PLP Calls On OBA To Apologise For Statement
[Updated with video] The PLP has called upon OBA Deputy Chairman Michael Branco to retract his recent statement, apologise, and “lower his tone towards the PLP and its family of supporters.”
Christopher Famous, Assistant Organizer for PLP Central Region, said the PLP is awaiting “an apology from Mr. Branco and the OBA” after Mr Branco’s statement saying the Term Limit Policy was put in place to “pander to the xenophobic views…”
“We call upon Mr. Branco to retract this statement immediately and lower his tone towards the PLP and its family of supporters,” said Mr Famous.
“Bermuda is on a social precipice, one of which there can be dangerous recourse for us as an island, if the political leadership does not act in a manner befitting mutual respect, in the face of political differences.
“The youth of this island watch our every move and this disrespectful tone thrown towards the multitudes of PLP supporters is an unhealthy precedent to set.
“The salient facts remain, the OBA promised time over time that they will only suspend, with a look to review. They also promised transparency. They did not mention anything about calling PLP supporters Xenophobic,” continued Mr Famous.
The disagreement between the two parties follows after Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy’s announcement that Government will eliminate the 6-year Term Limit Policy.
Shadow Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban asked what happened to the pledge of suspending them for 2 years, noting that both Craig Cannonier and Bob Richards previously said they not end Term Limits, instead they planned to suspend them.
“If the OBA Government will move so quickly to break such an important election promise, we must all question what other promises are set to be broken,” said Mr Roban.
Responding to the criticism levied by the Opposition, Mr Branco said, “Abolition of the Term Limit Policy will have no negative effect on the right of Bermudians to fill jobs for which they are qualified before non-Bermudians are considered. That policy has been in place for many years, and is effective.”
“The Progressive Labour Party has known this since they put the Term Limit Policy in place. The only effect the Policy has is to make non-Bermudians feel uncomfortable.
“We believe the reason they went ahead with putting the Policy in place was to pander to the xenophobic views of those Bermudians who would like Bermuda to be foreigner-free,” continued Mr Branco.
Noting that many members and supporters of the PLP have foreign born spouses and/or parents, Mr Famous concluded his statement by saying, “We await an apology from Mr. Branco and the OBA.”
Mr Famous’ full statement follows below:
OBA Claim of Bermudian Xenophobia Crosses the Line
We have spent the last few years burying our sons and brothers because of senseless physical violence and have more to bury as we speak. We have taken much time to appeal to all segments of society to start to understand we all are part and parcel of both the problem and the solution.
We say all this against the backdrop of reading some of the most hostile language submitted on behalf of the One Bermuda Alliance.
“The Progressive Labour Party has known this since they put the Term Limit Policy in place. The only effect the Policy has is to make non-Bermudians feel uncomfortable.
We believe the reason they went ahead with putting the Policy in place was to pander to the xenophobic views of those Bermudians who would like Bermuda to be foreigner-free.” Michael Branco Deputy OBA Chairman.
Just who in the devil does Mr. Branco think he is talking to? 16,700 Bermudians voted for the PLP in 2007 – is he calling them xenophobic?
Let us refresh Mr. Branco’s memory bank.
In the mid 1990s the United Bermuda Party was going to deport nearly 300 Portuguese families whilst persons such as Trevor Moniz folded their arms and did nothing to help his fellow Azoreans.
The Progressive Labour Party put a wholesale stop to the deportation of these folks and created the Permanent Residency Certificate.
This was the right thing to do then.Just ask the thousands of Portuguese Bermudians.
As a consequence there now was a situation in where the question became, how do we prevent this situation form occurring again? How to we address the expectation of persons remaining in Bermuda for such an extended period of time that they will now have reasonable expectation to expect residency?
Hence, the birth of Term Limits; A policy of which International Business was part of the crafting.
Fast forward to 2011/2012 – the OBA in their election campaign mantra stated clearly time and time again that they would only seek to suspend term limits for 2 years and review it to seek an alternative policy. Less than 2 months into office they have abolished term limits without any public input or announcement of alternative policy.
When asked why the rush to abolish and not have a review we are met with total insult and disdain. Anyone who witnessed Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy’s responses at his press conference should have been completely offended at the tone and tenor he expressed.
Let us remember the OBA is the Party who stated they wished to do politics differently and wished to stop the divisive ways of the past. So where in this lies the tone set by Minister Fahy by articulating outright untruthful statements and Mr. Branco by compounding the issue with his words of division and slander?
Perhaps Mr. Branco has not received the memo.
Again let me refresh his memory.
- 15,949 persons voted for OBA
- 14,218 persons voted for PLP
- 12,790 persons abstained from voting
We ask Mr. Branco, which of the approximately 27,000 persons who did not vote for the OBA is he calling xenophobic? Which of these 27,000 persons who did not vote for the OBA is he stating wish for Bermuda to be foreigner free?
- Would it be Paula Cox whose husband is from Cameroon?
- Would it be Walter Roban whose father hails from St. Vincent?
- Would it Be Marc Bean whose wife is Bahamian?
- Would it be David Burt whose wife is American?
- Would it be me, whose mother and wife are born West Indians?
- Would it be the thousands of foreign born persons who have voted for the PLP since day one?
- Would it be my aunt Shurnette Caines, born in Jamaica, that he is accusing of wanting Bermuda to be foreigner free?
We call upon Mr. Branco to retract this statement immediately and lower his tone towards the PLP and its family of supporters.
