comments regarding his latest exhibit entitled “Black Apartheid”. I never said I was reviewing his exhibit.
which i laughed at, considerign you were then basing your opinions on an interview from the, dare i say, Royal Gazette??
I thought you shunned them?
OMG! Miss Leverne your response is that of a five year old….She is like a ewart Brown groupie….Ewart Brown is Gangster in a suit. I find his exhibit quite refreshing. Its truly brilliant and it should open alot of eyes. How and Why is she a senator?
P.S. After your speil about the proud to be Bermudian song you have no creditability
I agree, after her dumb rant about the song I cant even take anything she says seriously, shes a big joke to me!
“because it is the only political party that has consistently fought for equal opportunity and justice for the ‘little man’”
Really? How is it then that my father, as a small business owner, has always been on the outside looking in when it comes to Government contracts, the most lucrative of which are given to people with known political ties. And I’ve heard that same story from many other small business owners…. the ‘little’ man is hardly given a fair shake in this country, unless you’re willing to pledge undying allegiance to the current Government, and pay to play.
Maybe there was bigger and better competition outside your father…
Um just saying…
I’m not suggesting that my father is the absolute cream de la creme or that he is entitled to anything, but the process for lucrative Government contracts over the years has seen its share or cronyism. Surely you don’t deny that… or do you?
Clearly….
Known political ties like Bob Richards??? WTF!
Stop making stuff up!
Ummm no. And who the hell are you to presume I’m making anything up? Go put your head back in the sand.
I have personal knowledge, not hearsay, of some rather ‘interesting’ situations. No I’m not at liberty to discuss that in the open, but I certainly don’t have to justify myself to some random person such as yourself. Much goes on under the table and in the shadows, that you’d do well to educate yourself on. Or…live in blind ignorance, either way I couldn’t care less.
I think Verny is just upset she wasn’t listed as part of Erat’s supporting cast. I have to give her credit though – her ramblings do make me laugh.
“Additionally, those of us who support the PLP do not do so because it’s a “black government”, rather we support the PLP because it is the only political party that has consistently fought for equal opportunity and justice for the “little man”, which includes white people.”
BWAA-HA-HA-Ha-Ha-Ha!! That is SO funny!! Especially the last bit you added as a second thought.
You say this while only 3 large white contractors got/get all the plum government projects – leaving “little” local contractors, and particularly “little” dump-truck drivers, out in the cold.
PLP sycophants talk a pile of nonsense in defense of their Party no matter how incompetent, corrupt, and greedy the Party gets. Nothing’s changed under the Cog, that’s for sure.
Enjoy the freedom of speech we hold today – because rest assured that if this poor Island goes independent (as we all know they are bringing it up now as part of the election run up..), ALL critisicm of government will be gagged immediately, even if it comes in the form of art. Think Magabe and his croanies. That’s where we are heading under this government i’m afraid.
Laverne, you are frightening on so many levels…
@Hudson – How old are you or where have you been living?
Freedom of speech under the UBP = ostracized. Fact!!!!!
really? show me the facts then. Just because you say it’s a fact as you put it, doesn’t mean that is so. It is merely your interpretation. Laverne doesn’t think that she is threatening freedom of speech – I do. FACT!!!!
One can also say, show me the fact about what you said before.
There is w/o question MORE freedom and freedom of speech than there was in 1998. Refute that!
Ok, so clearly you can find NO facts to prove what you tried to make for an arguement. But here, let me give you some examples where our freedom of speech has been stiffled post 1998:
June 2011 – Ewart Brown attempts to gag the media over claims made in an unrelated court case
Oct 2007 – Ewart Brown and Phil Perinchief attempt to have the media gagged in order to stop them printing information obtained from leaked files relating to BHC scandal
Aug 2007 – Larry Dennis, Auditor General arrested and interrogated for publishing the findings of his audit (and not revealing the sources of missing confidential information)
Dec 2006 A hotel chef was deported from teh Island for making a joke to a colleague about serving then Premier Brown a plate with arsenic
Oct 2006 – Canadian construction worker Curtis Macloed was kicked off the Island by Derick Burgegss for allegedly calling Mr. Burgess racist and ignorant.
Oct 2006. Dr. Catherine Wakely was forced to resign and leave the Island because of a letter she wrote to the RG questioning, and opposing governments decision to close the publicly funded clinic
Do you want me to keep going? This government surpresses freedom of speeech any time that such words are critical or negative to their campaign. It will only get worse my friend. Seriously, this is a FACT!
If I have to show you then you simply are in denial or was born post 99…
This lady is a senator and she is implying his children are “bermudian” what a joke. Im gonna run for senate.
You don’t run for Senate. Someone will call you in the morning and say; “Hey Babe” “Your In”
“I believe that had this been the case, the white community would have shown their dissatisfaction in no uncertain terms. We may have even seen some law suits,” said Ms Furbert.
LOL … another huge lie …. Remember the 20+ years of ‘UM UM’ and ‘Not the UM UM Shows’ ?
