Comments on: Commissiong: ‘Cannot Afford To Be Complacent’

By: Cordell W. Riley

Cordell W. Riley — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:23:48 +0000

It stands to reason that if a person does not approve of a candidate or the party they represent, the simple solution is not to vote for either. And if you’re not in a position to vote, you’re free to vent – if you think that will help or solve anything.

By: More with less

More with less — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:56:01 +0000

I can’t believe in Bermuda that convicted felons involving gun violence can ever hold a government office. That is simply disgusting and third world politics.

By: More with less

More with less — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:54:19 +0000

And apples and oranges are the same fruit.

By: More with less

More with less — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:20:05 +0000

Nobody is saying what he did is okay by ANY means. It’s just that there is no comparison to the two crimes. Apples to oranges. Severely Violent versus non violent.

By: Carla Rose Louise Wilkinson

Carla Rose Louise Wilkinson — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:59:17 +0000

@Common Sense: So are you condoning the fact that we have “ex-cons” within our government? I agree that, yes, these gentlemen committed crimes and yes, they served their time(that’s all well and good),and maybe we as a society should be more forgiving but unfortunately, what they did will never be forgotten, that’s to be expected, but I believe that a line should be drawn when they are allowed to become an integral part of the government.

By: Come correct

Come correct — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:53:40 +0000

You sound like a man who knows the sound of a sexually violated man…violated anyone recently? Not that I even see any sense in your reply to my comment, but how wrong you are. If we referre back to the article on virtual colonoscopies I believe there’s one comment…mine… Basically stateing I’d let colon cancer kill me before I’d let a camera enter my rectum so what chance do you stand? Also I’ve never been to prison, I’ve been no angel, but I’m not that stupid, but since you obviously were offended by my comment have you? My father also hasn’t been to prison and probably the main reason in my life that I haven’t, he’s a law abiding citizen and a humble man of integrity, how about yours?

By: hmm

hmm — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:27:25 +0000

From what I have seen you and Shawn Crockwell are boys.

By: LOL

LOL — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:23:26 +0000

@ Come correct.

You sound like a man who’s been sexually violated by one of these prisoners while you served time. What Former Prisoner made you dress up as a woman while you was in Case Mates or West Gate with him? I can see by all the F$%$# and ect you had first hand experience. Is your daddy a former prisoner? LOLOL

By: Mad Dawg

Mad Dawg — Thu, 24 May 2012 20:21:34 +0000

Letting a prson out of prison once time is served is enough. We don’t have to bow and scrape for armed bank robbers and we don’t have to pretend its a good idea to vote for them. If someone wants to pick someone like this to be a political candidate, more fool them. I guess they’ll vote for absolutely anyone.

By: Carla Rose Louise Wilkinson

Carla Rose Louise Wilkinson — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:33:52 +0000

Only in Bermuda.smh.. I still don’t get it. How can “convicted” felons be allowed to be voted into Parliament? Yes, I understand that nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes. And most oftentimes these individuals turn their lives around, yada yada, but I don’t agree with it. The fact that these “criminals” are given positions of trust, is beyond me.. Poor Bermuda. What crime does a person have to commit to be not allowed to run and be voted in?

By: Common Sense

Common Sense — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:15:41 +0000

First of all, well said Mr. Commissiong. I agree 100% with your comments.

Secondly, the idiotic negative comments come from some of the many ignorant people on both sides of the political spectrum. From what I can see these comments have nothing whatever to do with the OBA so to blame the OBA for them is ludicrous. Both political parties include someone in their party who has committed a criminal act in the past, but these are in the past, and they have paid for this misdeeds. Continuing to throw insults at them serves no useful purpose, but it sends a message to our young people that there are some folks around who will never learn to forgive and move on.

By: Mad Dawg

Mad Dawg — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:03:33 +0000

He robbed a bank using a gun. He terrorised people. He is a violent man. I’m not concerned about hurting his feelings or letting him express his views. He is the scum of the earth. He brought it on himself when he decided to be a violent thug. I can’t stand him.

How’s that. Clear enough?

By: star man

star man — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:58:15 +0000

From what I’ve seen, Rolfe’s message is one of hate, not reconciliation or remorse. He still has a huge chip on his shoulder, IMO… just like LaVerne and Ewart have. And quite a few others in positions of power under the plp.