Bermuda is on a social precipice, one of which there can be dangerous recourse for us as an island, if the political leadership does not act in a manner befitting mutual respect, in the face of political differences.
The youth of this island watch our every move and this disrespectful tone thrown towards the multitudes of PLP supporters is an unhealthy precedent to set.
The salient facts remain, the OBA promised time over time that they will only suspend, with a look to review. They also promised transparency. They did not mention anything about calling PLP supporters Xenophobic.
They will do well to remember they have a moral responsibility to ease the tension, not increase it.
We await an apology from Mr. Branco and the OBA.
-
Update 4.19pm: The OBA has declined to comment further on this matter.
Update 8.05pm: Shadow Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban said the way the OBA handled the Term Limits are completely against their election promise, and noted that the OBA has accused them of lying back in 2011 and 2012 when the PLP said the OBA would end Term Limits.
“The Minister says removal of the policy will create more economic opportunities and job creation,” said Mr Roban. “The question is for who?
“The true impact of the removal of the Term Limit policy by the Government has yet to be fully outlined….there are many unanswered questions…”
“The only action they have taken around job creation and the work situation in Bermuda is to make Bermuda much more comfortable for people on work permits. They have done nothing to bring comfort to the situation for Bermudians in the work place, or those Bermudians looking for jobs.”
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- Premier Apologizes For Use Of “Xenophobia” | Bernews.com | March 1, 2013
“We call upon Mr. Branco to retract this statement immediately and lower his tone towards the PLP and its family of supporters,” said Mr Famous.
one word for you…BOLLOCKS!
my response below states the same, but in a slightly more flowery way
Well said!
The government is too busy doing the work for a selected few, and this government is heading over a cliff with its lack of transparency and CHANGE that it promised the people of Bermuda. This government is falling down, look at MR Brangman, Mr Butterfield, and term limits fasco. Really this OBA is doing a real bad job so far.
I think you need to stay focused, the Kool-aid is getting to you
Chris Famous we all know is a child…and a sore looser. He also cannot wait to bring back DREB and bring Bermuda to a fresh PLP rule. May God protect our Bermuda families from this man!!
And re-read this extract: “Bermuda is on a social precipice, one of which there can be dangerous recourse for us as an island, if the political leadership does not act in a manner befitting mutual respect, in the face of political differences.”
Well Mr. Famous/PLP…you can take your threats and shove it!!!
Have you participated as a human being over the last month? SOOOOOOOOOO much is changing every day! Don’t be bitter about the fact you’re no longer getting those government contracts!
Keep waiting…btw the government is busy doing the people’s work. Should there be a free moment i’m sure they will get back to you on that apology.
To claim the PLP is xenophobic can be seen as condescending. The OBA could have worded it better. I hope they don’t let the power get to their head. They could issue an apology. They should also not let the power get to their head because they could be voted out next election.
It really is sad that the OBA has made strides towards bringing our island back from financial ruin and they still have to put up with the PLP’s nonsense.
Everybody notice what the PLP’s desperate message has been lately. While the OBA has been working hard to bring prosperity back to our country (in only a month), the PLP has complained that the OBA has lied during its election campaign, that the OBA has lied about their qualifications, now that the OBA is being disrespectful. The PLP is obviously very desperate and should take a few months off before speaking again considering all the harm they brought to our island.
I must post what @Young Black Minds had to say, it was perfect:
The above comments (most of them, at least) are examples of what Mr. Famous was describing in his statement – good or bad.
The “hate” that some of you have for the Opposition is dangerously high – – every time they say something, the statements range from “we had to deceive you” , “Cog in the wheel”, and all other manner of sound-bites from years past, describing the former government.
Now, I don’t believe that Mr. Branco and the OBA will apologize for their statement – but they are entitled to believe what they want (and we can respect that) – – so why can’t Mr. Famous be respected for his stance?
I just don’t get why you have to be so contrary all the time?
The OBA folks are toxic, and just as bad as their political leaders. They are negative and wrong. The OBA is not correct in their statement, and it is not politicially correct. It does not thing to reflect the CHANGE that OBA promised Bermuda. Now some of their supporters are toxic and likley to never change, as their hearts are bad. But, most in Bermuda know better, and must work towards change. This is sad day, when the OBA calls Bermudians Xenophobia and for folks not to see or understand the implications of such, suggest Bermuda has a long ways to go as as country. This is dangerous way to go, and will cause problems down the road.
Staying focused, you are nothing but a hypocrite. After all these years of plp members being racist and saying derogatory statements towards white people and foreign workers you really have the nerve to expect an apology, I think you are an idiot!!!
The biggest hypocite is a party that promised one thing, yet turns around and does the opposite. The OBA is lying and not holding up to the Change that they promised the people of people. THis is not good thing, but an extremely bad one. The OBA fans are defending lies.
As a person not elected by the people Michael Branco needs to be reigned in by the premier.
…and we should all start listening to the “Assistant Organizer for PLP Central Region” instead. After all he is a senior member of the Opposition’s Ministry for Made up Job Titles, he even out ranks the Assistant Secretary of Silly Walks.
As a person not elected by the people, Mr. Famous needs to be “reigned in” by the Opposition Leader.
perfect.
Overstand this, the interim premier, Craig Cannonier, has absolutely NO POWER – NO REAL SAY. He is under heavy manners – a Black puppet under the control of his white masters. Hence, the reason why he is always mia, awol or gone into witness protection.
PLP are like f’n children. Seriously.
