Protest Group: “We Will Continue To Be Vigilant”
Speaking after yesterday’s [Mar 1] demonstration at the House of Assembly, the Concerned Bermudians group said they will continue to be vigilant as they are “quite aware of the necessity for term limits in Bermuda.”
“We have noted that both Premier Cannonier and Minister Fahy have attempted an apology by way of an explanation to the news media, however we do not believe this goes far enough, as both continue to be condescending to Bermudians,” the group said.
The demonstration began at 12 noon and saw a crowd of people, many carrying signs, call for an apology from Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy, as well as for the reinstatement of term limits.
In January 2013, Minister Fahy said 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 move was welcomed in some circles and criticized in others, and has been the subject of an ongoing debate since the decision was announced.
The full statement from Concerned Bermudians is below:
The organizers of the gathering on Parliament Hill are very happy with the support shown by the Bermudian people to our stated concerns, which were as follows:
- 1. The Term Limits Policy, as outlined by the former minister The Hon. Patrice K. Minors, JP in the document dated October 2012, be reinstated immediately.
- 2. An extension of three months until June 30, 2013 for the review of the Work Permit Policy dated February 13, 2013.
- 3. A public apology from the Minister of Home Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael M. Fahy, JP for his deception and condescending attitude towards the Bermudian people for statements such as: People who were “angry about term limits” are people who are “without jobs — they are looking for someone to place the blame on.” Should this apology not be received forthwith, we are requesting that Minister Fahy be removed as Minister of Home Affairs.
- 4. We are also requesting that officials in the One Bermuda Alliance members refrain from insulting Bermudians by calling us xenophobic. Bermudians are concerned about the future for our children and grandchildren. We are requesting that officials and members of the One Bermuda Alliance cease and desist calling Bermudians xenophobic.”
As a result of the concern expressed by those Bermudians that were in attendance at the term limits/work permit meeting held on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at St. Paul’s AME Church, we decided to further express our concerns and the concerns of the Bermudian people today outside of the House of Parliament.
After giving ample warning, we believe that it is most unfortunate that Premier Cannonier and Minister Fahy refused to apologise to the people of Bermuda for their comments outlined above. Instead it appeared to us that their response to our concerns angered people more.
We have noted that both Premier Cannonier and Minister Fahy have attempted an apology by way of an explanation to the news media, however we do not believe this goes far enough, as both continue to be condescending to Bermudians. Intimating that we do not understand the difference between term limits and work permits.
Our group will continue to be vigilant when it comes to jobs for our people, our children and our grandchildren as we are quite aware of the necessity for term limits in Bermuda.
You can view all our coverage of the demonstration here, and all our coverage of the elimination of term limits and the subsequent discussions here.
“Condescending to Bermudians”……Who was MORE CONDESCENDING to BERMUDIANS than Dr E Brown and the WHOLE PLP/BIU Government?!?!?!
Bermuda and Bermudians DEMAND an apology from them for leaving me unemployed and Bermuda Broke.
Give me a break you green shirt wearing, rude, foul mouthed man! When the IB Companies close up and leave all us Bermudians unemployed then what are you going to do? Who are you going to blame? Who are you going to demand support you? When WILL those Bermudians working in the IB field stand up and support your Employers…you just might be out of a JOB soon and then it will be way TOOOOO late!
0.18% of the population marched…… Wahey!
keep dismissing and insulting our elders, supporters and voters. The press is making small of the demonstration while they blew up the ones against Ewart that were .018%black.
Change,
ZBM News gave extensive coverage to the protest in its news broadcast last night. Today it was the main story on the front page of The Gazette. In what way is the press “making small” of the demonstration? It received extensive news coverage. As far as ZBM and The Gazette were concerned, it was the biggest story of the day. So again, I ask, how, in your view, did the media play it down?
The “protest group” can all go to hell…
PLP caused this economic mess. They should be the ones saying “Sorry”.
Mr Richards has just increased our debt even higher, why are you not outraged about that fact. After all the OBAupb promised me on the door steps they would not increase our debt, looks at it now. The OBAubp had no ideas at all how to create alternative revuene stream for Bermuda’s future.
Stupidity reigns!!!!
