OBA: Mykkal, Atherden & Crockwell

November 29, 2011

[Updated with videos] The One Bermuda Alliance today [Nov.29] introduced three new Parliamentary candidates who will represent the party at the island’s next General Election — Ras Mykkal, Jeanne Atherden and Shawn Crockwell.

Well-known sports photographer, musician and social commentator Ras Mykkal will be contesting Constituency #26, Warwick South Central which is presently held by Environment Minister Marc Bean who won the seat in a by-election.

Former Senator and current OBA deputy chairman Jeanne Atherden will represent the party in Constituency #19, Pembroke West, which is presently held by the Opposition’s Shawn Crockwell.

Mr. Crockwell won that seat — standing for the United Bermuda Party — with 58 percent of the vote [505 votes to 361] against the Progressive Labour Party’s Walton Brown at the 2007 election.

The PLP has already confirmed that Senator A.L Vince Ingham will be their Constituency #19 candidate for the next General Election.

Incumbent Member of Parliament Mr. Crockwell will move to Constituency #31, Southampton West Central, which is presently held by the UBP’s Charlie Swan. The PLP has already selected Scott Simmons as their candidate.

The Opposition previously confirmed ten candidates who will stand at the next election: Ray Charlton in Sandys North [C#36], Toni Spring in Sandys South [C#33], Jeff Sousa in Warwick West [C#28], Mark Pettingill in Warwick North East [C#25], Anthony Francis in Devonshire North Central [C#13], Craig Cannonier in Devonshire South Central [C#12], Michael Dunkley in Smith’s North [C#10], Trevor Moniz in Smith’s West [C#9], Sylvan Richards in Hamilton South [C#7], Gaylynne Cannonier in St David’s [C#3].

Update 2.19pm: OBA Leader Craig Cannonier making the announcements this afternoon:

Update 2.31pm: Video of all three OBA candidates speaking:

Update 8.04pm: Full candidate statements added below:

Ras Mykkal’s full statement:

Bermuda is not working for its people.

How can it be working when so many are unemployed? How can it be working when it’s people
who are making the sacrifices and not the leaders?

Elected leadership is supposed to work for the best interests of the people, but it is not today.
That is my view and that is the reason I am stepping forward today as a candidate for the One Bermuda Alliance.

The party offers the opportunity for change, for a new beginning and that is why I approached them. Bermuda needs a viable option.

If we are to progress as a people, we need change.

I am involved because Bermuda needs to become a more cohesive society, and that means a country which is based on economic stability and positive social values.

Bermuda’s greatest natural resource is its people. If this resource is not developed for the benefit of the country, and if the true value which they represent Is not given the opportunity to develop to its fullest potential, the country will languish, poor in spirit and lacking in achievement.

People cannot make a meaningful contribution to their country unless they possess and enjoy the basic necessities necessary for their participation in the affairs of their country.

To the people of Warwick South Central, I will be there to represent your best interest and to develop and implement ideas that can help you and your families live a better life.

There is too much division between politics and people. I want to change that, so you can count on me to be with you. I want a direct connection between you and what comes out of the House of Assembly.

-

Jeanne Atherden’s full statement:

Bermuda is crying out for change; change to better standards of behaviour; change to greater accountability and change to results that work for people.

I am proud to be part of a team that can bring about the change the country wants and deserves.

People stop me on the street, even persons I don’t know, and they are saying: “Keep it up, it’s time for change.”

And so today, it is time for change.

I have been involved in politics for quite a few years, but never as a candidate for public office.

I am stepping forward because I am deeply concerned about the future of our Island.

I have watched with growing concern the failure to solve any of the problems plaguing us, from education reform, to gang crime, to an economy that has begun breaking down, leaving thousands without a job – something that would have been unimaginable just a few short years ago.

I watched with concern as our problems deepened and spread, to the point they threaten to undermine our way of life and our future together.

It is for this reason – the future of Bermuda – that I am stepping forward to be a candidate for the One Bermuda Alliance and to represent the people of Pembroke West, Constituency 19.

I am excited and pleased to have been selected by the party to represent Pembroke West because it is part of my life.

I grew up in the area. During my early years there, I would spend many hours playing up on the hill in Sunset Pass. I used to swim in Deep Bay and picnic at “Pontoons”.

