Video: B.A.D. Explain Anti-Vote Campaign
Bermudians Against The Draft [B.A.D.] have launched an anti-vote campaign for the upcoming election, and B.A.D. spokesperson Larry Marshall Sr. sat with Bernews and explained the group’s position.
Mr Marshall Sr. said, “Our issue is a very serious issue, a very important issue, we are talking about human rights.”
“It is well documented in the newspaper and on Bernews what we feel about conscription and why it is wrong.”
Moving on to the boycott, he said “We have two….three political parties, and none of which are prepared to this issue. None of which are prepared to come out and say that conscription is wrong.”
“We do not feel that we should vote for either of the parties. If you look at the history of conscription in Bermuda, it was put in place in 1965 by the then-Government of the day.”
“However, it has been maintained by the current Government, the Progressive Labour Party, and we think conscription will continue under the current leader of the party - Premier Paula Cox, because she is a staunch supporter of conscription.”
“Now that’s with the ruling party, the Opposition Party has no position on this issue, and I think that’s done by design. They think its politically expedient to keep quiet on the issue, they have taken the cowards way out. The UBP will take a similar position.”
“So basically, if you are a supporter of the anti-draft movement, if you wanted to bring freedom to this country, you have nobody to vote for.”
“And I know there are those that would suggest you have a civic duty to vote. But the Government has a responsibility to do the right thing, and they have failed to do the right thing, and that takes preeminence over our civic duty to vote.”
“Furthermore, you have a right not to vote. We are appealing to young black men, because they are the ones that are more adversely affected by the conscription regime as they have always been disproportionately represented, and that’s going back to 1965.”
Watch Mr Marshall’s full interview below:
If you don’t vote then you don’t have a right to complain. The draft is only one issue. If you are ok with all the other problems facing our society and the draft is your only concern, then don’t vote. Then don’t complain about anything else going on.
I’m not voting and I do have the right to complain which is exactly what I’m doing and will continue to do. You do not have the authority to determine what rights we or anyone else have within the local political context. How arrogant.
actually if you do not contribute to the decision making of which individuals will lead our society then you have no room to complain about any events that may or may not occur under their rule. That is why we VOTE!!! I also believe that it is everyone’s right to decide whether or not they participate.
So are you saying (Gracious)that people who are under legal age to vote have no rights to voice a complaint? Are you saying now that it is the ELECTIONS that vouchsafes a citizens rights and NOT the constitution? Are you also saying (and this is the most sinister connotation I intuit from your ignorant comment) that people who did NOT vote for the party in power are a lesser class citizen than those who did? Are you understanding your stupidity yet? Why not stamp OBP, PLP, and UBP on our passports ya ignoramus!
People have a right to complain because it is their right as a CITIZEN!!!! Not a voter! Get it right. And yes I vote and if you’re dying to know, PLP
@ White Christ not surprised that you chose to call my comments ignorant.and to answer your question I do not consider anyone a lesser citizen regardless of whom they vote for or if they don’t vote. My statement which was general is based on ADULTS who are of the age to vote should do so, that is how change comes about. In layman terms White Christ if you didnt care about who the two/three candidates in your constituency was then dont complain about the choices they make on your behalf. If you did vote and your candidate was not chosen, then by all means make as much noise as you want. My point is if you didnt care in the beginning then dont care at the end. Sit by on the sidelines and be an observant…. Ignoramus my A$$
Oh My ‘Gracious’! Wrong Wrong Wrong! You basically restated your unpatriotic balderdash. Whether a person votes or not the elected candidates are the representatives of ALL citizens and therefore MUST listen to ALL constituents they represent whether they voted for them or not or didn’t vote at all. People have a RIGHT to NOT participate in the voting process. That does NOT make them irresponsible or less deserving of a chance to voice concerns to their representatives. You are an ignoramus! Your comments inadvertently establish a rule, that voters are more entitled to speak on issues as they arise since they voted a couple of years ago! ?!?!?! Yes you are a certified ignoramus and yes an A$$ too.
And no we are not okay with the other social problems but let’s be real about this. You cannot logically expect for one group to take on all the propblems we are presently experiencing in Bermuda. What problems are you personally tackling?
Mr. Marshall you are the one who suffers from arrogance. If you choose not to be a part of the process that is your right, but you forfeit your right to complain by not voting.
Bedhead, please see comment above addressed to Gracious and insert your name in the parenthesis ya ignoramus!
What I am saying White Christ!!!!!!!!!!! is that if you do not agree with a policy then be part of the process to may a change. In other words keep playing and eventually you may be a winner, taking your ball home and removing yourself removes all chance of ever winning, and if you loose again stop whinning, nobody likes a sore looser. Now go and have some kool aid to refresh yourself!
I get you, but I also get that voting does not change everything. Winning an election is winning just that, an election. It does not guarantee that there will not be more battles to be won with your government. I agree that people should exercise their right to vote. I also agree that once you vote for your candidate you continue to be vocal and active in getting the societies needs met. It doesn’t end with an election neither does it begin when you vote. It starts LOOONG before that whether the government is your government of choice or not. A citizen can do this while having not a care in the world who is occupying the seat. Because we all know, it’s not about who, it’s about WHAT! And sometimes we don’t know the what until after the election mate.
I am against conscription but this talk of blacks being disproprotioanly coscriped is complete BS. There are more blacks in the regiment because blacks make up 70% of the population, this is not rocket science and you would think a lawyer would understand it, but I guess not. So what does this group want,, only conscription for whites? How long would it take for them to get jumpy about only whites being armed and in uniform. BAD is hoping that the rascist aspect of their argument will appeal to the government.
Ha count why so many white people on tv or you haven’t notice.
“There are more blacks in the regiment because blacks make up 70% of the population, this is not rocket science…” There are also more Blacks in prison, presumably for the same reason. But if I follow that argument to its illogical conclusion, then there would be more Blacks in the Board Room, more Blacks owning businesses, more Blacks in the Charitable sector, more Blacks in private school, more Blacks owning their own home, more Blacks living in Fairylands and Habour Road…
I think you just slapped Jumpy for a six! Somerset could’ve used you.
Conscription maybe one of the least rasist thing we do here. All males 18 year old are put into the “big list” then X number are picked. The random selection does not take in to account anything but the name being on the list.
So it’s just coincidence that since it’s inception there has always been a disproportionate number of young black males conscription? If the process were truly random what are the chances of that happening for forty six years straight? Let me answer for you. It’s mathematically impossible. Well almost.
Blacks make up 55% of the population according to official statistics over the past ten years. When has that percentage ever ben seen in the Regiment? Never! The word disproportionate does not mean majority it means an unusually large or small amount.
Cowards! Did he actually have the nerve to call someone a coward? Ha! What a bunch of fools! Grow a pair and serve in the regiment. After you serve, if you feel it did not do you any good then kick and scream.
The real cowards are those who hide behind false names.
You don’t seem to know that a few posters and their family members here in Bermuda have been insulted/accosted in the workplace and in the street because of opinions expressed on these sites. Sad but true!!
nonsence
@ change,
Larry Marshall threw out a challenge “print your real name punk” while at the same time his supporters(including you) use them! Why??
I did not attack pen names per se rockfish. What I did condemn was the cowardly behaviour of those who are very disrespectful to our group in refering to them as sissies and cowards.
You would have to agree that people who write under pen names have absolutely no right to call others cowards for the obvious reason. Neither do they have the right to atttack their personal character seeing that they themselves cannot be challenged.
Hopefully that clarifies things.
@ change
You’ve only discovered the world of blogging and comment boards in Bermuda very recently by the sound of it .
Another coward hiding behind a pen name. Like I told the other punk. If you write under a pen name you have absolutely no right to take cheap shots at people who have the courage to stand on their convictions and to do so publicly.
To the person that justified these types of attacks because they had been accosted at work is to miss the whole point. Deal with the culprits not us.
Yeah, I know you’re angry, Larry, but IMO you’re coming on a bit strong. Maybe if you toned it down a little you might get more support. Just sayin…
I would prefer to see a 100% volunteer, fairly paid, professional regiment formed in Bermuda. Conscription is for war.
But this is Bermuda where the status quo prevails. Change? Bermuda? Yeah right!
Coming on a bit strong? My sons have been described as cowards and sissies by punks hiding behind pen names and I’m coming on a bit strong.
Perhaps when you have children you’ll understand how I feel. If you don’t then think if somebody referred to your mother using such an insult.
As far as the status quo prevailing in Bermuda that is not true as history shows. If it was then blacks would still be in chains, women would still be denied the vote and whites would be required to attend church whether they wanted to or not.
Yes change is hard but when it comes to human rights the cost is indeed worth it you would have to agree.
the people speak………….wonder where this thread is going…………
Although I am anti-conscription I think encouraging people not to vote is irresponsible. All you have to do is ask your MP and opposition candidates to declare their position and go from there.
What do you mean when DR brown was premier white people was encouraging people to do just that an if they had there way they would had annihilated him and for what so they could have ther way.
I think it’s wrong for anyone to tell someone to not vote.
Okay. Your MP says they support conscription. Then what?
Calling these guys cowards for standing by something they believe in is hypocrisy… How many MPs have come out in favour of gay rights? None. Why? Because they know they wouldn’t get the votes of certain people. Are those people then wrong for not voting for an MP or party that supports homosexuality?
People vote on the issues that are important to them. I applaud BAD for sticking to the wicket.
If your MP or opposition candidate supports conscription and you don’t, then don’t vote for him! But be sure to tell him why and then they may think twice about their position on the subject.