They tore the azz out of the UBP year after year and what did all those white people do ? They attended the productions in droves and laughed ’till they cried.
Not a lawsuit in sight … ANYWHERE !
So true… God i miss that annual production. Pity the PLP can’t laugh at themselves…
IT’S JUST ART!!!!!!!!!!
He just painted what some people think.
This is not a communist society? IS IT?
Are Ewart Brown’s kids Bermudian or “Bermudian”?
HA HA HA – and perhaps a very high percentage of “Bermudians” born!
Gime me a E
give me a w
give me a a
give me a r
give me a t
laverne hows that am I as good as you at cheerleading
LaVerne, how can you speak of “equal opportunity” in the face of contracts funnelled to Dr. Brown’s friend without any one else having even half a chance? Even if he was the best man for the job, the way in which it was done smacked of nepotism and still leaves a bad taste, as you can see from some of the comments here.
Sylvia, I don’t speak for Dr. Brown. Maybe you should direct your question to him. And, who are you to say who Dr. Brown’s friends are? Because the media says someone is Dr. Brown’s friend, you’re taking that as the gospel? By the way, I didn’t expect anything else from commenters on this site, including yours.
As a Senator you are making yourself seem incredibly silly by coming on here and arguing with people over these points. I understand the desire to defend yourself and the party however I do not believe that bernews is the forum in which you should be doing that. They said horrible things about Dr. Brown, you don’t see him here doing that. This type of criticism, deserved and undeserved, comes with the territory of being a Senator and if you cant take the heat i suggest you remove yourself from the kitchen. Honestly a senator arguing with people on blog sites? are you serious? Respect your position. This is NOT the way to get your point across.
seriously the headline of this reads “Senator LaVerne Furbert argues with Pastor Online” <– is that really what you want?
I agree Laverne. Because the nedia says…..YAWN at the RG.
I wouldnt waste too much time arguing with the posters on this sight – they say what they say for entertainment purposes only.
Friend or not, “no bid” contracts are not equal opportunity. And if Correia is not Dr. Brown’s friend, then I have to wonder what other relationship they had that garnered him so many of the available contracts.
I think the Jury is out on that one………….
Mrs. Furbert is becoming the best campaign tool the OBA good ever have….perhaps she should read Job 13:5
Ms. Furbert,
As a voting Bermudian – I want to know – why are you such an angry person that takes things so personally? Why can’t you listen to the voting public and take what things need to be worked on and ignore those things that are hurtful attacks? Why can’t you accept that one man’s freedom of speech might give his opinions, that might be blown out of proportion to some, but might ring true for others?
Part of being a politician is doing what is best for you country and what is needed in the country. Your rants only hurt those that are actually fulfilling this in Government…..Please think before you speak/type. Think about those that have fought for our great country – those that are working to make it a better place and for the every day man and women that are working to survive in our country.
Definition of ‘apartheid’ Random House Webster’s College Dictionary
1. (n.) apartheid
(in the Republic of South Africa) a former rigid policy of segregation of the nonwhite population.
2. apartheid
any system or practice that separates people according to race, caste, etc.
Etymology: (1945–50; < Afrik, =apartapart+-heid -hood)
Definition of 'apartheid' Princeton's WordNet
(noun) apartheid
a social policy or racial segregation involving political and economic and legal discrimination against people who are not Whites; the former official policy in South Africa
Definition of ‘apartheid’
1. (noun) apartheid
a social policy or racial segregation involving political and economic and legal discrimination against people who are not Whites; the former official policy in South Africa
Normally i disagree with most of what Senator Furbert says however I can not fidn fault with a lot of things in this statement. i do believe that the depiction of black people with blonde hair and blue eyes was far too extreme, although I must concede that its his right to have such an exhibit. (people are allowed to say things you disagree with after all). Not only is changing someone ethnicitiy in a picture extremely offensive to them, but in this case it also implies that there is something negative about being white. This whole exhibit and premise is offensive to me. I will however say that i found the Letter to the Editor written by Ms. Eva Hodgson in todays paper to get the point across in a much fairer way.
I will however say that i thought a lot of the Senators little added snippits of sarcasm such as ” “bermudian” children” and “as meaningful to the real Bermuda as those water colours of pink cottages painted by so many Bermudian artists to be unnecessary. You make get your point across much better without the added sarcasm. (and i would suggest that those pink cottages do represent a part of real Bermuda).
However I struggle to believe that anyone found this exhibit to be right and just. Its highly offensive, point blank period so on that note, the principle of what Senator Furbert is getting at is correct. And this coming from someone who disagrees with her just about all the time.
Seriously how can you people defend such an exhibit?
It’s art. Politcal art, sure, but it’s art. It attacks some commonly held notions and it forces some to question their perspective.
Given the reaction from some, one would conclude it’s touched a nerve and there might be uncomfortable truths in the concepts.
Or is the Big Con just a one way street and politcal tool?
Oh LaVerne…get a life. Really.
“Workers Voice”, ever heard of that? What are you doing for the workers. All your worried about is keeping your status amongst a few people. Your cousin went to Howard University.