I know many people there and of course my family connections extend across the constituency.

My promise to the people of Pembroke West is that I will work for your economic well-being, for your family’s safety and for your children’s education.

I will be there for you, to listen to your hopes and concerns and to carry them forward.

In me, you will have a representative who believes in open government, who believes in fairness and who believes the people of this country need to be respected by their government and not taken for granted.

In me, you will also have a representative who will follow the money to make sure the public purse is respected.

I will work for a Bermuda that works better for you and your loved ones.

I want Bermuda to succeed again. I want it do better for its people. But we need change to make it happen, and that is why I am stepping forward today.

This is about our future together and that future starts today

-

Shawn Crockwell’s full statement:

The One Bermuda Alliance is about change. We’re about giving Bermuda the opportunity for new leadership that can get Bermuda back on track, where it is working better for all Bermudians.

The party’s commitment to change is serious; asking some of us to step out of our comfort zones in order to bring about the change Bermuda needs.

My shift to Southampton West Central, Constituency 31, Pembroke West, Constituency 19, is part of that change.

It is imperative the One Bermuda Alliance wins the seat from the United Bermuda Party.

We believe that Charlie Swan will be running there in the next election and therefore we anticipate a 3-way race.

To see our way to victory, the party wanted a strong candidate to give us the best chance for victory. I am ready to play my part to make that happen.

But I want to be very clear that my decision to shift to Constituency 31 is not all about political strategy.

I first considered running in Southampton West Central some months ago after being approached by constituents who said that they wanted me to be the OBA candidate there. They said they knew I loved the community and that I could speak for it and work for it.

My family moved to Southampton West Central when I was three years old. I lived there most of my life. My parents, sister and nephew still live there today and I am often there to visit.

Going to Constituency 31 is, in effect, going home for me. It is my neighbourhood, my community and my childhood. I have a strong emotional connection to it.

To the people of Southampton West Central, I look forward to introducing myself, getting reacquainted and making sure your views are understood and carried forward.

Leaving Pembroke West, which I have represented since 2007, is a sacrifice. I enjoyed being its representative and helping people with problems and difficulties.

But in moving to Constituency 31, I feel I am answering the call of Southampton constituents and the call of my party.

I am going to a constituency where I have a strong personal connection.

Jeanne has a similar history in Constituency 19 as I have in 31, so it will be a win-win situation for us and the people of both constituencies.

Ultimately, these changes are about making sure the people of Bermuda are well-served and well protected by their Government.

-

Read More About

Category: All, News, Politics

Comments (96)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. Jus' Askin' says:

    OBA can not be serious

    • YES MATE! says:

      Yeah, like Burch and Comissiong! The Pee el Pee can’t be serious either.

  2. sigh says:

    My mom said if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all…so I will take her advice.

  3. UNbelievable says:

    UBP all over again! SMDH

    • Yup says:

      Ras was PLP fool!!!!

      • suga pops says:

        Um not sure what Gary Simons( ras mykkal ) is going to bring to the OBA

        • Emeka47 says:

          Poetic Justice I guess!!!

        • star man says:

          What he’s bringing to the table is the fact that he wisely abandoned the dysfunctional PLP in favour of the One Bermuda Alliance. He’s got street cred which the OBA needs.

  4. Swing Voter Now says:

    Congratulations to the person who put themselves forward to represent the people of Bermuda.

    However, it is evident that the PLP continue to attract higher quality candidates that bring good ideas, solutions and opportunities to the PLP and people of Bermuda. It looks like the quality, characteristics, and standard of candidates of the PLP is something that the OBA/UBP are struggling to bring forward. So far I am not impressed with Mr.Cannonier’s selection.

    Mr. Ras Mykkal,interview on Sunday night with Mr. Walton Brown, indicated that he is not very informed on the political process or workings of government. He performed poorly during that interview, and at one point he attempted to interview Mr. Brown, as he lacked the knowledge on most subject matter. He often did not understand the questions, or confused terms. He did not even know what the ideology of the OBA was or their future goals. Why does someone join a party with out having real knowledge of what they stand for or their future goals? It appeared to be personal for him, but anyway I wish him all the best. He is not someone I would want on my team.

    To win the OBA must come better than this !!