Isn’t this pretty much what they’re doing? The Government supports conscription, therefore these young men will not be voting for them and are urging others to do the same…
For the past five years we have done just that. Only former senator Tao Dill has supported us publicly. The others refuse to take a stand one way or the other which is the main reason we have started this anti-vote campaign.
The next time you see a politician ask them why the don’t support our cause and you’ll see what I mean. Beacuse it’s not politicallt expedient to do so.
Less votes for the PLP…?
@BAD – I have had several conversations, some arguments, with some of your members. I understand your position and I admire your conviction; however, with this latest move, I truly believe you have completely lost all credibility, as well as your senses.
You have been defeated in court and you believe that convincing young Black men not to vote will win you support to end conscription? That logic does not compute.
Continue to fight to end conscription – fine. Continue to play the black population as ignorant suckers who can’t see your veiled attempt to disguise human rights as your angry disdain for the Regiment – not going to fly.
Again, I applaud your group for taking your fight all the way to the highest court in the UK. The fact remains that you lost and now you have no other way to get what you want without going out to the public to try to persuade the masses. I wish you luck as you are going to need it.
I will let everyone know that voting is the only way to make sure that your voice is heard! Unless you are ready to put on the black, gloves, boots and meet me in the street for the Revolution, sit down, breathe and go to the polls – because it is obvious to most of us that the members of BAD aren’t ever going to be ready for that – they don’t wanna fight, remember?
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
Don’t be presumptuous and give advice on a subject you know very little about. Election boycotts are a growing phenomena around the world with varying results. Your suggestion that it is either vote or fight shows a level of ignorance even within the context of Bernews comments.It also shows you have an extremely low perception of young black men. Remember ” Wisdom is justified of her children”.
And by the way Michael Dunkley recently invited BAD to address the OBA caucus for the very first time. That is in no way coincidence.
You say that you have always supported us. With supporters like you who needs detractors?
@Mr. Marshall:
Please do not confuse my statement of support to mean in anyway that I believe that your vote boycott is correct at all. I support your desire to end conscription, with the concept of keeping the Regiment numbers at strength in a different way.
Sir, with due respect, my ideas and concepts are sound and have merit – as do yours. It is funny, however, that you feel that any idea/concept contrary to your own “shows a level of ignorance.”
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
this is my tagline – - understand it
You guys had my support …until you used the race card again…old really old…and does not work anymore.
The silent majority are behind you, Larry Marshall, but alas are too scared to speak out.
We support your call 100% to end conscription now….
Interesting—–what “silent majority” and why the fear of speaking out?
WHERE’S THE SOLUTION FOR VOLUMTEER???????????????
BAD are encouraging our people to have no COUNTRY PRIDE!!!!!!!!
HOW STUPID COULD U BE TO THINK THAT THIS IS GOING TO BE FOR THE BETTER!!!!!
Thanks for the encouragement Rumandcoke as it is timely. However there comes a time when the silent majority must break that silence for the common good.
Also, because of that silence the powers that be keep insisting that it is only a very small minority that vehemently oppose conscription. As a further consequence that gives the politicians an out which they gladly take.
Remember the saying,”All that’s necessary for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing.”
SAD, that’s a better name. ( Sissy against the Draft.)
I hear that is what they call some of the Officers and recruits up there at Warwick Camp. Any truth about this ????
So let me understand you Cleancut. You hide behind a pen name and call my sons sissies. Print your real name punk and let the public decide who’s the sissy. Young men that have been to jail standing up against a corrupt or someone like you who only speaks anonymously.
Earth to Cleancut. If one writes under a pen name they have no right to call others who make a public stand sissies.
@ Larry Marshall
“Print your real name punk” where did you learn that type of expression? Warwick Camp?
On another note, a huge majority of posters chose to use pen names to protect themselves and their families from people like you! Maybe you can explain why your most vociferous supporters also use them.
no, i agree with Cleancut, and now you’ve exposed your motives as to why you’re doing this – to protect your sons because they’re SCARED!
This is the last form of dicipline this island has for young men, when their parents refuse to teach them right from wrong, when they don’t see consiquences for their wrong actions, when they think that no one can tell them different, the regiment comes along and teaches them respect whether they like it or not. its not about colour, you’re just pulling out all the stops to protect your kids.
the only ‘punks’ on here are you and all those who share your idealisms. its just a few months of dicipline, why get so rattled up over it?!
You couldn’t be more wrong mate. I know a lot of guys who were about nothing and up to no good who ended up at warwick camp and guess what? When they were done, they weren’t any different.
You really think these bie’s will stick to the discipline and respect they learn? Of course not. They simply go there, do their time (just like prison) and when they get out, they go right back to their old ways. All the regiment is good for in this day and age is teach potential criminals how to better organize and handle a weapon.
If you want to use the excuse that young men need discipline, why is it that they (the regiment) call you until you’re in your 30′s? If I’m 28 and already have a family, good career and support my community, then what makes you think I need to go to the regiment?
@ changing status – nah more like 3 years an a couple months. lol smh
Life is full of things that ‘we don’t want to do’
I wish I could sleep in ’till mid-day every day and sponge off of society like a load of others around here , and with a clear conscience to boot !
But as with a lot of things it’s the price we pay for living where we do .
So , tell us Larry , what alternative service would your boys be willing to do if they get exempted from Regiment duty ?
cue: the sound of crickets chirping
For Larry Marshall it’s not about Conscription or even the Bermuda Regiment, it’s about SELF. He wants to make his mark in History, and to get attention from the people. lets face it, we Bermudians are great Showoffs, we all love to be on the center stage, to be admired, to be recognized when walking down the street, to chat to, and socialize with, if he’s lucky, ITS A GREAT HIGH! Sometimes doors open in other directions. Good luck Mr. Marshall your a star, the Women love you too.
What women love/like this lack of pride? I’m not one. My husband, brothers and nephews were all proud to serve this country even though the younger ones started out complaining. Some did more then 3 years and were not deterred by the small talk. Grow up and serve.
Proud to serve their country , smoking weed, drinking and visiting strip clubs in Jamaica on taxpayers mone!
p.s. I did my time, a few trips and it is nothing but a glorified bachelor party out there, or has been in years gone by.
what real women love are men who have courage and conviction. Who are committed to the cause they are standing up for and fighting against, even if it means they go against the grain, even if it is unpopular at times with the rest of the country. How does one become proud of someone taking away their right of movement? How does one become proud of a country that does not think young men deserve to be treated with respect and dignity? and if you think fighting for freedom amounts to small talk then that is part of our problem. There is no pride that can be taken from having your rights taken away or abused or trampled upon. And just for the record there are lots of ways for one to serve a country, just ask our Politicians, since I do not think many of them even served in the regiment! this is not about growing up, this is not about having to serve to feel validated as a man, our young men are already worthy without the regiment!
First of all, in your ignorant comment that you wish you can sleep ‘’till mid-day every day and sponge off of society like a load of others around here , and with a clear conscience to boot !’ , well if you want to you can. It is your choice either not to sleep until mid-day or to sleep till mid-day everyday and sponge off. No one if forcing you to get up and do something with your life. However being drafted is not a choice. It is a freedom being taken away from these young men. These young men have a fundamental HUMAN RIGHT not to be forced to participate in something they don’t believe in. It is a fundamental HUMAN RIGHT for these young men to be forced to parade around for a system that counties to deny them of their most basic human right. Freedom!!
Anonymous!
and when a hurricane hits, or a riot breaks out, and there aren’t enough police to do damage control – who will be there? young people don’t want to do anything, work, serve, whatever. they would love to do all the things enquirer says. and the truth is they do – the regiment isn’t an activity you can choose to or not to do because Bermuda needs the military, and if it wasn’t forced we wouldn’t have one.
as change states ‘grow up and serve’
You’re proving a point that I argue all the time. The regiment is ONLY good for hurricane relief AND THATS ALL. Do we really need conscription for that? NO! Wouldn’t it be easier to create an organization who’s sole purpose is disaster relief? You can train them, pay them and have them on stand by in case any kind of disaster happens. Most importantly, it will be voluntary.
There is no reason for Bermuda to have a military or conscription. We are not at war, and I doubt we will ever see a day when the U.S. or the U.K. will ever want or need to really on our soldiers.
Yeah Right, so how many do you think will turn up to fight their brothers and cousins in a riot? Does 3 years and 2 months constitute being able to cut trees 1 day of the year because of a storm. We are in a recession and people need work, I am sure the people of works and engineering would be quite happy for some overtime!! Think of how much it costs the taxpayer to basically have an outdated system in place that could be managed and absorbed by other elements of a the government for far less.
RIOT-yeah right! If we were on the brink of civil unrest the British army could be here in less than a day, a whole plane full or several planes of professional and well trained soldiers.
ps: lets keep teaching our 18yr olds weapons training !! Seems to be doing the just the trick and really helping society.
What would his sons and mine be willing to do if they get excempted? all they would have to do is be respectful,responsible citizens which is what they are now! How is that service to Bermuda?
Wow Im somewhat lost for words this guy is a genuine jack a?? . Not even worth commenting other then to say take the few other idiots who listen to your nonsense and move on.
jokers joker jokers…so if the 4 of them dont vote does this really change the political landscape
No if these 4 men don’t vote it would not change the political landscape. However, if everyone that is against the draft does not vote would send a strong message to the government whoever that may be that people in this country are taking a strong stance. Abraham Lincoln did not end slavery because he wanted to. He was forced to end slavery because the people stood up, fought and died for their rights. He had to end slavery because the demand from the people was so strong he had to yield to that demand. If people in Bermuda would stand up against injustice for once that government would too have to choice but to yield to the demand to end the draft. Stop putting down these you men for standing up for what they believe in no matter how they decide to tackle their issue.