This is utterly ridiculous from the PLP, and almost reads as a threat in my eyes. It basically says: “Be nice and pander to us or else we will stoke up the dangerous youth.” Is that what the PLP’s new trump card is going to be? If you don’t do what we want we’ll try to spark a social riot? Classy.
Typically petty from a party that has a record of being anything but respectful while they were running the House.
This is politics, and what said by the OBA not only has more than an element of truth to it – it is hardly offensive. If that is ‘the most hostile language’ that the new PLP member can take, methinks he find a new profession or he’s not going to last long.
HOPEFULLY YOUR TIME ON THE ISLAND IS NOT LONG
Hopefully your time on caps lock will end a bit sooner.
Classy, not at all xenophobic response, btw. Way to prove a point.
whoever you are, lostinflatts – you are fabulous. as usual you are spot on. please keep it up – you are a pleasure to read…. can’t YOU get involved in politics?
oh, and to can’t fool me…. lostinflatts is CLEARLY a bermudian.
cheers
Hahaha…
Way to demonstrate the same behaviour that Branco was referring to…
Oh how ironic…
Bermy Gooner always has something negative to say about bermuda…yes bermuda is not perfect, but i guess wherever u all are from is heavenly…..if everything about bermudians is bad, then why do people come here…last time i checked it was bermudains that built this place n I’m tired of all of these negative comments…Mr. Branco n Mr. Fahy…who are you speaking about dont forget your bermudain also!!! You represent the people so get a life!! We the people are tired of hearing your negative comments towards us, why dont you give up your citizenship n move elsewhere!!! Take Bermy Gooner with you and dont come back
Exactly how is the criticizing of racist behaviour of the Opposition and highlighting the blatant hypocrisy of the above letter is on par with criticizing Bermuda?
That’s the problem, PLPers equate the Party and themselves as being Bermuda. Bermuda is much more than one political party and their supporters. Something the PLP never was able to understand or respect and still don’t apparently.
Boo hoo, boo hoo hoo, wah, wah.
Oh grow up Mr Famous! There are plenty of xenophobic Bermudians, and you know it!
“Bermuda is on a social precipice, one of which there can be dangerous recourse for us as an island, if the political leadership does not act in a manner befitting mutual respect, in the face of political differences”
This is the kind of statement which just make me laugh! Did not the OBA Leader offer a Cabinet seat to the opposition? Did the OBA not offer a PLP member the Speakers position? It was the PLP who threw it back in their faces! The OBA have done more to show mutual respect in 6 weeks than the PLP did in 14 long and tortuous years. This sounds like a threat to me – what kind of “dangerous recourse” are you talking about? I’ll await your response, but won’t hold my breath
Ever since the OBA won the election there have been threats of violence, unrest and rioting from the otherside…
Grow up…
Am I the only one on here who had to google “precipice?” Hah who uses that word!
Quick … somebody call the PLP a wambulance.
HOld on, as time goes on you might be the one in need of an ambulance, if your not able to deal with the Political outcomes. A lot can happen in politics within 24 hrs or 28 mths. The OBA needs the support of the PLP at present. So hold back you joy, as the ride might get tougher for you as an OBA supporter. It is not all in the bag yet. Wait and see if you are a politically smart and alert OBA fellow. I am not sure your heart will take what is coming down the pipeline…..
are you threatening people? really?
No need to start guessing. It’s clear the PLP/BIU’s quest for return to power and control of the Government (and with it, taxpayer funds) is the only thing that matters to them.
Party before country after all.
oh christ, and they’re off……..
The uBP isn’t going to make an apology
And why should they?
You alone demonstrate enough xeonphobic ignorance to fill a book of ignorance..
If the cap fits, right?
The ubp won’t apologize because they no longer exist!
Hold your breath Famous!
YUP SOUNDS LIKE THE OLD UBP SMH CANT B SURPRISED THO ,CAN A LEOPARD CHANGE ITS SPOTS?
You mean like the leopards at the Leopards’ Club?
Come on people. After years of Dr. Brown’s and friends’ overtly and down right explicit racial rhetoric and insults to any and all that challenged the direction they were taking this territory, both financially and socially, on what broken and lame leg does a PLP correspondent have to retort a perfectly acceptable literation of disapproval of someone’s opinion.
Instead of being so ravenous to attack the current party in Government, perhaps you should spend some time reflecting on the state you carried this territory into. The gross debt, the wild violence, the loss of faith in your ability to govern, and so on.
Were I in your position I’d not speak on any topic or concern that my party left worst than it received. Including, but not limited to, crime, education, employment, trust of leadership, social services, and on and on. You ran this place into the ground and the momentum will dig it in further for at least a couple of years to come. Think about that. Think about why you lost. What you as a group and individually did to secure your defeat. Attack that within and rebuild a better party.
In the mean time, pick sensible battles that show you are turning a corner in your identity and your service to the Island.
Ride.
You needed to hear the Sherry Simmons / PLP properganda show today. What alot of hate. This country will fail. Sorry to say, the hate is growing more and more. The truth is that we need to let the process prove itself, let the new government prve itself. But the PLP hatred is amazing. The hatred for foreigner is felt, and this is directed from who? We are in a mess because of who? We are in debt because of who? We have so more bluecollar foreigners now then ever because of who? We have every hotel with the exception of two for sale, ask why? Wake up and stop the hate, or our future will be very bad. No business, no jobs, no money =’s no imports meaning no food. Trust me, it could get that bad.