    • Mad Dawg says:

      Really? Are we ignoring the plp candidates who are the ‘old guard’ who got us in this mess? And the ex-cons? And the ones who have said openly racist statements? And the Ex-UBP MP’s and leaders? You mean that, other than those people, there are one or two plp candidates you can be proud of. Is that it?

    • Yup says:

      You are boring us all PLP hack!!!

    • YES MATE! says:

      Is that you Specialgirl4 or Betty or whoever else you are? You sound just as uneducated under this pen name as you do under the others!

    • Surrender my passport... says:

      You are absolutely right. Ras on Bermuda Speaks on Sunday night was pathetic…absolutely pathetic…you had to hear it to believe it. He does not have a clue…

  5. hammer time says:

    Ras for PREMEIR!!!

  6. Curious George says:

    Ras Mykkal huh? Wow.

  7. cant fool me says:

    Looks like nothing more then sheep dressed in UBP clothing. Im certainly not overly excited by the performance of my goverment or my plp party, but i certainly not going to be folled into thinking that they are,nt the old UBP hidden behind the OBA. crockwell of all people convicted crook standing high on the hill speaking out of both sides of his mouth smells like cow shi? to me.Pamplin says not my husband?? What a bunch of dreamers down with the OBA your selection of candidates just sealed your fate.

    • YES MATE! says:

      So what about former UBP MP now PLP MP Darius Tucker? What about former UBP leader now current PLP MP and Minister of Tourism? UBP in PLP clothing? We’re so mixed up in Bermuda that everybody has a lil UBP in them! You got your own ex-con over there in the PLP/UBP he goes by the name of Rolffe Commissiong.

      • drunkenUrsula says:

        ya a$$ what bout Shaun Crockwell another ex con…..

    • HMMM HMMMMM says:

      People that live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Did you forget about your own bank robber! They have both put their past behind them and have both done more to repay and serve their community than 99% of us have. They have moved past it, let us look past it as well, move on nd fix the country.

  8. cant fool me says:

    correction : fooled

  9. Vote for Me says:

    As noted in an earlier post, I am still waiting for the ‘surprise factor’ with the OBA candidates – thus far there are none. The announcements for today are ‘par for the course’. The announcement of Ras Mykkal whilst expected is unusual based on his comments in the recent Bda Sun interview. In summary he assails the PLP for not moving far enough from the colonial relationship with Britain but then he chooses to join the OBA, which by all accounts is a rebranded UBP. He appears to have jumped from the proverbial frying pan into the fire!!

    Please do not write any comments about kool aid etc in response to this post since the former UBP MPs have stated that their reasoning for amalgamating with the former BDA to form the OBA was an electoral convenience to win the election as opposed to any particular philosophical agreement.

    If the political developments in Bermuda were not so serious, we might be tempted to say that the proposed PLP laws to invalidate sham marriages (or marriages of convenice) would invalidate the current OBA which by all accounts is a marriage of convenience between the former BDA and UBP.

    • Mad Dawg says:

      Well, Vote for Me, you must have been shocked when Marc Bean assailed the PLP on protectionism yesterday, saying they should ‘let the market rule’. The opposite of what Cox and DeSilva were saying. I guess when an OBA person expresses a view he is being inconsistent, but when a plp person expresses a view he’s just expressing a view. Riiiight.
      Still, Bean does seem to be off base with the protectionist view of his boss, you have to admit.

      And when you’re making allegations about people choosing a party for ‘electoral convenience’, I guess you have to include Daruius Tucker in there. After all, when he left the UBP he said he would ‘never join the PLP’. But, now mysteriously, he’s changed his mind and is a PLP candidate. Despite his hisory of making racially divisive comments. And Wayne Furbert…4 years ago he was the hated UBP opposition, and now he’s a plp tourism minister. They might be hiding it until the election, but a lot of the PLP ‘old guard’ have to be disgusted that they have been pushed to the wayside while a UBP leader has a big job in the PLP government. It must be fun at those meetings with the Colonel.

    • HMMM HMMMMM says:

      no surprises! nobody going to say we”had to deceive you”

  10. LaVerne Furbert says:

    I think that OBA has presented Bermuda with three excellent candidates today.