By: Honestly Speaking

Honestly Speaking — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:04:53 +0000

I don’t believe that anyone will deny persons the chance to become productive members of society, but one of the consequences for crimes of this sort needs to be exclusion from running for public office. This is how it is done in other parts of the world and it serves as a deterrent to potential offenders. There are some things you should never be able to do when you make the choice to commit certain offences. The victims have to live with the effects for the remainder of their lives and there is nothing wrong with the perpertrators living with their choices!

By: S Brown

S Brown — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:23:45 +0000

People wonder why we have such a high number of recidivism in Bermuda. What is the point of a person who committed a crime to change their life and become a productive member of society if society will forever hold it against him and deny them of opportunity?

By: lol

lol — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:11:28 +0000

i AGREE THEY ARE VERY DUM IF THEY VOTE PLP..WHEN UBP OR IF U WANA SAY THEY WHITES WHERE IN POWER THEY FOR THE MOST PART ALLOWED THE BLACKS TO EAT!!!! AND THEY HAD THEIR OWN MONETY NO NEED TO OUT RIGHT TAKE THE PEOPLES!!!

By: lol

lol — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:05:56 +0000

we havent seen much shooting in the last year because most are dead and the rest up westgate or in the UK.

By: Come correct

Come correct — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:56:49 +0000

Your a f$#$ idiot, nowhere down the bottom of this page does it say spew your political alegance. It says speak your mind you simple minded racist pric. I don’t like him running where he is after what he did and thats my personal view, I have no party I support, they all work for f$%$#me! Also I don’t think anyone gives a damn about your comment since your grammar shows your intelligence…or lack there of. Turned your life around? Cool now you can go apply for a job at ice queen, not parliment. Bad choices are supposed to have consequences…apparently not on this island.

By: Come correct

Come correct — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:45:08 +0000

In the US if you are so much as dishonorably discharged from the army, something you volunteer for, you would be lucky to even flip burgers for a living. However in Bermuda you can rob a bank, do a third of your sentence and go on to rob the country, and I’m sorry but rolf is the worst of them all, and you dare talk about unity.

By: no strategy

no strategy — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:19:49 +0000

You all are sick. You want the shooting to stop, but you want the shooters to pay for their sins forever without any hope of remorse or reconcilliation.

Rolfe is an example of someone who made a different life choice after committing a heinous crime. Beat him down, if you like, but please don’t be surprised if the very people you need to put down the guns see how you treat someone who did and then resolve that community won’t accept them if they do so why bother.

Grow up people. Your hate is blinding you to the fact that there are few messengers better than rolfe to deliver the message of turning your life around. You may disagree with his politics, but this is a democracy. Don’t tear him down because he made a mistake and changed his life.

By: really the "best"?

really the "best"? — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:29:38 +0000

l dont care what you think, connect witht he people, ya another billion in debt, whats more important, letting whitey get in to fix the mess PLP has caused, or having Two billion to pay back?you people are plum stupid if you vote PLP, or paid off one of the two, v

By: Former Prisoner

Former Prisoner — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:06:47 +0000

Freak the OBA! They don’t care us! I did time but now I have turned my life around, so I guess my vote and every man & woman that’s come out of prison does not deserve a second chance under them? Every man & woman who has been in prison, yes me messed up, but is this really the government who we want to vote for?

The OBA and their supporters don’t even respect us, as far as their concerned people like us are the scum of the Earth.

Thanks for showing me your true colors OBA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I take this personally!!!!!!!!!!

By: sharky

sharky — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:06:37 +0000

Wow,this Rolf guy would still be in prison making licence plates in most countries.Here, he is running for a post in the government of the land?
Must be a huge shortage of honest people.

By: Honestly Speaking

Honestly Speaking — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:53:08 +0000

While I commend Mr. Commissiong and Mr. Crockwell for turning their lives around and their desire to serve their country, I honestly believe that there are certain behaviours that preclude one from the honour of being considered as an elected official. A stronger message would be sent if Commissiong and Crockwell were warning individuals that criminal activity will exclude them from certain levels of service.