In fairness, those shows were full of hate prior to the election and we ended up with a good result for the country. It’s a matter of a small bunch giving the masses a bad name.
Be careful now, the OBA is courting, flattering coshing up to the PLP for the Speaker of the House. It is tight on the hill in the house of Parliament, and the OBA now needs the PLP to balance things out in the HOUSE. SO let’s not be so cocky, or over confident as if the OBA is in a strong position. The PLP are still in a very strong position in the HOUSE, and anything can happen in Politics in 24 hours or 24 mths. PLP have no wounds to lick, but only need to play their cards smart and it is likely they will. Particularly with the many Mis-steps the OBA are now making. The OBA right now needs the PLP more than anything. So I would be careful to only keep attacking the PLP, but seek how best to work with them. The comments by the fans do not help either. The OBA has failed to keep most of their election promises so far, and who knows what is coming down the pipe line? You might feel even more upset in the weeks to come with your beloved OBA party.
What a great Show, she outlined the facts so well. It puts the OBA in a real bad position. The OBA have not kept their election promises, and this does not abode well for a Party that preach they will government differently, and do things in a transparent way. OBA are not doing a good job. Folks can see thru it, that is why many OBA fans are writing to help their party look a little better. But you are merely defending lies, lies, and more lies to come from the OBA.
Can a leopard type without using all caps? That’s the question here.
“A policy of which International Business was part of the crafting.”
I think by “part” you actually mean “ignored during”. Let’s stop with the revisionist history, m’kay?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Funniest article all week.
Grow up, Christopher Famous! Oh, and you want the OBA to ‘lower the tone’, do you? Oh, I certainly hope that they do ‘lower the tone’…………
I hope neither the OBA nor Michael Branco apologises even slightly. What he said was entirely accurate. The PLP has being pushing xenophobia and race-baiting for a long, long time.
You’re a dummy. They said Bermudians who hold Xenophobic views. Where in the wild world of f**ks does it say anything about the PLP?!?!?!? Way to jump the gun and assume how you want to see it. Fall back, you’re weak!
“We call upon Mr. Branco to retract this statement immediately and lower his tone towards the PLP and its family of supporters.”
BWAHAHAHAHAHA
Getting a little bit back and want to throw a hissy fit…
How many times have the PLP and their supporters labelled any opposition as racists, uncle toms, house ni**ers etc…
Get over yourselves…
THE CHANGE HAS COME…LIES AND DISRESPECT CANT WAIT TO SEE WHAT ELSE IS IN STORE
I call upon the PLP to apologise for:
Burch – we don’t care what you think
Burch – Racist dog
Brown – Plantation question
Alex – Fed up with hearing from people who look like Brannon
Rene – Need more people who look like me
Brown – for illegally bring in 2 suspected terrorists
Brown – a vote for UBP is a vote back into slavery
Brown – we had to mislead you
LV – everything she ever said
Commissiong – ditto.
and every other racist comment made by PLP higher ups.
Now stick that where de sun don’t shine!!!
Foggo – A vote for them is vote back onto the plantation
Burch – labelling a black Bermudian a house ni**er because they didn’t agree with his POV
Burch – hanging up on a white caller after she confirmed she was white
Blakeney – when you going to stop supoprting the white man and come to our side (to P. Pamplin)
Bean – They are all neo-fascists that want to lock us all up
you forgot Renee – that look like me
Time Passage, You have just demonstrated your racist behaviour and sick inner soul of your heart. Daily you spew out trash on this site, and do nothing to bring Bermuda together as one. It is folks like you that give Bermuda a bad name. The sad thing is that your family roots and you are not even Bermudain born. It is apparent that you are a sick individual with a deep-seated and hateful mentality. YOur racist remarks makes you a bad individual. Go seek some professional help be the CHANGE that the OBA promised Bermuda. Or was the CHANGE merely a lIE to gain political VOtes.
Regurgitating the PLP hate makes him/her racist?
@Staying Focused. He or she merely repeated what some of the PLP leaders have said openly and publicly during the last 13 years? How is it this makes them racist???? I would say these are clear examples of a clearly racist and arrogant PLP!
come on…not one PLP supporter will admit their party is racist – come off it! thats why they are PLP supporters…blind leading the blind
The above comments (most of them, at least) are examples of what Mr. Famous was describing in his statement – good or bad.
The “hate” that some of you have for the Opposition is dangerously high – - every time they say something, the statements range from “we had to deceive you” , “Cog in the wheel”, and all other manner of sound-bites from years past, describing the former government.
Now, I don’t believe that Mr. Branco and the OBA will apologize for their statement – but they are entitled to believe what they want (and we can respect that) – - so why can’t Mr. Famous be respected for his stance?
I just don’t get why you have to be so contrary all the time?
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
The non-respect is being given, primarily because Mr. Famous is sounding like a true hypocrite.
Where was his calls for respect when any and all opposition to the PLP were issued labelled by the PLP while being subject to persistent character denigrations?
I respect your posts, but you have to admit there is an element of truth in that…
My personal favorite was the white people have a pre disposed genetic trait to be racist…….. Classic PLP and no plp supporter said anything… that’s why some things just take with a grain of salt and let it go. Now on another note is it true that the PLP will try to block everything in the house to try to force another election?,….
LOL
@ Bermy Gooner,
If you can admit there is an element of truth, then you must be able to admit that some people or supporters from the OBA are racist as well?