    After listening to Ras Makal on Sunday night on Bermuda Speaks I can understand why the OBA has chosen him to represent the people of Constituency 26. Certainly he will be able to articulate their needs and concerns in Parliament. The OBA’s gain of Ras Makal, Bermuda’s most famous dub poet, is the PLP’s loss.

    Jeanne Atherden is also an excellent choice. The experience of her brother, Ervin Adderley, in Constituency 19 should help her relate to the residents of Spanish Point. She performed well in the Senate and should be able to turn around and keep the constituency in the hands of the “right” people.

    Shawn Crockwell, like the other two candidates announced today is a superior candidate. He served the UBP and the BDA well and I have no doubt that he will serve the OBA with the same vigour. As a former resident of Southampton West (Seymour Farm) Mr. Crockwell knows many of the residents in the area, whom I’m sure have by now forgiven him of his past transgressions.

    • 32n64w says:

      Agree with you 100% Mrs. Furbert.

    • YES MATE! says:

      Ms Furbert I am pleasantly surprised. You have gained more than just a little respect from me.

    • Surrender my passport... says:

      Why is it that people don’t forget? While I may not agree with either of these men philosophically, why must we keep raising their past transgressions? Both have paid their debts to society…and have decidedly moved on…why can’t you just let them be?

    • Yup says:

      Senator (or whatever you are) Furbert, save the world and watch Price Is Right.

  11. Terry says:

    LaVerne, laverne…..Your ah naughty girl.

    Thats abit low really.

    One could say similar about a lady that owns property in the crawl area that discriminates against gays and lesbians.

    Come on madam. And I am a big fan of John Gibbons. Don’t let Dunkleys spilled milk ruin your sour grape sauce.

    Have a blessed day.

  12. cocoa says:

    Ras Mykkal should dress like that more often, instead of those silly hats he often wears. He looks so much better dressed in just a simple shirt and dress pants. Hint Hint Ras! LOL!

  13. Wondering says:

    Laverne,

    Your thoughts are like one ply toilet paper – have to use 1/2 a roll to get good results – perhaps you should use sanding paper – for a smoother finish. Your tongue is like a two edged sword – best becareful your remarks don’t come back to haunt you… – Bermudians have great memories and long pointy fingers.

    • LaVerne Furbert says:

      Do you have a problem with what I’ve written? Should I not pay compliments to the candidates? Or would you prefer that I do like you all do and criticise them?

      • Nil points says:

        Vindictive PLP discard, Remind us where the missing $3m went.

      • STEWEY BABCOCK says:

        Mrs.Furbert , I bet you love Bob Marley , yes . He says you can fool some people sometime but you can’t fool all the people all the time . I take your comments like a silent fart in the wind . You bring to mind when DREB had to entertain The Queen and Prince Philip , he did his best while dragging his lips on the ground .

      • Yup says:

        Again, we would all prefer if you just watched Price Is Right.

      • Fed Up Bermudian says:

        But you did. Veiled in sarcasm, you may as well have said what you really thought. You didn’t come off as clever, or even complimentary. You came off as a bitter whacko.
        You sneer at white people, I’ve seen you- they don’t even have to do anything to you. Your open animosity is something to behold. You hate so much and so many. You, dear lady, are in my most sincere prayers, that someday, your heart, like Pharaoh’s, may be softened. That you may actually see that not everyone who doesn’t look like you is on this earth to do you or people who look like you any harm. Some might be here to make this a better place, but that wall of hatred in front of your eyes will never allow you to see anything different. I pray that you see that not everyone who looks like you wants to have you as their mouth.

        You keep thinking that you’re a spokesperson, the voice of those who fear expression- but really, you are one of the people who keep us in the mire of racial and political hatred. By no means am I suggesting that we let ‘bygones be bygones’, but there needs to be a far better balance. How about being just a little gracious just for once? Your very countenance every time I see you in public doesn’t reflect the suffering of our people, but rather your own bitterness and hatred. Do you honestly feel better with The Bad White Man’s Shoes on your feet? Does it make you feel like a better person when you jeer and sneer and snipe at anyone who doesn’t look or think exactly as you do? SMH. Maybe you will just relocate to some other locale and save us all your spiteful diatribe. I can dream, I guess…and I do. I dream of a Bermuda where we don’t see in colour. Maybe read that speech of MLK’s…now THAT was a hero. You are a pebble in the shoes of many, so bitter that few ever take you seriously. I’ve never once heard ANYONE leap to your defence- maybe that tells you something? Oh never mind. You’ve got your hate-glasses on. SMH.

