Comments on: Cannonier: ‘Bermuda Needs Better Direction’

By: specialgirl4

specialgirl4 — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:47:19 +0000

WOW, how brillant she is to be able to debate on such a high level, maybe Craig could use a few lessons.

By: LOL (original)

LOL (original) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:26:54 +0000

“I am sorry OBA, but you are why too ‘young’ of a party to run this country.” -
That’s just it we need new ideas and direction not the same old same old.
“OBA (Craig) has shown the younger generation of Bermuda,”Fake It,’Til You Make It”” – I disagree he showed them they do matter and can make a difference and that the OBA is willing to listen to the new and up coming Bermuda Youth. Something this country desperately needs as the neglect of the youth holds at less some of the social problems we are experiencing.

LOL after all it is the same approach to many topics that continue the trend such as crime and young people being qualified and jobless.

By: LOL (original)

LOL (original) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:18:10 +0000

I would have said “consider looking at talking about some of the issues”

LOL

By: LOL (original)

LOL (original) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:15:56 +0000

As Long as the rules are clear that if you take 20 min to talk please say something. Paul is a master at saying nothing.

LOL

By: LOL (original)

LOL (original) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:08:02 +0000

Yes but earlier Lavern stated something to the effect that she would not rent to a gay couple or gays in general (someone who remembers could pull it up if they want to). So it looks like she’s back pedaling.

LOL

By: LOL (original)

LOL (original) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:42:46 +0000

“I sat across from him and his MP’s and it was sad how they by passed everything said and didn’t even consider anything said.” – interesting….., also this – “job seems to simply divide the people and bad moth anything PLP.” – funny that’s what the plp have been doing for some time now.

LOL sounds like you have a stake in Government interesting form your PR persective.

By: Terry

Terry — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:38:16 +0000

You’ll be looking for a handout unless your Ewart Brown and helped to bring upon a $billion in debt.

Jamaica here we come. Wile dee teeves leeve dee nazt.

By: Terry

Terry — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:35:04 +0000

Just asking is talking s**t re their post about Craig.

Ever heard about Barack Obama.

By: Shaking the Head

Shaking the Head — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 13:22:26 +0000

I agree that under the Westminster system Ministers set policy that is then carried out by Civil Servants. What we have seen in the last 5 years or so, based on what has already come out in the public view, is that certain Ministers have been interfering and personnally micro managing. I wish what you say is true, that Ministers are ultimately responsible, unfortunately no one is being held accountable.
You haven’t disagreed with my figure of 2,000 but since there are around 6,000 public sector workers, you are saying they all should take a 33% pay cut? Not in a million years, so something has to give. Public Sector wages and interest on over $1bn in debt are pretty much fixed costs at around 71% of this years estimated revenue. However revenue is clearly falling – less retail sales, less jobs overall (which means the Private Sector is falling faster, and it is this sector that generates the revenue), payroll tax holidays etc. In this situation of less revenue against fixed costs, most Private Sector companies would be out of business, and the Government is very limited in further borrowing. I don’t decide who gets paid and who doesn’t – that is the job of those who let this bureaucracy mushroom out of control, in particular the Minister of Finance.

By: Vote for Me

Vote for Me — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 11:58:11 +0000

@ Shaking the Head
Not sure where you got the idea that the Civil Service runs Bermuda since that is completely false – pre 1998 under UBP and post 1998 under PLP!

The Ministers clearly set all government policies and then direct the Civil Service to carry out those policies. The Civil Servants provide technical expertise and advice but the Ministers have ultimate responsibility for the policy direction of the government.

Reference your comment that 2,000 public sector workers will not be paid – completely false! On a basic practical level, if there was a shortage of funds, there would be a pro rated payment to the public servants. Without a pro rata pay, how would you choose which workers get paid and which do not?