Many Bermudians went to Howard Accadamy and st ill hold true to their values as can be seen by their placement and fortitude in the local structure.
Your whole purpose here, is to gather info, names et al and use them. Your a confused *&^%$ woman.
As for Dr. Browns friends…..bwahaaaaaaaaaaa check out his facebook page. Check out his Bermudian connections and those who were hired by him to do gover(n)ment work…….
But I guess you have nothing to do except spew your venom because you know your party and the members and ‘voters’ are your end of the rainbow……………
Plus your cousin held Howard University at hostage years ago along with his ties to the Black Beret Cadre.
Payback.
Typical that they’d wait until the day that the exhibition ended so that those who failed to see it can’t formulate their own opinion. Strategic.
Wow, Senator Furbert better not go up to St Davids anytime soon. Many of the “Bermudians” up there have blonde hair and blue eyes…..
This is crazy shti….we’re worried about a stupid art exhibit and attacking/defending a guy that thrives on controversy. Silly people, this guy probably ownes a mansion in his home land while we focus on stupidity. Gansters, education, national debt and accountability should be debated with the same zeal you bermudians show for stupid topics!
Figure out how you will save your economy instead of this nonsense.
I whole heartedly agree with you!
We have to keep in mind that LaWerne is a senator, and she was appointed by the Pee el Pee, so she can only represent the PLP, no one voted for her, she is not an elected official, just like D Beeurch. Isn’t it strange how the PLP reps that NO ONE VOTED FOR make the most noise and turn people off the most? LaWerne has no constituents to gain favour with, all she has to do is slurp kool-aid and blindly defend the Pee el Pee and her beloved Docta. LaWerne keep in mind that being related to an intelligent person does not by default make you intelligent, I am not saying you’re dopey, just saying being related to an un-dopey person makes you un-dopey as well. In closing I would like to say keep up the good work, you are doing a good job of making former Pee el Pee voters! It’s almost as if the PLP put you in charge of mixing the kool-aid and it tastes too sh!tty even for some of the most die-hard kool-aid gulpers!
Should read
just saying being related to an un-dopey person does not make you un-dopey as well.
“un-dopey”….bwahaaaa.
Yah summtin alz Yes Mate…….
Don’t worry. When the kool-aid runs out….there will always a chance at ‘Baking Alaska’………………
Hey they did it before………..
I seriously doubt that the kool-aid will run out in our time, what we can hope for is that enough people stop drinking it but you’re right, there’s always Baked Alaska, fresh from the oven at Pee el Pee headquarters. “Mmmmm is it me or does this have a hint of kool-aid in it?”
Mmmmmm…..Baked Alaska and Deep-Fried Kool-Aid…Hear Deep-Fried is the latest fad at some of the State Fairs in the US…
next law to be passed – no art shows or displays unless approved by LaVerne and Co. – hmm, wonder if a consultant will have to be hired for that 2. Gurl, paleese – come off your hill and your high horse to visit and listen to those whose world hasn’t become better as you so think or perhaps not as good as yours has – the hurting people i.e. unemployed not because they choose to be, the bereaved, the bed-ridden, listen to the woes of the people (primary school age to seniors).
Im surprised they havent done a “Larry Dennis” on him.
I can’t wait for his replacement to unwrap what else she has found in her excavations of the PLP spending (over/needless/insane/…..) AG’s office has been very quiet – like the quiet before the storm!!!
It’s funny you all don’t remember that some of Mr. Palacio’s art was confiscated by the police a few years back after a complaint by a memmber of the community. Google that and see what you come up with and who defended Mr. Palacio at the time.
Mr Palacio’s work is tame compared to the Sistine Chapel. That ceiling has lots of naked people in compromising positions.
YES MATE:
ask Palacio to go to Ireland and try that Political satire!
He’d be okay over there, the Paddies have a long tradition of self deprecating humour. I wouldn’t recommend this in China or Cuba or Bermuda though.
Why don’t you tell us sweetie?
It was at Harbour Nights and it was one painting of a couple wrappped around each other.
you are a nasty lady why are you bringing up the past
where is the cedar beams
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,893288,00.html
TO all of you
and
AND to Palacio: do your home work on Apartheid and Black what it means: and if you think it is justified (political satire????) them lets have a NAZI one too, why not while still there talk about slavery. have a White guy hanging from tree with Black people around him…
Sorry… wrong, wrong and pathetic!
You’re quoting an article from 1956? Seriously?
@YES MATE: that’s History! People born in 1956 are 55 years Old, These were their parents….. they went through “Bermuda Apartheid” if i may so…..
Understand , learn, Respect!
What bothers you? His disraspact? Or the fact that the PLP in government have lost all relationship with their founding principles and are merely a bunch of self serving, discriminatory and incompetent politicians (I’ll leave out allegations of corruption for the moment)?
That they’ve become what they fought so hard to overthrow? And he had the audacity to express that through art?
The uproar is indeed pathetic.
