Police Attend ‘Sit In’ Over Term Limit Documents
Yesterday afternoon [Feb 5] the police attended a ‘sit in’ which was launched by Jonathan Starling [pictured] at the Home Affairs Ministry headquarters.
The former Independent political candidate was seeking the release of the Term Limit policy review document.
Last week Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy confirmed that Government will eliminate the Term Limit Policy, which restricted work permit holders for working on the island for longer than 6 years without a waiver.
The Opposition PLP has expressed their disagreement with the way it was handled, with 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.
In response to complaints by the Unions they were not consulted before the decision, the Ministry pointed out they did consult with the unions via the Bermuda Trade Union Congress [BTUC], having sent them a copy of the Term Limit policy document and requesting feedback.
The email to the stakeholders, with the Term Limit review document attached, said the document was not for media consumption, and was shared with the email recipients in confidence.
Mr Starling has degrees in Ecological Economics and Urban and Regional Planning, and is well known in the online community through his Catch-A-Fire blog, which he has maintained since 2007. He ran as Independent candidate in C#20 Pembroke South West in the 2012 General Election.
In a discussion on the Bernews article about the Ministry seeking feedback from the Unions, Mr Starling posted, “I think that the OBA broke their promise of a two-year suspension and thorough review, and have written on that in various places.
“I also question how much of a substantive review they could conduct within three business days of soliciting a review from key stakeholders, and one day to analyse these responses.
“I also think the policy review should be made public, and without seeing it I find it hard to accept the review/consultation was thorough.
“The OBA campaigned not only on a two-year suspension and review, but also for transparency. I’m trying to hold them accountable to themselves.”
A press statement by Mr Starling about the matter is below:
Earlier today I was involved in a direct action initiative at the Ministry of Home Affairs, in Sofia House on Church Street.
I went to the Ministry of Home Affairs in order to achieve two objectives:
- 1) Get clarification from the Minister concerning his recent statements on ‘policing’ the internet.
- 2) Ensure the public release of the policy review document which informed the recent decision by the Minister to abolish term limits.
As I discovered that the Minister was off-island, I decided that it would be impossible to achieve the first objective, and instead focused on the second.
Prior to going to the Ministry I made inquiries concerning PATI and the proper process by which to initiate a PATI request concerning the policy review. I was informed that PATI is not operational and, indeed, was essentially dormant at the moment, pending instruction from the new government.
I decided at this point that I would go to the Ministry and I would not leave until I had either a commitment on their part to release the policy review, or a written statement on why the policy review would not be made public. I understand that the Minister was not present, but understood that the acting Minister or Premier would be able to instruct the Civil Servants on this matter.
I was initially told by the staff that they would make an appointment for me to discuss this issue with the PS. I agreed to this, but insisted that I would wait until the PS returned from lunch and ensure she understood my position. On her return, I provided my contact information with her, but insisted I would not leave until given a written statement about whether or not the policy review could be released, and if not, why not; or a written statement of when the appointment would be.
The PS refused to give me either, and I insisted on staying in the Ministry until either of the above was forthcoming. I was presented with a written statement confirming that she had met with me, and taken my details for an appointment, but not the details of an appointment itself.
I sat in the waiting area at the front, reading a paper. I was informed that if I did not leave promptly that security would be called. I repeated my earlier position.
Some time later, the police arrived. There were at least seven police who responded, four in fluorescent jackets, and three additional in black vests. I believe there were more police, possibly up to nine, but as I was somewhat distracted by their arrival I cannot be sure. I took a picture of the first four police as they arrived, but was unable to take further photos.
I was approached by two officers, while the rest stood behind them. They asked me what I was doing, and I told them that I was waiting for a written statement concerning my freedom of information request. They asked me some additional questions which seemed irrelevant to the matter at hand. I distinctly remember them being particularly interested in where I was employed.
I was informed by one officer that if I did not leave immediately that I would be arrested. I asked for clarification on what legal basis I would be arrested for simply sitting quietly in a waiting room of a public ministry awaiting a written statement. I was informed that I was to be arrested under the Summary Offences Act for obstruction, I believe, of business. I pointed out that I was in no way obstructing the civil servants from their business, any more the coat rack or empty seats also in the waiting room.