By: Jus' Askin'

Jus' Askin' — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 08:20:42 +0000

M8 if you think voting OBA ‘is a vote for hope and real change’ and not ‘financial slavery’ you really are clueless.

By: Star man

Star man — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:14:53 +0000

A vote for the Party Lovin’ Party is a vote into financial slavery.

A vote for the One Bermuda Allaince is a vote for hope and real change.

By: PEPPER

PEPPER — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:06:47 +0000

Star man…you are so right,and to think the person that allowes this to happen is now the leader of this GOD FORSAKEN iSLAND…

By: shutupandgoaway

shutupandgoaway — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 22:54:12 +0000

Star man – you hit the nail right on the head. Throughout time brave people have taken unpopular decisions because it was the right thing to do. Everyone should take a minute to reflect on where the world would be if people didnt take a stand on these type of discriminatory issues.

When will the so called ‘Progressive’ Labour Party stop relying on the foolish excuse that “Well, the UBP did (not) do it either’.

By: Star man

Star man — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 22:44:53 +0000

Bull… to your first paragraph. Absolute bull! And the PLP demonstrate the folly of your logic every day.

By: Star man

Star man — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 22:39:06 +0000

Throne speech was a good step by the government for the future, it suggest the government are listening to the people and TALKING ABOUT some of the issues, while recognizing there still more to do. There, fixed it for ya. Cuz talk is cheap.

By: Star man

Star man — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 22:30:06 +0000

It doesn’t matter if the majority are not comfortable with changing the legislation… You do the right thing anyway.

By: Star man

Star man — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 22:21:03 +0000

Do you think that PLP Ministers write their own speeches?? Bwaa-ha-ha-ha!! Literacy is not a strong point of the Party Lovin’ Party.

By: drunkenUrsula

drunkenUrsula — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 22:18:23 +0000

they are all a brunch of fools…dont vote for any of them…both parties .sick of all of them…..

By: Star man

Star man — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 22:15:26 +0000

Under the UBP the Country prospered!! Under the Party Lovin’ Party, well you can see for yourself what they have done — they have looted and bankrupted our beloved Bermuda to the tune of a BILLION bucks!!!!!!!

They are history! Buh-bye.

By: PEPPER

PEPPER — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 22:11:09 +0000

How much do they get paid Jim ?

By: PEPPER

PEPPER — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 22:00:23 +0000

I think Craig would do a fantastic job in a debate against the cog…at least we peons could understand him, Paula uses all kinds of words that people have to go and get their dictionary out to follow what the hell she is saying . who the hell is her speech writer ?

By: Shaking the Head

Shaking the Head — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 21:56:57 +0000

All this talk about experience is rather revealing. One of the unfortunate situations created by the PLP has been that many now think the Party ie the PLP, runs the country. Actually, in the real world, without micro managing by inexperienced people and before 1998 it is not the Party that runs a country. It is the Civil Service. The Party is not the Government. The Party happens to be elected to be the House of Assembly. The PLP though has taken it upon themselves to run the country and the results are plain to see. That is why Paula Cox takes great lenghts to emphasize the “good Governance” she is implementing. If the Party kept their nose out of the running of the country it would not be needed.
What people should be concentrating on is what to do with the approx 2,000 public sector workers that will shortly not be paid because there is no money available to pay them. That should be the pressing issue and worry because of the knock on effect. Bermuda is very close to those cross roads, but of course the PLP and their bloggers will be hard at work to draw attention to anything that keeps peolpes’ attention away from this issue.

By: PEPPER

PEPPER — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 21:50:08 +0000

What I can not fathom is why we even discuss this issue.. who cares who is gay or lesbian ? I for one have no issues with peoples life styles… and why did Lavern have to mention where Sybil works ?

By: PEPPER

PEPPER — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 21:30:12 +0000

So Lavern..I think you and Cromwell needed a speech writer !!!and to talk about lack of political experience !!! what the hell experience as senators did you and Cromwell have ? NONE !!!!!!!!!