Birth of a Nation is art right?
What has Mr.Palacio done is the way of artistic expression to advance the politics of his homeland ? When will we as BORN BERMUDIANS ,THIS IS NOT FOR PAPER bermudians , when will we realize that some foreigners really do not have our best interest at heart .Remember , people like this artist came after the years of REAL Poverty and REAL DISENFRANCHISEMENT ,were the only respectful black woman was the one who cleaned up after the priviledged ones in this society .
That man should go back to his own roots and see , taste , feel the raw reality of a Banana Republic .Really , Really tired of people coming here thinking they could say sh!t , do sh!t and trash OUR people .
Although he isn’t Bermudian, his children are and he does have a right to make the best future for them that he possibly can, no matter where they are.
…just a reminder that govt has a choice whether or not to give ‘Paper’ Bermudians their status based upon their past conduct etc.; it is not simply given but rather earned…I’m sure there are some Born Bermudians that count themselves lucky that their past conduct is not grounds for status lest they might be turned down…
“when will we realize that some foreigners really do not have our best interest at heart”
After you realize that many PLP politicians really do not have your best interest at heart.
Ya really gotta let go of all that old xenophobic racist shit… it’s not good for yer soul.
Meanwhile back at the ranch – you may be living in “the raw reality of Banana Republic” sooner than you think.
It is the Principle of understanding this guys lacks not where he is from.
Apartheid is not a word you can use to describe any political situation( real or satire)
once again, he need to Understand, Learn, Respect
you also do realize that at one point everyone’s lineage started at a “paper bermudian”? No one’s ancestors were “born” here… so get off that horse.
go back to your own roots if you feel that way and stop cherrypicking who can and cannot say their opinions.
Ah..here we go..that wonderful Bermudian head-up one’s own backside…paper or born Bermudian…damn foreigners eh? come here, take our jobs, marry our women….then have the audacity to express opinions through art.
What a terrible, sad, pathetic bunch we are. You ought to be ashamed of yourself for this.
Born Bermudians – do you know how many of our children are Paper Bermudians who have two Bermudian Parents born in Bermuda of Bermudian parents. These children have had to pay $11.00 for a certificate to become “a paper Bermudian” and also, check your passport for the stamp “Bermudian” – which no one any where in the world looks for – your picture and correct passport number is all they are concerned about…. Yup!!!
I take it that he is married to a Bermudian, therefore he has the right to live and work here, despite what people like Face the Nation think, we still have the right to free speech here as well. As for banana republics, you can’t even get a death certificate here anymore, we are not that far behind Central America.
What has Mr.Palacio done is the way of artistic expression to advance the politics of his homeland ? I repeat the question ,while it may be easier or more expedient to trash someone elses natural birthplace it is indeed a bit more difficult to express ones self in a Republic like Nicaragua . I know first hand as a member of a football team who has played there ,we were threatened not to even score a friggin goal much less comment on their effed up government and infrastructure . Love it or hate it this is the only country that holds My birth certificate .
What irks you the most? His comments or the fact that a non-born Bermudian (wtf that means?) expressed himself and dared to poke fun at the ruling elite (I use the term loosely).
To me Manuel Palacio has dissed all Bermudians… You don’t see him talking about his own people… do you? Or is he just mocking those he heard? His background is as shady as everyone else above and under him, so why is he ranting about the Dr. Brown…He’s here because he can’t survive in his own country. Get some treatment for your ADHD.
There’s no hate like xenophobic Bermudian hate..tee hee…do you need your cuddle blankey for comfort?
He was wrong and out of line take what he said about the PLP out of it and you will see where the TRUE disrespect lies in his “art” (I use that term loosely) to condemn people who fought hard through blood sweat and tears so that he can enjoy the freedoms he has today including the freedom of speech is flat out wrong.
Only because he included PLP on a political tip do any of you agree with him. Had it been the OBA or UBP instead you all would be singing a different tune.
I think there’s an element of truth in his art that touches a nerve. And it’s quite funny to read all the righteous indignation.
“Ya disraspactin’ me bye..”
Most artists go through their entire careers without this sort of exposure!
As quoted in the above article by Senator Furbert..”I did not attend the exhibit and have no intention of doing so”…Judging a book by its cover? hearsay? maybe she should go and have a look..actually “seeing” it as opposed to hearing about it may shed a different perspective on things…Art is a form of freedom of expression..artist see things in a different way..so different that if you are not an artist you would not be able to grasp the concept that they are trying to portray…I myself am not an art lover but have been to many displays in the past….It just never ceases to amaze me that if ones way of thinking is not in tune with anothers there is always a problem..can someone explain to me why this is? we are not robots that are programmed to think alike we are all unique individuals…if you, like Senator Furbert are offended and in disagreement with the artist than just don’t go and see the display..that’s something that you have control over..you can’t control the artists thoughts or feelings….with so much going on in the island that needs attention, homeless people, jobless people etc. why are we focusing on a mans’ artwork? Is it coming out of the tax payers money? are we footing the bill for it like so many other things in Government?? Freedom of expression the last time I checked was not a sin or against the law..get over it!!!
