Cannonier: “Major Threat To Our Way Of Life”
This “new wave of extreme violence” is a major threat to our way of life, Opposition Leader Craig Cannonier said following the recent spree of armed robberies and home invasions.
Mr Cannonier said, “I want to express our serious concerns about the new and extreme violence that is shaking Bermuda today, where families now fear their homes may be invaded by gun-carrying criminals. I do so because people need to know their political representatives share their concerns and understand their fears.
“There have been three home invasions in recent weeks, with some horrendous acts being committed on householders; some in the presence of children. The image of a small boy telling his mother he doesn’t want to die, as the home is raided by hooded men, is all you need to know about how far off course this island has veered.
“We know these events are deeply traumatic for the people affected – our sympathies go out to them. They are also deeply worrying for the rest of us. Most of us are making doubly sure at night, and even during the day, that we keep our homes locked for fear we could be next.
“This new wave of extreme violence is a major threat to our way of life. We are losing peace of mind, and we are watching our island lose qualities that set us apart from the rest of the world. Everyone should keep in mind that these crimes, coming in the wake of a three-year shooting spree by gangs, pose an immediate and lethal threat to our economy.
“Our customers, whether they are international business people or tourism visitors, do not come to Bermuda to be part of a crime scene. What can we do?
“The first thing we can do is to admit we have a serious problem, with growing numbers of men and women, mostly young, who are deeply alienated from society, and for whom the norms of civilized behaviour are falling away. There are complex reasons for this development, but we know many are the victims an education system that has failed them and that they are on the wrong side of an economy that has fewer and fewer jobs to offer them.
“Unfortunately for Bermuda, the Government, with all the resources at its disposal to make a difference, shows no sense of urgency or commitment to getting to grips with the situation.
“Instead we’ve seen ministers in recent weeks complain when crime stories appear on the front page of the newspaper and the PLP trumpeting Police statistics showing an overall decline in crime.
“You cannot solve a problem if you are in denial.
“Bermuda needs a government focused on the people; that will do what is necessary to develop and maintain conditions that keep people on the right path. The Government has not done that. These house invasions – the daylight stabbing at Devonshire Bay – are just one more thing that says Bermuda needs change more than ever.
“I want the people of Bermuda to know that the One Bermuda Alliance will not drop the ball on public safety. The safety and security of your neighbourhoods and your homes is our priority.
• We will make sure Police have everything they need to get the job done.
• We will urge the toughest possible sentences for those convicted. Bermuda must send the strongest signal that perpetrators of extreme crime will not be tolerated.
• We will get this economy working again. People need jobs. That’s the best social programme we know, and it’s needed now more than anything.”
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Category: All, Crime, Politics
Bring Back Capital and Corporal Punishment!!!
Do you support independence for Bermuda? Becuase if you don’t this cannot happen as a colony of the UK cannot have capital/corporal punishment.
But yes, lets lock up, beat, and kill criminals (mostly becuase they are all black)… Do we ever grow up?
Ummm….what difference does the colour of their skin make? Would there be any difference if the thugs were white? A home invasion is a home invasion to me.
Using the stocks for punishment sound fine by me. Let everyone see who the scum are. Stoning seems a bit harsh. Rotten produce sunds fine though.
THIS IS NOT A CARNIVAL….throwing rotten produce …how pathetic you all have become …those stocks were put there for a reason not amusement…use them as they were designed and intended….When these viruses put a GUN TO YOUR HEAD!! …it is NOT A WATER PISTOL!!….humiliation is to let the VICTIMS CUT THEIR COLLECTIVE A$$ES…according to the severity of their behaviour.
F#@K’UM THEY ARE CRIMINALS…
Such measures are in many caribbean islands and it has done absolutely nothing to prevent crime or act as a deterrent.
Not denying what you say Wee, but punishments arent just for prevention/correction.
Sad as it is, but part of sentences is just to keep the public physically away and safe from certain people..
Wow Craig, wonderful move, politcise this latest tragic incident, which those in the know (clearly not you) understand this wasn’t a RANDOM attack.
Throw the police under the bus, that’ll earn you votes.
This clown needs to get off of stage quickly!
Really?
I didn’t know it was not random – guess like Craig, I’m not in the know.
Kindly enlighten us, oh great and wise one in-the-know……
And, if you’re going to claim it’s gang or drug related, please confirm how you know this or are you simply guessing, which is more likely IMHO.
Like Craig, no you aren’t!
Maybe you should be held accountable by the law as you are aiding and abetting these criminals by not saying what you know…….
If you not part of the solution you are part of the problem! Also you are doing exactly what you accuse Craig of doing which in my book makes it worse shame on you to try to score counter political points to an already bad situation…
LOL that’s politics for you and party supporters.
Get his IP and kick his door down, lets start today.
sorry …dont see the relevence to bda violence problem ….
As a follow up, because this is most amusing…
“I want the people of Bermuda to know that the One Bermuda Alliance will not drop the ball on public safety. The safety and security of your neighbourhoods and your homes is our priority.”
So Craig, what will you do differntly?? Oh yeah thats right, you don’t take a position on anything!