By: PEPPER

PEPPER — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 21:19:59 +0000

Mate , how could you say the P,L.P. are anti gay…when quite a few of there members are gay and lesbians !!!!

By: Truth (Original)

Truth (Original) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 21:10:57 +0000

Please speak for yourself Noel. Your reference to “The Public” is unfounded. I am a member of “the public” and I have no confidence in this Government.

By: Jus' Askin'

Jus' Askin' — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 21:01:26 +0000

Who honestly thinks OBA is the ‘new team’ we need at the helm?
Just because my 5yr old thinks they can drive, does not mean I will hand over the keys to my car. I am sorry OBA, but you are why too ‘young’ of a party to run this country. Craig needs to put in years and not months, to run this country. There is no way, a logical person can accept Craig’s sudden and premature rise to the top. There are way more qualified people in that party, and one that resigned to make room for Craig, that could have ran that party as well as the country.
OBA (Craig) has shown the younger generation of Bermuda,”Fake It,’Til You Make It”
I am looking forward to a debate between Paula and Craig, just the two of them, on TV live

By: shutupandgoaway

shutupandgoaway — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:46:55 +0000

‘I doubt if he’s even at the stage to present a shell of a speech to the OBA’s speechwriter, Don Grearson’

He may not be the cunning linguist that you are, but at least he didn’t utter foolish, hateful phrases such as ‘confused negro’…..

By: Rick Rock

Rick Rock — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:42:47 +0000

What is the name of the PLP speech writer? What are his/her qualifications? Who is the person really pulling the strings? We have a right to know. They supposed to be the government.

And what’s the constant references to the UBP are getting lamer and lamer. Not sure if you read the news this week, but the era-UBP leader is the new minister of tourism. When is the election?

By: Terry

Terry — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:23:54 +0000

Not enough. Just lost my job as consultant to a Senator. Damn….

By: LMAO

LMAO — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:07:19 +0000

I would pay to watch that one

By: LMAO

LMAO — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:06:38 +0000

How much are they paying you Terry?

By: Yup

Yup — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 17:47:46 +0000

PLP are scared cuz their only hope is free govt money to provide them with jobs.

By: Yup

Yup — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 17:45:38 +0000

PLP said nothing about an independent Tourism Authority or an independent Contractor General to stamp out corruption. The reasons should not suprise anyone!!

By: Job creation is top priority in Govt’s Throne Speech – Royal Gazette | Insurance by State

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 17:36:43 +0000

[...] Bernews [...]

By: Terry

Terry — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 17:30:55 +0000

If your that curious, ask them. What are you. A paid consultant?

By: Curious

Curious — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 16:57:30 +0000

I think is point is clear. Why the hell did they bother to change the name!

By: Terry

Terry — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 16:05:35 +0000

As so are the old UBP MP’s. Whats your point.

Lets move on.

By: Rick Rock

Rick Rock — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:50:41 +0000

You’re effectively telling us that PLP politicians read speeches written by others. Who are these mysterious plp speech writers? Shouldn’t we know, since we’re being asked to agree with what is being said in those speeches? What are their names and qualifications?

By: Rick Rock

Rick Rock — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:47:23 +0000

LaVerne, As you have said in the past, you wouldn’t let one of your apartments to a gay couple. So you’re not exactly impartial on the issue. You don’t actually believe in equality based on sexual preference at all. In your mind, you should be perfectly free to deny a rental to someone of you think they are gay. That is called homophobia.

Anti-discriminatory legislation should cover race, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, and disabilities. People should not be discriminated against based on any of those, and it should be clearly illegal to do so.

By: YES MATE!

YES MATE! — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:09:34 +0000

You lot make me laugh! You and Paula should go to Mark Anderson aka Sybil Barrington and ask him if him being gay is a “lifestyle choice” or if he was born that way. While you’re talking to him, ask him who it was that tried to ban him from the Bermuda day Parade. Pee el Pee is as anti gay today as they always have been.