Everytime Laverne speaks, the numbers on any newspaper online the comments hit a new high.
There is a vast amount of artistic license to be mined in the Sandinsta , Contras and other Guerrilla outfits and their relations to the C.I.A. ( all in his birthplace ) this “artist” could depict , but , yet he chooses to denegrate OUR FREEDOM FIGHTERS and former politicians , Wake up my people and see that this man is about currying favor with people that he expects to one day take over .
Wow you deciphered all of that from his presentation..whilst he could depict in his own country as you say..he currently lives here, has been married to Bermudians’ and has children…Maybe he is portraying what he has experienced here..who knows…everyone is always so quick to judge and crticise..I’m sure that he is not the only one who feels that way..whilst others may not be able to express their true feelings or are afraid to do so he has expressed in a way that HE feels to be appropriate without fear or reprimand….who are WE to judge….
After reading the comments from the Senator I emailed some friends in Canada to have a look at the Bernews blog today and especially what this lady Senator has said.I just heard from a couple of them how hilarious it was to read the comments. They are especially astounded that the Senator herself got on the blog and punched it our with some of the regulars.Bernews is now a hit in Canada and I’m sure they will all read every day for some comic relief and hope for more comments here maybe from the MP’s,Premier and so called consultants.Keep it up Senator we look forward to your next show.
edit,” punched it out”
Wow you guys post yet can’t deny what I said is true. Hmmmm yup FAKE.
Yeah, I can. You were talking bollocks. Again.
It’s art numbnuts. Nothing more. Thought provoking, but it’s just art. Get over it. You don’t have to like it.
And for the record I don’t care about his “art” it his words that have me talking on it.
What a great thread.
@Bernews you should take this thread and publish under the title “The Big Conversation!”
@Laverne Furbert kudos for taking part in the conversation, so many commentators don’t. I’m surprised you took a swipe at “the bloggers on this site”. This site has done more to open up dialogue in this country than any other medium in recent history. Look on here on any day and you’ll find all sides of an issue debated. That’s what we want, right?
As to the art. I haven’t been down to see it either and before all this furore I took it as one man’s expression of what he’s seen and experienced. It is brave if nothing else. Now I reckon if Senator Furbert has got her back up about it it must be worth going to have a look.
We seem to have forgotten that portion of our cultural history in which Calypso, an art form, was used for political commentary. The lyrics have often cut politicians down to size with surgical skill. Art is an historic and legitimate canvass for social/political messages. We may not like the art nor agree with the message but attempts to condemn or curtail this form of expression are anti-free speech, as are personal attacks on or attempts to intimidate the artist(s).
Although calypso has almost died in Bermuda, political commentary through music has not. Here is an example written and performed in 2007 in response to the plans to build a hotel on the pristine property at Southlands. See “This is Crazy”
the url got lost in my previous post:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j8ANJcMP9w
Bermuda is doing well they got a senator for internet blogging
ART IS THERE TO MAKE YOU THINK !!AND COME UP WITH YOUR OWN THOUGHTS ON THE SUBJECT
simple end of story!
the reality is we all know was went on and is going on no matter what spin is put on it.
Senator Furbert has revealed herself to be an oppressor of free speech on many occasions.
Her rants against the Uighur protests, targeting the ‘Proud to Be Bermudian’ group, many attacks on the Gazette- the list goes on an on.
Without free speech and open discussion we’re living in a totalitarian state.
As a journalist I wonder if she wasn’t taught these ideas as part of her course?
Senator Furbert appears to do a great job, as she is always able to stimulate discussion and discourse on issues in Bermuda. The number of post seems to reflect so. Most people seem so eager to response to her comments and take time to review the impact these issues have upon our society. Sen. Furbert, Keep pushing persons to review issues and examine them closely, it is a good thing. Senator Furbert is not only one blogging, for example Sen. Dunkley also responses to blogging.
I do not agree with Mr. Palacio’s art form, as it is a personal attack on his behalf against the government for not hiring a Bermudian artist. I believe that he could have addressed his issues in a more appropriate manner. His approach does not resolve the issue that pushed him to do such art work. Nevertheless, it will be accepted by those that see it as a political punch against the current government, whom they do not support. Those that see it as “political spite” will agree with his works, and believe that it is justified art work. Interesting, if the tables were turned and the art work reflected the “Repackaged Opposition UBP/OBA” in the same format how many would still support such art work? Just asking? More interesting would be how would they interpret the art work?
It would have been much more effective and creative art, if he had express issues related to racism and politics in a more different format. His art does reflect that he has limited understanding of racial and political history in Bermuda. If he had a more solid understanding of racial issues in Bermuda he would have presented the art form to reflect it, in a more honest presentation. It is apparent that he was seeking to spite the PLP, but also seeking attention to promote his own art work for increase in sales. It would also be interesting to see how he reflects his own homeland and the political history there in the form of ‘Art’?
