OBA: “Back Your Words With Action”
[Updated] Opposition Leader Craig Cannonier responded to Premier Paula Cox’s recent update on the Good Governance legislation, suggesting the Government “stop playing politics” and “back your words with action.”
On Monday [Jan.16] Premier Paula Cox provided a briefing on Government’s Office of Procurement and Project Management initiative, which the Premier has described as “yet another pillar in our efforts to strengthen financial accountability in Government.”
Mr Cannonier said, “Announcements on good governance plans would have more credibility if the Premier took decisive action to resolve outstanding questions and issues that sit on her desk today.
“Why hasn’t she ordered her Environment Minister to come forward with his review of Planning approvals given to Ministers DeSilva and Furbert? Why has she not insisted the Audit Committee get on with its business so the Auditor General’s special reports – now stymied for months behind closed doors – can be seen by the people of Bermuda?
“Simply making announcements about good governance does not mean better governance for Bermuda. You have to put systems into place to ensure people in elected office behave themselves.
Mr Cannonier continued to say: “This is about protecting the public interest. But it’s been nearly 14 years since the Government promised the ‘sunshine of public scrutiny’ for government business.
“People are getting wise to being played for suckers on good governance, and we suggest the Government stop playing politics and just get on with the people’s business. You’ve got to back your words with action and on this crucial point the Government has not.
“We also question the timing and sincerity of the Premier’s good governance press conference yesterday, coming as it did after publication last week of our submission to the UK Government on Overseas Territories, which listed our serious concerns about good governance standards in Bermuda, among other things.
“Since then, the PLP and its agents have been in attack mode, complaining loudly about our views on reforms that would better serve the people,” concluded Mr Cannonier.
Last night Shadow Attorney General and Minister of Justice Trevor Moniz said, “The One Bermuda Alliance would be delighted if the Premier’s announcement of yesterday about good governance were to come true.
“The measures she outlined were baby steps in the business of tackling corruption and mismanagement in the Government of Bermuda, and they would be a move in the right direction if they come to pass. But we have concerns.
“First among these is the timing and sincerity of her announcement. The OBA has just sent a submission to the UK Government detailing our serious concerns about good governance standards in Bermuda, among other things. Since then, the PLP and its agents have been in attack mode, complaining loudly about us, trying to dominate the news.
“Against that background, Premier Cox countered yesterday with a hastily called press conference to re-announce her intention to strengthen governance.
“Don’t be fooled. The Bermuda Government continues to be wide open territory for those who are prepared to work the system for personal gain. The Premier’s own concerns about the need to ‘follow the money’ underscore the seriousness of the situation,” said Mr Moniz.
“Questions about where the money has gone have been attached to this Government for more than a decade. It was integral to the BHC scandal, where only one person was prosecuted and others, including Cabinet Ministers, got off despite engaging in “unethical but not illegal” behaviour.
“More or less the same is true of all other scandals that have attracted the attention of the Auditor General and the Police – the construction of the Berkeley Institute, Tourism, the Transport Control Testing Centre, the new Court building… I could go on.
“The latest example has been the extraordinary overturning of Planning building bans by one Cabinet Minister in favour of two of his colleagues. We were promised a review, but the new Minister of Planning seems to be letting that slide towards that never-never file we all know about so well with this Government.
“What has the PLP done to rein this kind of behavior in? The answer is almost nothing. They’ve produced legislation to outlaw civil servants’ non-compliance with Financial Instructions, something that has been outlawed as long as Financial Instructions have existed. The legislation did create a new Government department to do work with procurement matters, work that was done in-house by Government departments before.
“And they have also attacked almost every effort the Auditor General has made to rein them in, including putting the former Auditor General, Mr. Larry Dennis, in jail. Most recently, the new Auditor General, Ms Heather Matthews, has been stopped from doing her job by doing nothing to make sure the Public Accounts Committee meets in a timely fashion to consider her reports.
Mr Moniz concluded by saying, “I ask you, does this sound like a Government determined to get to grips with stopping corruption and promoting better governance?”
Government officials declined to respond to our request for comment last night.
Update: The PLP released a statement in response to Mr Cannonier. It follows in full below:
The allusions to corruption made by Craig Cannonier are patently offensive, untrue and they border on libel.
It’s telling that the UBP turned OBA responds to a series of substantive good governance reforms not by commenting on the substance of the reforms – but, instead, making vicious and untrue personal attacks against the Premier and the PLP Government.
The truth is, that for over a decade, the UBP now OBA has, in vain, attempted to paint the PLP as corrupt. Yet, no court or body of justice has found a shred of evidence to back up their accusations.
The latest attacks show once again an opposition so obsessed with obtaining power, that they will put a substantive discussion of how to improve government aside to make vicious personal attacks against this government.