We will make sure Police have everything they need to get the job done.
• We will urge the toughest possible sentences for those convicted. Bermuda must send the strongest signal that perpetrators of extreme crime will not be tolerated.
• We will get this economy working again. People need jobs. That’s the best social programme we know, and it’s needed now more than anything.”
Can’t you read?
Mostly, THEY WILL NOT BE SOFT ON CRIME, which is what your lot has been – which caused all this. If you’re going to blindly defend them on their appaling record, at least TRY to put something forward that’s not pure nonsense.
I said differently…
1) Police get everything they ask for, and have gone over budget for 5 straight years and still get the money they ask for so thay have that now. Plus the gov passed strong, in some cases draconian laws to assist the police.
2) Govt has hiked sentences on many crimes. Apparently Craig is unaware that the legislature cannot control the judiciary, its this thing called independence of the judiciary and judicial discretion.
3) Oh that said a whole lot differnt.
I find it hugely amusing that a government that has passed legislation that has cut back on civil rights, increased penalties, has overseen the conviction of a slew of people on murder and attempted murder, allowed asset seizures without conviction, igonored pleas for decriminilisation and has been the prison population grow can be considered soft on crime. But believe that if you wish.
The Govt has given the police what they’ve asked for, what we need is for politicians to back the police and NOT take potshots at them.
@ we like on spelling, that was
What the police need is a freer hand in the issue of gangs/gang related crimes/thugs and the like. Let the Reserve Police take on the speeders/shoplifters,otherwise known as light crime.
Remember Loyal Hill – don’t need stocks for that – come on/in/around and you will get all the cut a$$rses never given you by anybody else in your family/neighborhood. Communities let’s stand together!!
Before you bash the NEW LEADER, THIS VERY NEXT ELECTION, learn to spell. it’s differently. Idiot, a$$hole.
I was talking with some one and they informed me that the talk on the street is that drug dealing is geting old …too many people trying to hussle drugs so the new trend is home invasion and robbery, we need to come together and stop bull sh!tt!ng about this problem and lets fix it b 4 it gets even worst..lets face this problem b4 the wheather gets warmer,
Well said, Craig!
No doubt the blinkered brigade will be screeching in defence of the PLP’s awful record on this matter – as they do on all and every failure.
Here’s a question for them:
If the PLP had outsourced “national security” in 1998, would they be considering firing the outfit that was hired on the basis of failing performance?
National Security has been outsourced since………. 1968, its in the constitution, and is controlled by, guess who. The GOVERNOR!
Thankfully not in the hands of someone who may or may not have some bias whether it be personal, political or just good old fashioned strong-arming by the criminals in charge. In fact I would be in favour of outsourcing even more of our police, juries and judicial system. That way you can ship them in and out, they aren’t “related to someone who is related to the accused” and real criminals get put away for the right reasons and the system spends less time “looking over their shoulder”.
Can’t say that I’m overly sad that national security hasn’t been put in control of local government.
Can you imagine ministers incharge of it when their kids are the ones being investigated. FACT .
LOL
In my opinion there are several factors at play here and policing and harsh sentences are not really going to solve the issue. We need a proper rehabilitation system for our young offenders, one that does not necessarily criminalize them at a young age. A collaborated effort with the regiment that instills discipline could be an answer. At the same time these kids have no guidance in life other than gang leaders. Clearly the spat of robberies are for economic gain, these youths have guns. Guns and bullets in Bermuda cost a lot of money to obtain. When the police sting large amounts of narcotics, specifically weed. These guys loose $$$ tied up in the product. When you hit at their investment they will rob houses to try and recoup some of the financial loss. The result is that the law abiding community suffer. Walking into someone’s house with a gun and taking what they have is probably easier than juggling bags of weed when the man is busting left right and center.
Bermudians smoke marijuana and the demand is high. The supply is limited and the competition is fierce. The prices are high (no pun intended)! Anywhere in the world, people will rob and kill for high financial gain.
It is a loosing battle to think you can lock them all up and take all the weed off the streets. How many years has society been trying to do that to no avail. Someone new, somewhere and somehow will step up and meet the demand when you take someone else out of the game.
If marijuana was legal and controlled on this Island we would have half the gang problems and robberies if any at all. Other narcotics are a tiny fraction of the market when compared to weed. Just look at the statistics from recent drug busts. The weights and values of the weed taken are far grater than the other narcotics.
I totally agree, if it hasnt worked for the past 30 years this war on drugs, lets take a different approach and see how that works out. Common sense
You also can’t legalize it living in a jurisdiction next door to a country that has spent the last 20-30 years demonizing the effects of all forms of illegal drugs. Goodbye CBP pre-clearance, hello extensive searches and long lineups for Bermuda residents who travel to the US.
Ya legalizing it will bring us LOTS of prosperity.
Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
Not true because in Netherlands Cannabis is illegal but still decriminalized & tolerated under certain stipulations. America cant say jack to Netherlands because they still abide by prohibition & at the same time allow use which has thrown America, Germany, Belgium & France for a loop. They have no clue what to do about Netherlands playing by the rules while not playing by the rules at the same time so all they can do is complain like a bunch of whiney children.