Freedom of Speech in most society also comes with some regulations across countries world-wide. To express information, ideas, and opinions free of government restrictions based on content. One must consider what freedom of speech involves, as in the UK many are before the courts with the idea of thinking they were expressing freedom of speech. Liberty to express opinions and ideas without hindrance, and especially without fear of punishment. Despite the constitutional guarantee of free speech in the United States, legal systems have not treated freedom of speech as absolute. Among the more obvious restrictions on the freedom to say just what one likes where one likes are laws regulating incitement, sedition, defamation, slander and libel, blasphemy, the expression of racial hatred, and conspiracy.
Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/freedom-of-speech#ixzz1UkIljz00
Senator Furbert sparks discussion purely becasue 99% of what comes from her tortured mind is beyond ridiculous. It’s laughable.
Have you noticed that the bulk of the comments here are not about the art, it’s political comment, is it any good, is it offensive, appropriate or whatever? Very few are discussing the art itself.
What we are doing is mocking the hysterical nature of some PLP supporters who feel disraspacted. The rush to condemn, the ease with which generally supressed Bermudian xenophobia is exposed, the attcking of the artist, the “go back where you came from sentiment”, the righteous indignation. It’s pathetic and embarrassing and some of the comments here are downright disgusting. And all because an artist dared to suggest that the PLP have become what they fought against for so long.
One of the most sinister comments I’ve read from Sen. Furbert was the recent one where she said she’d had complaints from Bermudians that their expat colleagues were involved in blogging their opinions- and that she herself was very unhappy about bloggers.
I’d like you to explain that right now if you’re reading this Sen. Furbert?
@sandgrownan
I would have to say, the comments on the bloggs by PLP supports or defenders, are apparently more thought provoking and consist of valid points. However, I do not see the same level of discussion or discourse coming from the “Repackaged Opposition UBP/OBA” supporters, this I have mentions on numerous occassions. I guess it is because they are not capable of debating the issues on such a higher level without the use of mockery.
Comments about Sen. Furbert, are also based upon spite and dislike for her direct comments on social/political issues. She tends to call it like she sees it, without the use of flowery words. While other MPs may be saying the samething, but using more soft, gentle spoken words, and putting it in a flowery context. She calls it as she sees it, right or wrong. Like it or hate it, if you can see beyond the person and focus on the message, maybe you will also come to see the position she takes and why.
It is funny you feel it is okay for persons to mock the hysterical nature of some PLP MPs/supporters (in particular Sen. Furbert), but yet you become upset when PLP supports mock the “Repackaged Opposition UBP/OBA” members. If that is okay, do not call PLP supports names if they do the same in return, or suggest they are playing the ‘race-card’ or it is just ‘racism’. I think some self evaluation is required here before you begin mocking PLP supporters or members or MPs.
When person mock others, it usually because they do have something valuable to add to the conversation, and the use of mockery is to advoid dealing with what the indidivual is really saying. So is it a lack to deal with the real issues, rather than the individual that Mockery is used as an aviodance technique. avoidance
PLP supporters are in denial.
Furbert is certainly good value for entertainment purposes and anywhere else would be generally ignored. Political ideology aside, she’s Bermuda’s Palin in terms of her contribution to the debate. The manufactured outrage over this art exhibit is case in point. Pointless and worthless. Very few really cared about this art, but thanks to the Delusional Damsel, we all now know about it how it touched her buttons!
The problem with Senator Furbert is that, apparently, she carries some influence. Clearly, you are enamoured by her. The way it encourages the frothing masses to display their worst attributes is indeed worrying. You would really want to send “back home” a legal resident of Bermuda because they dare to challenge her world view? It’s a sad indictment of whow far the PLP have moved from their founding principles.
The “Repackaged UBp” moniker is mildly amusing and I can see it’s value to the PLP. But it’s all they have and diverting attention away from the absolute mess they have made of Bermuda is about the only political tool available. Unless of course they revert to the plantation angle. But they wouldn’t do that again, would they?
So, how are your ideas for reducing the debt coming along?
This guys so call art is an insult to all freedom fighter of our past, present and future…
@ sandgrownan and any others that think like you, I hope your never put in a position like this to defend any of your own family or friends.
NO. The insult to your “past freedom fighters”, as you put it, is the behaviour of the current PLP government.
You are barely literate. I cannot engage you in discussion.
SpashulMicerGirl you can barely write in English! I’d be willing to bet you are not related to Eva. Go back and review your use of the word “respond” in its various conjugations and you will see that you are coming off as a total blank! It’s good that you and LaWerne are here in the public forum defending the Pee el Pee because you are making your party look like dumbasses.
A quick primer in art for you and LaWerne. Art is an expression of the artist and is open to interpretation by the viewer. Just because it offends you it is not safe to assume that that was the intent of the artist, that is only how you interpreted it and someone else might find it totally acceptable. Someone found Palacio’s art offensive and called the bobbylon to confiscate his works, but most of the rest of the world agrees that the Sistine Chapel is a work of art. Take your kool-aid goggles off and look at the world and you’ll see that the sun doesn’t shine out of the PLP’s ass and you would be better off supporting yourself rather than propping up the crumbling Pee el Pee.