History tells us so. Go ahead and say it’s an old arguement, but it does not mean it’s not true. I have plenty of white friends, and I have worked with people from all over the world my whole life. But I would be a fool to think racism does not exist here. And it was here long before Dr. Brown, or Paul Cox.
Most definitely. Just as there are racists and xenophobes in the PLP.
The difference being is that the PLP labelled ALL non-supporters or opposition as being part of some secret racist cabal that yearned for domination and the oppression of the black race as a whole.
They didn’t specify some, they consistently labelled ALL non-believers with the same broad brush. And not once did I hear condemnation from the powers that be or calls for from within to treat non-followers with an iota of respect. Not once.
@ Bermy Gooner,
I see the same thing happening with the OBA, so how are they any different?
Where? Sho me the blanket racist statements?
And, actually, where is your admission of the rampant racism that is rife in the PLP?
@ Tired
Are you stupid? When have you heard the OBA say one racist thing against ALL black people? What, EXACTLY, has been going on in the OBA (keep in mind they have barely been in power for a month) that is the same as what the PLP did, which is being backed up by FACTS on this blog? I think you are having a hard time dealing with the fact that the PLP is no longer in power, when you should be concerned about the betterment of the COUNTRY as a WHOLE and not a group of elites…which the OBA has NOT SHOWN. Guess it is for the party after all….
You are acting as if being a hypocrite is related to which political party one is affiliated?
You are making my point for me – - the tone of the rhetoric needs to be toned down on both sides.
It is unhealthy – - period.
Yng Black Mind
And the hate seems to go both ways. This is not helping Bermuda.
Nothing to apologize for. The PLP still don’t like facts.
I call on the PLP to apologise for spending all my money and putting me in $1billion debt. You guys are impopssible man.
@ Joonya,
Oh shut the F*$% up! Your money is in your account, like mine is. Unless you spent it. Dumb a$$ statement.
If your dumb a$$ is in debt, it’s because of yourself!
WOW (and I aint talking about the cable tv either..)
wow. I shall answer my own other question: Tired – are you stupid?
YES!! LOL! this one was hilarious.
Seriously PLP – you are acting like a bunch of whiny children. You also have forgotten what you have done to Bermuda…. You can make all the noise you wish but we are just laughing at you. How quickly you all forget. WE DON’T!
Lowering the tone Mr Famous?
Would this include going on Facebook pretending to be someone else and the making inflamatory statements about them and attempting to defame and intimidate them as PLP did to so many who disagreed with them?
Best of luck with that Sir.
And another one Mr Famous. Would lowering the tone include publishing a childish sexist cartoon poking fun at 3 candidates, attempting to portray them as air-heads, purely on the basis that they are women? Is that the kind of thing that should lead to an apology?
What a joke…. Mr. Famous, your articles and letters are usually read with interest and respect. Not this one….apologies, threat for what….it’s a joke, right?
Let’s not forget what they did to the guy who run Limey in Bermuda, the first real blog in Bermuda. He recieved phones calls, voice messages and e-mails, threatning violence against him, his wife, and child.
PLP act like Children.
Stop acting like David Burch never talked with unapropriate tone.
What concerns me the most is that you sound perfectly willing to cut off your nose just to spite your face!
OBA keep up the good work!
The BIU/PLP will try to do anything now,to regain power.Furbert is trying to stir up the masses,for his own political agenda.Do not be deterred from your governance.Keep bringing forward good iniatives that hopefully,will get Bermuda back to prosperity.The people are behind you,and have seen the damage caused by the PLP.We do not want to go down that road again!
apologize right after Walton Brown apologizes to Nalton Brangman…..
@Navin, MR Brangman has told a bold face lie, and you are defending a so called Minister who is the MAster of SPIN. What a JOKE to our children and Educators in BErmuda. Many are laughing at Nalton, he has no respect. If OBA was serious about Education and our children, they surely would not have selected MR Brangman…..this is a JOKE, or JOKER…. which one…..
Who are the PLP anyway! Oh, that’s right they are the dinosaurs we put out to pasture because they gobbled up too much BREAD.
Jeez,I actually took the time to read everything so far..
I still have only one word…
BOLLOCKS!
Famous, you owe us an apology because you spell your name wrong all the time using 2 many Sssssssssss
PLP lick your wounds before they fester. Do not spend the next 4 years fighting for what you LOST. Stand Strong as opposition for a better Bermuda.
Be careful now, the OBA are courting the PLP for the Speaker of the HOuse. It is tight on the hill in the house of Parliament, and the OBA now needs the PLP to balance things out in the HOUSE. SO lets not be so cocky like OBA are in a strong position. The PLP are still in a strong position in the HOUSE, and anything can happen in Politics in 24 hours or 24 mths. PLP have no wounds to lick, but only need to pay their cards smart and it is likley they will. Particulary with the many Mis-steps the OBA are now making.
There are a lot of sides to this story and it’s not just about Michael Branco.
1. The PLP vehemently believe that term limits are the way to go. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked. I think in the interest of transparency, they should be gracious and admit that their policy did not work.
2. The OBA Govt should admit that, yes, they did say they would suspend the policy for two years but they’ve changed their mind and abolished it all together. It is a broken campaign promise (I’m sure the PLP are guilty of the same). If there is compelling rationale for that break, then they should say what that is. And they should prove that Marc Bean supported it.
3. The debate should have stayed there but Diallo Rabain came out and pushed a couple of buttons so Michael Branco responded with a poorly worded statement. He should apologise and the Premier needs to step up.