Here’s the problem in nutshell……give them what they want!
It started with allowing blacked-out car windows, larger cars, lighter sentences, less policing, on and on.
Singapore’s solved it!
It isn’t what they want. If weed were legal and controlled they would not make any money out of it!
Singapore’s didn’t solved it! If they did the amount of people sentence to canning would not be going up in the thousands yearly. They are not just deciding to cane more people more people are committing crimes under Singapore law that have canning as a punishment. Google lowest crime rate in the world & you will see that Singapore is not on the list.
Legalising marijuana is not a solution to the problems. Curbing use is the solution. If you do marijuana, you should open your doors at night and invite these armed men in. You are as bad as they are and YOU are contributing to the problem in Bermuda!
If you drink alcohol then you are contributing to road deaths and domestic abuse, anti-social behavior and health risks. If no one did alcohol then it would not be available for sale because there would be no demand for it.
Out of interest, what is your solution?
Kathy thinks they should beat addicts with a rattan like they do in singapore. Maybe we should also beat hiv infected patients who got the disease from unprotected sex also because its not bad enough they have a debilitating disease.
When in the last 30 years in any developed society has there been evidence of a curb in drug usage, despite the education and the busts and the harsh penalties? Assuming that some how that the human race will just stop using substances of any kind just because you tell them to is plain ignorant.
@Bermyman
Please read this article
[ http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=portugal-drug-decriminalization ]
And this one
[ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ethan-nadelmann/legalization-debate-takes_b_1337053.html ]
Ride
Both good articles thanks for the links.
I feel that the problem with the individuals that are committing these acts is that they lack positive motivation. Marijuana is a drug that makes this even worse; it limits motivation. I would bet that most of these offenders are using Marijuana, and some of them are definitely using other drugs to numb their conscience enough to commit these types of heinous crimes.
You can get a great education and job in Bermuda, but it takes individual effort to reach out and grab the opportunities around us. I suppose it appears easier to steal money than to actually get up every morning and go to work… Easier to do an evening home invasion than to take night classes at the Bermuda College.
At some point in these offenders lives it became more desirable to take advantage of the people of Bermuda, than to take advantage of the opportunities available for people in Bermuda.
Well said. I am for the legalisation of marijuana, only becuase i think the prohibition doesn’t lead to what must really happen and that is the necessary reduction of marijuana abuse.
I never thought of a point you raised. “using drugs to numb their conscience”.
WOW! Ronald Reagan would have loved you when he was president.
Do you think President Obama’s conscience has been numbed from cannabis. Go ahead & tell me Obama never smoked so I can through his admitting to it up on here. President Obama has been the only president who has agreed to send troops over to Africa to stop the warlords atrocities. Now does that sound like someone with a lowered conscience? What do the warlords do to make children kill others without any conscience? Do they make them smoke a spliff? NO! They make a cut in their arm & poor COCAINE into them. Cocaine is what these thugs are using in Bermuda to lower their conscience not weed.
Also another little fact for you. Alcohol numbs peoples conscience more than the cannabis could ever do. Thats why there are more accidents, domestic crimes, std infections & violent acts committed. Alcohol is a depressant not cannabis & a shot of alcohol stops your liver from working for an hour. When a liver stops working for more than an hour from multiple shots the person body goes into hyperglycemic shock hence the way a person acts when they are drunk.
Tommy, the original quoute said… ” and some of them are definitely using other drugs to numb their conscience enough to commit these types of heinous crimes.”
I think we’re all in agreement here. Sorry i left out other.. Ronald Reagan… OUCH.
My comment was directed more to the emphasis of “Marijuana is a drug that makes this even worse; it limits motivation. I would bet that most of these offenders are using Marijuana” in the original quote. It kinda reminded me of Reagan’s speech about scientifically proven that one joint equaled the blast of an atomic bomb.
There are three types of cannabis & the poster should do their research on the effects because all are different. Users should also do their research because black market drug dealers have no idea what their selling them. Best advise for a user is to abstain in Bermuda & take trips to places like Netherlands where they have educated & legal dealers who by law have to educate the costumer about their purchase. If there is even one negative incidence in these Netherland’s businesses or even underage patrons the police shut them down permanently. I wonder how Bermudian bars would do with this type of negative incidence law?
you have a lot of great points but when it comes to the use and legalization of everybody and their mother has opinions on the effect it will have on society. I say we look at other developed counties such as the united sates in particular states that have legalized it and see how it effected crime in those areas. Numbers are unbiased and will allow us to make an educated decision.
(on a side note I always find it funny that people that dont use the drug have a million opinions on the drug and how it effects people. I know quite a few people who use the drug and must say they are far less likely to cause harm or trouble then someone whom is drunk)
There are no states in America that have legalized use of Cannabis except for doctor prescribed medical purposes. There are many that have decriminalized it which is different. Decriminalization is like a traffic offense its illegal to speed but if your caught up to a certain excess speed you will not be imprisoned instead you will be fined. Same with decriminalization of Cannabis its still illegal but a certain amount will get you a fine if you go over that its off to prison. New York did this & look how low the crime rate is now. Its sad to say but I’ve come to the realization that our crime rate has become higher than New York’s present rate. Who would have ever thought this would be true.
dont look to usa for anything …..soon to be THE third world country…you all need to pay attention ….things are slipping right by you while you are preoccupied with petty matters …you all are gonna be blindsided …whew!