The “Repackaged Opposition” is what it is “Repackaged, with a new name to gain sales from the sqeezed Black middle class swing voter.”
No one is diverting attention away from the Bermuda’s debt, and I have addressed that topic on numerous occasions. However, you and Uncle Bob and Burchall, all’s clearly differ from my view on Bemuda’s debt. As you tend to paint Bermuda as it in some critical state of crisis that will never be able to turn around. I do not believe we are in such dire position, as an examination of other countries is far worse than us. Debt for any country dependents upon how the world economy is performing. We are all interdependent on one another. The discuss of “Debt” by your “Repackaged Opposition” is the election ploy or political strategy that you are using to convince the black persons to vote for you, and to paint this party as having done nothing good. I understand what you’re attempting to do. This government has put into place specific plans to address our low debt ratio, as well as continue to meet the needs of the people. Uncle Bob was not very impressive in his recommendations a few weeks ago, most his ideas had already put into place by the PLP, revised to ensure that it meets Bermuda’s and its people needs.
Sen. Furbert does have a voice, and just because you dislike her for whatever reason, one does not have to discredit what she has to contribute to the debate of issues. She always has her facts correct, and often is able to back up what she is talking about. If you ask her any information regarding issues, she comes to the table with facts, not made up stories. She is also able to direct you to where you can also gain the information if you’re in doubt. While she may not be the best orator, she does attempt to provide real information. She may not always get it right in her explanations, but she has the facts. She is far from Palin, as Sen. Furbert is far more knowledgeable, and whereas Palin did not even know basic political facts or locations in USA. Furbert has a wealth of knowledge, that you may not be aware of, as your comments are based purely on what you read in the newspaper.
It is not uncommon or unusual as to why you would not understand why the art work of Mr. Palcio angers some people. (If the artist is not happy with issues in Bermuda he does have another option, but many of us do not- oh no did I hit a nerve….ah?) But, I know you love it, as you see it as some political punch towards the political party and people you do not support.
However, close your eyes for a few minutes, and attempt to reverse the process of the art as directed towards the “Repackaged Opposition,” how would you feel? Or are you beyond feeling for others, and what the art work message is sending to young people. This is part of the problem, you’re not able to walk around in someone else’s shoes for a day, and grasp an understanding of how they view the world and what their experiences feel like. It’s not easy to do, but it is worth trying from time to time, as it would change the course of discourse to a greater understanding.
Oh and Uncle Bob or Burchall did not have any real ideas for reducing the debt, so how are they coming along ?
and now the new catch phrase is “Repackaged Opposition”….call them whatever you wish as long as they are not the PLP that will be good enough to save Bermuda. Which of Mr. Richards ideas have the Government implemented as you say. You refer to countries that are far worse than us are you referring to Somalia or Greece? stick to Bermuda and the fact that there was never unemployment until the PLP(labor Government) there was little to no debt…had the PLP be willing to do anything meaningful with the immigration policy many of its voters would not be unemployed and IB would not be leaving..had you recognized early on(as everyone else did) that the marriage penalty for non Bermudian spouses would tank the real estate market. People have been shouting from the roof tops for these changes to little or no avail so please spare everyone the rhetoric about what anyone else would do to solve problems as you would never listen….fact of the matter is we are on the brink and cannot afford to have you in power any longer as you have failed miserably as a government of the people….time for change so bring in the “Repackaged Opposition” NEW BP or whatever you want to call them so that Bermuda at least has a chance for survival for with you we are doomed….
So can you site any of her suggestions to improve Bermuda? Listneing to her in the house all I’ve heard from her is bashing people and oganizations much like you do with the lables you put on the opposistion and those that might support them.
LOL
You don’t understand Bermuda’s debt problem do you? You’re not really equiped to think it through.
I understand more than you are willing to accept. The “Repackaged Opposition” has not provided us with nothing innovative or different. Please be aware, that when one attempts to review countries debt level, comparison between countries are often the process used with other standard measurements. Information on countries debt levels are available online and in certain newspapers and journal articles. It is listed often daily in a few newspapers. We have to look at other countries in order to determine where we stand. We must look at the EU and USA and other major economies to make such comparisons. Bermuda is not an Island, in and of its self. We are interdependent on the world economy. If the USA’s economy falls so do we, regardless if we have debt or no debt. To ignore this comparison will cause us to fall.
This government immigration policy is at best good, in that an attempt is being made to look out for the people of Bermuda, but at the same time promoting the business sector in terms of building the economy. Sen. Wilson recent review is also fair. But, Bermuda has to be careful not to have a “Free Open Immigration Policy” that allows for anyone to come here and live. Bermuda is small and does not have the land-mass as other larger Islands do. We must ensure that opportunities for the next generation are left available.
