Photos: 2011 PLP Annual Banquet
The Progressive Labour Party hosted their 44th Annual Conference Banquet last night [Oct.29] at the Fairmont Southampton and hundreds turned out for the glittering gala dinner.
Premier Paula Cox and Cabinet Ministers were in attendance along with Parliamentary backbenchers, PLP executives and branch delegates, party supporters and representatives of Bermuda’s corporate sector.
The guest speaker was UK Labour MP David Lammy. A rising star in British politics, MP Lammy, 39, has represented Tottenham in the House of Commons since 2000. From 2000-2003, he was the youngest MP in the House of Commons.
In the previous Labour Government, he served as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, he then rose to Minister of State, was appointed to the Privy Council, and, finally, as Minister of Higher Education.
It was during London’s 1985 Broadwater Farm riots in Tottenham that Mr.Lammy made a decision which may have shaped the path he has taken in life.
The riots were triggered by the death of Cynthia Jarrett, who suffered a stroke after police officers searched her home. The place was turned into a warzone, with local youths clashing with riot police, which resulted in PC Keith Blakelock losing his life.
Mr Lammy, 13-years-old at the time, looked at the devastation around him and could have so easily been swayed to join those taking the fight to the authorities.
But he decided not to hurl a brick or a petrol bomb at the police, perhaps knowing he could make a difference, make a stand, make his voice heard in another way.
It was just 15 years after the riots which devastated Tottenham that Mr Lammy took his seat in Parliament as MP for Tottenham, winning a 2000 by-election in 2000.
And Mr. Lammy is glad he made a decision to not take part in the violence, instead pursuing a path where he could become the voice for a community which was devastated once again following the recent disturbances in London and other cities around England which were triggered off by the killing of local man Mark Duggan at the hands of the police in Tottenham in August.
“I made a decision when I was a teenager, whether I would go with the mob who wanted to throw petrol bombs in the 1985 Broadwater Farm riots and I decided in my heart I couldn’t do it,” he said in a recent interview. “And 25 years later, I’m so glad I made that decision, it meant that I was able to stand up on behalf of the 10,000 young people who weren’t on the streets, they were at home, and on behalf of most of my constituents and condemn what happened because to burn down the business of immigrants who get up in the morning, working hard and go to bed late at night, that was unacceptable. I’ve learnt a lot about myself but it goes back to your childhood, how you were raised and the decisions you made back then.
” … I was inspired by people who said ‘you can’t do it, you can’t be an MP, not from your background’. But in the end, I grew up at a tough time in Tottenham’s history and I wanted to make a difference in my community and be the bridge, a voice for them. I did that very recently in the summer [riots]. But the journey hasn’t been easy and I could write book about some of the obstacles of discrimination. But that’s a story for another day.”
Bermudian motivational speaker Dennis Rahim Watson delivered a tribute to Dr. Pauulu Kamarakafego [also known as Roosevelt Brown], a PLP founding father and Pan-African activist who was recently recognised as a Bermudian National Hero.
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Why didnt someone tell MP Lammy that under our Roberts Rules he is not allowed to touch the Premier?
Is their many causation folks at this rally?
Causation folks??
I thought the whole point of this banquet was to fete the people who caused this mess.
The only ‘causation folks’ at something like this would be ones that PLP have some sort of strangle hold over. Indeed, why would any white person attend a conference held by a party who has made it abundantly clear that they hate white people?
Pretty soon, the ugly part of the upcoming election will start up. Thats the one where PLP uses the race card. It is in fact the only card they have disgusting though it is. They have nothing else.
They will use every possibly chance to say that whites enslaved blacks, and that whites are evil. They will say something like ‘a vote against PLP is a vote back into slavery’ The truth is the complete opposite actually. Because if you continue to vote them into power, Bermuda will become a poor 3rd world nation. Then you’ll truly be enslaved.
No need to listen to the OBA they will say and bring up every kind of race against the PLP they can muster but then exclude themselves from the race mentioning game. Don’t fall for the hypocritical games they play. Let’s get PATI started and hear all about what their now OBA cabinet ministers gibbons, barritee, richards and dunkley and marshall deeds whilst they had the government purse. Bet it won’t be that prettiee.