I admit I also noted that it seemed a tad over the top to send at least seven police officers to deal with this issue, as it seemed that their skills would be better served elsewhere, and that one or two officers would have been sufficient for this incident.
As I was about to be arrested, Minister Dunkley arrived and asked to speak with me privately. I insisted on a police officer being present to take notes and as a witness, and once this was agreed, I agreed to speak with the Minister in the boardroom.
After discussing why I was there and in this situation, Minister Dunkley, the acting Minister for Minister Fahy, offered a compromise. I was given his word that he would ensure the policy review in question would be given to me, and thus the public, if I agreed to cease my sit-down. Taking the Minister by his word, I complied with this deal, and was promptly escorted out of the Ministry and building.
I would like to make two points here:
- 1) The civil servants involved were pleasant and professional. I understand they were simply doing their job, and I hope they also understand that I was just doing my job as an active citizen in the democratic process.
- 2) The police themselves acted politely, and despite the situation, I understand they too were simply doing their job.
I would also like to note that at the moment I have a neutral position concerning term limits and their continuation or abolishment.
My concern however was that they were abolished despite the OBA stating as a pre-election pledge that they would suspend term limits for two years and engage in a thorough review involving consultation with key stakeholders.
As a member of the public I consider myself a key stakeholder, and feel that I was not consulted. I also feel that the policy review that informed the abolishing of the term limits policy should be in the public domain, if for nothing else it would serve to dispel some of the myths concerning the term limits policy, and ensure that the Government is held accountable for their actions. It would also serve as an educational document in this sense.
There are consequences when a Government breaks its promises, and the failure to consult with all stakeholders, including the wider public, especially when it involves a serious breach of the public’s trust (in terms of their pre-election pledge) warrants the release of this policy review to the public.
I would also like to point out that at no time did I, in my belief, engage in any violent conduct. My ‘protest’ consisted of discussing the issue with the civil servants in a friendly manner and sitting in a waiting room quietly reading an article on urban planning.
PATI remains inoperational, despite being passed some years ago. While this is partially the failure of the past Government, as well as the immense task involved in making it operational, I was hopeful that a Government elected on the basis of inclusiveness and transparency – in the spirit of PATI – would be more open to the public release of such a policy review.
I encourage other citizens to also engage in peaceful acts calling for the Government to move swiftly in terms of PATI in general, and in releasing this policy review in particular.
I will be holding Minister Dunkley – and by extension the OBA Government – to its word on the release of this policy review.
-
Some of the tweets sent by Mr Starling yesterday are below:
Overkill for a solo sit-in? twitter.com/votestarling/s…
— Vote Starling (@votestarling) February 6, 2013
They sent 9 police & threatened to arrest. Minister Dunkley gave me his word he’d get me the review. Got escorted out.
— Vote Starling (@votestarling) February 5, 2013
The civil servants were very professional; I understand they were just doing their jobs.
— Vote Starling (@votestarling) February 5, 2013
Admittedly, I could have handled today better, but I set out to try and encourage greater democracy in our island.
— Vote Starling (@votestarling) February 6, 2013
There are consequences of breaking election promises, and citizens have right and duty to push for transparency.
— Vote Starling (@votestarling) February 6, 2013
I hope the government learns to become more inclusive & transparent in the future.
— Vote Starling (@votestarling) February 6, 2013
Speaking this morning, Mr Starling said, “I understand that my actions yesterday will be seen as being controversial, and there will be criticism of it. Non-violent direct action is not easy, and it certainly is not for everybody, nor is it always the best tactic.
“I certainly could have planned it better, but I felt it necessary to make a point now and see what I could do in terms of expanding democracy in Bermuda and to encourage greater transparency in Government.
“I agree that more could have been done in the past, by myself and the wider society. What is important today though is that we realise that being a responsible member of society involves also being an active member of the political process.
“It is one thing to comment online, and it is another thing to translate these comments into real action offline. It is important that, going forward, we are all engaged with the political process, in its various forms, both online and offline. There is room for both, and a necessity for both.