I am an OBA supporter and I don’t like what I see right…..not just OBA announcements but also the way that the PLP are conducting themselves. The OBA are doing exactly what they said they wouldn’t do. I don’t see a lot of transparency right now. Maybe it will be there later, maybe these are teething problems, but something needs to happen soon or else they will be screwed in 5 years. Plus, I don’t know why non-elected officials are speaking for the Govt. It makes no sense to me.
On the other hand, the PLP are acting like they were so perfect when they were Govt. It’s their job to keep the Govt on its toes, for sure, but they put BDA in a real mess so they shouldn’t be throwing stones. On top of that, I remember a lot of old UBP supporters in 1998 were so angry and vitriolic when the PLP came in and changed a lot around. Those people thought the Govt belonged to the UBP – like it was a right. I see that right now with the PLP. The PLP needs to also tone down its arrogance, anger and vitriol.
I am not looking forward to this Parliamentary session. The PLP will be the Party of No even though I believe the OBA will be trying to reach out and use the intellectual capital that is in the PLP. Maybe it doesn’t matter what happens outside of Parliament. Maybe the point is that the OBA will come clean within Parliament and show leadership and honesty – not to say they are not right now. The PLP don’t have high marks in that area anyway.
@M.R.
I do not think the PLP are acting Perfect, but rather pushing their game in full gear to hold the OBA up to what they promised, A high level of “Accountability”. The PLP are acting in a strong and forceful way, and as the Opposition they must, they cannot roll over and play dead.
It is likely that many of the OBA fans will reject the PLP’s stance on Accountability, particularly if it calls the OBA out. But the shoe is now on the other foot, and the OBA fans need to learn how to deal with it, or continue to act like spoil children. Rejecting the Truth, and spitting out the vegetables. OBA comments above, only reflect spoiled children who do not want to be told the truth, it is expected.
Any strong Opposition Party must work hard at holding the OBA to their Election Promises that they guaranteed, and pledged to the people. It was the OBA that ensured the Bermuda public certain things, not the PLP. It was the OBA that preached they would do politics differently and CHANGE. They made this a strong part of their election platform. Now, the challenge and question that must be asked: Can the OBA live up to their promises?
The PLP must seek to hold them to what they espoused so strongly. If you recall they did all they could to demonize the PLP, and the PLP failed to address some of the mis-conceptions the OBA put out there about the PLP. I think the PLP have learnt that was a big mistake, and now will be on their toes, on everything. Any smart Opposition govt, must be alert, and ready to challenge the governing party. This the PLP will do with Mark Bean’s leadership. The OBA told Bermuda Voter to vote FOR CHANGE, and so folks will seek to see that change, and hold them accountable to it.
The hollow cries and comments from the OBA fans will only push the PLP to work harder to perform their role to hold the government accountable.
…………one question, would it have been possible to hold the PLP, namely Mr. Furbert, ‘accountable’ for an election promise of a hotel breaking ground over a month ago now; a hotel for which the contract had already been terminated before the promise passed his lips?
And I hate to say it but Mr. Famous’s idea that over 12k people abstained from voting is dead wrong. He has no way of extracting that information from that number. he’s basically saying that over 12k plp supporters didn’t vote at all.
rubbish.
About 2K of young adults that were still in University or college.
Why is nothing heard from the Leader of the Opposition? Why doesn’t he say something? Why is the PLP spoken for by the likes of Senator Rabain, Christopher Famous, Walter Robain, and the annonymous PLP “spokesperson”? Is Marc Bean still the Leader or has he been overthrown?
I am really and truly laughing my A$$ off right now – you have got to be kidding me!
G….0…..A…..w…..a….y.
Here’s an apology for Mr. Famous.
“Sorry, you lost the election.”
Mr Fahy, I hope you have also read these comments by your OBA fans, over the past several months. The comments are distasteful and extremely viral. Is this the Bermuda that you promised us. I do not see the CHANGE that the OBA promised !! Looks like you got to work with your own support base first, if you want real change in Bermuda. These folks seem to be filled with hate and racism. I was hoping for change, but I have been let down by the OBA fans and MPS.
this was caused and brought about due to the plp actions over the last 14 years,if you dont like it…TOUGH!
oh, shucks. the OBA needs to wave their magic wand and make all the problems go away – which, btw, the PLP CREATED or did you FORGET THAT??!!
ps…”Staying FocusED…you should try it sometime
laughable..
Mr Famousssss. You have become an embarrssssssment. Your grandsssssstanding has reached a new low. You are quite sssssimply the butt of a few jokessss now. I mysssself am quite sssatisssfied becausssse itssss a bout time. You brought in on yourssself with your passst actionsss.
You are an embarrasssment to ‘my island’.
You know exactly what I am ssspeaking of.
Methinks that Mr Famous doth protest too much. Seriously the PLP should start to consider the welfare of Bermuda and not their petty agendas. Mr Famous should admit to himself that the reason that the PLP lost the election was the lousy job they did running the country, and the personal greed of their leaders.
boring PLP tit for tac politics comeon we are waiting for better as we have been through all this crap we are over it all now thats why we voted you ou! GET IT
Hey…I STILL have only one word…
BOLLOCKSSSSSSSSsssssssssssssssssss!
Do any of you bloggers remember the 1970s in Bermuda? If you do, then take notice of the community that you have such disdain for. Let me make it clear……continue with your attitudes, and very soon, hell will find your doorstep but in a much more calculated way….trust me. It may be time to remind The boys in de hood aka PS, MOB etc, just who the real enemy is……! Keep talking, as soon we will see who the real revolutionaries are in this country. Don’t like my blog, well think before you speak, or words will soon become irrelevant! And you can take that to the bank.not a threat…….just a historical promise.
