Opposition Leader Marc Bean: Holiday Message
This Christmas for my family and me, will be much different than last year. Similarly, this Christmas, for our island, Bermuda, will be much different as well.
Last week Monday, December 17, the people of Bermuda selected the One Bermuda Alliance as their new Government. I send my sincerest congratulations to them.
On Friday night, the delegates of the Progressive Labour Party selected me as the new leader of the Party. I thank them for their trust and faith. These two events have changed the political dynamics – for us as a country, and for me as an individual.
However for some in our country, they are not as tuned in to the political happenings. Their concerns are more immediate – jobs, rent, sickness, crime. One or more of these concerns has the ability to make Christmas an almost non-event.
This Christmas I ask that as a people we all take the time to sit back, and assess where exactly it is that we want to take our country and how we plan to get there. We cannot continue to live and end up wherever the fates may carry us. We must become masters of our own destiny. We must as a collective body come up with the solutions to these challenges. All who are willing must be encouraged to come forward.
We must empower those less fortunate than us to chart his or her own courses. We must encourage the more fortunate to give back and get involved in our communities. There are many who have benefited from the social and educational development of Bermuda over the decades who have abandoned their responsibilities. We need all hands on deck.
2012 has been a challenging year for Bermuda. We have been torn apart by one of the longest and most tiresome election cycles in our history. We must rebuild the bridges that have been burned, and we must reestablish trust and honor in our politicians and in the political process.
We cannot allow the race baiting, name calling, and downright disturbing comments made on blogs and social media to become the norm. It is un-Bermudian and un-Christmas-like.
I ask that this Christmas we celebrate our families and our friendships. Let’s celebrate all that is right with Bermuda – and much is right about our beautiful country. In our celebrations, however, let us also remember those in need and if possible do a good deed to assist them during this time. We must never abandon those who are truly enduring challenging times.
I am proud to have been selected to lead the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party. I look forward to leading our Party through this next phase in our evolution. In every challenge there is an opportunity and we will make progress through this opportunity.
On behalf of my wife, Simone, and my entire family, and on behalf of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season. May God bless all of us during this time.
- Opposition Leader Marc Bean
One word describes this message from Marc Bean. Impressed. This is definitely the direction politics in Bermuda needs to go. The PLP did a great job by selecting Marc Bean as the leader of the party. Hopefully Parliament can collectively work together for a better and more stable Bermuda.
amen mark will be are new moses to leed us to where we as a people need and deserve to be
I’ve got 3 words. Ewart Brown’s buddy. And that’s why I’ll never trust you.
You’ve got to be out your mind.. thats not Ewarts Buddy.. Its Christmas the PLP lost the OBA have won.. give it a Rest
well said Mr.Bean….
Min Marc Bean
Happy Holiday to You and Yours from my house to yours.
Min Bean You are a Breath of fresh air. congrats and enjoy!
Thank you….and I vow to work doing my part for a better Bermuda. Merry Christmas!
YOU BETTER!
Mr. Bean, it is nice to read a touching message from the opposition. It is nice to see a young person at the lead, God Bless.
Bro. Marc, I wish you and yours the very best that life has to offer – always!
Awesome Marc. The future is bright indeed.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year.
Thank you Mr. Bean. Your words give me hope for Bermuda.
I also wish Marc all the best,you have a beautiful wife Marc.
Congrats my Bro.
Nice message,Mr. Bean. I pray that all Bermuda is listening as well as all those who post to these blogs,several of whom are clearly not Bermudian or resident here.
May I add my hope and prayer that our leaders once again demonstrate true leadership qualities and values,so we,and our children,can emulate and regain trust in them.
All of your speech goes without saying. Be quiet for five years cause we don’t care about your stupid plp train wreck of thought. Just go and have a nice few days off because the plp surely arent god fearing people.
yeah I’m kinda peed at what the party had become over the last 8 yrs @Ayisha but Bean is probably the only PLP MP that truely can be progressive in mindset enough to work with the new government to fix our economy and social ills. co operation works both ways, why would some people threaten a potential speaker of the house with expulsion from the party makes no sense at all….clearly Bean has his work cut out and I will bet Mark won’t last long….too many central committee members stuck in the past.
