PLP: ‘Does This Sound Like Playing The Race Card?’
The PLP have accused Opposition Leader Craig Cannonier of “playing the race card” following a comment he made during a paid political broadcast.
A statement issued by the PLP said, “In his first speech before the House of Assembly, Craig Cannonier noted that he wouldn’t play the race card to divide and manipulate Bermudians. Last night, he broke that pledge.
“This is what Craig Cannonier said just a few months ago: I refuse to use race as a tool to manipulate black people and exploit their fears.
“This is what Craig Cannonier said last night. ‘If I look at the number of businesses that are dying, these are black businesses that I see dying daily.’Does this sound like playing the race card to you?
The video ad from the OBA is below:
The PLP statement continued, “It’s true that things are difficult, but, since 1998, black businesses have grown significantly! These opportunities for small business owners just didn’t exist during the time that the UBP now OBA politicians were in charge.
“Today’s businesses benefit from programmes like the EEZ and tax cuts and job creation incentives that the PLP pursued to help these businesses thrive.
“And, in the last several months, we invested $274,000 in 35 small EEZ businesses to see them through these difficult economic times and protect jobs. Would the UBP now OBA politicians have invested $274,000 in 35 small EEZ businesses?”
This smacks of desperation !
Agreed. OBA is just speaking the truth. PLP have turned their backs on black family run businesses because there are some white cronies who are willing to enrich the PLP elite.
totally agree……I believe that Mr. Cannonier is finding his footing and now the Government will unleash the hounds…..they know no other way…….
‘Does this sound like playing the race card?’……erm, no! It sounds to me like a simple observation of a social issue and the demographic effected by it most.
For real! I say the nerve of them when they are constantly playing the race card for no reason and no observations.
Black businesses are dying, that’s a fact, not the race card. Yes, the PLP had invested a paltry 274,000 in black businesses ……..and for those crumbs, black people should be quiet and be thankful.
Contrast that sum against the multi-million dollars contracts that have been awarded to the same cast of our white Bermudian friends who have PLP connections. If contracts were tendered fairly and transparently maybe that anemic 274,000 would have been a more meaningful number and a much stronger talking point for the PLP.
With respect to the PLPs characterization of the “UBP now OBA” politicians and their lack of compassion etc etc. Careful PLP. Lest you forget that one of your most active and productive Ministers is Wayne Furbert – Former Leader of the UBP.
I would put that stone away I I were you. Its just not a smart move.
Stick to the issues.
No, it doesn’t you simple minded faux socialist halfwits.
Ha! “simple minded faux socialist halfwits”
Nice. Permission to use that in future?
Of course!
Great and true video thanks Bernews for allowing us to enjoy this my vote is OBA
PLP would know if this was playing the race card – it is clearly is not. However, PLP will make it about race if they possibly can, it is the only card they have.
PLP is in pure desperation. At this rate, they may lose the biggest race of all. How ironic.
Before people start heading off on the “race card” tangent, I suggest that they watch the entire presentation. If this is the only comment that the PLP chooses to comment upon, I’m afraid I interpret that as them accepting the rest of the facts stated as the truth. Mr. Cannonier is not an ex-UBP politician……an inconvenient truth for the PLP. The PLP cannot speculate on what the OBA “might have done” as a way to avoid discussion about what the PLP has done whilst in Government.
Couldn’t have said better myself!
I agree
To my thinking the only Race Card played here was the one thrown by the PLP… The one trying to make Mr Cannonier’s comment appear to be a Race Card…
Once again the Governemt trying to avoid the facts at all cost….
What IS the race card? Honestly! What is the defintion of it?
Thia is clearly not the ‘race card’ being pulled.
If you spot it, you got it …
Haha, whoever smelt it dealt it.
HAHAHA “Is this all they have left?” Do us, you, me and the whole of Bermuda a favour PLP bow out gracefully. You’ve had plenty of time to do something positive and all you have done is “Divide and Rule”
YOU HAVE FAILED…
The PLP would call someone racist for selling milk that was white. So what’s new here? This is hardly unexpected. Its the only thing PLP knows how to do – bang on the race drum at every opportunity thus muddying the real issues. Don’t make any real change, just call the race card.
Hey, it has worked for them so far. Only thing is, when it no longer works, they will have nothing – no plan B. Like I said, its all they know how to do.
+1
Umm, no not at all. It’s a fact.
‘If I look at the number of businesses that are dying, these are black businesses that I see dying daily.’
Does this sound like playing the race card to you?
I have to say yes, why bring up race?
That statement that you refer to has nothing to do with race, It is a statement based on FACTS….check it out…….it is what it is!!!!!!! PLP are just “grasping at straws” with that notion……..
I checked, and to be honest, do any of you even look for the truth before you type, or do all of you just spew what you think is right? Take a real look at the declining businesses instead of just repeating what someone else says. You wouldn’t beleive what you find.
Why bring race into it? Should the color of the person or persons who own it matter?