Bring it on lil boyz!
if you think that people are scared of your pathetic threats and these lil boyz,then you have made a big mistake!
EVERYONE of them CRY for their Momma when they are caught!
EVERYONE of them.
after reading post, I think BPS will be at your door very very soon my friend. you had better have a good explanation for thoughts
Wow. Another threat of violence from the Opposition. Didn’t really think one can be that jaded from a simple election loss. Grow up
The PLP statements are getting more and more bizarre. First they want ‘explanations’ when the government starts doing the things it said it would do. Then it wants an ‘explanation’ about a Minister’s resume, which was actually accurate. Now they want an ‘apology’ for comments that were not even directed to the PLP.
I think they may need psychological help.
@ Bermy gooner you and the UBP can’t jump
How come we never hear from Marc Bean? isn’t he in charge any more? What does he think about all this trivial nonsense put out by these under-assistant paper shufflers?
@ Bermy Gooner stop covering up for Nalton B and Branco.I know you don’t want the UBP to lose the next election.
Mr. Famous, the people of Bermuda don’t care what you think, clearly you must not remember the outcome of the election. As far lowering the tone towards PLP supporters, maybe those same words should have been said towards the OBA supporters weeks leading up to the election.
The PLP wants to talk about respect for the opposition? The irony is almost comical.
Jodells says that this is absurd! Mr. Famous needs to read all the letters to the editor and tell some of his brothers and sisters to stop blaspheming white people. Its clearly hateful!
Yet again, it’s really hard to take the PLP seriously when they complain about the behaviour of the present Government when you compare the present situation to the PLP’s actions while in power.
I keep hearing indignation… ‘How dare you behave the way we did?!’ when they see something that bears little to no similarities.
I had hoped that being back as the official Opposition the PLP would realise the errors they committed in the past and seek to do better. Sadly, this appears to have been wishful thinking on my part, though I suppose I should give them some more time to get over their shock at losing the election.
So the OBA acts in the public’s interest and reverses a terrible mistake the PLP made, and the PLP wants an apology?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
You People are PATHETIC!!
UBP and Bermy gooner bring the facts not lies .Let’s talk about the rising food prices does Michael Dunkley come to mind lol
When the PLP apologizes to the people of Bermuda for
messing up Bermuda and leaving behind all these problems than the OBA could apologize for making them cry.
A bunch of Childishness.
Mr. Famous like Mr. Branco is entitled to his opinion! If the OBA and its supporters don’t like it, then IGNORE it. The hate displayed in these blogs is unreal; I really feel sorry for Bermuda, where is the change that we voted for instead we have the same ole same ole just new faces. What a farce, and who is Michael Branco? What exactly are you saying Sir Branco; sounds like Bermudians should be worshiping the ground that expat workers walk on. There should be a mutual agreement and understanding here. The OBA to date have done nothing except create a wider division in Bermuda, not engaging the people of Bermuda is a BIG MISTAKE! Get busy running the country creating JOBS and fostering UNITY, isn’t that what you promised. I am beginning to think that the OBA have lost its way in 2 short months OR maybe we all have been deceived now by the OBA. What a crock!!!
What a pile of hogwash. The OBA have not created a bigger division in Bermuda. The problem is when people are afraid of change they block it or feel scared thus feeling isolated or in your case ‘divided’. Maybe if you embraced what is being said and done you won’t feel so ‘divided’. You have to come to the realization that Bermuda cannot sustain itself without expats, we NEED them which means we ALL have to work together for the better of this place. Obviously Bermudians are top prioroty, but we have to swallow our pride and admit that we as a people need help and it okay. We as Bermudians own this Island noone can take that from us, so don’t feel threatened when you hear a different accent when you walk down the road. I’m proud that I’m Bermudian and that everyone wants to live and work on this beautiful piece of rock.
@ Bermudian. As a Bermudian myself I have no problem with expat workers and I acknowledge that we do need them. BUT for this particular topic to be a priority to my OBA government at this time when over 3,000 people need jobs is a waste of time. Tell Mr. Branco and the OBA to go and find the 2,000 jobs that were promised. The priority needs to be JOBS!! You need to get your head of the weeds and come up for air if you dont see the division. Bermudians need to embrace what was said, oh please! The statement generalized all Bermudians; maybe that’s my OBA governments version of inclusion. Of course its always the Bermudian who needs to change!
The PLP were unable to govern effectively. So far they cannot fulfill the role of opposition effectively either.
The amount of total garbage that comes out Christopher’s mouth is staggering. Can he not do what most people do when he speaks? IGNORE IT. Soon as he opens his mouth or I see an article from him I don’t even read it because I know it is full of 85% trash.
The PLP hierarchy don’t seem to understand that, by allowing Chris Famous to be the public face of the party, and by allowing the spokesmen of the party to act like petulant children, they are drowning the potential for reasonable debate in a sea of white noise. Mr. Famous has a platform in the Sun and as a PLP representative (what does Assistant Organizer for PLP Central Region mean, anyway?). He seems to have little credibility with most Bermudians I have talked to. He and Vanz Chapman have used the Bermuda Election website to repeatedly call out the OBA leadership, but really why would seasoned politicians choose to debate the opposition on an opposition-friendly facebook page (or any facebook page for that matter)? This exhibits an inflated view of their place in the political discussion. I’m not questioning his right to his views, but Mr, Famous, and other PLP supporters who apparently are made so visible by the PLP leadership, do a disservice to the party and to the Island. I think the PLP need to regroup, reign in some of the rhetoric and rethink their approach to acting in opposition, for their own good and the good of everyone else. Otherwise, they may soon see the day that they are not taken seriously by anyone in the political mainstream, by the media, or by the electorate.