        • LaVerne Furbert says:

          Fed Up, Maybe the next time you see me, you would identify yourself so that we can have a heart-to-heart, face-to-face conversation and you can help me to heal.

          By the way, some of my best friends are white. I don’t see how you can use all of those descriptives for me. Maybe you’re mistaking me for someone else.

          I will tell you that I like the person that I am and there are many others who also like the person that I am. If you don’t, that’s nothing to do with me. I don’t speak for anyone but myself.

          • Yup says:

            LaVerne…please start speaking to those in Iceland.

          • Fed Up Bermudian says:

            Speech isn’t free here, Laverne. Until that time comes when it is, you’ll have to settle for this. And really- your statements are like a white supremacist saying, ‘some of my best friends are black’. If they’re such good friends, name THEM, then.

            As a matter of fact, we have met before, and several times, face to face. You weren’t very nice to me on any of those occasions, so why would anything at all be different now? Nope, won’t ever identify myself. Yes, that may be cowardly in your eyes. But until I am sure that no retribution will be visited upon me or my family because of your unbending distaste for anyone who disagrees with you, you can just about forget it.

            So getting back to my comments- you weren’t being sarcastic and snipy in your comments about the OBA candidates? Really?

            The descriptives I have used are spot-on by my experience. I found you to be needlessly rude and offhanded. How people perceive you has everything to do with you. If you’re rude to someone, or you stare with piercing hatred in your eyes at someone and they don’t warm up to that, don’t you think that has something to do with your actions?? When you write letters to the editors making sweeping statements about the mindsets in Bermuda black or white, you are de facto speaking for others.

            And you’re still in my prayers. If you think you’re okay the way you are, you definitely need everyone’s prayers island wide, not just mine. I’m glad you like yourself. Now let’s see you use that self-love to project some love, and spread some good will. I can’t interpret emotion in a written comment, but again with the sarcasm, it seems. You don’t seem to have any desire to heal, or to see anything at all differently, or to appreciate someone else’s point of view. You have no cause to be so sarcastic, I’m actually being sincere- it’s very poor form indeed on your part. In your bitterness, you’re unable to see that, and believe me- it ain’t pretty. I mean to express nothing more than a sincere desire to see Bermuda become ONE people, with a deep abiding mutual respect for all in the community. You don’t need to be insulting to be superior, and sarcasm doesn’t speak of wit or intelligence, only anger and hatred.

            I do live in hope that we will ALL become the change we all wish to see. Even you.

  14. Haha says:

    Ras…… Tell me this is a joke lol. Tha Dealer has shuffled the deck!!! And Crockwell CAN’T be trusted!!!!!!!

    • Tired of nonsense says:

      But Rolfe can?

      • LaVerne Furbert says:

        I think the difference between Mr. Commissiong and Mr. Crockwell is that Mr. Crockwell was in a position of trust when he “committed his crime”. However, I do believe that they both should be forgiven. Both have served their time and become respected members of the community. No matter what their political affiliations, I do believe that both Mr. Commissiong and Mr. Crockwell can serve as role models for young people in Bermuda.

        • Surrender my passport... says:

          Sorry I should have read this comment earlier…not sure which sentiment holds sincerity but I’ll grant you the benefit of the doubt and apologize nevertheless

        • Nil points says:

          Rolf comes across as an absolute hate-motivated nutter. Try and have a reasoned chat with him…impossible, as he is apparently always right. He appears to be fueled by hate and arrogance. Walton Brown wants to go independent and is admirer of the DICTATOR leader of Cuba. Great place to live, that is why so many people have fled, risking their lives (many losing them too) and defected over the years. All the named OBA people want to build and create for the benefit of Bermuda and Bermudians…..one party destroys as they have done in the past 13 years, the other is designed to work inclusively with Bermudians and Bermuda to create a much better Bermuda for all. Put your vote in one of those buckets. I know where mine will go.

        • Yup says:

          You would serve the world if you joined the UN and studied global warming.

        • Rick Rock says:

          Anyone putting Rolfe in a ‘position of trust’ needs their brains tested.