“Governments should be in awe of the people, not the other way around. I encourage people to be active in our society and to engage in non-violent acts which serve to advance the interests of the people, transparency and accountability.”
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- 2013 Media Articles | Vote Jonathan Starling | January 11, 2014
Well done Mr. Starling. That is your right in our democracy as it is mine to question your motives.
It is a shame though you all of a sudden found this need to be proactive within the last month and a half or so.
Where was your sit in when the former administration threatened the free press with legislated censorship, attacked anonymous bloggers and were overjoyed with the demise of a newspaper publication in the island while pushing for the demise of another.
I find it really interesting how some pick and choose their battles. Really interesting for a supposed independent thinker.
Agreed.
“It is a shame though you all of a sudden found this need to be proactive within the last month and a half or so.”
Exactly….where were you when the previous administration was doing things?! A$$
So let me get this straight. Here, we have a man being an active member in a democratic society… defending democracy in a non-violent manner. He took action instead of just talking or writing on a blog. Now he faces questions like, ‘where were you the last couple years?’ They are irrelevant. He is here now, and we should follow his lead when any government does what it wants when it wants. The real question should be, ‘what took you so long?’ and ‘thank you for finally arriving.’ The government is here to serve us, not the other way around.
Rather than criticizing him, you should ask yourselves, ‘where was I the last couple of years?’ ‘Why didn’t I take action?’ We all need to look within ourselves, because if you haven’t realized, democracy is under attack worldwide by elected governments. The people are being subjugated at an increasing rate. Look at the US… they are increasingly becoming a police state.
I applaud this man for holding to account those that were elected to serve us. Thank you for showing the people the way. Hopefully, more people will become actively involved in society, especially when democracy is under threat.
Spot on.
How is democracy under threat?
Go back and re-read the first two sentences of Bermy Gooners post.
Nice try J. Starling lmfao.
Well done Mr Starling, you are a brave man that is willing to stand firm and make a different. You sure have proven a key fact today. Your stand has proven that the OBA are falling down on being transparent and Inclusive. It seems more and more that they were only singing a dead election promise to win votes, and some folks fell for it. Keep pushing on Mr Starling…..well done !!!
Can you please point me in the direction of the consultation which took place when:
- term limits were implemented
- the payroll tax increase
- institution of land licensing requirements
- abolition of the Corporations and the $800k report that the taxpayers paid to the foreign law firm to review the legislation. The same report that Dr. Brown refused to let the public see
- the $160k 16 page report that was paid to 0Pastor Bean while he sat on the Board of the said organization
After you do please point me in the direction to the sit ins that Mr. Starling conducted as a means to protest these events.
An email was sent and the only Party which failed to respond is the one crying about not being consulted, despite the fact they sat on the working group.
Sorry Mr. Starling you do really come off as being another bitter political zealot that is simply unhappy with the election result.
Oh and specialbettyrumpgirl the OBA didn’t call the police. But truth has never stopped your Goebbelesque type of propaganda and lies.
I like this Guy!
He’s a first class jerk. A pseudo-intellectual who gives himself much more credit than he deserves.
Where did all this trumped-up interest in “transparency” come from? Never saw him doing sit-ins when the previous government acted in complete secrecy. He’s a hypocrite.
He’s not a hypocrite – just a closet PLP supporter (although he’d never admit it)
@.am
Just because he disagrees with what has happend, he is a plp supporter? You are an A$$ for making a statement like that.
He was campaigning for my constituency, you jacka$$. The only person rushing to judgement is you.
this guy is nothing but a damn nuisance.. where have you been the past couple of years? all of a sudden you decide to come onto the scene and cause unnecessary commotion?
Having to request an appointment with a Government minister is beneath this guy. Imagine if he simply requested a sit down discussion with the individual like the rest of us plebs have to do. This was a pure media stunt. Hence his need to tweet about his “experience” as it was happening.
Now if the Minister refused his request outright then he should make it a media circus and would have a case. But to publicize it as he has done just shows his intentions are not pure.