@ Verbal Knit…..I think you need to look at the man in the Mirror, as that summary describes yourself and the OBA, and not Mr Famous or the PLP. LOOK in the MIRROR…..the real divider is yourself. I know your not attempting to cover up the lies and mis-steps the OBA has made in only 1 month as government. They have made a real mess of things, and have done little to bring this country together as one. They have actually created a greater divide. Really, is this doing things differently, is this the CHANGE they promised BErmuda?
As I have stated in the past, I’m not an OBA supporter. I don’t support either party. I guess you missed the part where I said I was offering a suggestion in an attempt to raise the effectiveness of the opposition, and the level of the debate. But the knee jerk reaction seems to be the Bermudian way, as is attacking the messenger, which is an indication that you have no valid point to make.
By the way Stayin Focus is grammatically incorrect. It is STAYING FOCUSED. I suggest you do that.
The xenophobia thing was really an unintended consequence of the term limit policy…. it didn’t necessarily come from the plp, but more from their support base who saw it as their duty, rather than governments, to regulate said policy. I have witnessed for myself a non-Bermudian in the workplace being bullied every single day for years because of getting a managerial job over a Bermudian. There was no need for the bullying as there were official channels which could be followed to resolve the issue. I think the plp should discourage this kind of vigilante justice, if they are even aware that it happens.
BERMUDA
Don’t be so taken back by comments such as this… “the writing was on the wall” but YOU the MAJORITY voted this in. Let’s see who is alert for the next election.
politicians are corn artist lol
Well said @ Where is Craig???? says:
February 2, 2013 at 10:04 am
Mr. Famous like Mr. Branco is entitled to his opinion! If the OBA and its supporters don’t like it, then IGNORE it. The hate displayed in these blogs is unreal; I really feel sorry for Bermuda, where is the change that we voted for instead we have the same ole same ole just new faces. What a farce, and who is Michael Branco? What exactly are you saying Sir Branco; sounds like Bermudians should be worshiping the ground that expat workers walk on. There should be a mutual agreement and understanding here. The OBA to date have done nothing except create a wider division in Bermuda, not engaging the people of Bermuda is a BIG MISTAKE! Get busy running the country creating JOBS and fostering UNITY, isn’t that what you promised. I am beginning to think that the OBA have lost its way in 2 short months OR maybe we all have been deceived now by the OBA. What a crock!!!
WHERE IS THE CHANGE THAT OBA PROMISED BERMUDA? HOW IS THE OBA DOING POLITICS DIFFERENTLY? OBA seems to have made too many mis-steps during their short time in government. Their supporters know this, but many are not willing to admit to it, so they think making poor comments will breathe life into the OBA to help them survive., BUt folks can see thur the LIES and MIS-Steps of the OBA.
apologise! to plp! these bunch of heartless raiders who rip us of our purse and good nature have left us DRY,HOPELESS,CRIME RIDDEN and PAUPERS…they should all be in JAIL..they ruin this beautiful island in their tenureship
get the world court for the plp for causing us a NIGHTMARE here in making Bermuda run down place when we were ONCE a enviable position..
they plp can’t run on their pukish record..if they want apology ..we want our MONEY BACK..that they wasted,mismanage and spent on their faces!!!!!!!!!
xenophobia – definition of xenophobia by the Free Online Dictionary …
A person unduly fearful or contemptuous of that which is foreign, especially of strangers or foreign peoples
Mr. Branco said the term limits policy was put in place to “pander to the xenophobic views of those Bermudians who would like Bermuda to be foreigner-free.” People who want Bermuda to be foreigner-free are, by definition, xenophobic. He did not say “PLP supporters”, he did not say “black people.” He did not say “people from back of town (or any other area where there is a strong contingent of PLP members and/or supporters).” He spoke of a significant portion of our population that would like most, if not all, foreigners to go home. Is Mr. Famous denying that we have a significant proportion of our people who would prefer if there were no foreigners here? Surely not! It is only the truth. What is wrong with the truth? We have tiptoed around it long enough. Lets call spades what they are.
Mr. Branco, there is no apology necessary here, in my opinion. Honesty would have all of us admit our prejudices. Personally, I am challenged by people who pretend to care about Bermuda and her people but who really have a different agenda. Like an earlier post, I was naive enough to hope the spin and rhetoric would go away and we would all begin to actively seek for points of contact rather than creating dissension and animosity.
And what is with these threats of civil unrest! Y’all need to stop! What do you think you will be fighting for? In the ’70s we had legitimate concerns. What would the cause be at this time? Power for the PLP? The PLP forgot they were not elected to be “in power” but to be “in service.”
You know, these threats of civil unrest are beginning to sound more and more like “If we can’t have it, no-one will.”
The ones who are spouting this stuff seem not to care that if the guys with the guns decide to wage war, ALL of our lives will be at risk – or are they only going to shoot at white folks? Naw, that would be totally racist, and only white folks are racist, right?!
And who will benefit in the end? The only ones left standing will be the guys with the guns (if GB doesn’t intervene and level the island).