Let’s talk about the facts. The fact is that this government will be moving forward on a package of reforms that will:
- 1) Strengthen the Conflict of Interest Offense When Rewarding Contracts
- 2) Make it Illegal for Contractors and Vendors to Collude to Gain an Unfair Advantage
- 3) Strengthen Whistle Blower Laws
- 4) Strengthen Program Audits
The reforms also seek to give preference to those who employ Bermudians and also make it easier for small businesses to get government contracts.
This is the substance of the reforms, and, we challenge the opposition to get out of the gutter and dispense with the personal attacks and work with us to pass these and more meaningful reforms to make your government stronger and more effective.
Oh this is curious. The OBA puts out 2 statements on the same day on the same issue.
One must wonder again who is in charge over there in The OBA.
I’m also curious, how can the OBA say that the PLP locked up the Auditor General when EVERYONE knows that the government doesn’t control the police and cannot say who can be arrested. If you are suspected of breaking the law, police arrest you, its that simple.
These people steady make up facts and think that most Bermudians are dumb enough to buy the crap they are selling… Just becuase you say it doesn’t make it true.
Like this Gem, “Since then, the PLP and its agents have been in attack mode, complaining loudly about our views on reforms that would better serve the people”… LMAO, pleas find somewhere when anything was said about the OBAs silly submission.
These people live in a fantasy land, but at least their political consultants are making a pretty penny writing this stuff!
I agree with these post that the OBA continue to engage in dishonest dialogue as if they think we are all stupid. The OBA know that the government did not arrest the Auditor yet they continue to perpetuate the lie. Craig appears so out of his depth that he has now resorted to just repeating things that the former UBP colleagues have been saying for years so we know the origin. The sad thing is Bermudians really wanted better government not just different faces and they had a glimmer of hope in the BDA, but that flame has been extinguished!! We dererve better!!
Do you really think that there was no political influence in police matters? Don’t we have an appointed AG who can order the police to make an arrest or drop charges because the alleged behavior is unethical but not illegal? And which ex-COP is now a government senator running for MP? Your denial is silly.
It’s PLP that are on their knees every day praying that their supporters just keep on forgiving them for screwing up Bermuda. Inaction is defeat.
You mean the blind and deaf supporters?
Your comment is factually incorrect. The governor is responsible or the operational control of the police last time I read our constitution. The attorney general does not have access to the police on the same level as the minister of security but even then, the latter minister is really hamstrung from any operational control because of the law. The minister of national security is responsible for budgetary matters as opposed to operational control. If I am mistaken I stand to be corrected. Just thought I could assist with this point.
Laverne…is that you? Usual attack the messenger rather than address the message tactic beloved of the PLP failures.
Craig, Here is a hint, take your own advice, “Back your words with Action”
Roll out your candidates as you promised.
Practice what you preach, then maybe you can start lecturing the government.
Sort out your own house first.
The announcment of candidates is a cat and mouse game. The election is a moving target and my thinking at this point is that the PLP has pushed the date for the election out further, as they desperately try to show their best side. It’s a difficult thing to achieve with all that is going on. In other words the OBA is holding their cards close right now until the timing is right. And remember, the PLP has not announced all their candidates either at this point.
apart from what ever they sent into the media..i dont think anyone has paid a rats behinds worth of attention to thier white paper submission
secondly instead of writing hype…
show us some actions with
actually producing candidates
how can you even consider to be the next government when you cant even find candidates to run for you?
Is this what they pay their consultants to write.
Maybe they should get a clue.
The PLPs accomplishments on Good Governance are so long, they can’t even fit on a page of paper, only Craign, who is looking for attention after being overshadowed by Richards and Dunkley would put out something so assinine.
Waste of Time
List them.
The PLP is fireshooting on so many levels it appears they simply don’t know how to solve such problems quickly. These issues are fundamentally important for basic operations and making informed decisions, in particular the audit. Slow and inappropriate government responses are KILLING International and Local Business all around us.
I am beginning to think maybe that is the whole point; KILLING International and Local Business. Payback is a bitch.
TIME FOR A CHANGE!!
Government officials declined to respond to our request for comment last night.!!! Of couse they did, they have no reasons and looking to give more excuses. It amazes me how “gem” and others can continue to defend the mistakes, behavior and wrong doings of this PLP government. I am so ashamed of them and I helped put them there. Never wud I have thought wud have seen this day. This PLP government is ruining the country and they must go! Just because we are black doesn’t mean it’s right! I’ll never vote plp again and I’m just one of many others. These are reasons why there’s so many PLP defecters! Paula you need to call an election and get this over with so we can get back to good transparent governance!
You can’t really be serious.
Please tell me how the PLP Government is Ruining the country. I’m sure you’ll back up your arguement….
Past tense….has ruined the country.
Unethical leadership, poor or no control over public money, bloated civil service, destroyed real estate market, no consumer confidence, rising crime, no tourists, unwanted expats, hostile to IB, devoid of ideas, and just plain, downright nasty.bI could go on.
Your kidding right he’s kidding right?