The greatest miracle God ever did was when His son Jesus was born to save all humanity and that is why we take this time of year to pause and remeber Jesus Christ who is the greatest miracle,the second greatest miracle ever done is because I believe God always knew that there would be people like you and so when God made a jack a$$ talk,He knew that Jack a$$ would have off springs all down through the centuries.so you cant help your stupidity because it sounds like you inherited rightfully by birth.
Merry Christmas sour puss.
I am very encouraged by the change in tone and content from the leader of the PLP. I hope his words encourage the detractors of the PLP to stop their assaults and learn a new way to participate in the political and social landscape of Bermuda. I also hope his position is fully embraced by the membership and supporters of the PLP and that the detractors of the OBA also let go of the hatred, suspicion and fear mongering that they have participated in during the last year.
For each of us, the shift may feel scary or even risky, but I say take the first step forward with optimism. Don’t wait for your neighbor to take the initiative. BE the change you want to see in Bermuda. We are an island of blended races, experiences and relationships. We must come together for all to prosper in peace. We have seen what division and divisiveness has done to this beautiful island and its people. Together, let us try a new way.
In the words of a man of peace:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mr. Bean, great Christmas message! Best of luck in your new role in helping Unite the Bermudian People.
“We cannot allow the race baiting, name calling, and downright disturbing comments made on blogs and social media to become the norm”
Presumably PLP MPs (Wayne Furbert) and their candidates (John Gibbons) will set the example?
Interesting that Mr. Bean limited his remarks to Internet postings.
Where were the PLP’s calls for restraint and respect when Dr. Brown, Col. Burch, Ms. Foggo and other party faces made similar (if not more offensive) public comments? Or is it ok for their leaders to get away with it? Perhaps this just another example of the PLP asking the electorate to do as they say … not as they do?
Why does this speech make me feel like the election is in a few days. Why does he have to bring up race and all this negative stuff. Why did they make him PLP party leader…
At least the Premier and leader of the party I am not for made me feel all fluffy inside for the holidays with his message. Please get rid of this guy.
Thank you Marc for your Christmas wishes and congratulations on your election to lead the Progressive Labour Party.
May the good lord guide you in all your undertakings.
Best wishes to you, your colleagues and your families for a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
I believe the words ‘Race Baiting’ were first used by myself on this forum a few months ago to describe former Premier Brown’s politics. I am pleased to see that Mr. Bean has embraced them but will be even more pleased when he and his Party apologise for the Brown era – until then I will remain dubious, sensing Mr. Bean to be nothing but a surrogate. Better yet, perhaps some legislation protecting the rights of minorities is long overdue and what better way to wipe the slate clean than by proposing such?
@ Victor, How about Dr. Browne apologize to the people of Bermuda for his alledged wrong-doings. How is it the new leaders position to do so? Dr. EB was the leader and the rest its seems followed his directives. Oh, but this would never happen because he does not believe he did anything wrong. That was his way of serving the people – and so he did to our detriment.
To the new Opposition Leader, Minister Marc Bean, Congratulations and best wishes in your new role. Remain humble, and steadfast in recognizing ‘right’ from ‘wrong’ and do what you know is right for and by the people of Bermuda. I know you have a heart and respect your follow countrymen/women. Please do not get blinded by the power of your position, as so many before have. May God continue to bless and guide you in this new journey!
To all residents of this beautiful island, may you all have a safe and enjoyable Christmas holiday…Remember it is about spending time and sharing with family and dear friends, not materialistic gain. During this time let us all celebrate the true meaning of this time of year. ONE LOVE!
Well spoken, let us all hope for a pleasant, peaceful holiday, and a much better new year.