Yep, somebody doesn’t know (a) the difference between increasing debt and increasing the DEBT CEILING; and (b) why increased debt is inevitable over the short-to-medium term as tax revenues decrease. SMDH along with you……..
Please don’t humour her. This has already been pointed out several times on the comments, yet it keeps being repeated
Er no he didn’t. You clearly don’t understand.
CALM DOWN BETTY andt go back to school to learn economics! Face palm! Lol
@ STIF/Betty Trump: The PLP called the OBA the ‘Harry Potter’ party. Harry Potter is a fictional young wizard who uses a wand and spells to effect magic.
Clearly you believed the PLP’s name-calling rhetoric had a basis in reality, and you are upset that the OBA couldn’t wave a magic wand and make the horrendous budget deficit disappear in the 2 minutes they have been in government.
I guess if they had been able to effect such a miracle, you’d have been right to call them ‘demonic’ (if I can mix metaphors) because it is only with supernatural assistance that such a feat could have been performed. As it is, the OBA are only human, and rather than cut the Civil Service in half, turn out the street lights, and make a few more extremely unpopular cuts to what we consider essential services, they have been forced to borrow a little more to keep things running while they take the opportunity to examine closely where and how to trim the fat and get “the most bang for the least buck.” The least people like you can do is be constructive in recognition of the fact that when it comes to sink or swim, we are all in the same boat.
These FOOLS do not represent me!
Yeah who was the large nut in green????
Some kind of angry he was. I thought he was going to bitchslap the minister LOL. Somebody must have messed up his arrangement.
What is surprising is the OBA supporters are quick to point the man in the green shirt out, but yet failed to call their own supporters out for the distasteful remarks they make daily on the blogs. This is just as bad as the man in the green shirt. This kind of behaviours must stop !!
CALM DOWN BETTY
Nothing any OBA supporter even comes close to the PLP blogger or PLP commentators as far as being racist, disrespectful or rude. Betty for every one comment you can find I can find an easy twenty pro plp comments to your one. And that’s a fact!
LOL
If one reads the blogs daily, comments made by the OBA supporters are extremely disrespect and daily attacks on our MPs is done regular. Mr Fahy indicated this, but he was shocked to learn that it was a high percentage of his own supporters writing such distastful remarks daily on the blogs. Their writings were just as distasteful as the man in the green shirt. Their writing reflect the very same behaviours as the man in the shirt, just that he did not hide out under a name or in Cyber-space. He was bold in the face action. Hopefully, OBA folks would stop some day. This must also stop !!!
CALM DOWN BETTY
The only difference is that the OBA supporters have been speaking the truth!
see above..
Right on!!!! Smallfish. All they know is Bully tactics!
Apparently these people are “quite aware of the necessity for term limits in Bermuda.”
Why then was Bermuda so incredibly successful and we were all employed at a time when there were no Term Limits, and now it is the opposite after having had term limits few a few years.
There is stupid and then there is completely stupid. These people are the latter.
Why don’t you march against gravity? It wouldn’t be any more stupid.
Your comments dont make any sense. Bermuda was at peak performance in 2007, before the credit crisis kicked in.
There were term limits in effect at that time. And ironically, for those who tie the PLP to an unhappy IB sector, it was the PLP in power during the peak of Bermuda’s boom.
You are sleeping if you think it was term limits that caused the islands recession and resulting rise in unemployment.
It seems too many people are absolutely clueless (or in denial) about the root causes of Bermudas economic woes. It has less to do w our petty local politics than you think.
Riding coat tails – when tough decisions had to be made – down we went. Complete failure to recognize and adapt to changing environment.
By “peak peformance” you mean Bermuda was spending more than it eas earning, wasting money left right and centre, making a few insiders rich, well on the way to a debt mountain, and already pi$$ing off IB. That was the story of 2007.
Very true, 2007 you’ve never had it so good…I don’t think so.
Actually spending at the time was not grossly outpacing revenue. Spending was a reflection of much higher revenues. This was the case for both individuals and the government at the time. Why the heck do you think banks were leanding 20-somethings 100% financing for million dollar homes and the government 100′s of millions for infrastructure projects? Its funny how none of you talk about the banks role in all of this. Now, following a global recession, international companies downsize/foldup which obviously means expats are heading out. There are big-time global dynamics in effect here. Anyone who thinks out woes are caused by our small-time local affairs (like work permit terms and the PLP boogeyman) is an idiot.