Legalize it and TAX it. The taxes will generate money for the govt, lessening the massive debt we have, create JOBS, reduce crime, along with allowing police officers to focus on VIOLENT offenders more. Lets face it anyway… folks do it and are going to do it whether its legal are not
Hold that thought for a minute. Understand the elements we have out there. Do you believe if they cannot afford drugs now (yes weed included), by legalizing it the robberies will stop? This is insane thinking to the fullest. Weed is illegal…. End of story!!!! Every-one supporting legalization believes this will result in fewer robberies, less murders and less ruined lives. Give me a break. I have nothing against any of my friends who smoke weed. Most are man enough to partake in private, giving respect to others around them. Why do most of our youth (and some older cats), think it’s OK to smoke in public? Just because they think it should be legal? I smoke cigarettes now and than and think sitting at my club bar with a cigarette should be legal; I don’t sit there and do it. I was told one night at a session being held at my club to take the cigarette I still had in my hand out-side (a paid bartender who was not a regular). I laughed at him and said are you having sinus issues tonight? The club stunk of weed, and he was worrying about a cigarette being held indoors (not even smoken).
Same evening I asked a youngster why he even smokes weed? He tells me because it allows him to feel better about himself and cope with life?
Sounds a lot like what an alcoholic would say right?
Butt hey…. A little weed won’t hurt!!!!!
I’m tired of online arguing with people like you with an opinion but nothing to back it up. I will save myself from carpal tunnel syndrome & post the FACTUAL stats that go against your scenario. If it doesn’t sink in after you have a look than your disease is too far gone.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Drug_danger_and_dependence.png
Wait, had to check if I got the reply thing right and indeed you was referring to me as “people like you with nothing to back it up.”
Firstly my objection to legalizing weed was not by objection to just say I do not like it. I have seen this gateway drug do so much damage to individuals in my life, I DON’T NEED A BAR GRAPH SHOWING ME IT IS LESS ADDICTIVE AND TO CAUSE LESS DEPENDANCY THAN COFFEE….. Really, “does not sink in after you have a look at this, than your disease is too far gone.” I believe from the name you use, that maybe it is your disease that is too far gone.
Secondly, I am not here to argue the affects it has on some, as it may have on others; as I have the common sense to recognize even alcohol does not have the same affect on every-one. Doesn’t make it right.
My point was any mind altering drug (and yes alcohol included, which is not really a drug) should not just be legalized for the fact of every-one does it and a bar graph says it is not as addictive.
While I usually read with interest and respect your opinions, I see politics aside; don’t cross you on your opinion on weed. You sound a bit self serving on this one which is totally on you. I did not comment in hopes of starting a debate on legalization, which you grabbed hook line and sinker.
Find some-one else to debate on that topic.
I’m not debating on legalization because I don’t believe cannabis or any other drug should be legalized. Decriminalization & intelligent control methods should be as for as it should go on all drugs. You judge me on my screen name but have no idea who Tommy Chong is besides a character on a 80′s comedy. I base my name on the real person who stands as an activist against the mistreatment of others through prejudice. This is where my debate with you stems from your prejudice & it’s plain to see when you typed that cannabis is a gateway drug. Gateway to what? Cocaine? Heroine? If you really looked at the graph that I might add is from scientific studies you would see these other drugs do not have the same makeup so it cannot gateway other drugs. Why not state that alcohol is a gateway drug since I’m sure all hard drug addicts tried alcohol at the same time they tried weed. Oh yes I almost forgot you are under the impression alcohol is not a drug. Do you think you are more learned & intelligent than all the scientist in the world who have all unanimously agreed that alcohol IS A DRUG. This is why the problem arrises that make it seem like Cannabis is a gateway when non educated opinions are taught to children who will someday learn are not facts. Once they try weed which isn’t as bad as they were taught it was it leads them open to distrust of all the other true teachings about other drugs. So now they don’t trust their parents but trust their peers who have no idea what the whole truth is either. This is why I DON’T WAN’T cannabis legalized as I DON’T WANT kids to be able to get into it before they are old enough to understand. I want it decriminalized & real education on it & all other drugs including alcohol which the laws for are too lose in Bermuda. The disease I mention that I think you have is reefer madness that is a disorder taught to us as kids by uneducated adults. My parents had reefer madness which in a way saved me from getting into weed at a young age in fear of a serious cut tail but at the same time did not educate me. Without this education I almost thought all illegal drugs were the same when I went to college & tried weed then I was offered extacy by someone who told me it was the same. Luckily in the party one of my friends knocked it out of my hand. The next day I was dragged to a cannabis culture shop where I was piled up with so many pamphlets & reading material about the truth of all drugs the plastic bag I put them in almost ripped. This is why I mention people like you not to condescend but to show that all of us need to learn about what causes the problems we see & not just judge.