@He’s Kidding Right
If you don’t think running up a billion dollar debt in five short years and paying almost two hundred thousand dollars a day just to cover the interest is not ruining the country; then you need glasses and a hearing aid.
it also would be interesting to know why the OBA seemed to be so vex the other day .
all you heard from thier camp is bermudians a re lazy and unreliable…
are these not the same bermudians they are tryna hoodwink into voting for them?
they mite wanna take a page out of thier own book and try to act like we are ONE BERMUDA and talk about thier fellow countrymen with some respect
Any chance of providing a link evidencing where any OBA representative stated that Bermudians are lazy and unreliable?
In regards to your last sentence maybe you should also express that sentitment to your beloved PLP who denigrates, name-calls, and stereotypes anyone person and/or organization that does not agree with them…
Just because in your blind ways you refuse to read the white paper submission by the OBA doesn’t mean that many others did not. Only sheep such as yourself would ignore another’s POV…baaaaaaaaaaaaa
Nalton Brangman This discussion is avoiding one simple reality. What does a business do when the Bermudian comes in for one week and then quits. We are not dealing with the issue of the rooted entitlement mentality. Many Bermudians see grunt work as beneath them. The pay is low. We have not loss much business in the International Business arena but where we hurt is in Tourism and Hospitality. How do you ensure fine service under these circumstances. Simply not good.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/onebermudaalliance/
Nalton Brangman So who next will be forced to hire Bermudians regardless of their education or lack thereof? It has not worked in landscaping
Christopher M. Grimes So let me get this straight. Bermudians didn’t want these jobs before so foreign workers had to be brought in on contracts. Now things are tough here and the locals suddenly want to do this work, meaning some restaurants will close for lack of staff after Friday to interview, hire and train new people. So when the economy improves and there are higher paying jobs for locals they will all quit and once again there will be no local potwashers so the employers have to bring in foreign workers. Is this how it works? Good grief!
Bill Cook This also affects our hotel industry, all major hotels have restuarants that employ foreign labour, some hotels have several restuarants. These hotels are struggling to keep their heads above water. My guess is that all those Bermudians that want to do these jobs and are reliable workers are employed and those unemployed in some cases have good reasons for not being employed. Forcing employers to take what they can get rather than what they need is not making their businesses easy to run and most certainly in my opinion will discourage further expansion of hotels etc which we desperately need to pay off our debt
Derek L Young Altho he intention is good, Once again this government has shown they are incapable of handling the crisis we find ourselves in and which they assisted in creating.
The govt shud have waited until a particular position is filled first before they let the foreign worker go. To let every foreign worker go in those industries without having a bermudian replacement ready to do their work will just cause more of an uproar in those industries. This government is always known to put the cart before the horse because they have no business sence or no sense at all on how to handle this crisis. Like averything else they shoot from the hip and rely on guesswork hoping the plans they put in place are successful. I don’t see anyone in this government capable of managing a big company much less a country and that’s why we find ourselves in these dire straights!
BTW : more vacant apartments on the market!
Q: HOW LONG DO YOU THINK A BERMUDIAN IS GONNA LAST WASHING POTS AND CLEANING FLOORS??? A: ONE WEEK!
Bill Cook Stunning lack of knowledge by some , have you any clue just how hard it is to get an employee that has a clean record ? do know how many vacancies there were for police , prisons, fire brigade etc and almost impossible to get any with a clean record esp with drug use etc.
Bill Cook It is almost a certainty that any Bermudian worker who works in kitchens etc and is suitable is already employed . Try operating any local business needing good Bermudian workers and they are like gold dust , they are snapped up and only the leftovers that employers dont want are left. Yes thats a generalisation but talk to restuarant owners or landscapers etc . Evangelistic thinking sounds noble but is difficult to maintain in reality. The consequences are totally predictable as time will bear out.
No where in the text provided did they call anyone lazy, unreliable yes. So lets recap they are repeating what the cooks who work in the kittens are saying and the managers of the establishments are saying. Where does that prove voting back ground or membership again????????
LOL oh right (putting my PLP shades on) clear as day now gottcha
Not too sure what you were or are trying to prove with that cut and paste. Where exactly does it state that all Bermudians are lazy and unreliable?
The comments state that there are good Bermudian workers and there are bad Bermudian workers.
I worked in the hospitality interest for over a decade and I can attest to that being the case. Have you ever worked in a kitchen setting? I have and did for many years.
Most of these individuals last no longer than a week. Until you actually experience it then you shouldn’t cast doubt on others actual experiences.
And if you think that all Bermudians retain a proactive and responsible work ethic, well then clean there is nothing I can say to an ostrich like yourself…
i have read the OBA submission last week..
funningly a lot of it was mentioned before by the UBP
Funny in your previous post you stated that you haven;t even read the document…
So what parts do you disagree with and why? Or do you disagree with the whole document because it didn’t come in a green booklet?