By the end of 2007 the debt had risen from $150m to about $450m. We were well on the way to the current stupid unsustainable sh!t that we’re in. Thanks to Cox and Ewart. We were spending tens of millions on overseas consultants who were useless, but – um – let us say “well connected”. We were having great parties though…Beyonce was here. Ewart had armed security and outriders everywhere. We were firmly on the slippery slope. Oh, and in about 2007 the first term limits kicked in. Another little milestone.
Rick Rock
You are loosely connecting bits and pieces of information on events that stick out in your mind and rubbed you the wrong way. What you just referenced does little to explain the financial turmoil that Bermuda and much of the western world is currently experiencing.
No one is defending our debt levels rather than pointing to the obvious reality (for anyone with half a brain) that it wasnt overseas trips or consultants or Beyonce or Ewarts security team that drove the national debt up. Do some simple math and you quickly realize those items hardly put a scratch on $450m or the $2b now. And I’m sorry my friend but it will be only be the dim-witted who buy into the argument term limits were a driving force in Bermuda’s economic slowdown – extrememly dim-witted.
What you and others will realize very quickly is that it will take a lot more than the efforts the OBA thinks are necessary for appeasing the IB community to turn things around here. IB was what it was pre 2007 simply because of opportunities and timing for conducting business globally. Those opportunities are largely gone now now, between the downturn and smarter, cheaper ways of doing business (especially in the case of reinsurance).
And what are you going to say after you realize the things the OBA are proposing to patch up a broken source of prosperity are clearly generating little return?
Let’s have a look at the mismanagement of capital projects and the dent they created.
….not to mention the 40% increase in the size of the civil service.
Mismanagement of capital projects always sucks but still falls way short of 2bn. The 40% increase in the size of civil service is the first relevant statistic mentioned so far. Now lets see if you can seperate yourself from the bias and tell me why, following the onset of one of history’s worst GLOBAL financial crisis, was there a stimulus plan centered on investing in civil service?
Are you going to disappoint with talk of ‘friends and family’ or perhaps continue with more relevant thoughts with mention of say limited options on an island void of natural resources, manufacturing and an exports program. And then maybe you can take a second to reflect on how much worse things would be in the absence of that 40% increase it civil service.
Perhaps you can then share your thoughts on what you would have done as government to stimulate the economy in the face of an unprecedented credit crisis, knowing how it would impact the island in the years the followed.
I take it you’re content with the standard of governance and decision making that marked the PLP’s tenure.
jt,
I will put it very simply for you. Bermuda experienced the biggest surge in international business (2007) under the PLP governmnent. Does this mean I believe the PLP did something special or revolutionary to foster that success? No, it was simply timing and opportunity mainly in the (re)insurance industry and the freedom of carriers to capitalize on it in a stable jurisdiction where they are not exposed to capital gains.
Following the global financial crisis Bermuda is affected – surprise, surpise geniuses. A country with 87 cents of every dollar of its GDP supported by a single industry (reinsurance alone). That was our fatal flaw. And you can go on about term limits and the PLP all you want but fact is they were just as responsible for the hardships as of recent as they were the boom times times pre-2008 – namely less than you think.
Its not a question of whether I am content with the standard of the former government versus am I conscious of the real causes of the problems we are experiencing. And frankly if Bermuda does see recovery, common sense will tell you it will likely be the result of a recovery globally not the OBA’s efforts to bend over backwards for people that want a greater share of Bermuda.
THatst he lie the OBA want their fans to believe, to keep them voting that way. It was all a lie, look how the OBA has now raised our level of debt. High high, and where are the ideas they said they had to decrease the debt level and create an alternative revenue stream? NO where, no ideas, no plans. OBAubp were not been honest to the people.
So much stupidty. Tell me, can you walk and breathe at the same time?
CALM DOWN BETTY
What would you have done if you were being told our debt was 1.4bil but really came to find it was something like 2.5bil? Wait who lied? The nasty blog comments you’re talking about, would one of them have something to do with “a bunch of uneducated idiots will be marching on the hill”? You were there weren’t you? I thought that was rather harsh too…then you started posting.