If it doesn’t then why bring it up? If it does, explain why.
I know a few white businesses that have gone under recently. Arnold’s Tile to name a few. PLP is clutching at straws. They will lose the next election because they have done more for their white mates in the construction business than their own black support base!
Arnold’s tile is one… Not a few
Crazy thing is, if PLP said this, would they be accused of playing the race card? More importantly, how many comentators on here would say PLP is playing the race card again?
To answer your question no if they stated it as it was put above, but you and I know they would switch it up.
LOL
Good point!
The only “race card” being played is that of the PLP. They always try to bring race into everything. Smh..
I believe he is just merely stating the facts/truth. It sounds to me like the plp are afraid of the public hearing the opposite side state the truth because they know that have had some role in this matter and they again want to sweep this under the rug. Well, we the people of Bermuda vs. this current government are tired of the lies, deception, thief(ism), lack of a proper education for our future and just plain old tired of being sick and tired for far to long.
lets stop all this talk straight up the oba is the same old ubp with a few new faces their old thinking is still in place just listen to trevor .michael and grant and when it comes to craig the only reason he got in where he did is because barritt took him house to house under the ubp blacks did not have the opportunities they have today all they did was to put a few token blacks out front like they still do today i don’t care who likes it or not a vote for the OBA WILL BE A VOTE TO GO BACK TO THE PLANTATION THERE ARE PEOPLE AMOST US WHO DO NOT WANT BLACK BERMUDIANS TO EVER BE SUCCESFUL THE OBA TALK A LOT OF TRASH BUT HAVE NOT PUT UP ANY SOLUTIONS
wow…. way to show your true colours dude.
FYI – http://www.onebermudaalliance.bm/index.php/what-we-will-do
Wow, just want to say hi!
Dummy we are on the plantation now………..
LOL
when this miserable excuse for a Government is through with us we all will wish we could go to the plantation it will be a big step up from where they have lead us…..the debt and decay will not go away in a generation…..and most still do not realize how bad it is…..
PLP take not…. this what jack said is “playing the race card”..
blaming someone on someone because of race…
“If I look at the number of businesses that are dying, these are black businesses that I see dying daily.” – not the race card
“If I look at the number of businesses that are dying, these are black businesses that I see dying daily because of prior racist policies” – IS teh race card..
“… under the ubp blacks did not have the opportunities they have today all they did was to put a few token blacks out front like they still do today …”
Oh you mean UBP token blacks like:
E.T. Richards
Jim Woolridge
Quinten Edness
Gerald Simons
John Irving Pearman
Max Burgess
Wayne Furbert
Jerome Dill
to name but a few….
I’m sure these accomplished Bermudians would be thrilled to hear you referring to them as “token blacks.”
..and JOHN SWAN, Lancelot Swan, Dr.Gloria McPhee,
Dr.Clarence James etc.
The PLP did not give any small business financial help, we the taxpayers gave it and a good majority are now OBA!
This is fascinating. If a PLP politician says “we’re doing this for black businesses” the accusation is that the race card is being played etc……an OBA politician refers to black businesses going under and its sensitive and factual. Very interesting.
Jack: You don’t know jack. Keep drinking the koolaid.
No, Pee el Pee, this does not sound like the race card. Why are you asking? After all you lot are AXPERTS at playing the race card and would know it when you heard it, so stop with the silly crap.
I find it amusing how people consistently state OBA is UBP when PLP houses a former UBP elite as a minister…
Bermuda’s economy is currently overseen by the Ministry of Tourism and Business Development, whose Minister was elected as a UBP MP, and elected as Leader of the UBP. Therefore, it could reasonably be inferred that the UBP is now in control of Bermuda’s 2 main pillars of the economy. Certainly the Minister has a decidedly pro UBP outlook, and has already implemented at least one UBP platform matter being the Tourism Board.
One UBP member compared to the whole party changing it’s name? I’m sorry, I mean creating a new party then all but two moving to the new party…my bad.
Refer to comment above… Thanks and good day
I want to know who the strategist is for the OBA …they are brilliant!!! The OBA are sitting back watching the PLP be consumed by its own memebers and followers ignorance. The OBA havent offered not one tangible solution for the ills of this country only pointing out where the PLP have fallen short. Once you throw in theories of corruption and misappropriations you have a public in a feeding frenzy #kinda reminds me of sharks attacking a piece of meat on my fav nature channel… while the OBA continues to push for the opportunity to be the governement of the day they know that if they never offer anything, they cant be expected of delivering anything. If they are elected in the next election, and we look back to their accomplisments of thier four year reign and find none im sure thier response would be “well we never promised you anything”. I would love to hear the OBA’s stance on Education, Employment (how they intend to put Bda back to work), Gay rights, Tourism, Work Permits,etc. that they are so keen on pointing out the PLP’s mismanagement of… so that i can make a sound judgement of who to cast my vote for… i believe all Bermudians, young and old, should all scrutinize the information that is being fed to us whether by the media or the politicians themselves so that we can make a sound decision later this year. If the OBA have what it takes to take us forward they will get my vote…. if the PLP have what it takes to takes us forward they will get my vote…. if neither can do it… i will keep my vote at home cause im tired of the b.s!!!!