I too know the longterm effects on victims of crime of this nature and have regrettably seen firsthand how persons that were held at gunpoint by Mr. Commissiong have struggled over the years with the trauma of the memory. We have all seen the effects of drug addiction and the scourge of the drug trade in our community and close friends or family members whose lives have been destroyed. Only in Bermuda would we have to deal with the possibility of the perpertrators of crimes of this nature one day becoming the Premier. A law needs to be made to change this… This would serve as a deterrent to potential offenders here in Bermuda as it does in other parts of the world.

By: The nitty gritty

The nitty gritty — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:52:46 +0000

I think the problem some have is this.
Why should we congratulate anybody for finally doing the right thing
when 90% of everyone else works so hard to NEVER, RAPE ROB,SHOOT STEAL, ASSAULT AND generally terrorize others?
Those who stay so far OUT of this kind of deviant behavior should get medals, be knighted and given sainthoods by your standards.
I myself find no problem forgiving those who genuinely crave a second chance, but I will never forget the deviousness of your initial crime if it is a crime of direct violence against another person.
There is a huge difference between that and a victimless crime.

By: The nitty gritty

The nitty gritty — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:42:38 +0000

Concerned? Really?
It’s not necessarily the OBA needing to be held responsible for individual’s comments,
many of whom are PLP or undecided.
To suggest a party ‘desperately’ needs votes from you ignores the fact that YOU need the OBA! They are simply a collection of thinking people who wish to save this community from going any further down the hole.
When a party ‘desperately’ needs your vote, it implies they want the power for their own ends, their own enrichment (sound familiar?)
There was a time when Members of the Parliament came to public service as succesfull
businessmen and women, so we didn’t have to worry they would be there for the money. Actually 20 years ago it was easier to make money in the private sector!
NOT NOW! After $1,400,000,000 spending and getting spree you are about to see
mass unemployment and massive outgoing of capital when your dream of another PLP government comes to fruition.
As I said before,I’m not shouting fire in a crowded theatre – I’m shouting fire in a burning theatre.

By: The nitty gritty

The nitty gritty — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:22:39 +0000

BANG BANG BANG- the most extreme violence within our society, year after year.
What do we hear from supposed leaders?
Platitudes.
ACTION? – little to none from the legislators
At least the police and prosecutions are hard at it
Our Government should have brought the hammer down on this mayhem 4 years or more ago
Do you remember them coming on TV or in newspapers reassuring the public that they will come down hard on the perpetrators? they will increase penalties and make jail time, hard time?
I get more reassurances from Obama that we will live through these times.
Our deterrent is 3 meals a day, hang with your mates, work out, watch tv, do your drug of choice, visits to the dentist and get out in one third of your sentence.
You’re all paying for it, twice.

By: george

george — Thu, 24 May 2012 08:37:43 +0000

to everybody who have a problem with people turning their lives around and becoming productive members of society; you are acting like your feces don’t stink

By: hong

hong — Thu, 24 May 2012 02:44:28 +0000

Hope these incidents do not take place any more. People need peaceful environment and every one should try one’s best to protect our people’s happy life.

By: Family Man

Family Man — Thu, 24 May 2012 02:40:18 +0000

Give a man a gun and he can rob a bank. Give a man a seat in parliament and he can rob a whole country.

By: Family Man

Family Man — Thu, 24 May 2012 02:37:49 +0000

Neither or them should be in parliament.

By: Concerned Citizen

Concerned Citizen — Thu, 24 May 2012 02:10:22 +0000

They see it, but you know something, if we took time to research the economic history of the Oba/ubp support base(especially the inherited wealth), it shouldn’t be surprising to learn that the same product that Shawn crockwell distributed in the community is the same product that…………oh I forgot, silly me……that is not criminal/immoral activity, it’s sophisticated business, or as gibbons and Richards says, International Business…….moral of the story, don’t throw stones in glass houses……….thus endeth today’s lesson…….

By: Concerned Citizen

Concerned Citizen — Thu, 24 May 2012 01:57:56 +0000

The Oba will lose, trust me. Rolfes statement is on point, yet the nasty comments persist! As usual, you people don’t get it, because you do not want to get it! You Oba fans and leaders have no desire to connect with the people that you so desperatly want votes from, and your comments reveal this pathological anti human, anti unity, anti harmony mindset! For all the self-proclaimed brilliance within the Oba, 2 things stand out, your mindset has not changed with your rebranding, as you clearly do not learn from previous experiences, and, as a consequence, you remain clueless as to how to connect with the very people you all need! Rolfes statement reveals real understanding, connection, and care, based on the wisdom of life’s experiences. So continue to be obvious hypocrites, as the people can see the distinction between you wolves in wolfs clothing Oba/ubp, and the PLP…..a party that at the very least, can RELATE to the people……you all are doing Jeff baron no favours…..