@ Anonymous: Most of these young men don’t believe in anything, their own parents can’t even get most of um to even empty the trash or mow the lawn or even wipe the toilet seat…. Being the B.A.D. is in such a charitable mode, why don’t they also fight for the rights of children that are forced to go to school and these high rents people are forced to pay in this country. We’re also forced to have insurance, forced to pay our bills, force not to smack our kids in the mouth when they back talk, forced to be responsible and clothed, feed and house our children, forced to be upright citizens and not blast our music all hours in the morning, We’re forced not to pollute, forced to drive on the left side of the road, forced to stop at all stop signs, forced not to drink and drive, forced being locked up for doing drugs, forced not to carry a knife over three inches, Forced not to grow weed… Lets thank God for a lot of the thing we’re forced to do…
Amen……
Ha-ha!! Is your comment serious. Well, it looks like the members of BAD believe in something. They probably have a stronger resolve then yourself. They are relentless in the pursuit of justice. I like your comment that their own parents can’t get them to do xy&z. So what is the regiment going to do about that? So in other words your saying that the regiment would resolve that problem. Again, are you serious with that comment. Stop looking at the regiment as a correctional facility. A correctional facility is a prison. Being a young man should not be a sentence to go to the regiment prison. It is not the role of the regiment to discipline children. That should be the responsibility of the community. It takes a village to raise a child. Not it takes a regiment to raise a young men. We have lost sight of that and this is one of the reasons why this island is the mess we’re in.
Then you go on to sound really ignorant. Why don’t they fight for children that are forced to go to school. Wow what an ignorant and almost a childlike comment. First, it is a HUMAN RIGHT to be educated, therefore go to school. At the age of 16 kids have a CHOICE if they want to attend school or not. Before that time some kids don’t go school at all. They skip class by CHOICE. No one is forcing that child to go school. Some kids don’t want to go to school so their parents decide to ‘home school’ their child. But they go school because it is an HUMAN RIGHT to be educated.
High Rents. Again you are not forced to pay high rents. You have a CHOICE to pay high rents. You pay high rents to provide a roof over your head. But if you get tired of paying high rents you can then decide to find an alternative solution. Go get a roommate to split the cost, pitch a tent, move in with someone. First be thankful that GOD has given you the resources to afford to pay the high rents. But in all honestly you are not FORCED to pay high rent.
Again in your ignorant comment. You are not FORCED to have insurance nor forced to pay your bills. You are not FORCED to hit you child, some parents don’t. Look you are not really FORCED to do any of the things you mentioned against your will. Look at this stupid comment you made. ‘Forced to be locked up for doing drugs.’ How old are you by the way? 10! It is your choice to do drugs you’re not forced to do that.
This is the most ignorant, mindless, comment I have ever read on Bernews. And B Connell you are just as ignorant for supporting the above comment. If we have more ignorant thinking people like you in Bermuda it is no wonder why we cannot unite to solve the injustices on this island.
I would be interested in knowing what four men you’re speaking about?
2 marshalls
1 johson
1 hartmann
Where do you get 4 people? better count again. And even if it were just 4 guys they have parents, family,and friends. And if you listen to the talk shows apparently there is a ‘silent majority’ out there support them as well.
Its a lot more than four that object! These guys have just decided to stand up and have their voices heard. Just how many do you think would show up if there was no chance of legal action against them. NOT THAT MANY!
I’m personally tired of hearing from the BAD group and their representatives. I didn’t want to go regiment initially but ended up enjoying my time in the regiment, met a lot of good friends, you get paid a decent amount for the work being done (I’m a college graduate with a decent job/salary saying this), and had a wealth of experiences. Majority of people who suck it up and do their time end up enjoying it…
Also, to come outright and say that because anti-conscription hasn’t been addressed by either political party and we shouldn’t vote, is absolutely ludicrous. I feel as if the platform for these BAD members to showcase their opinions should be taken from them because I am personally tired of hearing from them. There are many more articles that can be written on other things on this island…
i agree, i hope that the next time they speak up on this topic you’re there to show them otherwise.
and yes I am a young black Bermudian…
So easy to make judgement calls or criticise when you are on the outside looking in…In this world that is so far from ideal people view things differently..we are all unique individuals and what might appeal to one might not appeal to another….Who are we to judge????? I can see the angle at which they are coming from as I too have served (I am female) and I’m sure that I did not come away with the same experience as my male counterparts….to each his own
Who judged anyone?!? I just said I’m tired of hearing their opinion. As “truth be told” stated, they tried and lost now just let it go. Thats the reality of life. Sometimes things just don’t go your way and you have to suck it up and make the best out of the situation. I’m not saying roll over and take it but everything isn’t going to be a walk in the park. Do your time take what you can out of it and your three years will fly by…
Question: Why did you even enlist as a female soldier (no pun intended i’m truly curious)? Conscription doesn’t even affect you…
I’m glad leaders of the civil rights movement didn’t just ‘try, lose and let it go’.
And here we have a black man encouraging young black men to boycott the voting booth! Really?
And we have a ‘black’ government. Whoopty doo… If these young men feel that the government does not have their interest at heart then it is their right to refuse to vote. Just as some black Bermudians for generations have refused to vote for a certain party and some white Bermudians have refused to vote for the other party. Because they do not believe the parties represent their interest.
BAD is doing the same thing. If the OBA were smart they would come out and say that they will put the matter to referendum…which is more than the PLP has done.
Actually my comment was not directed at you. It was just a general comment and opinion expressed just as you’ve expressed yours..It just happened to fall under your comment. But I stick by my comments what is good for one might not be good for another and if they want to continue to fight for what they believe in than they have that right to do that whether or not YOU or anyone else feels that they should “let it go”
I don’t care either way. Both my sons “served their time” a year apart from ech other so both my sons were in at the same time..did they like it ..NO! were the Regimental Police always calling and knocking on my door..YES! did they give my son a hard time when he had signed up to overseas to school..YES! because it happened to coincide with an overseas trip! Did they threaten to lock my son up in Jamaica and give him all the gorry details of what the prison was like because he disgreed with the treatment of a fellow soldier..YES! did they have to deal with me when I felt that they were taking their BS to a whole next level in dealing with my sons…YES! Did I allow it to continue when senior officers allowing the older Male Cadets to engage in relations with the younger underage female cadets?..NO! *(Cadet Programme)
What some of you may or may not understand is that there is a lot that goes on that may or may not come to the attention of the Public…Some of you may have had a great time while you were at the Regiment but you must accept and respect the fact that others did not enjoy their time there…..When my sons were there it was the worst four years of my life dealing with the stress of making them go..they didn’t like it, but they finished it and gladly handed in their gear….
PS. I joined because I felt like it..what was your point of asking that???????
@ IIWII
I once started a new job at the same time that I was conscripted.
My boss to be ,during the interview, coincidentally asked if I was in the Army.
I replied that I had just started .
His barked response was that my new job was like the Army , I could make it hard on myself , or I could make it easy .
I never really enjoyed my time in the Army , but I never made it hard on myself. Maybe I was smart ? ?
And there was loads of conflict with my job hours and Army drills too I might add.
Sounds to me like your boys made it hard for themselves .
You did say SOUNDS LIKE………..speaking up because you see another being treated unfairly is not wrong…going to college to better yourself is not wrong either…my apologies for not letting you All the way in by not disclosing ALL the details of the statements I made above..but they did finish with stripes……
SO IT’S OBVIOUS THEY GOT SOMETHING POSITIVE OUT OF IT THEN!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATE YOUR BOYS, JOB WELL DONE FOR THEM SERVING THERE COUNTRY!
OH, AND ASK THEM IF THEY REGRET ANY OF IT.
So the only way to serve your country is by being drafted into the regiment. So I guess the remainder of the population does not serve their country and they are good for nothing. I am an educate young man going for a PhD and I do a lot for this country. I probably serve this country more than you. So how dare you or anyone else imply that the only way to serve the country is by going into the regiment.
I’m glad you stood up for your boys as you should have, but do you think these issues will go away if the government ends conscription? It sounds to me like a fundamental change needs to take place within the organization itself. I find that the regiment offers experiences to some that they may not have otherwise gotten. and before all the naysayers ask, no I have never served in the regiment as I am the spouse of a Bermudian, why do I care because I have three boys who will have to serve one day. My spouse served, didn’t want to, was upset when he had to, even resented it when it was inconvenient for our family, but at the end of the day, it is not a regret.
Have you served in the Regiment? As a female I wonder if any of those that have served were ever Raped and never reported it and if they did was anything ever done.
@ Consequence I will have to plead the “fifth” on that…..let’s just say that it may not have been necessarily male on female either….like I said there is so much that has not been made public knowledge and I doubt at this point and time it ever will……..
@ It is what it is
If you witnessed or had any evidence of any criminal acts being committed while you were serving, did you report it to anyone? (inside or outside the Regiment?) If so, to whom, and whem? You volunteered,did you think the Regiment was the Girl Guides? Were YOU forced to do any thing illegal? If so, did you inform anyone, including family members BPS,friends,pastor etc? You can still do so!! You seem to be jumping on the bandwagon and following the Pied Piper!