Holier than thou…
Typical Bermudian response. Attack the messenger and miss the message. Who cares what his reasons for not causing commotion in the past couple of years are? If he has a valid reason for casuing commotion now then address the points raised. Don’t muddle the facts with opinions as to his motives. Far too many people think like you though…OBA PLP. That’s all people see. I bet most commenters on here will use his past commotion-causing record in a distored effort to discredit the points he has raised… The OBA aren’t doing too good. Deal with it.
Did he initially try and contact the Minister regarding a sit down and was refused? I can see the need for his actions if that was the case, but he didn’t. Even he admitted his approach was wrong in his tweet:
“Admittedly, I could have handled today better, but I set out to try and encourage greater democracy in our island.”
He doesn’t have a ‘valid reason’. He’s a narcissistic self-serving attention seeker with a clear axe to grind.
@ Mad Dawg,
You are a hater. I have read many of your post, and all you do is hate on the old Gov. Anything, anybody who speaks against the new Gov is plp supporter or just out to cause trouble. Go in your box Dawg!
Someone really wanted the attention badly.
He could have made an appointment. This is a non-issue.
I would have let Mr. Stalin sit there all day if he wanted to.
Throw his sorry ass in Westgate for a few days – we have enough attention seeking ninnies stopping us getting on with it.
Jailing someone over such actions is also wrong and I would be the first to protest against such draconian actions.
He did what he is afforded to do under Bermuda’s democracy, no matter how much you disagree.
THATS DAT SLAVE MASTER MENTALITY SEND A MAN TO JAIL BECAUSE HE CHOOSES TO QUESTION,ONE U PPL WONDER WHY THE ISLAND IS THE WAY IT IS
You mean like jailing the Auditor General for doing their job? Or having that small trucker locked up because he approached Min. Desilva? That type of slave master mentality?
He was trespassing. The law affords plenty of ways to express yourself legally.
“Trespassing” in the public waiting area of a public building? Really?
What an attention seeker! All these years under the previous government they did whatever they wanted with without any transparency. They made countless promises which they never kept.
Suddenly this guy wants to become sort of crusader?! What a phoney!
Give it a rest Jonathon. The policy was a disaster, did nothing to protect Bermudian jobs and essentially told non-Bermudians to f*** off. My disappointment is that it took the OBA so long to reverse one of more idiotic failures of the PLP.
you need to pick beeter battlescthan this one.
I agreed with everyone also where was you when the P.L.P did questionable things for the 14 years they was in power. I think you was afraid to stand up like many in the Island during their reign.
WE CAN ALL LEARN FROM THIS,HOLD THESE A%$#$^% IN GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABLE NOW JUS IMAGINE IF IT WAS A WHOLE GROUP OF PPL ,IN ANY CASE %$#@ OBA/UBP AINT %$#@ THEY CAN DO DIFFERNT FROM THERE FOREFATHERS THATS WHO THEY ARE!!!!!!!
“NOW JUS IMAGINE IF IT WAS A WHOLE GROUP OF PPL”
Then they would be labeled a lynch mob….
I don’t think it matters where he was years ago, where were you truthsayer? Our previous government behaved unethically and we did not hold them accountable, it’s about time people started asking questions and demanded that our government be treated as a democracy. I’m not a supported of the PLP and OBA has yet to prove themselves. They should expect criticism and scrutiny, scepticism at this point is a good thing. Once our government knows they are under pressure, they will act accordingly, if not we should do as Iceland has done and kicked the bad guys out.
@ Cookie – The best most reasoned post on here…its the OBA sooo..its okay for them to do unethical things because the PLP did them as well – and there it is – the buck has been passed – witout ever resolving the underlying problem… wicked self serving polititions with “axes’ to grind”
Uh…so where were you when the PLP was running riot for 14 years?
The Term Limits Policy was a failed policy and the PLP should just admit it didn’t work in the end. Nothing wrong with that. I also don’t mind that this election promise was broken. Faced with everything we have to deal with, it’s not much of an issue.