…amd what exactly was the PLP plan Betty Trump?
To only the truth! YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!
deJaVooDoo
Youre just another angry peasant following the crowd with your pitch fork and torch.
Things havent changed much since the dark days of ye ole England.
1) Please explain in detail your position on why Term Limits are required.
2) An apology was made, more than the PLP EVER gave for far worse and less acuurate remarks, accept it like grown ups.
3)Deception and condscending attitued marked at leas tthe last ten years of PLP governace, where were tyou then.
4) The above simply weaken your position in the eyes of the vast majority of the public and your small, rudely vocal, limited, misguided but news grabbing actions serve ony to slow Bermuda’s recovery.
Keep up the ignorance guys and ensure an OBA victory next time out too…
Yes, please ‘continue to be vigilant’. Meanwhile, we’ll ‘continue’ to think you’re ridiculous.
It must be very difficult not to be condescending when addressing people who are unable to understand and are unwilling to listen.
Guess they are not intelligent by your statement, now that is just it, you are insulting and mean.
Take the blinkers off, the ear plugs out, stop shouting and actively listen to what others have to say – you may actually learn something!
Or are you interested in listening and understanding at all? That’s what Clive Spate is saying!
Hi Betty!!
I was basically saying that the work permit policy protects jobs and not term limits. The work permit needs to be fairly enforced. Term limits are a barrier to job creation.
The Premier and Minister Fahy appeared to be drowned out when they tried to address the public. They maintained their dignity throughout (unlike many protesters). So some people there fail to understand and many weren’t willing to listen.
I truly feel for the poor lady who lost her son to gun crime and then had her cause hijacked.
We want Cannonier, we want Cannoirer they shouted. Ridicoulous. After yesterday, I truly saw the stature of a Mr. Cannonier and the foolishness of the ranters.
While I understand the frustration of the difficulties in finding work, the saddest thing about this is that the anger is being directed on the wrong people. Anyone currently out of work for more was not put out of work under the current administration’s policies.
u ppl need to put ya real name ya white c%$#@$^%&
Average PLP supporter right here.
Your real name is ‘Truth’, then, is it?
So is it “Truth” as in Beyance’,or “Mr. Truth”?
You are the problem, not the solution. Nor the truth.
Simple question – PLP or OBA to blame for the current situation?
Why, you plan on doing something?? What do you hope to accomplish by seeing real names, because i looked in the phone book and couldnt find anyone who had the last name “Truth” partna….take your racism away from “my island” you dont need to know my name, just that im black and embarassed that you are too.
He wants to know who’s bike to set on fire at 4.00am. While he hides behind a pen-name of course.
(Regarding ‘Truth’) There’s always going to be a few nuts around. Unfortunately, they also tend to be the loudest. It’s important to remember these people do not represent the majority of Bermudians.
If c%$#@$^%& is an acceptable racist term to call a white person, what is an acceptable racist term to call a black person?
How did this comment get past the moderator???? This comment should be removed!!
Feel better!!!! No you probably dont and likely never will be just a bitter person ready to blame all your woes on everyone but yourself or those who you should. Can you say ignorant!!!
Term limits don’t make jobs for bermudians… What we need is to make it required that any company bringing in someone from overseas either employs/trains (as an intern) a bermudian interested in that field of work along side that person.
That’s what we should be fighting for; term limits don’t stop them from hiring another foreigner.
No, what we need to be fighting for is anything that makes Bermuda competitive again. Because right now it isn’t.
Only when the PLP hierarchy give back all the money and apologize for treating this country like their personal bank account. In the meantime, get over losing and stop the whining because nobody who matters is interested – and as the song says, It’s Only Just Begun…
Good technique for a job interview.
@Truth…Lol…what a nob end.
Man o man. You know in 1998 the majority chose their elected representatives in the same way that the majority chose our current representatives.
Its all about choice and dealing with the consequences of those choices.
It bewilders me the prevalent victim mentality that pervades these blogs. History is full of examples of bad choices and the subsequent results, yet as a group of people we continue to point fingers stating “look what you did to me”.
Isn’t it about time that we started to move forward or at least consider the options we may have for moving forward.
It is a new day with new concerns so we may need new methods to deal with it. I don’t think that continually complaining about what has been done to you and how you have been wronged is an effective method.