YOU seem to be jumping on the bandwagon following the Pied piper…maybe you neglected to read where I stated I could care less on how this turns out..my point is that everyone including myself has the right to express their opinion..even you I might add…and that’s exactly what I’ve done..I’ve expressed mine…..all my i’s are dotted and my t’s are crossed thank you… And no I didn’t think it was the Girl Guides either nor did I think it was a place where you had to sit and watch your fellow soldiers being disrespected and degraded..I have broad shoulders so I was able to handle my own and yes at times I had to run extra laps, do push up and carry extra loads because I refused to entertain their BS…feel free to ask anything else even though this article is not about me…..
Thank you for your eloquent response, however you have not answered the tough questions.
If you are talking about if I had to report anything…the answer is yes..to whom..can’t say for obvious reasons; open forum being the main one (not my place to “name n shame”) but be reassured those that need to know do so…… in one instance an incaceration was the outcome…and no I was never asked to do anything illegal and if I had been asked my moral and stable upbringing in a secure, loving family would have prohibited me from doing so..I think this response and my previous reponse answered ALL your questions…..next……
You are not making any sense! Fini!!
Well maybe you’re slow…I say this because if you look at the questions you asked you will see that I answered ALL of them..maybe not the way in which YOU wanted me to respond but never-the-less they were!
I don’t exactly know what you’re seeking to find….but just remember as I posted in an earlier thread this article is not about me..help me to understand why you are being so relentless? you seem to have oppposition with several other comments as well..not everyone is going to agree with you just as everyone is not going to agree with me..I have given my feed back based on facts! Not on hearsay, personal thoughts, or because I just felt like typing…Mr. Marshall has the right to do what he is doing…I don’t know him personally nor have I followed his journey as closely as some of the other “posters” have. At the end of the day I KNOW WHAT I HEARD, WHAT I SAW, AND WHAT OTHERS EXPERIENCED during the short time that I was there.
“Not on hearsay”—–”I know what I heard.” —–???
Duuhh?? told you you were slow..have to explain everything to you in detail..”I heard” when things were said in my presnce…..my apologies for not breaking it down for you…sheeesh!!! I “HEARD” it with my OWN ears!!! come on try and take another cheap shot at me!! I can handle it..broad shoulders….SMH..some people amaze me….I was there “sunshine” so like I said..FACTS……
I think they have fought a good fight yet can’t accept defeat therefore are trying to push others into the fight with them. They would better serve themselves if they put themselves in a position where they can make the change they seek not voting will not accomplish their goal as silence is acceptance so to not vote is casting a vote with the majority that votes.
Conscription is slavery, and I don’t think that any people or nation has a right to save itself at the price of slavery for anyone, no matter what name it is called. We have had the draft for some time now; I think this is shameful. If a country can’t save itself through the volunteer service of its own free people, then I say: Let the damned thing go down the drain! — Robert A.
The below quote is why the above comment of conscription is compared to a form of slavery.
“A young black man is taken away from his wife and child by armed men. They haul him away across a great ocean and force him to labor for them. If he tries to escape, they will place him in chains. If he succeeds in escaping and is recaptured, they may decide to kill him”
Here is the striking similarity of the regimental system in Bermuda. The below happens if a drafted young men does not show up for regiment duty against his will.
“A young black man (or white) is taken away from his parents, wife and/or child by regiment police. They haul him away to Warwick Camp and force him to labor for them. If he tries to escape, they will place him in chains (then regiment prison). If he succeeds in escaping and is recaptured, they may decide to abuse him.” Yes this does happen. This is almost the exact description of the slavery quote.
What kind of “free country” would allow the above description to apply under any circumstances at all. I see the similarity here to slavery. Slavery is involuntary servitude; conscription is involuntary military servitude; therefore conscription is also slavery;
Military conscription is unjust because it does not allow for basic deontological rights for the individuals that are forced to offer their service to their government. In a democratic country, where the concept of democracy means liberty and free individual choice, conscription is so diametrically opposed to that concept. Legally allowing conscription is hypocrisy in a democratic system. Conscription (“selective slavery”) is tantamount to FORCING SQUARE PEGS INTO ROUND HOLES, a strategy that is literally ALWAYS (no exceptions) is counterproductive as well as sadistically cruel.
I applaud BAD for having the balls (guts, the politically correct term) to stand up for what they believe in even though they might be in the minority that would like to see conscription come to an end. The only way Bermudians would collectively show support for BAD or speak up against conscription is if one thing were to happen even though it is highly unlikely. If all young men that were drafted were sent out to war, your sons, brothers, husbands and fathers, and they died while serving a corrupted political system only then will Bermudians would wake up!!
Who in their right mind does not see being forced to do something against your will because you are a male is an injustice. If you support the draft, you support injustice. BAD are telling young men not to vote only to be stabbed in the back from a government that does nothing for them anyway. Who votes (to show support) for someone who is for what you are against. Does that make sense? If you’re not against conscription then ignore his plea not to vote. Go out and cast your vote. Only in Bermuda do people lay on their backs and allow government to roll over them while whispering how much you dislike the political environment. Putting your faith and hope in a political party whether OBA or PLP that does not care what is best for the masses of people. Wake up and stop supporting injustice.
Amen, amen, and amen!!
real talk and anonymous please quit with the slavery talk, slaves don’t get allowances or a paycheck, last time I checked there is some monetary exchange when you go up the regiment, a decent enough one at that.
amen to that.
Again in your lack of knowledge astonishes me. Some slaves of today does get paid. Maybe not slaves back in the 1800s or mid 1950s but today’s modern day slaves do get paid. If your read my comment below I give a definition of slavery and that definition fits the draft to a T. But yes slaves do get paid today. Sex slaves in Brazil or Amsterdam get paid, even though very little they get paid. For your ignorant mind here is a list of countries that have child slavery and here is what they get paid.
•Mexico – $3 per day in U.S. Funds!
•Bangladesh $0.13 per hour in U.S. Funds
•China – $0.44 per hour in U.S. Funds
••Haiti – $0.49 per hour in U.S. Funds
•Honduras – $1.31 per hour in U.S. Funds
•Vietnam – $0.26 per hour in U.S. Funds
That’s just a few of the countries that have slave workers that do get paid. Damn people make comments without even knowing what they’re talking about.
Child “carpet slaves” in India
Conscription continues to exist as a civic responsibility in many countries such as Israel, Switzerland, Italy, Norway, etc. To represent that conscription is somehow an extension of black slavery beggars all disbelief…. thankfully Bermudians are increasingly rejecting these ‘race card’ tactics of the past. (As Philip Perinchief once so correctly pointed out – it is money that moves Bermuda, not race!)
In any case, this is all much ado about nothing…. in all probability those who would seek to shirk their civic responsibility towards the draft and thereby their country probably would not be inclined to exercise their civic privilege to vote either!
Because conscription exist in other countries that does not make conscription right. There are many things that exist in other countries that are the works of evil, because it exist that does not make it right. If you are any bit human, you would recognize that conscription denies basic HUMAN RIGHTS. How could you support a modern day injustice that is purposely aimed at young men?
Also I don’t draw the comparison of conscription to slavery for the purpose of race. The only time race was mentioned in my post is in the quote by someone else. I even added “and white” in that quote to show this is not just a black struggle. My comparison is to slavery. Slavery being a big injustice that was forced upon a group of people. Conscription is an injustice forced upon a group of young men. Being forced to serve in the regiment is not a civic responsibility. If you really read my post the comparison is this. Slavery is involuntary servitude; conscription is involuntary military servitude; therefore conscription is also slavery; Take race out of slavery and look at the injustice of slavery itself. I am no way playing the race card here. I am pointing out an injustice. I am comparing two involuntary servitude, with conscription being the modern day injustice. It is the responsibility of a democratic country not to deny any of its citizens of their freedom.
Women are conscripted in Israel as well.
Conscription is also mandatory for EVERY male in Portugal and the Acores as soon as they turn 18. Two years ..full time.
That means that all those Acorean and Portuguese landscapers , etc that you see here have ALL done mandatory army time.
Just a FYI ..nothing more , nothing less .
You have chosen to miss the point…. Other countries such as Israel, Switzerland, Italy, and Norway which have conscription clearly do not have a history of slavery (unless perhaps you go back as far as the Vikings….). Conscription has nothing to do with slavery and by linking the draft to slavery – which has clear racial implications in Bermuda – you sir have lost all credibility. By all means stick to your convictions – it is your democratic right to do so – but do not descend to the ‘race card’: it does not help your cause.
Ok, I guess I really have to spell it out for you. First, you may be right. Other countries such as Israel, Switzerland, Italy, and Norway which have conscription clearly do not have a history of slavery. Maybe. I don’t care who had a history of slavery and who does not. See, in your small-minded thinking when I mention slavery you immediately think in the perspective of slavery in Bermuda. So naturally you think race. However, in case you did not know this, slavery did not only exist in Bermuda or the US. Slavery is still going on today in many countries. In Africa and Asia and other parts of the world. Slavery is affecting all races, all genders, all of humanity. So squash that talk that I lose credibility because I am comparing slavery to conscription so therefore I am implying race. I never damn well mentioned race in my comment. Look at slavery itself for what it is, take out race. Now can you see what I am talking about. There is child trafficking going on across the world, big operations, for the purpose of child slavery. This crime is a big business. SLAVERY in whatever form, whatever race, whatever gender is wrong. How can you not see that.
So Here is one definition of slavery:
Slavery is any of a number of related conditions involving control of a person AGAINST his or her WILL, enforced by violence or other clear forms of coercion. It almost always occurs for the purpose of securing the LABOUR of the person or people concerned.