ALL U PPL COMPLAINING AINT GOT THE GOTS TO STAND UP IN PUBLIC FOR WAT U BELIEVE IN BUT YETU WANNA SHIN SOMEONE WHO DOES $%#@ U EXPATS N %$#@ U OBA LOCALS
Actually people did in the past…and your Party labeled all protests with some pretty nasty labels and character assassinations…
You seem angry.
You have an unconventional typing style. And you really need to chill.
Umum bie yuh gat it write! I cun disagee more! MAH TYP LIKE DIS ER GET ERYONES ATTENCHUN! UMUM LIKE I SAID…GO HOME, YA DRUNK!
yep F#$k the OBA
LaVerne Furbert says:
February 5, 2013 at 9:40 pm
Minister Fahy “The recent online blogs and talk radio shows have been rampant with this negative rhetoric being targeted at our non-Bermudian workers. Mind you, it’s only a select few fanning the flames of negativity, but it only takes one or two individuals for the comments to eventually snowball into something that translates into Bermudians being perceived as anti-foreigner.”
What blogs has he been reading? Certainly not Bernews, or the Royal Gazette for that matter.
cant fool me says:
February 6, 2013 at 10:40 am
ALL U PPL COMPLAINING AINT GOT THE GOTS TO STAND UP IN PUBLIC FOR WAT U BELIEVE IN BUT YETU WANNA SHIN SOMEONE WHO DOES $%#@ U EXPATS N %$#@ U OBA LOCALS
Hey IB, come set up shop in Bermuda. We just abolished term limits and our people are known for being friendly and courteous…i mean…well we just abolished term limits…
Call me pessimistic Pete, but even with the well overdue abolition of term limits, I think we f#@ked ourselves long ago.
“As individuals, people are inherently good. I have a somewhat more pessimistic view of people in groups. And I remain extremely concerned when I see what’s happening in our country, which is in many ways the luckiest place in the world. We don’t seem to be excited about making our country a better place for our kids.”
Oh my gosh – some of you people are so hateful and angry. Let me tell you something @ cant fool me: if we didn’t have foreigner expats etc – we wuld be even more screwed economically. Step back use your brain adn look at the big picture., You may not agree with teh OBA’s decisions but praise the lord you are not the one in pwer and the oBA has to do things different for the desperate change we need to heal our country. YOU NEED TO WIDEN YOUR MIND AND NARROW YA MOUTH – please.
These are the same people that cried out about being labeled xenophobes…and then in the same breath post something like the above…
It would be hilarious if they didn’t actually believe in their own hypocrisy and hate…
Sore loser much? LMFAO!!!!!!
I congratulate Mr Starling for standing up for something – but your efforts could have been better utilized.
The Term Limits policy was a complete and utter failure and did Bermuda untold damage. The complete idjuts that came up with this policy against almost everyone should have been fired.
The PLP weren’t interested in what anyone else had to say – we should all be glad that the OBA is cleaning up this mess without undue delay.
In addition, if complaining about thsi is the best the PLP/BIU can do, then it really tells you how bad things are for them. PLP/BIU is pretty well finished.
I’m NOT saying that the following makes it right BUT……
Right at the very beginning of the PLP’s second time getting in they said that they deceived the people and that they did that because they felt they had to. That statement let us know then what to expect from them – DECEPTION….
The OBA ran their campaign promising honesty and I think that MAY be why people are being extra “strict” with them and everything they do.
It’s all about expectations.
Starling, go get a life mate, during the election period, you stop at my house to talk about your self and what you wanted to do, well, thank god i didn’t place my vote on you, because I would hae been wasted!!
I love how people condemn without knowing anything about the man. Mr. Starling has ALWAYS been vocal and active on issues pertaining to the Democratic rights of Bermudians, whether it be through articles, his online blog OR in person. As you’ll see from his qualifications, he has spent much time away for his studies, studies which he has secured and continues to secure in order to re-invest in Bermuda and its future. This time away could account for the lack of his physical presence that you lot are moaning about. The scope of your knowledge is clearly lacking. Mr. Starling is the furthest thing from a narcissist and his intentions are rooted in principles strongly aligned with Truth and Fairness and a love for Bermuda. He is one of the most intelligent, fair, and independent-minded Bermudians I think I have ever come across, so shove it up your a#*es you moany Bernews trolling old farts.