-Let’s get PATI started and hear all about what their now OBA cabinet ministers gibbons, barritee, richards and dunkley and marshall deeds whilst they had the government purse. Bet it won’t be that prettiee.-
And do you not think for one minute that for the last 13 years the PLP hasn’t been searching for those records so they can hold them up to the voting public and say with conviction ‘See , the UBP was as crooked and theivish as us ?’
Got any clue why they hacen’t been able to do it yet ?
Not that I would like to vote for either party at this point, but.. you would have to be a fool to not realize that the PLP doesnt need the OBA or anyone to insult them. Their own track record does that better than anyone else could. They have failed Bermuda and you would need to be blind to not see that. What makes you think that these same people have the capabilty to correct their own mistakes? I ont believe that for a second. They need to learn just like the UBP did in 98. Thats the only way to educate them and avoi Bermuda being a 3rd World country very very soon. The past so many of you PLP chronies reference will pale in comparison to the future the PLP is leading you towards at high pace. Besides with 12 years in power, the PLP no longer has the ability to reference the UBP. All current issues are now solely on them blame wise. They had more than enough time to fix things and instead they became the new 40 thieves and pillaged us more than anyone ever has. Did they re-legalize piracy and not tell us? I’m feeling looted.. I dont know about anyone else…
So what you are saying is that what cruel, dirty,racist thing that was done to black people under the UBP is to be forgotten? Because you change your name from UBP to OBA. Honey black people are not that stupid try something else.
PLP WILL BE THE NEXT GOVERNMENT LIKE IT OR NOT GET USE TO IT.
Maddog, What makes you assume I vote for OBA – I dont? They dont impress me much either, however they are the lesser of the two evils at current.
Theres a way to attract white votes! Before you say something so stupid read my other posts… I have certainly considered working with PLP in the past. You may wish to use a touch of education and read if you know how to before you say something that makes you look daft Rabid Dog ;0
While your busy touting the PLP banner sent to your blackberry and email DL’s on race… I hope you dont blink, you might miss the progressive change to a 3rd world that the PLP is leading you towards right now while you ignore the real issues that will leave this country in the gutter. Go ahead, keep thinking Race is all that matters…
MadDog,
Some more alpo for thought for you… Your comment here,
“So what you are saying is that what cruel, dirty,racist thing that was done to black people under the UBP is to be forgotten?”
Soo… the PLP have “LED” if you call it that for 12 years now… shouldn’t they had have adequate time to at least help this issue? Or do they need another decade of wasted time. Wake up… White, black, asian – any race – We are all worse off from the economy the PLP has created! Were all in this together, it doesnt matter what color you are my friend. You have been just as screwed by the PLP as the rest of us! Unless you are part of the PLP, you have likely (the 99% to quote the Wall street movement) not had your life bettered.
Heres the list of people who had their life bettered (the 1%) under the PLP…
Terrence Smith – BHC ? Remember that?
Dr Brown.. Enough Said…
Stuart Curtis…
People who got the TCD Contracts (RFID Tags, Construction…)
Cruise Ship Terminal Constracts
“Race Consultants” – We REALLY got bang for our buck there huh… Rolfe did well… NOT…
The list goes on. This is Bermuda’s 15, this is the NEW 40 Thieves. Wake up! If you dont get this – It’s clear that education has also failed under PLP.. oh wait another issue they didnt fix!?
-Noel
Sorry 15 = 1% … Missed the shift key
Moderator – feel free to correct.
@Chronic…it is comments like yours that are so idiotic and missing any sort of factual basis that drive the “race card”. Go read a book of Bermuda History and then re-read your comments and you will see how far from the truth they are. However, I understand your need to “feed into the hype” and try your best to mis-align the PLP. Even your saviour, Craig Cannonier disagrees with you…Why would he say in his interview with the Bermuda Sun (Jan 21, 2011) that “….some say the BDA is the New UBP but the BDA has more in common with the PLP….” and that “…The BDA leans politically more towards the PLP than the UBP…”. I supposed he now thinks different because is a few months later and the BDA is now called the OBA.
Let’s continue this conversation in a few months when everything I have said comes to pass. The PLP WILL use the race card cos its the only thing they have got. They don’t have performance, they don’t have credibility, and they certainly don’t have results.