FYI – http://www.onebermudaalliance.bm/index.php/what-we-will-do
Even more specific solutions come when the election is called.
I took the opportunity to copy and paste for clarity and all to see….
What We Will Do
We will:
•Address crime, violence, gangs and drugs that are a scourge in our community and ensure we have a modern justice system that is fair, sensible and accessible to all.
•Renew fiscal prudence in government by ensuring government lives within its means and reduces debt and the tax burden on individuals and businesses.
•Grow and diversify our economy to provide opportunities for current and future generations of Bermudians, while enhancing International Business and rejuvenating tourism.
•Ensure a level playing field and give a step up to those who need help to compete in Bermuda’s economy.
•Create a public education system that will provide our children with the skills and training they need to compete in the 21st century.
•Make healthcare more affordable and accessible and improve the quality for seniors and our community, while ensuring sustainability for future generations.
•Ensure environmental sustainability for present and future generations.
•Push for a society that is inclusive, embraces diversity and equal opportunity and protects everyone’s human rights.
In theory; good start… i am ineterested in seeing how they intend to impliment these ideas and if they are committed to the cause…
I wonder if any PLP members can forward me thier promises/platform…
if you want to join in on this discussion leave out the negative comments so that we can have some honest dialogue… thanks
Fair enough. But whose platform/promise is that, or is this just the whole parties view?
LMAWTFO the platform of the PLP is the whole parties view as individual thinking is clearly not permitted…..when the leader speaks who do they speak for…….
Good point… i heard some of the memebrs of the OBA on a radio talk show recently and it didnt appear that their stances were a particular party view but more personal…. would this hinder any potential advances in regards to policy if they cant agree?…. i still havent heard from any PLP memebr on platform or promises… my biggest problem is their recycling of aging candidates… very few new faces or new ideas for that matter… is this due to a limited talent pool or does the younger memebrs feel disinfrachised with the selection process…
At this point I am more partial towards the PLP, but I agree that this is petty. I do not think it is the race card, just politricks as usual. On the other hand it is an opportunist statement from the OBA, which in my mind is starting to be their game…
I think the PLP is playing the race card by making this accusation.
@ J. Galt: This is Bermuda. Race is always going to come up. Whether or not it is voiced, you can bet your bottom dollar, it colours just about every thought and every issue that arises. Maybe that doesn’t happen for white folks, although I’ll bet it does on a subliminal level, but I can almost guarantee it is true for just about every black soul out there. Even the least racist of us notices colour. Whether or not it factors into decision making, we notice. Once we all accept this as the truth, we can then move on into making this reality work for us instead of against us. It is healthy to be able to talk openly without fear and without defensiveness about our differences and similarities – it leads to greater understanding.
“Playing the race card” has been used to criticise a behaviour that is racist – such as the UBP campaign picture that portrayed a dread-locked politician as someone unworthy of our votes. It was used to criticize the PLP election campaign that stated a vote for the UBP would be a return to the (Massa’s slave) plantation. White people have been known to accuse both white and non-white people of using the race card to as a way to deflect complaints that have been made about the negative/unfair/biased/racist treatment of non-white peoples. Black people have been known to accuse whites of using the race card in outrage against statements that appear to negate the intellect or ability of blacks. Sometimes the accusation is legitimate. However, it is unusual for a primarily black party that was elected on a labour and social justice platform to level such a accusation at another black man for highlighting where those platform promises appear to have been broken.
It is interesting to note that the PLP is boasting about providing less than $8000 dollars each to 35 small businesses. Does anyone else find this ironic in the extreme given that they are about to spend some $35 MILLION to build prefabs in Dock Yard? Most of that money will be going out of the country to purchase the materials and pay non-Bermudian experts to assemble. This is insanity to me, after having turned down a worldwide reputable charity like Habitat for Humanity that offered to restore those buildings at a fraction of the cost. They are a piece of our fast-disappearing heritage.
It appears that the present government has embarked upon a vendetta to remove every vestige of our British heritage. Given that the British were the majority people who settled here, that amounts to destroying just about all our history! St. George is a case in point, given its World Heritage status and its nearly defunct commerce, forced by what appears to have been a government conspiracy to build up Dock Yard to the detriment of both St. George and Hamilton.
*lol* stop making sense.
The PLP polititions are not bothered about the avergae joe. They are out to get as much as they can for themselves. They are envious and jealous of anyone who has more than them and all they want is more, more, more. Everyone else can go to hell in their book.
Quote from The RG 19June
“When they do business,they are astute businessmen.
When we do it we are crooks.” Mr DeSilva said.
1. When he uses ‘it’ is he still referring to business?
2.This admission on his part
surely warrants Front Page!
Truth and honesty are back!