January 18, 2012 at 8:53 am
apart from what ever they sent into the media..i dont think anyone has paid a rats behinds worth of attention to thier white paper submission
secondly instead of writing hype…
show us some actions with
actually producing candidates
how can you even consider to be the next government when you cant even find candidates to run for you?
i said no one is payin it any attention…its liek when yu have a girlfriend that whines and whines about her broken nail
you hear her load and clear
but you dont pay her no frikkin mind
Ok. I get it you supposedly read it and didn’t like/agree with the stances/proposals…
So which ones did you not agree with and why?
Were there any stances in which you believe are viable?
Sing it with me now.
“I can see clearly now the rain has gone.
I can see all the OBA in my way.
It’s gonna be a bright, bright PLP day.”
They can have background singers singing it when the PLP talk about transparency and good Governance……….
LOL
Well said “d reader” The OBA/UBP talk and call Bermudians negative names, yet are attempting and working hard to hood-wink them in to voting for them.
It is amazing that there are still so many who walk through life here in Bermuda with political blinders on. Isn’t it time that we, as a people, stood up and asked for this Government to stop playing us for fools. The speeches and media releases are well worded snow jobs. Come on, wake up Bermuda.
and the oba is not playing us for fools?
how do we trust a party that less than 8 months ago was a whole different party
how do we trust the same set of people that were part of the party holding down black people ?
just because you have changed your name and threw in a few new faces the playmakers remain the same..
cannonaire aink the one calling no shots
real talk
Please explain how any of the current OBA people held black people down?
micheal dunkley
bob richards
tevor moniz
l jackson
etc
all long time ubp correct?
where in its 40 yr history did the ubp ever fight for the small black man vs fight for the big white buisness man
So what did those individuals do to “keep down the black man?”
What laws did the PLP reverse/repeal, that those individuals implemented, since 1998 that were specifically designed to “keep the black man down?”
I hope you do realize that there are just as many original UBPers in the PLP now as there are in the PLP…
But let me guess those are the good UBPers…
Na it was the black UBPers who saw that they were being used to get the black vote. If you did that to them what would you do to me with my little vote. Now you change the name in 10 hours cause you all know that blacks in general will never vote UBP again. Also now your like were going to take care of you, trust us…please! Yea ok whatever. It’s ok since you only need, what is it 20% of the black vote to win under the OBA/UBP. Now the OBA has it’s supporters on here calling blacks sheep, blind and lord knows what else. I know it’s only noise but hey I’m not feeling the love OBA.
That is actually the first post I have called anyone a sheep…
And if you think that an individual who states that he/she has not read and does not intend to read another person’s opinion, while at the same time crticizing it somehow different than a sheep…well then there is not much more I can say…
Now if the individual in question read the other person’s opinion and actually provided a sensible rebuttal as to why they don;t agree with it…then he/she wouldn’t be a sheep….
And don’t worry not many white Bermudians have ever felt the love from the PLP…so in essence we are all the same…
dont worry about us
worry about why you dont even have 18 solid candidates as yet and you need 19 solid seats to be government
I am not worried at all…
i just like to rebut people such as yourself that spew nothing but hatred and intolerance…
The funny thing is that Cannonier made a valid point about the need for the Govt to display to the taxpayer that they are against such breaches of protocol, especially when it comes to the people’s money…
From your aviodance of teh actual topic it appears that you have no problem with such actions and that you would fully supoptrt
Now we agree on that. Stay on your side of the fence and I’ll stay on mine and stop begging the 20% of blacks to vote for you while your at it.
I beg from no man…
PATI? PATI? PATI?
Missing person alert. A lost damsel, described as pure sunlight, Pati, never yet seen in Bermuda, is still missing. If anyone knows of her whereabouts will you please call Paula at 441-GOT-MINE.
The public now suspects foul play in her disappearance.
“You have to put systems into place to ensure people in elected office behave themselves.”
Wow. PLease tell me that an adult black male in 2012 did not say this. “behave themselves” wtf is this Craig, kindergarten? Is that what they tell you in Caucus: “these lot need to behave themselves” ? My brother, “behave yourself” is what adults say to children. Demanding standards of those in elected office is one thing. Its proper and necessary. But making sure people “behave themselves” is not at all what we want in a leader. We want some people who will be bold, take risks, stand up for your rights, buck the norms……not behave themselves. What a revealing statement. Race card in play yet again and not by my hand.
How is expecting govt workers to abide by established protocols somehow a “race card?”
You are, as you always do, playing a card that is now worn out and boring…
Hey, focus. When is the last time someone told you to “behave yourself” ?! My mother doesn’t even say that to ma anymore. That use of language is instructive of the minset of adult black males of a certain age and involved in certain organizations. Fact. How could a politician, a leader of a political Party, a man who aspires to lead the country tell other adults to “behave themselves” WTF is that ?! If he says it its because he believes it as normal behaviour. No-one tells me to “behave myself”. I am a man.
Yada yada yada…
Sorry mate but you do what you do best. Instead of speaking to the very much relevant issues that Cannonier put forth (i.e. distinct lack of punishment or legal action against those whom disregarded established protocols) you manage to take a black man’s own words and somehow construe that they are racist in some form.