WHERE DOES THAT DEFINITION MENTION RACE?
So please don’t insult me by telling me I have lost credibility because you were unable to see the full picture of my comment about conscription and slavery.
@anonymous, why do you hide your name? We all know who you are. You just hate loosing don’t you.
Same reason you hide your name. You don’t know who I am. I can bet anything you don’t know who I am. I guess because I am against the draft also I must be one of the BAD members. The BAD members are smart enought not come on here and depabe with ignorant people. WHO ARE YOU?
And I don’t care about loosing. This is not about me. This is bigger than me. This is about the many young men that are forced to do something against their WILL. If you have a problem with my comments lets debate them. I give credit were credit is due. I said longtail may have been right in one of his/her comments. But I guess I have to understand that Bermudians of today will never be able to unite around a commmon cause.
Sure Larry!
Maybe I missed it. Where did anybody say it was an extension of black slavery?
Your viewpoint so is far from the truth its amazing that people are agreeing with you. But I guess some will agree with anything if it is consistent with their feelings.
1) Your exaggerated expressions are only stirring up negative sentiment and are very far from the truth.
2) You don’t get locked up if you don’t show up you get fined. If you keep going AWOL you just have to repeat the year.
3) Your comment on “deontological rights” is a contradiction in and of itself because “the study of duty and obligation” is exactly what the regiment is. Its an obligation that we as bermudians should support. Let me add that the conscription process should evolve but i’m not against it.
4) Most of all if you truly feel that “government doesn’t do anything for you” then why are you even entering the debate?!?!
That dissertation was poorly written and has many anomalies throughout it. If anyone took the time to read your position they would realize that its a circular argument because at the end of the day your contrary to the establishment.
One last thing, only a Bermudian would dare call something slavery that paid an entry level private just under $1000 per week. BTW thats the highest any private soldier would make in the world. If most bermudians are complaining about work then enlist and look at it as a job. Any job you have even if you own a business you have to do things you don’t want to…
I don’t think I exaggerated when I said, Slavery is involuntary servitude; conscription is involuntary military servitude; therefore conscription is also slavery. That is not an exaggeration, that is a fact when you compare the two from a service perspective.
I don’t think I was exaggerating when I said, In a democratic country, where the concept of democracy means liberty and free individual choice, conscription is so diametrically opposed to that concept. Legally allowing conscription is hypocrisy in a democratic system. Is that not true?
1) To make it clear I am not stirring up negative sentiment as you call it. I am calling out injustice wherever injustice exists. The problem with you and many Bermudians is that because of your individual success, or your comfortable lifestyle you all have become well adjusted to injustice and you defend the wrong of injustice for your own purposes.
2) And yes people do get locked up in regiment jail for whatever the reason. I have personally dealt with someone who was dramatized from being locked up in the regiment jail. But whatever the reason people go to jail at the regiment it is unnecessary and unjust.
3) Deontological rights is not just “the study of duty and obligation”. You only mentioned part of it. Deontological rights is an approach to ethics that judges the morality of an action based on the action’s adherence to a rule or rules. So do you mean to tell me that the draft in its current form is ethically and morally justified based on the rules that only young men are drafted. Here is your comment ” It’s an obligation that we as Bermudians should support.” We should not support anything that is ethically wrong. We should not support an injustice. You mean to tell me that the majority of people that do not partake in the regiment does not do any civil obligations for this country.
4) Your comment of ‘most of you’ believe that the government does not do anything for you so why are you entering the debate. You tell me what qualifies anyone to say who has the right and who doesn’t have the right to speak up against a wrong doing? What makes anyone less human to voice their position on a particular issue? Whether you vote or not, pay taxes or not, that does not make anyone better than the next person. That does not give anyone more rights than the next person. Who the hell are we to deny ANYONE of their HUMAN RIGHT!! Stop playing GOD for a moment, come back down to earth, get off your high horse and have the balls to stand up for something that is bigger than YOURSELF.
Also I am not contrary to the establishment, I have a lot of respect for the establishment itself. I believe the regiment is necessary for all countries. However, I am contrary to the draft that denies young men of their freedom of choice. The choice to serve the regiment or the choice not to. This is a fundamental right for any human being, even yourself. And no matter how you want to put it at the end of the day the draft in its current form is WRONG.
Thank God, words of wisdom- Is it really logical that a person would vote for a government that does not care and shows no concern for a segment of people? Is logical to vote for a government that continues to support conscription and the of Bermuda’s young men? What would be the point of voting under those circumstances?when a certain MP visited my house and was asked by my sons if she would assistant them in their fight to end conscription her exact words were ” what do you expect me to do?” really? this is the person who was elected by us to represent us and she gave a response like that? Well suffice it to say they have not voted since and will not be voting until this government realizes that this issue deserves their attention. and for the record, more people than they think do care about a ‘just’ outcome. BAD will continue the fight until justice prevails!
This behavior is directly linked to that of BIU management, we can’t get what we want so we throw a tantrum. Wake up BAD you lost at the Privy Council level, what more do you need to open your eyes. Newsflash if you don’t vote then you have no way of legally influencing change of laws in Parliament. I don’t see why Bermudians should allow you and all others like you to hold a country to ransom to get your way. You behavior is what I describe as practicing political terrorism, people in this country particularly black people fought hard to get the right to vote. I see no reason why they should allow you and your bunch of spoiled brats to dictate their exercise of their entitlement. So to you and your lil cry baby boys give it a rest.
PS not like they are going to be called to service in Middle East.
The reason why we still have conscription is because it only affects a tiny percentage of our population. Basically most of us don’t give a sh!t about BAD’s plight because most of us don’t have to be worried about being conscripted. BAD has so far failed to stop legal paid slavery in form of the Bermuda Regiment. It’s time to change tactics and look at who is eligible for draft. Any Bermudian male 18 years old to 33 years old (I might be wrong on the 33, but it’s close) is eligible and no one else. A lot of guys avoid the regiment by falsely stating they are abroad in school and somehow manage to keep this up until they exceed the age maximum, still others avoid it with medical certificates still others never get the call because it’s a lottery. Others avoid it because they’re girls. What do you think would happen if we told women they can’t own land or vote because they are female? I think some of they would go upside your head with their purse!
BAD you should now focus on equal rights for everyone. Everyone should be made to serve, men and women. We need to get rid of the lottery. Every man and woman who reaches 18 years should automatically be made to serve and raise the age limit to 40. If you can’t march because you’re flat footed then you can sit on your ass and peel potatoes for the ones that can. If you have to avoid strenuous activity because of heart problems then there’s a huge pile of paperwork you can tackle.
I guarantee you that if the draft law is made to be inclusive then you will get all kinds of support to do away with the draft. In case anyone is wondering, the answer is yes, I did my time and hated it.
Good Point!!
If you are the same Marshall clan that are involved in long distant running then….
If you cant or wont stand up for your country, then you should not be allowed to
represent it, at the taxpayers expense.
I am a tax payer and I don’t think the Bermuda regiment should be allowed to represent the country at my expense. It costs millions to run the regiment that has no real purpose, it would cost a fraction of that to have an athlete represent the country. Women don’t serve their country in the regiment, should they be prevented from competing in sports internationaly to?
Ramp it up Government , lower the age of conscription to 16 or 17 , these young man need instruction ,without it they’re headed for self destruction . No vote = no voice , stay silent , I’ll vote for you and remember … The Government of the day will have their way .
BAD have a legit fight here. But all along they have fought it on race – bad decision. You got terrible legal advice. You should have fought it on sexual discrimination – then you would have had a point.
You may also have won.
Please get your facts right before spewing from the mouth. Bad losed their case to the Privy Council on Sexual Orientation. The constitution allows sexual discrimination, but the Human Rights Act does not allow Sexual discrimination. The case is about BELIEF and NOT about Race. The case is about the members of BAD belief and if it should be respectd. Their belief is FORCED labour – ie.- (CONSCRIPTION in particular is OFFENSIVE to them as BLACK PEOPLE )this is not a race argument. If you know NOTHING about law I think you would need to acquire some legal advice yourself.
You are talking complete bollocks. It was always about race. I specifically remember them arguing about it. Thats why they lost – it was a ridiculous allegation of racism. If they’d left race out of it they might have won.
Typical black Bermudians are so used to getting their way with the race card – that they just had to use it. Check YOUR facts before spewing bollocks everywhere.
Who said I’m black? Your remarks are indeed racist. “Typical black Bermudians are so used to getting their way with the race card…”is not just insulting to blacks but whites as well. As a country we need to move beyond this KKK mentality exhibited by an individual who represents a way of thinking that has no place in the 21st. century.
Why is it that every time a black person in this country even mentions race or racial discrimination they are immediately accused of “playing the race card”?
I was brought up by my late white grandmother and my white mother and I’m a typical black Bermudian playing the race card to get my way? How stupid!
What we are doing is apealing to that most marginalized and maligned group and asking them to support our cause by not voting.How could that possibly be misconstrued as “playng the race card’? It goes without saying that young white men can join the anti-vote campaign if they so desire.
If I have inadvertently suggested otherwise for that I apologize.
Don’t be so stupid, how could u conscript females!!! Ya saying make girls do a MANS job in society. Think about it brah!!!!!!
Maybe you should have read the case sir. We did fight it on gender discrimination and lost all the way to the Privy Council. We also fought on the forced labor argument and lost as well. The Court of Appeal stated that the Bermuda Govrnment has the right to subject it’s citizens to this despicable practice within the context of conscription.
So before you accuse someone of getting terrible legal advice please take the time to find out exactly what arguments they made.