Ok, you got me I’ll debate this to a limit. It is encouraging to read your opinions on the differences in legalization opposed to decimalization. As stated I have many friends I hang out with and YES, it bothers me to think that their own personal use (if caught) can result in life altering repercussions. On your screen name; point taken, however the jury remains out on weed being a gateway drug. There are strong cases for this opinion as there are against it. The same scientific studies you referrer to; over the years the case has been made to rubbish the idea, however the idea still hold water. Your question as a gateway to what? Simple, any-thing you have access to give you a greater high. I’m sure you have heard weed smokers talking about that one great high. This is because after time, that is what you end up chasing with weed. The inability to satisfy yourself leads to other methods.
Yes, there are weed smokers out there that would not knowingly try any other drug but weed, and there are other drug users who in their attempt to kick more deadly drugs, revert back to weed (reverse gateway). See from my point where I place weed. As innocent as it appears, like alcohol it has its horror stories.
My point on alcohol not being a drug actually should have read like weed being a plant and not really a drug, the same as the manufacturing of alcohol in a sense, not being a drug. This did not lower the affect I saw alcohol as having. How many debates went on back during prohibition of the same issue?
Reefer madness; as you refer to it as a disease parents back in the day had. I think this is just maturity and wisdom to know better from being there and seeing what can happen. How lucky you where, and are, to have a friend to knock drugs from your hand.
I know of one in particular who was not so lucky. The progress was made from weed (which yes) went hand in hand with alcohol. A little ecstasy and finally heroin. I say finally, as we buried her at the ripe age of 30. Left behind a child to be raised to hopefully not go down the same path. When you refer to it your way, live through it from others views. It’s not madness, its knowing. I will agree, proper education goes a long way, but you have to up the level to a fanatic; opposing legalization or decriminalization of any mind altering substance. When you have been there and witnessed it, you want every law out there put in place to deter the youth from getting caught up.
Thank-you for your views.
One of my relatives is an addict & every time I see them alive its a good day. I grow up with this person & know how they got to this stage. They smoked weed & drank but it wasn’t the reason they turned to other drugs. It was the company they started hanging around that introduced them to the hard stuff. Even one try can get someone hooked so there’s no need for a gateway. Cannabis users that go to hard drugs don’t to get higher they do because a peer has introduced the other drug to them.
If all drug use was decriminalized & made so hard drugs are administered by a nurse or doctor to registered patients/addicts at clinics there would be less chance of older users coming in contact with new ones. Also the clinics would look more desirable than gang territories to go to. Nurses & doctors would be able to administer more correct dosages & increase chances of weaning an addict off drugs. Imagine what information police could get from addicts if they didn’t have to rely on dealers. At the moment having addicts as criminals is counterproductive because throwing them in prison for possession leads to westgate drug dealing. This is what the prison officers are complaining about.
@ Tolerate: I try to stay out of legalization/decriminalization arguments, but I had to take exception to the following comment “any mind altering drug (and yes alcohol included, which is not really a drug).” Alcohol is most definitely a drug. It is also a more potent gate way drug than marijuana, causes more harm to society, and to every organ in the body, brain included, than any other drug.
Most addicts first use is alcohol; they relapse first to alcohol; and although going “cold turkey” for heroin users makes them feel like they could die, it won’t kill them. On the other hand,for an habitual drinker, going “cold turkey” without medical supervision CAN kill you!
Of more concern is the number of young women at risk of pregnancy who drink. The damage that can be done to the developing brain of the foetus before she even knows she is pregnant may not be obvious but cannot be corrected. Children who don’t understand the difference between right and wrong, and who will never understand it; who cannot learn from consequences; who are thrill seekers; who are followers, especially of those who promise excitement; who don’t have a conscience and will never develop one – these possibilities are only too real with alcohol use during pregnancy. There is NO SAFE TIME and NO SAFE AMOUNT to drink when you could get pregnant (drinking lowers inhibitions, allows unsafe behaviours) or are already pregnant. Don’t take my word for it – check out http://www.fasworld.com, especially articles about ARND (alcohol related neurological disorders) – here is a quote:
“Individuals with ARND may look normal and have seemingly normal intelligence, but their damaged brains can result in learning disabilities, impulsivity, lying, stealing, tantrums, violence and aggression, inability to predict consequences or learn from experience, lack of conscience, and being highly addictive.”
Sounds a lot like what we have here, and what we really need to be addressing.
Thanks for all the infomation. You are both 100% correct. Pastor please note my retraction to my true intention on my meaning of alcohol not being a drug. I was referring to how people will often say weed is not a drug as it is a plant. Similiar to manufacturing of alcohol in a sense. I totally agree alchol is infact a drug.On weed being a gateway drug; until the jury returns on this one I’ll continue to view it as just that. Yes maybe not to the affect of other gateway drugs, but any start to mind altering drugs no matter how minor is a start.