Try something…. while looking over your shoulder behind you walk briskly forward….. you get my point????
Was that even worth reporting ? No
Was there even 100 there ? No
Was there even a thought as to why such a poor turnout ? No
OK boys and girls, go to the back of the class sit on the floor and be silent and let the big people work. And those boys and girls swearing are expelled !!
@ Micro
You’re right to say “term limits don’t stop them from hiring another foreigner.”
And unfortunately we can’t control the hiring process of a private company…although we’d like to think so…”What we need is to make it required that any company bringing in someone from overseas either employs/trains (as an intern) a bermudian interested in that field of work along side that person.”
The powers that be (OBA, Corporate Bermuda etc) want to open the floodgates without limitations. They’re not interested in securing or preserving jobs for (black) bermudians. Their motive is clear and that is to provide a home for these companies with every amenity possible. And in doing so, the OBA believe it will magically improve the livelihood of Bermudians. Well I for one, hope it will do a great many positives for our nation state. In theory it should help to stimulate more business and therefore improve our economy. I mean it’s not like they care who fills these jobs, right? Or do they
No, it was the PLP who opened the floodgates. They gave more permits than ever before in our history. Every work permit you see in force was granted by the PLP. And they brainwashed the stupid gullable ‘real Bermudians’ into believing they gave a rats ass about you. They didn’t. They were only interested in making themselves rich.
Have you seen much of Zane since the gravy train stopped?
@ Mad Dawg – That aside for a moment.
Have you considered anger management classes?
Ok back to the topic at hand.
You assume too much…So you believe I’m a PLP supporter?
Because I wasn’t speaking exclusively about the OBA; which is why I clearly stated, “the powers that be”…which once upon a time in the west…bingo you got it!! That PLP. As for you alleging they were the first to open the floodgates…well you’ll have to provide some facts gentleman. IB was here long before the PLP historically came to power and regardless of what you may or may not think the floodgates have been opened for awhile…even more so since the OBA arrived on the scene.
While I agree the PLP Government was self-serving. What makes you believe the OBA Government is any different?
In any event I have no quarrels. After-all Tuckers town is the least densely populated area of Bermuda. I’m sure they’re more than welcome, right?
@ knowthyself: You said,”the floodgates have been opened for awhile…even more so since the OBA arrived on the scene.” Please provide statistics for that throw away statement. The OBA have only been “on the scene” for 2 1/2 months. It is in the last 5 or so years before the OBA was elected that saw jobs that were once restricted to Bermudians opened up to other nationalities – wait staff, cleaners, sales staff, etc.
Let’s stop blaming each other and start looking at how we are going to collectively pull ourselves out of the hole we are in.
“They’re not interested in securing or preserving jobs for (black) bermudians. ”
So, those black Bermudians currently in government are racist against other black Bermudians? Or, are you simply playing the victim, again?
Perhaps it’s time you got your act together and educate yourself, maybe if you had a skill or something to offer you too would gave a good job. I guess it’s easier to play the victim and whine about not getting everything handed to you on a silver platter.
Interesting how you singled out that particular segment.. “They’re not interested in securing jobs for (black) bermudians.”
You asked, “So, those black Bermudians currently in government are racist against other black Bermudians?”
Well I can’t speak to the minds or thoughts of those black bermudians in government however I can express my point of view based on the actions taken by Government thus far. All of which lead me to believe at this current juncture, their lack of interest or determination in providing jobs for black bermudians. Especially our youth who feel it the most and often resort to crime and violence because they’re left out of the equation.
“Are you simply playing the victim, again?” Hmmm, equally interesting. Are you implying all “black” Bermudians who realize there are inequities that exist in our society are simply, “playing the victim”?
Tread carefully my friend. Moving on…
IF Government was logical they would create a plan to help strengthen our local bermudian workforce. Some of the ways they can achieve this is by conducting a realistic study of the socio-economic status of our black populace and confront the disparities which are currently hampering the progress, equality and very integrity of our nation state. At least in my view
I’m enjoying a nice cup of rain water. So here’s to you BDAboy cheers!
“Some of the ways they can achieve this is by conducting a realistic study of the socio-economic status of our black populace and confront the disparities which are currently hampering the progress, equality and very integrity of our nation state.”