These men are lining up behind a “leader”who is simply attempting to protect his sons,(with the assistance of a FEW gullible men),from the real world. To constantly scream and shout after losing the fight at the highest level is stupid!
To encourage young men to boycott the voting booth is beyond belief.
I wish Bernews had a like button I so agree with that comment Rockfish
What is stupid is for people like you to continually defend forced labor and it’s inevitable abuses. What part of Bermudians Against the Draft don’t you understand? I am not fighting to get my two sons off. I,we are fighting to end the draft for everyone. There is a distinct difference.If anyone knows the loopholes for getting off it’s me but I choose to fight for the rights of all. Perhaps if you could talk to some of the victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse you might be more understanding.
As far as the boycott is concerned I suggest you educate yourself as this is a growing phenomena worldwide for a number of reasons.
Fighting it on the basis of race was idiotic and your lawyers should have told you – instead they took your money knowing it was a groundless claim. More black get picked for the regiment because there are more blacks. Simple as that.
More blacks also win at bingo but that does not make it unfair on whites. Again its because there are more blacks.
Fighting it on gender grounds would have been much better. It is against human rights – simple as that.
As typical Bermudians – you jumped to race. So sad.
Bingo … great analogy ! lol
But , it’ll be ignored as usual ..
We did fight it on gender grounds and lost. Ironically we were also criticized for making that argument before the courts.Condemned if you do condemned if you don’t.
Volunteerism is a Noble Act of Responsibility…………I question the upbringing of people who have to be forced or in this case drafted to do anything that is noble……!Defending one’s country against anything that’s harmful to that country that you live in a a noble thing.Having to be drafted is the sad thing.To allow someone else to volunteer to do the right thing while you stay behind and receive no hurt is the wrong thing to do in my view ….even the slaves volunteered to fight against the injustice imposed upon them and they did not have to be drafted…..!Thank G-D for those brave soldiers in my slave history…….I owe them a debt of gratitude.They did not stay behind and cry …this is slavery….they willingly fought their enemy and died for a worthy cause…..Their Emancipation..!Great Heroes of History.They did not punk out and let someone else fight their fight for them…! .Today we enjoy Emancipation Day in Bermuda because of those brave souls who fought and died that we can live in a free and democratic country..in the many conflicts and wars even today…..thank G-D that brave souls that fight against injustice anywhere without having to be conscripted even The war on crime, violence..and Drugs which is going on 24/7 as we speak Globally …..what’s B.A.D …..is……..some people want to lag back from participating in that effort too……..If you do’nt fight for something…noble….you may be forced to be drafted into the wrong thing…that’s for sure……!Proud of our Volunteers and Proud to be a Bermudian
Takbir , you should have clarified that your reference was to what happened in the US Civil War. The north was fightng to end slavery.
Great Britain , under whose rule we fall/fell , had ended it long before without any fighting .
Ok – no need for “secret names” and such. . . BAD members, I am speaking directly to you (some of you – former students, co-workers, etc.). On more than one occasion, I have applauded you for your commitment and passion on your quest to end conscription. My position is clear to you all, so I will clarify for the reader’s benefit – I do not believe that conscription is the only way to have soliders enlist, but I believe the Regiment has merit and should continue to exist. My hope is that it becomes a full time Regiment with a full time staff which would eliminate the conscription issue.
But here is where my problems comes in to play – Mr. Marshall, your spokesman and possible leader, appears to have an agenda when it comes to the Regiment. It appears that he is hell bent on destroying the Regiment at all cost. I have followed your progress from Day One – and majority of the time, you as a group have held a standard of conduct that I have expected of you. There have been instances where you have lost your cool – the Regiment tribunal comes to mind – but overall, even though I may not agree with everything you say/believe, I was willing to hear you and give you the opportunity to express yourself.
At this point, I no longer feel that it is warranted. Liking serving in the Regiment to slavery was a bit much, but reasonable as an argument – even using a sexual discrimination stance was logical. But to now ask the Bermudian population not to vote because our political parties don’t have ending conscription on their collective agendas is just plain irresponsible.
Guys – I am simply saying I don’t believe this is the way to go. Making this argument weakens your position in the community and makes you look like you’re desperate. Formulate a plan and return with sound, logical arguments which we the community can respond to and get behind. Right now, you appear sloppy, weak, and confused.
I wish you the best and this is just not it.
Minors
In short they B.A.D. group have been there and failed. Move on…this is getting boring and personally am tired of hearing about it. Protecting your sons is one thing BUT they are now men and must make decisions as a men and not a boy! Think about it..if they went to the regiment now…HA…they will probably be ignored cuz they dont want to be accused of saying or doing something against the protective parents wishes. Take a dang nap already! B…O…R…I…N…G!!!!
I agree to vote or not to vote is based on issues that are important you as an individual, the constitution on human rights needs to be changed asap ,i.e. Equal human rights for example for homosexuals is long due imagine if that demographic did not vote considering some seats in the last few elections were only won by a couple of votes,
Stand up Bermuda for what u believe in.
If you wanna make the world a better place take a look at yourself and make that change!
If Mr Marshall had started his anti regiment crusade when his boys were celebrating their first birthdays I would have perhaps given him a lot more credibility in all of this.
Can someone clarify for me i was always of the belief that you can avoid the regiment by either joining the reserve police or serving the st johns ambulance, is that still the case? and if so why don’t they give back to society in thoses arenas rather than the regiment. If not then the issue is not with conscription it’s with not being willing to contribute to our society which is a different issue entirely.
Did you see the remark above that finished up with a reference to crickets chirping … Same question …
And still silence … ‘Anonymous’ , as if he really thinks he is , has typed thousands of words and still avoided answering that poster’s question.
I think you can figure out the answer yourself ?
If you don’t vote you don’t have the rite to complain..that’s bull sh&t..as long as your a law abiding legal citizen you have every rite to complain..if you don’t vote in the next election we may get the same F@# up government we have now..the training in the military is pure classic mind control. It is designed to break the spirit of a recruit to the point will he or she will do by reflex action, whatever he or she is told to do,whenever and wherever they are told to do it..
I think Al Eastmond’s comments graphically illustrate both the ignorance and hypocrisy that plagues our country today.
His ignorance is evident when you consider that both Mohatmi Ghandi and Martin Luther King were both against the draft.These were two of the most prominent human rights activists of the past century. Furthermore the most famous draft resistor was Muhammed Ali who is still admired worldwide for the stand he took against the draft. As a consequence he suffered tremendously for standing up for what he believed in.
Would Mr. Eastmond refer to Ali as a sissy despite the fact he stood against the draft as are these BAD members? I think not! And that’s the problem with too many Bermudians. They are more than prepared to support others from around the globe in their causes but when their own stand up for a just cause they don’t get it. No, they don’t want to get it.
As far as hypocrisy this man should be awarded the “Hypocrite of the Year” award seeing his major claim to fame in our island is his “campign” to legalize weed. So let me get this straight. He wants the right to smoke weed but is too stupid to understand that these young man have the right to live as free men in this country.
And after all that is what this fight is all about. Forced labor is wrong!Period! There have been many comments made condemning our anti-vote campaign but not one addresses this issue for the obvious reason.Forced labor is indefensible.
Who in their right mind would support a system that violates an individuals human rights on so many different levels. These young men are subjected to emotional, physical and even sexual abuse and people still endorse this most diabolical institution.
Perhaps when something like this happens to them or one of their family menbers then and only then will they see the light. We press on fighting a just cause knowing that “If God be for us who can be against us.” Many causes throughout history were fought and won because of people like us who refused to give up even in the face of adversity.
You and Anonymous must be Blood, your not that desperate are you A?
Not quite sure I understand what is being implied here. I have the greatest respect for Anonymous as he seems to be going to great lenghts to support the anti-vote campaign as well as the anti-draft campaign.Yeah too many anti’s i know.
As usual with our detractors they refuse to deal with the substance of our arguments opting instead to “muddy the waters”. Cleancut. Do you support forced labor? Yes or no? Cleancut. Do you endorse the abuse that goes on at Wrawick camp? Yes or no.
WHERE’S THE SOLUTION??????
YA TALKING BOUT GETTING RID OF IT BUT NO SUGGESTIONS AS TO HOW TO GO FORWARD WITHOUT IT!!!!!
Hey Bill,
We have always made it known what alternatives are available but unfortunately it does not always get printed.
Just this Friday I was on Mr. Everest Dacosta’s show and outlined what we felt could be a plausible alternative.
Basically it would entail proper pay, proper treatment and proper training.
I have shared our alternatives with several politicians from both parties to no avail. And keep in mind that the PLP have done the research themselves and come up with an alternative although I have not seen it myself.
On Friday Rolfe Commissiong, consultant to Premier Cox, called the same show and invited me to come to the Cabinet building and view reports compiled years ago which would help facilitate the process.
This process has been done in many countries as they moved from a conscription army to a volunteer one and there is no reason why we cannot do it here in Bermuda. Rolfe appeared to be in favor of the group’s endeavour toward that end even stating that service in the Regiment should be an enriching experience for everyone involved. To that we wholeheartedly agree.
So again we have always had alternatives and hopefully going forward we can put more emphasis on that aspect of our campaign.
As far as a society that has no form of discipline we believe that discipline is the responsibility of parents not the state. The social problems we face today stem from failure in that area and has absolutely nothing to do with the Regiment.It is interesting to note that the Regiment likes to take credit for everyone passing through it’s gates who does well but does not take reponsibility for those who have committed the most heinous crimes. The latter group definitely outnumber the former.