@ Tolerate: Your reply had not posted at the time of my first reply, sorry. Thank you for the clarification. Also, I agree that weed can also be a gateway drug, for there are some addicts who have never used alcohol but whose first use of any drug was marijuana.
I have read the full statement by the Opposition Leader – - I understand fully the content of his statement, and here is my response:
Utter BS.
This is not a OBA thing – this is not a PLP thing – - this is a Bermuda thing. I am so tired of both political parties using the issues of the day as a stepping stone towards votes for the election. (especially the OBA as this is their mantra or modius operandi)
The Opposition leader indicates the following:
“We will make sure Police have everything they need to get the job done.
We will urge the toughest possible sentences for those convicted. Bermuda must send the strongest signal that perpetrators of extreme crime will not be tolerated.
We will get this economy working again. People need jobs. That’s the best social programme we know, and it’s needed now more than anything.”
Let’s look at each of these one by one:
1. The BPS has the resources now to combat crime – yes, an increase in manpower and possible capital will assist, but they will never be able to be everywhere all the time – just the fact.
2. The Government has no major impact on the sentencing of any criminal in our court system. It is the discretion of the judges that allows these criminals to get away with crap. The laws already in place can provide the security the country needs – - we just neeed judges with the will to do what is best for the country.
3. Please – this doesn’t even deserve a response.
Again, the Opposition Leader is speaking from his “prepared” hymnal – - all “finger-pointing” with no plan in sight. You continually ask us, the Bermudian public, to get on board with the OBA – but you never tell me what I am going to get on the ride. Sorry – I don’t get in cars with strangers (momma taught me that).
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
Well said Yng Black Mind…..you put it best !! OBA would have had more creditablity if they had presented a workable plan, this they never do !!!
Just as predicted – the charge of the blinkered brigade!
I agree with Yung Black Mind with his comment about politicizing the issue. We need EVERYONE on-board, PLP,OBA, White, Black,Pink and candy-apple red to tackle this problem as a community.
@Argosy
Apparently, anyone who speaks in opposition of your view is actually trumpeting the rally call of the current government? I implore you to inquire about me or my political stance to anyone of our loyal blogger friends here or otherwise. I am neither PLP or OBA or UBP. I am a nationalist – - I believe in Bermuda and her people. I want what is best for my country – -plain and simple. If that happens to be the OBA, I will welcome their fresh new spirit as it is presented. It is the way it is being presented which leaves something to be desired. I have consistently asked the OBA to provide hope to the people of Bermuda without the “same old” political back bitting. Whenever they speak, it is “the PLP did this”, “the PLP did that”.
WE KNOW WHAT THE PLP HAS DONE – good and bad (more BAD than good – fact). Tell me what the OBA is going to do – - and not that “pie in the sky – ‘we will do better than them’ BS”!
I call a spade a spade – - until the OBA steps out on faith and does something different (which I have repeated begged for), THEY WILL LOSE THIS ELECTION AND THEIR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM SWING VOTERS – roger that?!
So my friend, please see the purpose of my “blinking” – - it is a way to wake them up before they miss the bus – beep, beep!
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
YBM: And do you think if the PLP was the Opposition they would have done any different??
We shall see.
They are not, the OBA is. Do you dispute what YBM is saying?
I neither agreed or disagreed with his opnion, but simply asked a question, following onto his “Utter BS” comment.
@Yoonya:
No – and there is our problem. Our political system is so screwed up, we have no alternative but this usless back biting and constant fighting amongst our elected officials. Would the PLP, if they were the Oppposition, provide a clear plan to deal with the issues/challenge of crime? Probably not – but they aren’t the opposition. They are working towatds being replacing the current government. They do not need to cut into the black power vote in this country to regain the seat of government. That is the task of the OBA. I am actually trying to help the OBA in my statements on this story – - they do not listen. I have tried to explain in clear language that in order for the OBA to win this election, they must attract the young, black swing voters who are upset with the PLP. They cannot win without us but they can’t attract us with the same old tactics used by the UBP – the “we will be better than them” argument, highligted by the crybaby whinnings of OBA Glory hogs, Senator Fahy and Bob Richards.
Engage us and provide a plan which we can back. We are tired of the political gutter tactics – give us more and we will place you in government. But as you can plainly see from the Opposition Leader’s press statement, it is the standard line which is not going to cut it. And time is running out. The PLP does not need to win the government – - the OBA does. “If you want things to change, you have to change the way you do things.” Simple, don’t you think?
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
True dat, party politics sucks huh..
Well put again Young BlackMind, I can see that you examine issues carefully and objectively. Your critical review of issues is really refreshing from most of the bloggers on here !!!
I would have to agree with YBM the OBA need to be more prescriptive in what they will do for the country with specifics instead of continiually just slatting the current gov’t. We’re not stupid we know they’re doing a crappy job but until I hear something more positive from the OBA i’ll be staying away from the polls on election day and no one will get my vote!
Really Mr Cannonier – politicizing this event is not cool. This isn’t something to play politics with. This is a societal problem. Not cool.
Was it not the PLP which, up till something like 48 hours before the last election, did NOT have a platform??? The slogan was “Vote us in, then we will show you”.