  15. LOL says:

    H AHA HA AH

  16. Cancer says:

    I see three quality candidates selected by the OBA. Can someone tell me who are possible candidates in the PLP that could be premeir if it wasnt Paula Cox? Oh don’t mention Wayne Furburt

  17. Hmmmmm says:

    The OBA is not doing the electoral math. The shuffle of Sousa/Pettingill and Crockwell/Atherden means they’re retaining seats only, not setting out to win any from the PLP. The path to Government does not lie in these selections. A three-way race for Crockwell in Southampton is dangerous and by no means certain. Richards vs Rabain in Devil’s Hole is a loss.So far, having announced 13 candidates, looks like they have 7 wins, 1 tight race and 1 up in the air. the remainder are losses.There’d better be a rabbit in the hat somewhere.

    • Hmmmmm says:

      correction. 4 wins. Dunkley in a tight race and Crockwell an outside chance in the three way. the rest lose hands down i think.

  18. LaVerne Furbert says:

    Oops!! I mispelled Ras’ name. It should be Mykkal, not Makal.

    By the way, maybe once he wins, his fellow members will nominate him to “Speaker of the House”.

    • Justin says:

      Terry, you have confirmed your stupidity.

      • he,s a genuine jack a$$ says:

        @Justin,
        I agree with you 100% I used to work with Terry and he has always been a big mouth and I dont remember a time where he opened his mouth and anything sensible spilling out. He has always been a huge attention seeker.

        • Terry says:

          Go back too BIAW and stop telling lies “jacka$$”.

          • Terry says:

            Funny thing is this is the first time I have read your comments. Must be at the girlfriends house or the office or a friends house. ISP’s are a beach.

      • youngbermudian says:

        he does this every time he posts lol

    • Yup says:

      Maybe one day someone will nominate you to live in Iceland.

    • navin johnson says:

      or Dub speaker of the house

  19. Itsaboutallofus says:

    It seems like the OBA is trying to be all things to all people. Their candidate selections are all over the place. Rather than selecting the best people they are trying to cater to different demographics all at the same time. They need to realize that no political party can be all things to all people.

    Shawn Crockwell had no choice but to leave Pembroke West, as no one has seen hide nor hair of him since December 17, 2007. He has been an absent MP in C19 and I hope that the voters in C31 do not reward bad behavior.

    Jeanne Atherden was the last woman standing at the UBP – i remember her on the news acting as if she had no clue what was going on with the ‘merger’. Now in her speeech above she sounds as if she was one of the chief architects.

    Ras Mykkal is in way over his head. If anyone heard him on Walton brown’s show sunday night it was sad. He had no answers to anything, only complaints. In his Bermuda Sun article he said he stopped supporting the PLP because they weren’t anti-colonial enough?? So he goes to join the OBA???? SO is it safe to assume Independence is on the OBA agenda? It must be if they were able to gain Ras Mykkal’s support.

    I am watching the candidate rollouts from both parties closely. The OBA cannot be satisfied with just fielding 36 candidates. They have to show people capable and qualified to run the country. Whatever missteps the current government has had, and let’s be real, ALL governments will make missteps, they have the advantage of incumbency and of familiarity. The OBA are the unknown and so far their candidate choices are not doing much to propel them forward towards government. In fact just today, someone said to me “well, i was with them until now, but i think i will hedge my bets on the current govt.”

    • Rick Rock says:

      Your first paragraph spells out the problem with the PLP. The OBA is doing roughly what you said; it is trying to appeal to all parts of the population.

      The PLP spends its time appealing to one specific part of the population, and completely totally could not give a rat’s ass about anyone else.

  20. Future Bermuda Alliance says:

    The Future Bermuda Alliance would like to congratulate our fellow Bermudian’s that will be representing the OBA in the upcoming election.

    Supporting the OBA is what our country and our people need now.

    Here’s a challenge, be the change YOU wish to see!
    Rather than criticize online, why not get involved and Put Bermuda First!

    Enough of this legacy nonsense… lets work towards a better Future!

  21. Cancer says:

    Do i detect a calmer, milder Lavern? If so I like that…

    • Nil points says:

      No, read her message carefully, it is laced with ill will.

      • Yup says:

        Can we all donate to a charity to send LaVerne to a place where people need help (she cannot pick Bermuda).