As a Christian I neither want nor need officers from that institution to assist me in instilling discipline in my sons as my wife and I, by the grace of God, have done a pretty good job. Larry and Lamont are disciplined spiritually, intellectually,(both have degrees)socially, and athletically. They are not perfect but do stand as role models for many notwithstanding the conscription issue or perhaps because of their stand. They are not angels as neither are you or I but they are goog young men.
Furthemore more young men have been corrupted at Warwick Camp then have had a positve change. Many enter never having smoked or drank but at the end of boot camp are doing both. Do you consider that discipline? Many enter not using profanity or very little at all but at the end of boot camp are using profanity, and vulgarities excessively. Do you consider that discipline.
Then of course there are the “extracurricular activities” which take place particularly on overseas trips that are anything but discipline. Ted Gauntlett, under oath in the recent Supreme Court hearing that he knows of officers and conscripts who have visited some places which their wives would not approve of to put it mildly. That’s not discilplne by no stretch of the imagination.
most of the murderers/merdered went to cederbridge..should we shut that down also?
guys go vegas and santo domingo on thier own or is that the regiments fault also?
yu all list of compliants are basically punk talk
people cursing
men cheating on thier wives
violence
which planet are yu on bud?
these things are happening with or without the regiment
You are a Christian??? Bermuda is one of the most overchurched countries in the world,and it is safe to assume we have a large number of Christians here.
Please explain the lack of support from your fellow Christians including the leaders from our established denominations,either overt or covert. Furthermore,you are accusing the Regiment of”extra curricular activities,”surely this applies to church members as well!
Since you seem to think your sons are better than most,are you with them 24/7?
Your insulting,misinformed remarks are not helping your case.
@rockfish, are you stupid or just do not comprehend what is being said. No one is perfect and Mr. Marshall is not saying that his Young Men are. He does not have to be around them 24/7 to know what they do or not do. He knows the character that he has instilled in them and it is up to them to choose their own destiny. When my son went to school he was put in a class for unruly children and was told that he was going to amount to nothing in this society and would be selling drugs on the street or sitting on the wall. This was told to him because he spoke his mind or presented his view on certain issues that were happening in the school. If you are wondering what happened to him, let me say that he went on to become a productive citizen here in Bermuda and maybe one day you may need his expertise to assist you. Back to the subject at hand. The CHURCHES are NOT going to comment because some recruits uses RELIGION to escape the regiment. Most of the people in favour of conscription I believe if called would not go themselves. Can you or anyone else answer one question for me – If what is happening in UK now should happen here in Bda. in what capacity would the regiment be used except to clean up the mess. IN all honesty do you think a Conscripted Regiment is required for hurrican relief and parades? After hurricans we as a people join together and assist each other for relief where and when needed. Those of you who are so PASSIONATE that we need a conscripted regiment SHOULD volunteer your services.
I certainly comprehend what is being said, but do not agree with your knee jerk response. Larry Marshall chose to place his boys in the spotlight and must take whatever the consequences are! The good the bad (no pun intended) and the ugly. On the other hand it is interesting to note that you are now mentioning yours,albeit using a pen name. This, according to Larry makes you a coward,do you comprehend???
The rest of your missive is simply nonsense, and most of your questions have been answered by the vast majority of posters already,unfortunately your mind is closed and cannot receive any more information. You have locked yourself in a ridiculous position and think that fighting and insulting those who oppose you is the way out—wrong!
Finally, it may be smart to consider changing your counterproductive strategy and try to gain support rather than insulting those who disagree with you. Remember, you are now a coward according to the teachings of Larry Marshall.
Good Luck.
‘fighting and insulting those who oppose you ‘, that sounds like what I was taught at 2 week camp!
Not voting at all is just outright Stupid! For you to encourage the same young black men that one day can benefit from such a Fine Institution is counter productive, and bascially telling them not to have a say in the future of this country!
Further more when are BAD goin to come up with a solution to solving this issue they feel so passionate about?
Tell us how we can make it volunteer with the same influence from older folks such as Mr. Marshall SR!
Are we forgetting that Adults Demonstrate,Children Imitate!!!!!!!!
If i was Mr Marshall i would be very concerned growing old in a society that has no form of Discipline what so ever.
And to remind him, ther are more black males than white in our country!!!!!!!!
Don’t forget Mr. Marshall and your crew, that this very regiment will serve you, your children, your grandchildren, and your fellow countryman!
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please do not insult my professionalism in public. Do not accuse me of being a thief.
How will they serve them??? How do other modern societies function without a Regiment to instill discipline? You are extremely ignorant if you think Bermuda relies on the regiment to function as a society.
One man come in the name of love
One man come and go
One come he to justify
One man to overthrow
In the name of love
The whole BAD was total bollocks from day one. These guys came forward complaining that you shouldn’t have to go into the regiment. I can understand that – but they said from the start that it was racist. They reasoned that more blacks than whites were chosen so it must be racist.
This is complete and total bullsh*t. The reason more blacks are picked is that there are more blacks in Bermuda. If we had a lottery, more blacks would win. This is not because the lottery is racist to white bastard slave masters. Its because there are more blacks!!!!!
So stop the moaning and groaning. If you had fought it on sex discrimination from the start you would have won – but you took the race route which of course normally wins for blacks. Your lawyers gave you terrible advice and they took your money. Complain to them not us.
You have learned your lesson. This is the biggest RARA of all time. Ridiculous Allegation of Racism Award goes to you guys!
And by the way, any person who is stupid enough to fall for your don’t vote thing, would have to be so stupid that they would have voted PLP. So best of luck on that.
The realtiy is, this is not about race, conscript, male nor female. It all about money. As long as Bermuda remains under UK law, Bermuda will have to maintian a certain level of military presence on the island. If volunteers cant make upn the required quota, then soldiers will be drafted.
If the draft is removed and Bermuda cant get enough volunteers, where do you think the remainder will come from? They will come from the UK at the expensive of your Government and the tax payer. So which is cheaper? part time soldiers who have been drafted or full time British soldiers who will bring their family and need housing and accomodations at a full time pay. And you wonder why the gov dosent support you.
This will always be the deciding factor as long as Bermuda is dependent. Are we ready fro independence? NOPE, there are much bigger issues we as a country need to iron out fiurst before we can even debate that subject. So BAD but the reality is, you a fighting a lost cause. Walk away now to fight the battle another day and not lose the war now.
UK rule not law. Under UK law conscription was abolished many moons ago.
@Bermyman … i think you missed the point i was making. Whether conscription was abolished or not, Bermuda still right their own laws. Conscript will remain to make up the difference as long as we are dependent …
BAD fail to release that given these times, bugets are tight and spending is low (well supposed to be low but thats another conversation). Like i said before, its not about race nor sex, its about money. And for NOW, conscript is cheaper. All other suggestions cost money to employee full time people or volunteers. If your government had their way, they would probably get rid of the regiment completely but like i said before, we HAVE to have one.
So to the BAD members, why can’t you just serve your time in one of the other services, Police Reserve, Sea Cadets, St. Johns, or even a Fire Man?
this is sickening that ppl are hell bent on certain things but say NOTHING publicly about all the other ills in this society.
Mr Marshall speaks to nothing else in this community! what else is he all about (and don’t say running- his son’s are masters of their God given talent).
Why is it that none of the men involved can speak for themselves other than in short seemingly memorized comments?
i wish these guys would get a better argument…….they have the weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, argument to end conscription.
the best these guys have said is that they oppose slavery – as defined by whom?
these guys talk about racist this and racist that…ask them what white people are included in their platform…..
whilst not racist it sure stinks of “it’s ALL ABOUT ME AND MY KIND” flip you white byes.
other excuse on the black white is that you white byes can afford to go school and avoid it.
bollocks ( my new word for the week)!
the proportion of persons who can afford to “dodge” if you wanna call it that who are black is vey high…BDA is at least 70 per cent black! do the maths.
and these guys actually paid their lawyers to defend them?
Very Vicked Lawyers to take their money and prepare the weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest, weakest argument going on thier behalf.
shame on them – lawyers
i would love to have these BAD members on my team and i am not being funny but Bermuda needs some people like these guys who have a backbone in these times….too bad they can’t get a better argument going.
I hope we all remember how happy we were to see the regiment during the hurricane fabian cleanup. I bet no one thought it was slavery or racist, I would imagine we were all happy to have a group of people (The Regiment) assist in getting all the debree cleaned so we can return to our normal lives.
I’m just saying!
And it would have happened without conscripts cleaning up our Island.(are they prisoners on a chain-gang) All around me I saw Bermudians helping each other, that is what we do during times like those.So you want to enslave a group of people so they can clean up the Island? Are you for real?
I am so floored that people can be so “supportive” of Black folk and still forget the very history that allowed us the right to vote. People fought for that right. Died for that right. I, for one, wouldn’t ever encourage citizens (of any race) not to exercise their right to vote. As a PLP supporter, I can say that it was WRONG when Freddy Wade told people to abstain from the vote for the independence referendum. I was appalled that the “peoples’ party” would stoop so low. Shoot…vote UBP (sorry, OBA), vote PLP, vote yes, vote no, heck, put a huge X accross the whole sheet of paper and spoil your vote with an essay detailing why none of the above options are viable…but dont NOT vote. We are about to slide down a VERY slippery slope if we encourage people not to take advantage of one basic human right in order to “salvage” another.