Knowthyself-
A Study!!!! YES!!! Let’s do a STUDY!!! Or maybe a Study to do a Study, like former Minister Minors did for Tourism! And THEN the Study!!!
That’s a great way to change things! That will get us to confronting those pesky disparities. We just need a study.
Can I save Bermdua a $160,000 or so? That’s the going rate for studies, isn’t it? Here goes- Education has failed Bermuda’s youth. Together with the breakdown of traditional institutions that strengthen the family, such as the Church, and a sharply increasing number of single parent children, have collided with disasterous economic conditions and prior government financial mismanagement to sharply limit economic activity and job creation, so entry into the legitimate economy by public shool graduates is limited to a select few that can survive a weak, politicized education system and deterioration of the societal fabric.
Oh, hold on. I’ve described something that affects all Bermudians, not just Black ones. I’ve missed the mark. I haven’t excluded Whites. Whites- you know, who all live in Tucker’s Town and are rich.
Maybe we do need to spend that $160,000 after all.
But you’re not playing the victim. You’re just quoting facts. Sort of. Got it.
EW
Yes thats right. You got me allllll figured out. I believe all that’s needed is a “study”. Nothing more!! Just a study…an expensive one at that
Chuckle.
That aside…Your awareness is quite refreshing actually. Perhaps some action on the part of our leaders is needed for change/solutions.
Lets see if OBA is up for the task. You can do it!!! (rob schneider impression)
As for your other comments and I quote, “I’ve described something that affects all Bermudians, not just Black ones. I’ve missed the mark. I haven’t excluded Whites. Whites- you know, who all live in Tucker’s Town and are rich.”
Quite frankly with comments like that you epitomize our inability as a society to move forward on the race issue and henceforth effect change. Would you feel more comfortable if I didn’t mention race at all?? Well I hope I didn’t ruin your appetite brother.. Besides all of your aforesaid comments in particular the issue of single parent children and poor public education system incomparably affect our black community and therefore is an issue of race and social standing. Both of which are often synonymous in our society. (You can’t possibly think we’re all in the same boat?? Or even remotely as such.. Thats either madness or denial…no offense. But who’s crying over spilled milk and approx 98% of bermudian inmates being black…Well I know who isn’t.)
Of course that’s only scratching the surface…And should further denote why we cannot avoid the issues of race and its overall affect on our ‘societal fabric’.
KTS-
We’d be entirely on the same team if you laid it out in economic terms- we need to figure out how to raise those at the lowest rungs of the economic ladder- how to lift all of them up. Regardless of skin color.
But as you read my obviously sarcastic remark about Tucker’s Town, so I read your focus on our not being in the same boat – limiting our ability to move forward as a society, together. I read your comments to place the needs of blacks above the needs of other people. So maybe neither of us is advancing the ball as we should.
Wealthy people are not in the same boat as poor people. Poor Black people are in the same boat as poor white people. We need to figure out how to patch their boat.
EW
So Ed…
“I read your comments to place the needs of blacks above the needs of other people. So maybe neither of us is advancing the ball as we should.”
Actually that was a misinterpretation on your part. I don’t believe we as a society should place the needs of blacks above the needs of “other” people. However I do think it’s vital that we realize the significance of race as it pertains to the many inequalities in our society. For instance “The median salaries for white and black people with Bachelor’s degrees was $105,000 and $80,000 respectively a difference of $25,000 a year.”
Also Ed – Speaking in economic terms, “The earnings gap between whites and blacks has widened between 2000 and 2010.” According to R.G, whites earned 31 percent more than blacks in 2000, compared with 37 percent more in 2010.
As for your comment about poor people all being in the same boat regardless of race. Well I totally agree but the issue as I’ve shown above isn’t limited to those below the poverty line. There are numerous examples of racial disparities in Bermuda, far too many to mention.
KTS-
I guess the question is whether or not actions taken to address the underlying cause (education) would be different because of the statistical disparities you’ve provided. I tend to doubt it, for two reasons- first, the Bachelor’s salaries data (if it’s from the study I recall reading) makes no distinction between the quality and geography of school. Similarly, the RG study made little distinction between types of jobs. Would it be intellectually interesting to drill down into the data to see if those disparities narrow or widen with more detail? Sure. Would it affect an action plan for education? Probably not- better schools, better parent support, better after-school engagement- all end up at the top of the list. Unless you’re saying that there needs to be different programs for people of color than for whites and others, given the disparity in the statistics. I don’t think you’re arguing for that.