    • Curious George says:

      I picked up on it. My first reaction was that it was just someone else using her name, and it could be. It does not read like her usual posts at all.

  22. Just Curious says:

    If this all OBA have, well they have just thrown in a towel !

    Seriously OBA, this the best your have,

    First the party leader got her sister running that was O.K , this is politically alarming!

  23. Clinton J.A. Paynter OBA Affiliated says:

    Congratulations to the newly selected candidates… i wish you all the best.

  24. specialgirl4you says:

    First let me extend my congratulations to all the candidates that have put themselves forward to service their country. To provide service to one’s country is not an easy take to undertake.

    However, a careful review of the PLP candidates indicates that they have selected a higher level of qualified persons to represent the PLP and Bermuda’s people. The PLP candidates appear to be extremely knowledgeable and intelligent individuals. I believe that there is no ‘WOW factor’ in the selection of the OBA candidates. I was expecting a much better selection of individuals by Mr. Cannonier.

    OH Yes ! !! I did hear the interview on Sunday night on ‘Walton Brown’s show’, it was most disappointing, Ras Mykkal’s performance was weak at best. He seemed to lack important information about most basic programmes in Bermuda. The reasons he presented for joining the OBA were not supported by what he talked about. He often appeared to be confused, or lacking in knowledge. I not sure why Mr. Cannioner selected him, but if the reasons were (1) “Black average man” and (2) a former member of the PLP, that is unfortunate, and definitely the wrong reason for selecting a candidate for such an important election. Please help me understand why he was selected? Now I will await to see the other candidates revealed by the OBA/UBP, as their pool of quality candidates appears to be low.

    • Yup says:

      Please be a sport and hang out with your hero LaVerne!!

    • Nil points says:

      Thank you paid PLP propaganda merchant. …whatever the PLP do wrong, you always say well done. Why does the PLP think they have more to offer than Ras? Ras has cost this Country nothing, the PLP have cost us $1.2 Billion dollars, $70 + million in interest pa plus their salaries for thirteen years…..We the people of Bermuda have little to nothing to show for it, except poverty, increase in serious crime, unemployment, no answers or accountibility from the government increased tax burdens, discriminatory policies against Married couples and families and seasons of communicating a negative image for black Bermudian males. Raz has much to offer. The OBA is an inclusive party, how dare the PLP set up their arrogance sideshow stall and dismiss a valid Bermudian who has a lifetime of experience, knowledge and insight to contribute. Disgusting that you would decide to attempt to ridicule a someone who wants a better Bermuda and is willing to step up to the plate and deliver for all in and for Bermuda. Shame on you PLP for thinking he has nothing to offer. We all have voices, although you don’t want us to.

      • Ambassador .. says:

        Can you learn proper english!

        • LOL (original) says:

          “the PLP have cost us $1.2 Billion dollars, $70 + million in interest ”

          Is this the part you have problems understanding?………….

          LOL tax payers will pay for a long time to fix this. Seen you land tax lately???? Unless PLP members pay no taxes…level the playing field?…

  25. Nathan Richardson says:

    This will be exciting election with record breaking results win of course for the peoples party
    PLP. I think people think that a certain group can be pulled apart with their old tactics that worked many years ago. If members of OBA/UBP wants to try to win election they would need to let go all that baggage of their past as they continue to blame black people for the islands downturn. Is Dr Brown and PLP to blame for the worldwide economic downturn? All I feel is hate in the back ground of the OBA they talk not one of them have come over a joined PLP but these same people believe in a new Bermuda but make no effort for change other than change their party name and pick up a few more confused individuals to represent them.

    • navin johnson says:

      Dr Brown and the PLP are not to blame for the worldwide economic downturn(here after referred to as the WED) but they are solely to blame for the BED(Bermuda economic downturn) with their arrogant and antagonistic attitude towards IB and business in general…They have bankrupted this island both financially and morally and have put us on the edge of disaster where the streets are not safe and social infrastructure is on the breaking point.

  26. Jay says:

    Mr mykkal is not a very impressive candidate. I would be reluctant to vote for him. That being said, he is not standing in a winnable seat so its not a big deal.