Call me idiotic if you like, the PLP will rely on the one thing they have done all along – the R A C E C A R D. As I said, its all they’ve got.
And and spare me: Cannonier is not my saviour. But I’d vote for a dog turd if it got the crooked PLP out.
No OBA vote -you got some nerve.. The amount of crap that went on within the last five years…if I were you I certainly won’t be calling for PATI. Be careful what you ask for sonny boy!
@Chronic, I say let the blame lay where they need be. Bring on PATI for all political parties! the sooner the better.
First time I’ve ever seen a Head of State ,President, or Premier given a big hug at a public function.
Then again this is the country where a lady senator blabs away on talk radio and hits the blogs up regularly.
and another senator in plays the spin doctor card and taking the senate money and know she was moving down to Australia from the beginning but thats ok because she’s an oba senator. As I have said they can’t be trusted. The elected ones dis not respect nor represent their constitution and won’t be respecting any rules. A set of rules for them and a set for us?
A set of rules for them and a set for us?
Yes just like it is now wouldn’t you say.
LOL
Hooray hooray!!! Noel ashford. Well said
I see a lovely cross-section of the Bermuda population in those photos! It’s so wonderful seeing everyone partying and having a good time – while Bermuda burns!
Here’s the real deal: a vote for the Party Lovin’ Party is a vote into financial slavery. Of your children. Of your grandchildren. Even your great-grand children!! That’s why the PLP will lose the election… they (the Brownites) have completely looted the National Treasury without even blinking an eye. And your kids are going to pay for it big time!
Was Ewart there Bernews? Why no photo’s of him.
Ewart Brown was in the Bar with Col. Burch planning the Col’s COUP.
Chack howt hall det joolree ann hall.
Must have made it all from theose chains of slavery…..and those dresses and all. Poor working class people. Must be just good savers. And not a cashier in sight………………or even Manuel Desousa Moniz Perrier who works dee grounds and is paid up mamber………………………
How come Stewey wasn’t inwhited to dee set .
Just looks like a party for rich elite people to me.
The future of the PLP in pictures? More like gangbangers if you ask me.
@ in the know What makes them gangbangers? Because their young and black? All I see is young people dressed smartly at a event. The fact that you actually took time to pick out the numbers of the photos makes you seem weak,foolish,sad and disruptive. Get a life.
And go ahead and say I’m pulling the race card all you want. Explain why you would make that statement if that’s not your reason.
Excellent Banquet. Now on to win Constituency 12 and than the General Election. Congrats to Curtis Williams and Michael Landy. Job well done. Nuff said.
Rome is burning, yet they party like it’s 1999! The number of grocery baskets that could have been bought, for Seniors, with all this OPULENCE!
How many of the people photographed are gainfully employed OR will be laid off tomorrow like the rest of us?
How many of those photographed are sponging off of the general public?
Where was Derek? Where was the Colonel? Where was Walter? Where was Wayne? Where was Terry? Where was Walton? Were was Ashfield? I smell a cabinet reshuffle!
Derrick was at head table, Colonel was there, Wayne was there, Terry was there, Walton was there.
Everyone in attendance were not automatically photographed.
Just because you did not see prominent Ministers and party supporters in the Pictures does not mean they were not present at the event.
…let them eat cake!
While Bermuda is in dire straits – Murder, Cruise Ship Cancellations, Rising Lawlessness and Crime, the PLP is holding a banquette no doubt congratulating themselves on a job well done! Hah!
Dear Bernews: I cant seem to realize why my picture was removed from the line up from the pictures taken at the banquet is there only certain people u choose to remain on the page..
Sorry about that – someone complained – hence we removed the photos related to the complaint. We know some people got ‘deleted’ as they were just in the photos as well by no action of their own and we apologize for that. We still have the pics though, you or anyone else, please feel free to email us at info@bernews.com and we can mail them to you no problem.
I am going to get villified for this but looking at the photos – it just looks like a classless affair. Sorry, I’m just saying.
@ MinorMatters thats what you see when you look at it through classless eyes such as yours. Your words dont matter good choice of name.
On a more positive note, Katura Horton is stunning! Is that her short little itty bitty boyfriend? I object.