By: Hello

Hello — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:04:55 +0000

The world has moved on since1981, that was two generations ago. We can’t judge the actions of people fof 2011 based on the worlds views of 30 , yes 30 years ago.

By: Vote for Me

Vote for Me — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:03:46 +0000

All,
As we continue in the political climate it is interesting to be reminded that Mr. Don Grearson, the previous UBP speech writer is the OBA speech writer.

I think it will be more and more diffcicult for the OBA to demonstrate that its policies are different from the UBP. Perhaps they should focus less on differentiating themselves from the UBP and simply show us how they will make a substantive difference in Bermuda.

By: LaVerne Furbert

LaVerne Furbert — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 13:17:38 +0000

Of course Craig Cannonier did not write his own speech. President Obama even has a speechwriter(Jonathan Favreau). Most, if not all politicians employ speechwriters. Glenn Jones was Premier Brown’s speech writer as so was Jamahl Simmons after Glenn’s departure.

What happens in most cases is that the politician gives his/her ideas to the speechwriter who fine tunes the speech. With Cannonier’s lack of political experience, I doubt if he’s even at the stage to present a shell of a speech to the OBA’s speechwriter, Don Grearson.

By: specialgirl4

specialgirl4 — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 13:09:03 +0000

‘@ Vote for me’ thanks so much for saying what I was thinking. You always bring so much clarity to the debate. Yes, Mr. Cannonier needs to be careful that his speeches are not simply laced with PLP criticisms since they will be received as superficial and of no value. Also, he needs to show that he is capable to responding based upon his own knowledge of an issue, on some occasions. This I have not seen as of yet!! The Throne speech was a good step by the government for the future, it suggest the government are listening to the people and addressing some of the issues, while recognizing there still more to do. OBA/UBP lets not fall into that old swing of being “critical for the sake of criticizing”.

By: LaVerne Furbert

LaVerne Furbert — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 13:04:16 +0000

The Human Rights Act has been in effect since 1981. Certainly there were homosexual men and women residing in Bermuda at the time, but the UBP refused to address the issue.

It is my belief that they refused to address it for the same reason that the PLP continues to back away from it and that is that research has shown that the majority are not comfortable with changing the legislation.

Premier Cox said “While the government aware of the sensitivities in the community surrounding sexual orientation, it does not condone discrimination in employment and accommodation based on a person’s lifestyle choices”.

While there are a few people in the community who are calling for the legislation to be changed, I see no overwhelming support for the change. As I see, it is time for those people who feel that they’re been discriminated against because of their sexual orientation to “come out of the closet” and let their voices be heard.

The only reason former governments outlawed anti-discrinatory legislation based on race, was because blacks (and some whites) en-masse protested, i.e. the Progressive Group.

We don’t even hear Sybil Barrington publicly calling for the legislation to be changed. By the way he is gainfully employed (by the government) and to my knowledge is suitably accommodated.

Please do not take my remarks to mean that I am homophobic, as some will. I know that I personally treat all people the same, and those people whom I know that are gay and lesbian can attest to that.

By: wotless

wotless — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 13:03:45 +0000

I look forward to the oba response aswell. i would like to see if they actually take a position on anything. thus far they have ducked all of the tough issues.

They have their chance in 2 weeks, but i’d bet unlike the government they will play it safe and give the same platitudes and some old tired ubp ideas.

The throne speech may have been lacking in specifics, however it at least showed us the debates we can look forward to this year. Goverment policy making isn’t as simple as waving a magic wand. Specifics cannot be given all the time, its the direction and intent that is important. Its up to citizens to hold them accountable.

By: Jim Bean

Jim Bean — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 12:57:45 +0000

Noel Ashford – you crack me up!

By: Jim Bean

Jim Bean — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 12:56:56 +0000

PAID BLOGGERS ARE BACK!!!