There are other ways…
well said……..”someone” who has a talk show – threatened that someone would reveal the PLP leader who took the same stance of abstaining from a vote. what $h!? is that? I guess it is a lame ass way to say “if LFW did it then we are ok to do it as well”. same black bermudian mentlaity that has been rife in this community for years.
Independence…. the same thing that the PLP govt wants was a victim of an attempted boycott. perhaps we would be independent today if people DIDN’T boycott.
JAH works in mysterious ways. wasn’t there a hurricane or something on that day as well that was attributed to the alck of turnout?
I remember voting on that issue…….
————————————————————————-
News Update:
Race Card as defined by me:
something that BERMUDIAN-AFRICANS and BERMUDIAN-ANGLO SAXONS, etc use when all else fails. Similar to “benny” in euchre game of cards but also akin to a low blow in boxing, or diving in a Chelsea vs Man U game.
something that you don’t really hear elsewhere (like most of our cousins to the south West Indies). they have classism maybe BUT can be described like this – “all ah we ah won black white purple an green; whether black, chiney or indian – we ah won”
only in Bermuda can u have a passionate cry for freedom clouded by the race card
End Conscription for Dummies (think I’d be able to sell a few books?)
well just as people fought and died for the right to vote, there were also people who fought and died in the name of ‘freedom!’ and until this government can see this issue for what it really is, then they do not deserve my vote. let someone take away their freedom, or freedom of movement and I am sure it will be a different story.
I completely back the ideas of Larry Marshall however seems he is banging on a locked door. Why not try to implement change within the regiment. Firstly dont call it a regiment??? there is no need for a military defense force of this island. And I know any regiment officers are jumping up and down right now with strange fantasies of Al-qaeda landing on Warwick long bay and spreading across the island in a shoot to kill conquest? Any one with a sane brain cell in their head will realise this is about as likely as a Bermudian inventing the next space shuttle.
That is Why there is no need for this draconian, fear mongering military regime. Instead why not pay memebers well, implement a level of public appreciation for what these young men do. INVOLVE WOMEN. base it on volunteers. And most of all stop calling it a regiment. Call it a Hurricane response unit. who are called on for clean ups after big storms hit the island or any other natural disasters.
The government held an unemployment rally a month or so back. All of thses unemployed persons could have been given the option to sign up for 6 month periods for paid training and come and leave when they like. Would be paid on hourly basis.
In a world of tomohawk missiles and laser guided weapons systems. Is there really any need for 300 or so undertrained combat retarded young Bermudians to be running around with ther equivalent of pea shooters?
I think not!!!! Move on Bermuda Move on…
The current government will not end conscription for one simple fact, it would be too expensive. After all why invest money to make the Regiment attract people when they can just conscript them? The next government (which will most likely be the PLP again) won’t change it either as there is just no money.
Boycotting the election will not help, if you truly wanted to end conscription you would invest your time in making conscription and election issue, then maybe the politicians will listen.
Or you use it as an opportunity to give people jobs who need them in a recession. You can look at it 2 ways. If the Regiment we’re smaller yet more affective then you would be able to compensate the full time wages from the funds you would save on the part-time. Downsizing. Boycotting an election makes political parties pay attention, there is no other way to get their attention, otherwise it will be overlooked. Believe it or not , this is a serious issue as it affects young people’s lives and it is paid for by the taxpayer to very little benefit. If there is a hirricane then there is no reason why W&E could not deploy workers on overtime hours. It would cost a hell of alot less than running an entire military institution to chop trees 1 day of the year.
First of all I commend mister marshall and BAD for their efforts in fighting this unjust system of conscription. I am indeed a private soldier in the Bermuda Regiment however i feel if you are over the age of 21 it doesnt make sense to serve because by that time you are mature and discipline enough to make wise decisions. I was on the North Carolina Trip of this year and when the Marines found out that we were FORCED to attend the Army, they were shocked, appalled, and also disgusted at the fact that our country is making us serve or else you face prosecution if you dont. I for one have been working since i was 10 years old, went to school, lived in the states for 4 yrs as well. Y should i be subjected to this when im a law abiding citizen and over the age of 25. The law is very much draconian and it needs to be changed. Y do we have a part time army of 500-600 soldiers when we can have a full time army of up to 75-100 soldiers who volunteer meaning they want to be their. And im not even gonna touch on the blatent disrespect and disregard for ppls beliefs and rights that go un said up the bermuda regiment. Conscription needs to end.
Its really sad to see the disrepect and name calling over some men who are standing up for somthing they believe in. The White men don’t have to oppress you black people any more because you have mastered doing it to each other. (and you feel good about it smh). It’s a reason these boys are been givin a hard time and it has nothing to do with the quality of their case. Only thing if you keep ignorin these men that are trying to have a voice and call um sissie and stuff d black gloves and boot are comin out oh wat a day any way One force governs us all, Big up to BAD.
Why is it always race brought into something which affects all young men on the island over 18. Im white and ive been forced into regiment being threatened with the same financial penalities and even jail time that the young black men are threatened with? i dont undestand this continous race issue when there is not an apparent need for it?
You may feel differently and statisitics and numbers may tell us otherwise however this is something the whole of the islands young male population are affected by and is one situation where there is no excuse not to unify and cast away our differences…
Here here! Real talk, Andy.
As a current conscript, I can personally say that my stance on conscription has not changed from before I started my mandatory service to this present time, nor will it ever change. Even if I somehow liked the regiment, my position would remain the same. Conscription is inherently wrong as it is forced labour. To be clear, slavery can involve any group of people, not just black people. In this instance, young men of all races are slaves. The receipt of money and the part-time nature of conscription are noteworthy points, however, it does not override the fact that it is still a form of slavery. Money is not enough to compensate for having to attend Warwick Camp in my opinion as there are many aspects I detest.
I will note that any pride I might have felt for serving my country has been lost by being forced against my will to serve in an awful environment. Had I volunteered, I would definitely have withdrawn my services as I have not learned anything or contributed anything worthwhile in my time there. No, I do not believe parades are worthwhile, that is my opinion. The work has absolutely no meaning or purpose in my view. It is bad enough there is conscription, but it is even worse when you are forced to waste night after night and weekend after weekend doing tasks which have no real positive end result. If we are attacked by another country, a few hundred rifles will do nothing. The best approach, as BAD are doing, is to fight with our mouths. I estimate that at least 75% of my time at Warwick Camp has been spent sitting/standing around doing nothing, with no guidance or organization. That is a waste of tax payer’s dollars, even though I am the recipient of them, and it’s a waste of my time.
BAD, I do not agree with all of the actions you are taking but I do agree in principle with your cause. I think you should organize a protest march. Advertise it well and I believe you will see a large turnout, I will be there for one. Best of luck with your fight, but as others have stated, I don’t think it’s worthwhile asking persons not to vote.
We all know how hard people fought to be able to vote. However, as time has passed politicians have taken advantage of the fact that most people do vote and feel it is an obligation to do so.
However, due to party politics taking over as their main concern over issues of the people, this vote has sort of lost some of its meaning. As I have gotten older, I have often wondered if everyone(or large groups/sectors of community) said they would boycott their vote, then what demands could we make? It seems to me MORE can be accomplished by getting large groups on board to boycott their votes or spoil ballots than actually placing a vote. Nothing scares a politician more than people not turning out to vote. Period. Without votes, is their a government to elect? See we have been fed so much garbage that we are left to believe we can’t do anything to change. And as we have seen with many elections, just because a new party gets elected does NOT mean things will change. Business as usual often times and then we the voter are left to feel cheated. So imo you can get MORE accomplished by coming together and NOT voting similar to what groups of consumers do when they want to make a change.
I am so sick and tired of hearing you say you want only young black men to boycott and not vote. Stop trying to make this a white/black issue. Bermuda simply does not need any more division on this issue. You yourself are not black, you are half white. Do you forget that?
why must we resort to name calling? it seems that when certain people cannot force others to see things their way, then they lower their standards by name calling. All along these young men have behaved in the most respectable way, they have shown courage in the face of adversity and hostility.(although there are those who say they need discipline) how ironic. I think they have shown this country that they are committed to this cause and they feverently stand by their beliefs. They are indeed fighting for a basic human right, which is freedom. It takes more guts to stand up for a cause than it does to submit and go along with the majority, so who are the real cowards here? Keep up the fight BAD! And I have a question: if these young men are not conscientious objectors, then who is?
Well said! It’s okay to agree to disagree!
Up until now I have not cared about conscription in the Bermuda Regiment. I was ever so grateful that the Bermuda Regiment was there to assist me personally and the whole Island when Fabian stroke several years ago. I was proud of the Soldiers and the work they performed.
My current view is that Conscription should end and not for any of the sentiments expressed above regarding enforced labour, slavery and the like. I think this country would benefit from an organization that is made up up Volunteers, people who want to be there, who regard Service to their Community as an ideal and a worth mission. The Bermuda Regiment could be renamed to Bermuda Regiment of Volunteers.
I believe the United States have a program such as the National Guard, surely something similar could be implemented here. I can think of many projects the BRV could be involved in that would facilitate learning, training and service – all in one fell swoop such as: Maintenance of the Seniors’ Rest Homes, Homes for Humanity (something that is really affordable – not 1/2 million dollar homes), Hurricane and Disaster Relief, and many more initiatives in addition to the current activities. I would reduce the length of time from 3 years to 1 year. Volunteers would be welcomed to stay longer if desired.
I believe some educational scholarships require X amount of Volunteer hours as does the International IB programs and some college entrance requirements. It makes sense to me to implement something like this to engage younger people and instill a sense of pride and service to their Country.
It’s time to be creative Bermuda.