His lack of physical presence did not stop him from blogging about Bermuda politics…
PS: Sorry, but I shove nothng up my a#s for anyone.
He was investing in himself, not in Bermuda.
Intelligent? Pseudo intellectual. He thinks he’s clever.
@ Mad Dawg,
So what the hell are all the politicains doing? Investing in themselves! You think because they take office they are doing it out of the goodness of their heart? You can’t be that stupid. Man is driven by self interest!
Yawn….who really gives a $**t. What are you his sister. HAHA fall back.
@Alison,
The said truth is that some of these people have the OBA stuck so far up their a$$, they can’t right from wrong, unless it’s on their terms.
Learnt from the best (Green Party)…
@ Alison,
Sorry, I missed the see. lol
Starling, stop wasting everyones time, terms should have never been addressed, if you want a cause help all of your Bermudian Brothers who married a non- Bermudian get their property purchase License fee back, it was only $1270.
And if “Cant fool me” wants to post, try posting in English, your slang just makes you look stupid.
He just wants attention. Must have been up drinking his sorrows of his ridiculous stance.
Who the heck cares what you think starling?! Especially at 4.09 AM! Go home, you’re drunk.
Sorry we should have mentioned it in the article. The timing on the tweets isn’t Bermuda time, it’s the generic Twitter timestamp. It’s around 5 hours off our time…
so 8.37pm = 1.37am? GO HOME JONY, YA DRUNK!
To all of the above posters who bitch and moan about Mr. Starling not protesting when the PLP were in power I ask you this.. Where were you? If things were as bad as everybody says they were (and I admit, things got pretty bad) why didn’t you personally ‘sit in’ or what have you at the many idiotic things the PLP did (as they surely gave plenty of instances when you could have…). Posting discontent on a local news blog doesn’t count. Doing so accomplishes nothing. How many of you took the time to e-mail your MP or elected official in the hopes of having an honest and frank discussion about your concerns? How many only ever went on the two or three protests and think they were truly active in engaging the government with their concerns? Many scream fire on here but don’t have the balls to do anything about it when it matters most: real life.
They did and were called lynch mobs, house ni&&ers and the rest…
Many of us did protest Southlands, Uighurs etc. Some us did write letters to MP’s which did nothing. The issue with Mr Starling is the agenda behind how and what he did. Attention seeking is all he was doing. He would have been far more effective to arrange a private meeting and actually enter into discussion like any normal person would.
As you say, writing letters accomplishes nothing. Mr. Starling obviously wanted to bring attention to the process in which term limits were abolished and he did just that. Having a private meeting would do what? Those in power would dismiss him as being a lowly citizen and not give him a real chance at contributing in any real way. Politicians think themselves better than us common folk. The point of being a political activist (not sure if he would call himself that but that’s what he essentially is) is to raise attention to various causes. He did just that. Many attack the messenger but miss the message. Blind party loyalty got us into this mess. Part 2 happening now.
What about the marches that the poster mentioned?
@ UnclePhil,
You hit the nail on the head. Blind party loyalty got us into this mess! Now, I swear I see the same thing happening, but with the new GOV. I just want a better government. If that is the OBA or the PLP, or a new party so be it. But I will not follow any party blindly.
Well said Uncle, and now the blind loyalty of the OBA supporters are getting us into a bigger mess, as they continue to defend the OBA regards if they are right or wrong. At least Mr Starling had the guts to stand up, and take some form of action to hold the government accountable. Mr. Starling is a brave and wise man, he allowed the public to see the real OBA, that is not based upon transparency or Openness. Recall the OBA also asked for persons to seat in on board meetings, I hope that was not just another election ploy as well !! Keep standing strong Mr Starling, many are behind you. The die-hearts will always sing a sad song, so do not be troubled by their attempt to spin the look of the OBA.
Er., we did
Hey Fidel Starlilng, why don’t you use some of that trust fund, and move to Cuba and try that stunt. Man you are so fulla bull terd, you remind me of –, never asked a challenging question of the government until after December 17th.