Well, the PLP have sure showed us. All $1.3B debt with very little to show of showing us. A miserable miserable failure no matter how you you look at it.
What would the PLP apologists like from the OBA? A to the dollar, all Is dotted, all Ts crossed budget. Impossible, & you know it. When you go shopping do you know precisely what you are going to get & what it will cost you? Of course you do not.
The PLP is running on its record, & that is nothing to be proud of. The OBA is running as the PLP did in 1998. Did the PLP give any specifics? Nope. They made a bunch of impossible promises which the gullible sucked up. Remember the 100 days to turn tourism around? Course they did not say which way. Turns out it went turned straight downhill.
Today we have the option of the OBA, a much more substantial group than the PLP was in 1998 containing people experienced in succesfully managing Bermudas finances & a good mix of professional new faces who are already successful in their own right.
“Today we have the option of the OBA, a much more substantial group than the PLP was in 1998 containing people experienced in succesfully managing Bermudas finances & a good mix of professional new faces who are already successful in their own right.”
How is this and we havent seen their 36 candidates?
Neither party was persuaded me to vote for them. Im staying in this election, people have to realize one must work for votes. Knocking on doors is not work. Critizing the Government of the day is not work.
Burning the midnight oil to offer solutions to make bermuda a better place is work; and based on what I am hearing on both ends I conclude that they are taking us for granted.
Please all you politicians do is talk and when you in power you cannot walk the talk
“Today we have the option of the OBA, a much more substantial group than the PLP was in 1998 containing people experienced in succesfully managing Bermudas finances & a good mix of professional new faces who are already successful in their own right.”
Funny!!! Like who??
Nandi Davis – Minister of Finance??
Alexis Swan – Minister of Education??
Scott Stewart – Minister of Tourism??
Jeff Sousa – Minister of Environment??
Leah Scott – Attorney General??
I’m sorry – the PLP ain’t perfect but these folks are NOT ready.
Neither were the PLP when given the mandate to take the reins.
BUNCH OF nonsense shawn crockwell STOLE hundreds of thousands of dollars in herorine and gave it to the drug dealers, and he went prison and never once said who he gave the drugs to..
The time that he spent in jail those same drugs were sold and recycled over and over in BERMUDA and with those drugs guns was brought and more drugs was brought..
and shawn crockwell gets out of jail and is ONE OF THE head memberS of the OBA,
AND HE HELPED TO SEND THIS COUNTRY IN A CRIME SPREE AND A SPIRAL..and you Cannonier have the nerve to say that the government shows no sense of urgency or commitment to getting to grips with the situation.
You have in your own damn party a member who helped crime in Bermuda to get where it is today, have you confronted him yet ..or are you just full of GAS!!
LMAO!!! YES YES YES!
Priority one, should be crime and the economy,each has an affect on the other.
Jobs leads to prosperity and in turn, leads to less crime.
Less or almost zero crime makes the island a better place to do business which means jobs.
The Singapore model should be invoked here.
We Like and Specialgirl4You – PAID BLOGGERS!!!
Send me some money please. its really desired.
Qestion, how much do you get paid?
so OBA – Cannonier – successful businessman
Dunkley – successful businessman
Richards – successful businessman
Stewart – successful guest house owner
Scott – successful lawyer
Pettingill – successful lawyer
Fahy – successful laweyer
Richards – successful undwerwriter
Moniz – successful lawyer
crockwell – successful lawyer
Hollis – labour activist
Daniels – successful business woman
Atherden – successful businesswoman
Sousa – successful businesssman
Davis – successful accountant
Pamplin – successful accountant
Gibbons – successful businessman
Simons – successful banker
Bsrrett – successful professional
Spring – successful teacher
Hamza – successful lawyer
Charlton – successful professional
Branco – successful businessman
SO – i think they can manage this.
Wow,
I guess when you ask the question, be able to handle the answers…..
The PLP has a dynamic and vibrant team of candidates; there is where the “WOW factor” is. If I had to place my vote, I would give them the opportunity due to the new intellectual capital they have infused into the party. I am looking forward to this new and exciting shift in the party.
WOW? More like PLoP! Flush!
Or GULP! Delicious kool-aid! So much kool-aid now I gotta Pee el Pee!
If success is defined as having a job in one’s field then your analysis is correct. Most of those on this list fit that category really. Two questions arise though: with all that “successful” stuff to run when will they find the time to run the country? Oh wait, they’ll do it like they used to: part-time, ratify the stuff required to ensure their “success” in the House and do the trickle down dance for the economy. Ah, no thanks. I’ll take some people with some real world experience who at least sound like me and who think that FutureCare, free child care, affordable housing and the like are worthy of my vote. The “great balance sheet” crowd don’t do it for me.
Typical gimmee, gimmee, socialism works until you run out of other peoples money.