“Fact. How could a politician, a leader of a political Party, a man who aspires to lead the country tell other adults to “behave themselves”
Nothing that you said is a “fact” simply your opinion. Facts are events that actually happened such as the numerous breaches of financial instructions by several named civil servants and Govt ministers. Fact is that no one has yet to be punished for such actions. You know what is pitiful is the fact that Cannonier has actually got to remind such “adults” to behave and be ethical with the people’s monies.
But, you’re right, all those facts are just a distraction from the racist words spewed by a black man.
Ok. You want to dance? No problem. I quoted Cannonier from his own statement, that’s what makes it a fact. His comments are exactly the issue. He doesn’t just want rules, but he wants people to behave themselves. How do you define that? Taken to its logical ends, it could mean doing anything with which he, politically, doesn’t agree. That can’t be right. His language indicates an internal degree of subservience. Call it wrong, demand high standards, call for ethical behaviour…all good stuff. But tell people to behave themselves and you’re on a whole different level; that means you don’t want rules, you want children…..and taken with Bermuda’s history, the facts are that those who don’t behave themselves get punished. Fact.
It’s a fact he said it…
However, it is only your opinion that he said in a racial manner…that is a fact…
So other than the wording of his statement you ultimately agree that certain actions were “wrong” and the public has a right to “demand higher standards” while always “expecting ethical behavior” from elected representatives as well as civil servants?
I can dance all day…you want to two step, square dance, dutty wine?
He did not say it in a racial manner. What he said is indicative of his ingrained inferiority. Not an uncommon affliction of black men of his age and older.Its not enough for him to simply call for ethical behaviour, his psyche requires that these people come to heel and behave themselves. Just accept that it provides an insight into his character and speaks volumes about the kind of Party the OBA really is. Fact.
Well then what type of party is the PLP given all their blatant, not subliminal as you suggest Cannonier’s was, racial rhetoric, stereotyping and intolerance of any person and/or organization that dares to question or criticise their actions.
I imagine you believe that divisive approach of which I mentioned is somehow morally superior to the OBA leader expecting ethical behaviour from elected representatives and individuals whose salary are paid by the public.
I understand that recent performance cannot be commended or trotted out as some sort of example of efficient governance and a reason as to why the PLP should be voted back into power. But resorting to manipulate the truth and another’s words as means to insinuate something sinister about 1000′s of people who support a sepcific organization is not rooted in fact….just your opinion
This is fun.Your Leader can demand whatever he likes. I see nothing racial in his demands. His comments in the main are fair and politically cool. I have chosen to focus on his “behave yourself” language because its the only thing in all that he said that really speaks to his core beliefs or at least those of the Party he represents. One of these days he, you and the rest of the “1000s of people who support” the OBA will wake up and realize that the inordinate amount of time you’re spending on good governance, transparency, looking for people to be fired and the rest, resonates only with your base. You need to win this election and to do so, you need something more than the fact that you think we’re all thieves.These issues are important only to you and not to the people whose votes you need to win. Let’s just say for the sake of argument you win the “good governance” argument. Fine. Done. Why, if its as bad as you say it is, and the issue is as critical as you’re trying to make it sound, do you have no candidates, have a pitch battle going on inside for leadership and a full ground war over philosophy between the core UBP and the rose coloured glasses brigade that was the BDA? Why? because hate is not a unifier. Causes, vision, ideas, are. That’s for free.
“inordinate amount of time you’re spending on good governance, transparency”
You know what isn’t fun the fact that you and others expecting the above are somewhat stupid for demanding from a democratic government.
No one said you or teh PLP are nothing but thieves. But there have been some down right “unethcial” transactions whcih have occurred in recent times with no form of punishment or legal recourse sought against the perpetrators.
The fact that you have failed to address these situations and instead criticized people that expect a higher standard of governance, transparency etc. and rather “focus” on someones wording says alot more about you then it does about anyone else.
And stop saying me and you regarding the inner workings of any Opposition party. I have never been to any meetings and never have been a member of any of these organizations.
But hey that hasn’t stopped you or yours from placing any oppostion voices into some stereotype…
Actually what say you about this:
‘Well then what type of party is the PLP given all their blatant, not subliminal as you suggest Cannonier’s was, racial rhetoric, stereotyping and intolerance of any person and/or organization that dares to question or criticise their actions.’
I mean since you can generalize a whole organization based on several, non-racial words of the leader of the Opposition, you must admit that now you can understand why so many people view them as nothing but an intolerant and hate filled organization.
Of course not…double standards always prevail….
Apologies for the “inordinate” amount of grammar mistakes i nmy postes…
But being Bermudian we should only expect mediocrity from our people…and thus there should be no complaints
I was waiting for this reply….. I agree w/ HMMMMMMMM about it being disrespectful (ie not spoken in a professional manner). To answer Tired whom I sometimes agree w/ it can be taken that way by people sensitive to racial statements as “boy” was used as a common degradation of Black males back in the day (Slave days and for some time after you see it often used in movies/books about such subject matter). For Craig to be using such language to others in light of his “Blackness” is insulting helps the idea the PLP are constantly pushing in their PR pieces i.e. Craig is a puppet for the OBA with all the negative White connotations. Simple really, it’s a play on poorly chosen words which in force distrust and helps generate votes………..