For example, let’s examine the Mother country, their immigration policy was so loose, that now the government is over burden and stressed with having to care for large numbers of persons, mostly whom are immigrants. Recent article in UK, discussed the impact that the immigration policy is having on their economy, and many UK residences are not pleased with large number of persons coming to the UK to live. The immigration policy is currently a big issue for the UK government. Bermuda must tread with some caution, as you’re not allowing one person in to work, your opening the door for an entire family, which means sometimes at least 6-10 persons. This in the future will squeeze out the average Bermudian. Bermuda’s Immigration policy has to be reviewed with specific guidelines. So Uncle Bob does not have it right.
Please do not let Uncle Bob scare you into thinking (IB) International Business is leaving Bermuda. The UBP used this same ploy when the PLP came into government, that everyone would leave Bermuda if PLP became the government. The list of countries coming to Bermuda is just as high. International Business benefit from doing business here in Bermuda and many will only leave if the world economy crashes and dies. They will not leave in respect to Bermuda, as they are also aware there are policies and immigration polices no matter where they go to set up business.
So instead be honest, you support the “Repackaged Opposition UBP/OBA” rather than attempt to paint a negative picture of the PLP, and your bias leans towards such, and that’s okay. The PLP have done a great many things right, and like all political parties they have areas that need to be worked on. But, to suggest they are not capable of leading is faults.
So much fail, it’as difficult to know where to being. Our debt/GDP ratio when used as a comparison with other countries is misleading because of the lack of diversity in our economy. Furthermore, no-one is suggesting the PLP could have made Bermuda immune to the global downturn, however, we could have curtailed spending and ensured “better bang for buck” in preparation to leave a war chest for tough economic times.
Whiel that suggested, it was met with derision and accusations of racism. Cog was asleep at the wheel.
To state IB is not leaving is stupid. I was made redundant as a global reinsurer downsized, and I can point to many offices on hte island where while the brass plate remains, many of the roles have gone. It is an absolute lie to say IB is not leaving.
The PLP do not have intellectual capital to get us out the hole they created, nor do they have and ability to lead. Other than sheep who lack critical thought.
Special Girl I have been in IB business for 20 years in Bermuda and I will tell you that IB people have been leaving in large numbers for the past 3 years. Not the Bermudian workers in IB but the Senior level people who have realized they do not need to be here and they were driven out by Ewart Brown and David Burch and the cavalier attitude and comments they made to please gullible people like you. IB leaders do not speak publicly they just leave. The exodus had little to do with any global recession but the constant brow beating of the aforementioned members of Government coupled with the abysmal state of the education system and immigration policy. Look at the empty buildings,restaurants,shops(ever think you would see vacant space on Front or Queen St)unemployment higher than the US. Wake up and realize that the repackaged opposition “your new catch phrase” have much more to offer than the same tired old UBPLP (Maxwell, Dwayne,Jamahl etc)and change is needed and its gonna come oh yes it will…
The “Repackaged Opposition” have not changed their coats., they are the same individuals as they were in the 1980 and 1990s, so how in the world can they do any better ? The Town Hall meeting showed just that, no real change. Craig attempted to make it look as if there was some difference in the UBP/OBA but he failed to do it. He himself must feel uncomfortable, as he once said he was more PLP than UBP. But I guess his need to be come a leader is what motives him. What makes them any better now, than before? Same shallow ministers, same old songs, and same old dance……just a name change…..whats in a name? SO I am not convince they have anything more to offer….except more of the same, lots of promises, which they will not be able to keep after the election. Uncle Bob’s plan to improve the ecomony and lower the debt fail to impress, and did not offer any real new solutions.
“SO I am not convince(d) they have anything more to offer….except more of the same, lots of promises, which they will not be able to keep after the election. Uncle Bob’s plan to improve the ecomony and lower the debt fail to impress, and did not offer any real new solutions.”
You’re talking about the Repackaged Ewart Brown Party, right? SO what was Aunt Paula’s plan to lower the debt? Nothing yet. I see.
ANYTHING is better than the PLP!
Spacial gurl sahnds live an “observer”………………………….
At the end of the day, Senator Furbert has got what she wants which is a lot of fuss with her at the centre of attention. There are 3 year old toddlers with more self respect and who display less needy attention seeking than this woman. The government are happy as she acts as a self satisfied lightning rod for their mediocrity and she is happy as in no other instance would anyone care a fig for her illogical and flawed posturings.
all you dumb brainless racist blacks can go straight back to Africa if you dont like us or like it here
“I hate white people” ………??????? you want to start a war?
The term ‘Repackaged Ewart Brown’ party is inappropriate in the context in which you are applying it. Why? Because for several reasons, I will only state a few: (1) the party still has its same members (2) there is no movement from one party to another within one year, (3) It is not made up of a coalition (party) 3 different parties, which person belonged to at least two/three (4) there is no break up the party and rejoining of another party again over and over again.
That the differences and so the title of “Repackaged Opposition UBP/OBP” does fit well. So do not attempt to use the term in the wrong context, only if referring to your party. Also do not steal words from Hon. Premier Cox….since you dislike the PLP so much!!