Jonathan…you lost as an Independent at the election…GET OVER IT!!!
9 police officers? Was this protester violent, toting a gun or other weapon? I am sure 8 of those officers could have been in some other area where police presence is essential.
As usual the UBP/OBA supporters are viciously attacking anyone who points out their downfalls. They don’t even address the issues at hand. they simply attack old arguments that have nothing to do with the present issues.
I’m an OBA Supporter…but i like the PLP’s “Who cares about the issues at hand” mentality…look at this joke:
Little Johnny likes to gamble.
One day his dad gets a new job so his family has to move to a new city.
Johnny’s daddy thinks, “I’ll get a head start on Johnny’s gambling.”
So he calls the teacher and says, “My son Johnny will be starting your class tomorrow but he likes to gamble so you’ll have to keep an eye on him.”
The teacher says OK, she can handle it.
The next day Johnny walks into class and hands the teacher an apple and says, “Hi, my name is Johnny.”
She says yes I know who you are.
Johnny smiles and says, “I bet you ten dollars you’ve got a mole on your butt.”
The teacher thinks that she will break his little gambling problem so she takes him up on the bet.
She pulls her pants down and shows him her butt and there was no mole.
That afternoon, Johnny goes home and tells his dad that he lost ten dollars to the teacher and why.
So his dad calls the teacher and says, “Johnny said that he bet you that you had a mole on your butt and he lost.”
The teacher says, “Yeah, and I think I broke his gambling problem.”
Johnny’s dad laughs and says, “No you didn’t, he bet me a hundred dollars this morning that he’d see your a** before the day was over.”
Well if the OBA IS right and the term limit policy does nothing more than the work permit policy…then we can say it’s similar to this…
Little Johnny returns from school and says he got an F in arithmetic. “Why?” asks the father. “The teacher asked ‘How much is 2×3?’ I said 6.
But that’s right!
“Then she asked me ‘How much is 3×2?”
What’s the f’n difference?” asks the father.
“That’s what I said!
Johny knows all about bt trump cards…
A teacher asked little Johnny if he knows his 1 to 10 well
“Yes! Of course! My pop taught me…even more than 10″
“Good. What comes after three?”
“Four,” answers the boy.
“What comes after six?”
“Seven.”
“Very good,” says the teacher. “Your erm…dad did a good job. Now…so what comes after…lets say ten?”
“A jack”
PROTECT EVERY JOB JOHNNY!
The teacher in Johnny’s school asked the class what their mothers did for a living.
One little girl said her mother was a doctor, another said her mother was an engineer.
When it was Little Johnny’s turn, he stood up and said “My mom’s a wh***.”
Naturally, after that remark, he got sent off to the principal’s office. Then, 15 minutes later, he returned. So the teacher asked “Did you tell the principal what you said in class?”
Johnny said “Yes”
“Well, what did the principal say?”
“He said that every job is important in our economy, gave me an apple and asked for my phone number.”
youuuuu’s got som learnin to dooooo Johnnyyyy….
Little Johnny came home from school one day and said to his father, “Dad, what can you tell me about politics? I have to learn about it for school tomorrow.”
The father thought some and said, “Okay, son, the best way I can describe politics is to use an analogy. Let’s say that I’m capitalism because I’m the breadwinner. Your mother will be government because she controls everything, our maid will be the working class because she works for us, you will be the people because you answer to us, and your baby brother will be the future. Does that help any?”
Little Johnny said, “Well, Dad, I don’t know, but I’ll think about what you said.”
Later that night, after everyone had gone to bed, Johnny was woken up by his brother’s crying. Upon further investigation, he found a dirty diaper. So, he went down the hall to his parent’s bedroom and found his father’s side of the bed empty and his mother wouldn’t wake up. Then he saw a light on in the guest room down the hall, and when he reached the door, he saw through the crack that his father was in bed with the maid.
Because he couldn’t do anything else, he turned and went back to bed.
The next morning, he said to his father at the breakfast table, “Dad, I think I understand politics much better now.”