By: More with less

More with less — Thu, 24 May 2012 01:22:40 +0000

I cant believe some of you are actually comparing the crime that Shaun committed to Rolfes. It is vastly different. If you cant see that, then I really feel sorry for you.

By: Victory PLP

Victory PLP — Thu, 24 May 2012 01:16:04 +0000

Good for you Rolfe. I was reading all the BS below. Just to think I was actual going to vote along side with the OBA and it’s clowns.

By: Undecided Voter

Undecided Voter — Thu, 24 May 2012 01:13:37 +0000

Let it go or the OBA will loss the next election. The brother has did his time!

By: White Bermudian male

White Bermudian male — Thu, 24 May 2012 01:11:05 +0000

Pepper someone needs to hit you over your head for knocking a man down when he has served his time. Don’t see you and your kind knocking Shawn Crockwell who was stealing drugs from the Court and placing them back on the street for the boys in the Hood to sell. So are you trying to say the same goes for the OBA’s prime candidate?

By: Liars!

Liars! — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:17:01 +0000

not to mention Ralphy Boy just told guys that just tried to KILL another human being that….” ya man, you can still turn your lives around aceboys”!!!!

By: Liars!

Liars! — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:12:00 +0000

Laverne, do you not care about the terror that Ralph has caused? just think if you were in that Bank, just think what you would do. Are you mad? This guy has caused terror to people that probably are having nightmares…..do you not care about these people and only put the fact that he, Ralph, was a young black man, that had visions of grandeur who was jealous of other peoples wealth and ACTED on it!

This kinda stuff is not made up, it is written in the Bible that, yes you can be forgiven……but importunately for you and Ralph, l have never heard ONE second of remorse for anyone except black slaves 400 f^^^king years ago,

By: terry

terry — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:45:48 +0000

But your not LaVerne. You can be a pain in the a$s but I agree with your comment.

By: TRUTH HURTS!

TRUTH HURTS! — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:45:38 +0000

Seems a few people have beat me to it. Of course Laverne is forgiving of a PLP member for their criminal behavior…not so forgiving to others who have done much less than shoot up and rob a bank. But I digress.

By: pepper

pepper — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:37:43 +0000

I think the the nail needs to friggen hit him on the head !! to think this guy might be a member of parliament !!!!makes me puke, and Paula is happy for him to be a part of her team also makes me sick …
this women needs some serious help……..

By: Mad Dawg

Mad Dawg — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:25:00 +0000

When has he ever expressed remorse?

By: Itsaboutallofus

Itsaboutallofus — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:00:05 +0000

If we are really serious, does this mean that one can never atone or be forgiven for their indiscretions?

By: pepper

pepper — Wed, 23 May 2012 22:44:16 +0000

tricks,I often wonder what the victims of the bank robbery had to endure and how are they dealing with the thought of Rolf running as a candidate for the P.L.P.
What the hell has Bermuda come to !!!! what this man done to those poor workers is unforgivable !!!!!! and now we have Ewart looking to make a come back !!!!!!God help this Isle of devils….

By: Mad Dawg

Mad Dawg — Wed, 23 May 2012 22:34:18 +0000

Of course. The PLP spokesman for violent gun crimes is someone with direct first-hand experience. Ironic.

By: LaVerne Furbert

LaVerne Furbert — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:49:27 +0000

If I were in Mr. Commissiong position I would have said “To those who are responsible for this criminal behavior, I ask that you realize that it is never too late to change your anti-social and ultimately destructive behavior and become more productive citizens of our island as I have become”.

By: Truth is killin' me...

Truth is killin' me... — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:43:43 +0000

Rolfe, I’m glad you saw the light and turned your life around. Just think if you had been doing the same sh!t today you might not have been so lucky. Bless you.

By: terry

terry — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:39:48 +0000

Nail in the coffin, thank you.

By: terry

terry — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:37:24 +0000

Damn the police.
Call the …..they fix it.