LOL
Opinions vary…none are wrong and none are right…
Playing the victim regarding this subject and turing into a racial argument simply delfects from the point at hand (i.e. unethical/illegal actions by indviduals commissioned with protecting the taxpayer).
Negative white connotations? You really could’ve have simply stated “white connotations.” For everyone knows that there is nothing positive about white anything anyways.
All of Bermuda knows, and reinforced by the PLP, that the word white in and of itself is solely a negative connotation.
Even I have learnt that from days of living in this hate filled piece of rock…
The Gasman and The Milkman making big cash money off their liquid gold.
The Bermuda Elite trying to take the politrick power away from the other Bermuda Elite just to run more politricks and keep the have not worker bees working for pathetic wages while they, the Bermuda Haves, live in the lap of luxury.
So the current status quo then……………
LOL
You PLP blinders make me laff. Thanks to those who have assisted me here in showing how the PLP is ruining or has ruined Bermuda! Those guys are so blind to ask such silly questions like – How! So to all the blinders I’ll add to the list show how imcompetant they are. Just about every new law or process PLP has put into effect has been overturned because “it was not completely thought thru”‘ just yesterday with Patrice Minors. How this lady holds a ministry is beyond me! Look at the laws from Lt Col Burch that are now been looked at because they hurt the country. Look how many small businesses have closed because of bad governance (small businesses like truckers, taxis etc) we can’t even get excess to the auditors generals report cus that’s being blocked by PLP cus they don’t want it to get out there all the issues that have taken place! You call this good governance? What about how IB has been made to feel unfriendly? Poor bermuda and its people are taken a beating! Dont talk about slave masters when your own people are doing worse! You blinders are crazy! If this is good taken each item that I’ve mentioned and give justification! This government is useless or shud I say goverment!
OBA = UBP same sh^T different day. Craig I can’t wait for these clowns to hang you out to dry for failing to win their election. Remember we told you so.
Mrs. Cox better watch her back as well then as if she loses the election she will be sent down the garden path almost as quick as she will be if she actually wins it. Don’t believe me well just ask Dame Jennifer and to a point Mr. A. Scott, the wolves are circling. S.S.D.D.
I find it funny that these blogs are the only place where blacks and whites in Bermuda have open dialogue on politics.
Imagine how many people would be “Crossing the Isles” to deal with the opposition to their view to burrow Dr.B’s speech in the house…………..
LOL
I think you meant to say “Crossing the aisle”…
Whatever Truth…. You’ll like to have him. But hes too honest to even think it!
Sure we’ll take him like we took the blacks that left the OBA/UBP. That’s the truth!
Its funny how this government is slow to put these kind of legislation into action, but when it comes to customs duty increases, more fines to the public etc, they put that sh-t in force like yesterday!!
so before mr C comes and talks about
“BACKING WORDS WITH ACTION”
it would help if he addresses the blatant disrespect shown to all black people on OBA page
Please evidence this “blatant disrespect to all black people…”
did i not give you your link to your own page?
i guess calling bermudians unreliable and lazy
“quit within a week”
is not disrespect
No its not…it is the absoulte truth…something you PLPers constantly state that you are speaking, but aviod like the plague when the truth is against your beliefs…
Again have you worked in the industry? If not, how can you dismiss others actual experiences…I did for many years and let me tell that is the case for most…Many take the job as a form of interim income until better opportunities come along…who can blame them as the pay is low for such positions…
I have seen many quit within a week and sometimes less…it is not a glamorous job to say the least and many can’t handle the shift work or long hours…
And by the way despite your belief the term Bermudians cover both white and black locals…
So only Blacks are unemployed now maybe you should address your disrespect to those who are not black an unemployed.
LOL
Obviously d reader get a “d” for has cut and paste from the OBA Facebook page! Pls note d reader the oba fb page is open to all posters oba upb or plp. We do not descrimate and remove remarks from our fb page if someone does not agree with our concerns or policies… Unlike the plp who deletes remarks from non members or anyone hat does not agree with their policies…we are open to scrutiny and look forward to discussing issues with anyone no matter what the subject Again your posting shows how silly you really are!
open to all who are team players
i note you tend to shy away from the comments posted on there re bermudian work ethics
‘team players’
d readers view of democracy:
Anyone who parrots the official line without using their own judgement and thought process…all dissenters and their opinions will be delted and duly ignored…
Try operating any local business needing good Bermudian workers and they are like gold dust , they are snapped up and only the leftovers that employers dont want are left. Yes thats a generalisation but talk to restuarant owners or landscapers etc
so oba members/supporters
when will we actually be seeing the rest of your candidates
i mean like if an election was called in 2 weeks
how could you even expect to run a campaign without 36 candidates?