This message or most of it just doesnt make sense considering the headline to the article. The headline should read, Why Did The People Elect the OBA? This message clearly confirms for me why I switched from voting for the PLP to voting for the OBA. A breath of fresh air, I think not it seems to be more of the same rhetoric. Maybe Mins Bean should have listened to Mr. Premiers holiday message, he could have learned a thing or two from him.
Congratulations Mr.Bean !!
An excellent message of renewed hope and encouragement for a rejeuvenated and more constuctive,focused direction going forward ! A long overdue breath of fresh air for your party and Bermuda !! Keep the dream alive and well !
Merry Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous New Year to you and your family !!
Yes, this is a very uplifting and encouraging message… and it’s nice to see a picture of Mrs. Bean too!
Mr Bean, Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Amazing what an electoral defeat and two slices of humble pie will do. Prior to the defeat of the PLP, this same Marc Bean was the epitome of arrogance, he was someone who had contempt for planning laws and now he sings about peace, harmony and not using the race card. Okay, Right!
Well Marc congrats however I think you should take a few public speaking classes/courses.
The first sentence Quote: “This Christmas for my family and me, will be much different than last year”
Here are a few examples:
“This year, Christmas will be much different for my family and I”
“This year for my family and I……..”
“Christmas for my family and I will be……”
After reading the first sentence I was not interested!!!
Actually, your three example sentences are incorrect. In each sentence the correct syntax would be “my family and me”. I’m not going to explain why – I’ll let you google the explanation. If you’re going to be infantile and petty and try to correct someone else’s grammatical errors it would be useful if your grasp of grammar was sufficient to allow you to at least correct them correctly!
@ Mark: Sorry, since you saw fit to make corrections, British syntax is “whoever and I”. I guess American or Canadian syntax may be different.
Very well said Mr. Bean. Your words are noted and appreciated. You have clearly shown why you were the best choice for Party Leader at this time. You have the ability to unite the people and get us focused on all that’s important. The nasty post from some on here further prove that, as for them to even make such unnecessary comments shows they are threatened by you. The OBA is the new government yet their most negative posters are still at it because they are not comfortable with their slim win and your Leadership scares them.
I take heed to your words and stand ready to play a part in healing our island.
Have a Merry Christmas ALL of Bermuda!!!!
Well said Bro, I see a new direction and I sense we now have a Leader,yes a Leader. Compliments in return 100 fold to all.
I am against political leaders parading their spouses around… the spouses did not run, did not get voted in and will not get paid to do the People’s Business. I was hoping Michelle Obama would keep her real job too but she followed just like the rest of them. Why should spouses give up their own career paths? Maybe another topic for another day.
A very uplifting and postive message!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Marc and his family.
May God continue to bless you!
Picture looks a little slapped together. Christmas tree is blocking the door. Lamp shade still has a factory dust cover on it. Curtains, especially top one, not falling right, perhaps because they are not permanent. All in all, very contrived.
Lovin the vibe! Great message. Right on time.
To the Opposition leader and his family,may God richly bless you with Wisdom,Knowledge and Understanding throughout this Christmas season and give you divine protection from dangers seen and un-seen.
The weeks,months and years ahead will indeed be interesting ones but our prayers is that God will use you for your God given destiny and that which is up ahead.Put God first in all things and every ounce of success will follow.
Mr.Bean you already are ahead of the game in knowing and reconizing Gods giftings in your life and now you are on the stage and it is your time to shine,every negative blog or comment is a very good thing as it will only make you strong but of course those that are to stupid to see it just dont know it.
Looking forward to your leadership in the house of Assembly and the country in general it will be good and as long as you keep your eyes fixed on the one and only Jesus Christ you will be alright.
Congrats Mr. ( and Mrs.) Bean,
Let me say that your message is very impressive, eloquent, genuine and encouraging.
Wishing you and your family wealth, health and prosperity for the holiday season.
PLiP PLoP PLiP PLoP
PLiPpety do
When will you realise
its not about you?
Resident and Bermudian.. Pastoer Syl.