I am happy to be educated if I’m not understanding exactly what you mean when you say that we need to, “realize the significance of race as it pertains to the many inequalities in our society.” If it’s not placing the needs of Blacks over others, then what form does that realization take? How does it inform our actions? How does Government prevent it from becoming an excuse for failure and anti-social behaviour?
EW
“the Bachelor’s salaries data (if it’s from the study I recall reading) makes no distinction between the quality and geography of school.”
I don’t think it’s necessary for that distinction to be made. The quality and geography of a school doesn’t necessarily account for the knowledge acquired to fill a job post and perform at the highest level. Unless you’re implying (based on the RG Data) that whites with bachelor degrees are earning more because they attend better schools in better regions of the planet? Otherwise your point is null and void. And if you’re presuming that is the case provide some facts/data.
“Would it affect an action plan for education? Probably not- better schools, better parent support, better after-school engagement- all end up at the top of the list. Unless you’re saying that there needs to be different programs for people of color than for whites and others, given the disparity in the statistics. I don’t think you’re arguing for that.”
The above segment was particularly interesting. The implication here is that due to “better schools, better parent support, better after-school engagement” all placing “white” or “other” students ahead in your opinion is the result of higher salaries later on. Following which you seem to ponder as to whether I’m asking for there to be “different programs: for people of color than for whites and others”
IF based on your presumption that whites are in fact receiving a better education for the reasons you’ve provided are true than perhaps programs are in fact needed to balance the playing field (affirmative action) However I’m not sure that is the case as it relates to the disparities between whites and blacks with bachelor degrees. All of which are equally credited through hard work and determination to achieve higher education and should place them on an even keel. I imagine that leaves factors such as work experience and socioeconomic status which affords more opportunities (start-up capital, business ownership, business contacts, professional and social network etc)
If whites are earning 25,000 more per year as blacks having achieved the same level of education then something is inherently wrong and it’s quite evident (by these statistics) that race is the underlying cause. Above all else.
KTS-
I’m afraid I wasn’t clear, and you’ve misunderstood some of what I said.
If you think a graduate of Harvard College and a graduduate of Miami-Dade Community College, regardless of their skin color, should earn the same amount, then someone is not being realistic. So, no, I don’t think you can wish away school quality and geography.
“The implication here is that due to “better schools, better parent support, better after-school engagement” all placing “white” or “other” students ahead in your opinion is the result of higher salaries later on.”
No. The correct implication is that if more money is spent in better ways in primary and secondary education, better results will be seen in undergraduate education and undergraduate starting salaries, regardless of race.
“If whites are earning 25,000 more per year as blacks having achieved the same level of education then something is inherently wrong and it’s quite evident (by these statistics) that race is the underlying cause. Above all else.”
Without understanding many more of the factors at work, I don’t share your confidence in a blanket statement about race, but I’m also not sure it matters-what matters is fixing the primary and secondary system, in ways that are not specific to race, but apply to all.
But I’m also not sure that you or I will move our points of view based on this discussion.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
EW
Mr. Wells,
“If you think a graduate of Harvard College and a graduduate of Miami-Dade Community College, regardless of their skin color, should earn the same amount, then someone is not being realistic. So, no, I don’t think you can wish away school quality and geography.”
I’m not discounting the educational value and reputation of some institutions over others; however I won’t assume that’s the reason for the disparity in salaries between the bachelor degree holders of whites and blacks either. Because it’s my understanding that opportunities and/or excess to opportunities isn’t limited to what college you attend be it Harvard or Dade. There are many other factors that can limit or thwart the advancement of young graduates particularly when entering the competitive and often racially tilted workforce.
“Without understanding many more of the factors at work, I don’t share your confidence in a blanket statement about race.”
I’ve offered numerous, “factors at work”, however because my point of view is one that identifies race and social standing as one of the underlying causes for disparities you won’t acknowledge it.