You’ll see the rest of the OBA candidates when the plp reveal the rest of THEIR candidates. The OBA are holding their cards close to their chest. Surely you can understand that.
d reader ain’t got a clue – don’t answer him!
Mate I have more than jus a clue..just unfortunately for OBA have too much of a clue..wanna venture a guess what I know as facts?
And if it appeases your minds
I do belive much more accountablity is needed on the part of all stake holders
Much of what was spoken of in sed “white paper” I agree with
The diversion of philosophies is fundamentaly this
How can persons who have personally and politically seperated themselves from the masses..
The persons writing these manifestos of “equality”, are they not the same persons who do not socialise nor merge with the community @ large?
So in typical political doublespeak
They and their minions attempt to portray that 40 yrs later they are concerned about the well being of the small guy
Now suddenly expect the masses to take heed to anything they say?
Explain to me what you think would happen if the OBA ever got into power? What would they do to you?
Would they put “schackles around your ankles?”
Will they “put you back onto the plantation?”
Will they “lock us all up?”
What exactly do you believe will happen to black Bermudians if the PLP did not retain power?
Lastly, do you think that black Bermudians are better off now under the PLP, worse or about the same as 1998? If you say better than please list the laws which were repealed since 1998 that were, as you put it, “keeping the black man down”
Man all this fear mongering on what might happen sounds very Tea Partyesque to me (i.e. a black man in charge of the USA will result in this, that and the other…)
The only scare mongering is coming from OBA
I ersonally do not agree with
“Plantation” or “shackles” type emotives
“The this is the worst winter in 70 yrs.” OBA
“Unless you vote them out the country will sink and be ruined”
OBA
Who is scaremongering?
What will the OBA do to me?
Nothing more than the UBP has done to my family
Personally there are people within the plp who need to step asap
And there are people within the oba who should be in positions of influence of government structures
So don’t confuse my opinions of the realities I live with blind obedience to any political demigods
The reality for all/any persons is they gravitate to persons of similar intrests
The bottom line is the intrests of those within the OBA are not the intrest of the majority
“Nothing more than the UBP has done to my family’ – which would be?
“The bottom line is the intrests of those within the OBA are not the intrest of the majority” – please elaborate on your assumption(s)
And it can’t be fear mongering if it has actually happened (i.e. serious deteoriation of BDA’s financial position). As my friend Hmmmmm would state that is a “fact.”
Do you believe the “fact” that 75% of Govt revenues is spent on civil service wages and debt servicing to be in the best interests of the majority? And why does a country of no more than 65,000 need a civil service of more than 6,000 employees? It is not like the Govt departments have become more efficient. i mean look at Minister Minors referring to a massive “internal backlog” of work permit applications regarding the so called “kitchen porter” controversy? I called M&P last week Friday and was told I would be called back Monday. I haven’t heard a word from them and no one has been bothered to answer the phone the numerous times I have called since Monday. So yeah the civil service is bloated (i.e. big and still inefficient).
Whilst I agree that layoffs and redundancies are not practical at this point in time, you have to admit that we wouldn’t be in this position if it had not been “bloated” so severely over the last few years. So this is solely of the Govt’s making and no one elses fault…
pork barrell politics of that nature never end well…not for the govt employees nor the public as a whole who pays their salaries…
Why does a country of 65,000 need a police force of almost 500 ? nowehere else in the world has such a ratio but to listen to the OBA that’s not enough. Its the same issue…..we demand more and more and more and more means more people; it shouldn’t but around here it seems to. I agree fully that standards and accountability need to be improved within the civil service BUT when your cousin (for example) is among those fired for incomptence or lack of performance, will you do what is usually done around here and march, kick scream or otherwise? That’s why no-one gets fired.
And this is where we agree fully…
As you posted last week, the outrageous wages being paid can be attributed solely to the “warped negotiations” between the Govt and the Unions and how the Govt caves in to whatever Union “shouts the loudest…”
We might disagree on the majority of topics, but I am not afraid to admit when one is right. And you sir are right on point regarding this issue.
you all sound like a bunch of fans for a team that cannot even field 11 players
you sit down and nit pick the team that has the trophy
yet when it comes to match time..you will be there with 5 players
line up your players before you think about coming to the table..
until then sit back and play your role
which i do admit you are doing well
That’s the problem with your mindset…
Instead of being so worried about the political “teams” and your so called “trophy” (i.e power) that Bermuda as a whole has taken a back seat…
Party before country…all the way
Listen firstly I have no hate for OBA
What I do hate is persons attempting to fool the populace into thinking they actually give a damn about the small guy
I have used no racially demeaning terms now have I
Yet when I clearly show “dispariging remarks” on the OBA page I am labelled as a sheep
When I point out the OBA does not even have enough candidates to run in the election I am labbeled as..