    The tragedy for Bermuda is that the PLP winnable seat list is filled with weak candidates, joke candidates and downright unsavoury candidates. Please people, it’s time for a change

  27. drunkenUrsula says:

    why dont all those former UBP members run in the marginals areas…what the hell? Ras Mykkal? He shouldn’t be running for any office..Come OBA lets do proper checks on your candiates … all your supporters talked about Rolfe(I cant stand him)but lets be fair…Ras Mykkal, please!!! ….I thought I was in a drunken state when heard that boy name called…very bad mood OBA.

  28. Junior says:

    Wow got to love Bermuda! Really how many of you know this man he care more about Bermuda then most of you who are sitting on the sidelines making noise have you listen to the words of his songs anti -government they may be, but put it out their what we all see but don’t want to talk about. Give the man a chance before you stone him. Got your back Bruh

  29. Ras Mykkal says:

    Is it me some of you don’t like or is it the OBA? So many of you talk good about my music, my letters to the editor and my comments on talk radio. Now I have put myself out there to fight the system (not the party) to place a value on you the people. I feel like I am being crucified before I am even hear by the same people I am fighting for. I would like for you to never forget this one thing, It is you who have the power to make the difference. Open your mind and set your self free or stay in your condition and don’t complain.

    Ras Mykkal

    • O I C says:

      Thats right Ras, fight the system from within…

    • LaVerne Furbert says:

      But Ras, you don’t know who these people are that are posting. They may be smiling in your face right now and telling you how great you are.

      They should appreciate that you’ve put yourself out there to “fight the system” that the OBA will change once they become the government.

      You are not being crucified any more than any other candidate that has put his/her name forward as a candidate. The anonymous OBA supporters crucify the PLP candidates; the anonymous PLP supporters crucify the OBA candidates. And as you will have read, they all crucify me. Read the comment above from “Fed Up Bermudian”. Did you just start reading the blogs?

      Should we expect to see the name “Ras Mykkal” on the ballot paper come the election?

      • My MY MY says:

        Hey Ras, listen to LaVerne and grow a pair! This is just the start and your crying like a baby! LOL

        • LOL (original) says:

          Hey I now know who voted for L.V. all “8″ of them……………………

          LOL

          • Smh says:

            U couldn’t even get 8 joker….and who cares what u think u know?

      • Yup says:

        LaVerne why have you not moved to Iceland yet?

        • Fed Up Bermudian says:

          Don’t be silly. That place is just chock FULL of white folk. What would she want there?

    • Are you kidding me? says:

      What comments on the talk show Ras? That was the problem. You had no real comments…no position on any of the material issues of the day. It seemed you had just woken up and decided to run for office as a thing to do today.
      You clearly have a lot of reading and research to do before you can represent us. Constructive criticism. We had no idea what you are fighting for? No real position re: homosexual discrimination, the economy, job creation policies, land title policies…these topical issues should be a the fore of all of your comments.

    • Pastor Syl says:

      Ras, (as a long-time friend, I presume to call you by your first name, meaning no disrespect), I congratulate you on your extremely courageous decision to put yourself forward as a candidate. It takes very thick skin to do anything publicly on this island. Bermudians have long been known as extremely difficult audiences, highly critical and lacking empathy. I wish you strength of spirit and strength of conviction along with supportive and knowledgeable friends/loved ones.

      Having been somewhat in your shoes – trying to talk verbatim on radio – I know how easy it is to feel you didn’t present yourself in your best light. My best advice to you is to listen to the replay of your interview, look at where you could have done it differently and work on it so you move onward and upward. Mistakes are not for kicking yourself (despite what everyone else seems to want to do), they are life’s way of giving us an opportunity to learn something new. Nobody is an instant expert.

      To all the new candidates: I wish you good fortune and much fortitude. The task is mammoth.

    • child supporters says:

      should men that don’t pay their child support run for political office?

  30. Bermyboy says:

    Everbody deserves a chance, give the guy some breathing space.

  31. TheMeduim says:

    It seems everyone has more than enough comments to write a book. How about we start asking the real questions instead of just spewing. We, as the voters have a responsibility, neigh a duty, to put forth QUESTIONS to ALL candidates. Instead of the “are you joking’s” why not put forth real concerns; the kinds that can produce real answers and not just responses based on provocations. If each of had one thing to ASK our candidate(s) what would that question be? Why not use this avenue to explore this instead?