“Excellent, my boy,” he answered, “What have you learned?”
Little Johnny thought for a minute and said, “I learned that capitalism is screwing the working class, while the government is sound asleep ignoring the people, and the future’s full of sh**.”
Mr Starling never questioned the PLP .
Now he feels comfortable attacking the OBA.That shows the OBA is not the selfserving,vindictive,threatening and dictatorial govt,that the people got rid of.
However Mr.Starling,your commie views are much more appreciated in Cuba,the difference is,you can express them here!
I don’t know Mr. Starling’s motivations, I don’t think any of us knows, so speculation and name-calling are not cool.
What I do know is his actions should be seen as ushering in a new page in our political consciousness. I thank the PLP for bringing/forcing us to this place of heightened political awareness. We want to know what, how and why politicians are doing what they do, and we’d prefer for them not to wait until we ask to tell us . Give us the information up front or tell us why you can’t give to us right now and when you WILL give it to us.
Politicians, you are now on notice – come right or expect many, many questions and demands for answers. We will no longer be satisfied with less! Also be very aware that we are doing everything we can to watch the kitty, so make sure your hands don’t get too close to the pot.
This day was a long time coming, but there is truly no wind that blows no good.
Well Done Mr J Starling, you did the right thing to hold the Government accountable. The OBA supporters are willing to overlook whatever their party does, yet call out the OBA is standing on Transparency and Fairness.
There are consequences when a Government breaks its promises, and the failure to consult with all stakeholders, including the wider public, especially when it involves a serious breach of the public’s trust (in terms of their pre-election pledge) warrants the release of this policy review to the public.
It is clear the OBA has lied to the people of Bermuda, and the OBA supporters are working hard to Cover their butts. The OBA need to demonstrate the CHANGE they promised Bermuda.
Staging a sit in? A bit overdramatic…
Jonathan I applaud your efforts. Like you I will not accept the failures of the PLP as a reason to why we cannot hold the OBA accountable. Judging by the bloggers, it seems a sin to want good governance and to ask that the OBA stick to their platform promises.
I wish you all the best. Stay strong my friend as your motives are questioned and your character is attacked. I am sure you are used to it by now given your most recent run for office.
People will surmise and throw all manner of conspiracy theories your way and it appears (I could be wrong) that most of it comes from people that voted for a ‘One Bermuda’. Such a CONTRADICITION!
Agree 100%
Good Job Starling,you are to be admired for what you did and more of us should be so brave. I really think we should gather and walk on Parliament for this one because all it seems to me is a bunch of smiling faces lying to the races..lies..lies..STAND UP BERMUDA!!!
He got his 15 minutes, he just forgot to wear his big black shoes and red nose…damn clown
So let me get this straight.
Mr. Starling goes to the Minister’s office to request a document from the Minister who happens to be off island.
Mr. Starling then waits for the PS who advises that she doesn’t have the authority to issue such information without the Minister’s permission due to the fact that he is the Minister and the PS is a civil servant. A civil servant, who like all civil servants, must abide by employment and CBA rules/policies.
Mr. Starling then demands written promise from PS of some sort which somehow ends up with the PS calling the police.
Instead of being arrested Minister Dunkley leaves whatever he was doing to go and address the situation as well as providing some sort of guarantee/reassurance that Mr. Starling’s request will be addressed when the appropriate Minister returns back to the island. On top of that Minister Dunkley apparently ensures that he is not arrested.
So in conclusion the Minister never denied Mr. Starling’s request and he wasn’t hiding in the backroom as a means to avoid him and it all ended with another Minister resolving the situation in a manner which apparently Mr. Starling deems satisfactory.
Can someone plese explain to me how this being construed, by some, as being some sort of heroic and revolutionary act? The Government did not prohibit Mr. Starling access to what he seeks.
Just imagine if Mr. Starling returned to the Minister’s office when he was back on island (and he must be back soon as Parliament commences this Friday) and put forward to his request. Now at that point if the Minister denied his request then there would be a story of non-transparency and the lot. But yet Mr. Starling decided to run to the media while tweeting to highlight this truly non-story.
A story about nothing in the end.