I give credit where credit is due
You are a much more effective opposition than you were 1 year ago
Yet the reality is you cannot win any election in bermuda unless you appeal to the black electorate who have for all intents and purposes ,supported the plp time and time again
So if you believe it is good marketing to call these persons
Blind
Sheep
Haters
Lazy
Unreliable
Then feel free to do so
Until you all learn to appeal to what the electorate truly wish to see happen
Then to borrow a term from the pasture
“You will be bleating in the wind”
Black people are really not interested in hearing the same old rhetoric
“Curruption”
“Bloated civil service”
Every 5minutes
Do the maths 6000+ work in the civil service
Which has a trickle down effect of
12000-20000 persons (spouse /children) voters
Who are fed clothed and educated by someone who is a civil servant
Now ask yourselves
Do you really need to be pissing them off?
So you are saying black people don’t care about corruption or the fact that the bloated civil service devours 60% of Govt revenues while another 15% is dedicated solely to our debt servicing requirements? That leaves 255 for annual departmental budgets as well as the cuts enacted on many social programs that were supposedly for the “people.”
The black people I work with all agree that those figures alone are unsustainable and at some point need to be decreased…
Don’t you find it a little ironic that the Govt keeps on bleating about doing more with less, while cutting the budgets of admirable programs such as Mirrors as well as charities and police etc? This is all while at the same time the same people who conducted these cuts gave the electorate a resounding no when it was suggested that the MPs and Senators should take a pay cut as a form of leading by example…
And you have yet to display any racist and/or disparaging remarks about Bermudians, specifially black Bermudians, on the OBA page. I don’t have facebook so I am simply going off your cut and paste. And as of now I have yet to see any disparaging or racial remarks that you would like many to belive had been made.
But I get it…when in doubt just make it racial..even if such accusations are based on manipulation of the truth…
i said the black electorate that the OBA needs to vote for them are tired of the same retoric
which one of those 6000 civil servants and or thier dependats or spouses will be voting OBA
do the maths mate
@ Tired of the Nonsense….Stop singing Mr Richard’s song and think for yourself, he is not always politically correct.
You gotta a lot of nerve accusing anyone of singing someone else’s song…
She is the cut and paste specialist isn’t she…………….
LOL
As for the team comparitives
Its called SATIRE
Name your candidates Craig!
Your 36 supposed candidates!
d-reader, it’s platinum not saffire……………………
Trolls………..
Juzz kaul de freeking eraction………………
And the score is… d-reader: 0 – Tired of nonsense: 10. Well done ToN.
And the score is d-reader: 10- Tired of nonsense:0 Well done d-reader
I have to laugh at Tired of nonsense. What a beat down he’s getting!!!lol
See how easy it is to post such silliness? Anyone can post their opinion on what somebody else posted, it doesn’t mean everybody shares their view. I feel d-reader has made great points and agree with most of what he has said. You guys really get a kick out of hyping each other up and patting your own backs. Smh
I have to laugh at d reader. What a beatdown he’s getting lol!!
FYI the OBA will be rolling out 36 candidates. Rollouts to continue next week!
roll em out we eagerly anticipate
I can guarantee the OBA will not roll out 36 candidates. 35 maybe, but NOT 36!
Mark my words.
Voice of reason – you don’t know what your talking about so keep quiet
There are many men and women of principle in both party’s,but there is no party of principle
The silent leader now speaks! Or is he still in “Kindergarten Class” learning politics or have they graduated Mr. Cannonier to “Preschool?” Or is the political advisor safeguarding his speech by writing them in advance? Or are the real strings being pulled by Mr. Dunkley or Mr. Richards, who called him a “Colt”. Caution there young Colt!! Well, if he is in Preschool he still has a great deal to learn. But more and more he is looking fairly shaky and unsure of where he is actually position. Looks like he is in way over his head, and is asking himself what the hell did I get myself twisted into? As a result he continues to do a “Flip Flop”…..Flop…Flop.
The term “Flip Flop” applies more to Mr. Cannonier than the PLP. He has moved from at least two political parties within one year. “I am more PLP than UBP”, was his words. He is tripping over his own words, somewhat like Richards often does. The OBA/UBP continues to engage in dishonest dialogue as if they think the average Bermudian is buying the spin. After all in his reply to the Throne Speech, he indicated that he wanted to work in a more collaborative fashion to support initiatives, such as this, yet he is now knocking down such good policies and laws….this is surely a Flip Flop reaction by Mr. Cannonier. What real actions have the OBA/UBP provided, except crybaby attempts to cry down every thing the government has done? Same old form of debate that the UBP presented, so no change there. Come back to the party you said your more apart of than the UBP !
Why did the OBA/UBP suddenly stop rolling out candidates? This sends a big message to the public, that OBA/UBP either have a lack of quality candidates or none at all. Or maybe, most of the persons willing to run look like the old UBP baggage. Keep busy attempting to romance and hood-wink quality candidates to run for the old UBP/OBA. But, to attract only black candidates will suggest your are seeking just to gain the black swing vote, for political gain only,and not for the coming together of the races.
ditto and amen