All these so called professionals listed in the OBA/UBP, yet still short on ideas and plans to present to the people of the country. What was the objective of listing these individuals, as PLP list is even more impressive. No real solutions to the issues. If there was “rich brain power” in the OBA/UBP why such failure and lack of solutions. Workable solutions on how and what OBA will do. So far I have only seen ideas that where in the UBP platform presented. These are old idea, nothing new or mind-blowing. “Same old same old”. Mr. Richards said he would also borrow money to run the Island, so what is really different? Where is the Master Plan that outlines what the OBA/UBP would really do? None…..
FLIP, FLOP, CLIP, CLOP, THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHTWEIGHT & BLINKERED BRIGADE -LEAD BY A GIRL EVEN!
WOOOOEEEE!!! HIYO SILVER…..
And yet they still can’t come up with any solutions…or even suggestions…
How is the success defined? Because I can see quite a few in this OBA lineup whose ‘success’ is debatable.
Hold up! Davis is a successful accountant?? What certification does she have? Last I heard she was a front desk receptionist or personal assistant…which is totally fine, but let’s not misrepresent peoples’ skill sets…
Spring is a successful teacher? How is that measured? Simply because one is still employed?
I notice Branco’s name is here…should one assume that he is on the candidate roster…
Hollis? Labour activist? Please elaborate.
What I don’t understand is IF the Governor is in charge of the police and we have serious issues with crime, then WHY aren’t we taking these complaints and issues to HIS doorstep?!
Please correct me if I’m wrong, but the Government of the day can only request specific action from the Police? Is that a true statement or not? And if its true then its the Governor who can give the Police any directive he chooses and they are to obey it.
However, I’m certainly NOT giving the Government of the day a pass on this at all. They have their role to play in all other areas, and as far as I’m concerned have failed miserably on many important issues and tasks that could have helped prevent the current state of Bermuda.
A change is certainly needed around here! But not sure if the OBA is quite deserving of that responsibility just yet. I only hear the same old crap from them, I need some new crap to listen to. Craig?!
http://plp.bm/leadership
http://www.onebermudaalliance.bm/
look at both pages and see who IS more qualified to run this country it sure as heck aint no Gas man or a ginger ale man…
Quote from Alexis Swan OBA’s newest young confused victim….
“I don’t believe the same people who helped to create our economic mess can fix it”
The OBA is the old UBP who helped to create the economic mess WELL SAID ALEXIS now just tell that to your OBA party members!!
A perusal of those two websites sure does show a marked difference. on one side you you basically don’t have a job. They really need those house seats to bring home some bacon. Great emphasis is placed on this school attended or that college attended. Very little is shown of those who actually completed courses & hold degrees. Many have sat on many boards & been involved in one club or another but not too many are listed as having been chairman or an executive of one of those organisations. It is basically fluff puffed up as much as possible.
On the other side, though not perfect, there are poeple who have real jobs in senior positions. They have attended top grade universities & have the degrees to back themselves up. Some have served as Ministers before & have a good record for time served. Others have also served in various community organizations & clubs. Not many, if any, have served on Government boards for some pretty obvious reasons.
Looking at the credentials of the candidates on both sides it should be quite an easy decision. Vote for a bunch who have a track record of failure or vote vote for a bunch who have a track record of success in their fields.
It is a tried and true political strategy not to reveal the party platform until the election is called. The PLP used it from the time they came into being until they became the government. So I am not surprised the OBA is not giving away any info yet.
I will be watching with great interest what happens once the election is called. I suspect there will be many surprises, much wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Pastor Syl,
The PLP was the first party to actually have a platform. But regardless a party may not provide a platform until the election is called, but they should probably take at least one position on at least one issue. But your blind support of the OBA obviously clouds your judgment.
@ smh: I was actually there when the first platform was being created – I was in my early teens at the time, so had no input, but my mother took me along to every meeting, so I am well aware of the history. This is why, so far from being a “blind supporter of OBA,” I am no longer a supporter of the PLP, since they have moved so very far from the ideals of the founders. What I’d like to see is a PLP platform that contains some solid intentions rather than a bunch of waffle: “we’ll look at this” and “”examine the feasibility of that.” Bah! Humbug!
What would you do ‘Can’t believe it’.
Are you a night farmer or your children?
PLP strategists are probably saying a May/June election – before Mr. Cannonier gets even more traction. This guy is very credible and would be like a breath of fresh air.
Seriously??? In all honesty as time went on I think he is just a puppet. He does not seem like a leader in the least nor does he sound genuine or intelligent.
By far Dunkley was be a better pick, everyone know this even the OBA… However the OBA knows they would never ever have a chance of winning with a white leader…. having said that, arent they playing the race card?
If the OBA is playing the race card with their choice of leader, even though he was chosen by ballot, who are the racists that they are trying to appease?
Obviously not the whites. Whites generally care far more about the individual being competent in their job than what the individual looks like.
Cannonier is no Ewart Brown. Thank God for that. The OBA is not run by a dictator with membership living in fear. No, the OBA is a very open organisation where everyone who wants to have a say, has a say. Cannonier is the front man for all of those voices.
Such inclusiveness is a real tough concept for the PLP faithful to understand. They are used to being told what to do & how to vote. They seem to like it that way. Somebody else does the thinking & making decisions for them. What does that remind you of?