And I’ll reiterate some previous factors as well. One of my personal favorites.
“I imagine that leaves factors such as work experience and socioeconomic status which affords more opportunities (start-up capital, business ownership, business contacts, professional and social network etc)”
Until we meet again
KTS
do you not see that there are 2 circles going on in Bermuda. If we can agree that whites make more than blacks we can see why whites can afford to pay more for the so called better schools. So you have the wealthy (mostly whites) in one circle and the rest (mostly Black) in another circle. Even the expats that come to bermuda continue the trend. The wealthy circle includes mostly white expats, while the rest circle includes expats of different races but hardly any whites. What most people in the rest circle would like to see is a merger of the 2 circles into one and a level playing field for all. In my opinion I don’t think this is the ambition of the OBA.
“Well I can’t speak to the minds or thoughts of those black bermudians in government however I can express my point of view based on the actions taken by Government thus far. All of which lead me to believe at this current juncture, their lack of interest or determination in providing jobs for black bermudians. Especially our youth who feel it the most and often resort to crime and violence because they’re left out of the equation.”
No where have you answered my question….You claim that the black Bermudians currently in power are racist, bigoted against other black Bermudians. How pathetic is that?
You yourself are a racist, you only want jobs for black Bermudians, what about white Bermudians? Why do you hate white people so much? Why do you perpetuate this racist agenda. Bermuda will never move forward because of people like you.
@Bdaboy
I implore you to read my post again and think logically about your reply.
May the universe provide you with wisdom and understanding.
Regards,
KTS
P.S. Why do you assume I’m black?
Bermudians don’t trust the removal of term limits because we don’t trust
the employers of this country; not all but to many have openly express
thier anti-Bermudian sentiment when it comes to employment, and to top it off we have a government that shows by it’s policy decisions that it is not on the side of Bermudians. You have a Bermudian population facing unprecedented levels of unemployment and granted this did not developed under a OBA government; but what they do? bring forward a policy that will allow the
children of migrant workers the right to work in our country without work permits and it is still not clear that this really is off the table. This set off great concern among Bermudians; not fear of foreigners as the premier of the OBA claimed; but concern that Bermudians are being displaced in thier own country. Today in Portugal there is massive protest marches against the austerity policies of the government. If there was the question of migrant workers in the mix at the same level as it is in Bermuda; there would be more than marches; there would be civil war. We have not reach the level of hostility towards the migrant worker as some will have you believe; But I can tell you the policies of the government and the anti-Bermudian sentiment that is displayed on the blogs are surely going to destroyed the good will Bermudians have for foreigner workers in this country and as long as the OBA government continues to show by it’s policies that it does not have the interests of Bermudians at heart; dispite it’s words to the contary; it will find that it does not even have a marriage with the Bermudian people let alone a honey moon period
Many companies who have been seriously struggling during this recession have held onto the best of the best Bermudian workers and laid off those who they would have “carried” in more prosperous times. I know of several firms who have tried their hardest to hire Bermudians as that is the ideal situation (bringing in foreigners can be very expensive, and you can’t guarantee that they will even stay for the full tenure once they get here) I think that it’s easy to say that some employers are anti-Bermudian when they speak of the struggles they encounter with fellow Bermudians, but it is dangerous and dismissive not to listen to their concerns.
As i look through the crowd of protestors I see a few familiar faces and know full well what their work ethic looks like on the job as I have worked with them. So, we have a percentage who moan but do nothing to improve their own prospects, but expect the Government to supply solutions to their woes. My question is…how would you handle this percentage if you were in government? and please be honest…it would be an outright lie to say that every Bermudian is employable (and just as much of a lie to say that all Bermudians are unemployable)
You note the words: ‘dangerous and dismissive not to listen to their concerns.’
How come we have moved swiftly with the input of IB and others but have not allowed the public of Bermuda to weigh in? Isn’t this dangerous and dismissive?
Isn’t this the reason we are in this mess? The OBA has acted dangerously and dismissively by not having the term limits brought to the people. This matter could have been handled in 2-3 months tops.
There is nothing that has been revealed to us that leads me to believe that this matter could not have been better handled. 70% of the application were being approved. Seems to me that a PR blitz to IB could have easily resolved this matter until the public consultative process took place with the people of Bermuda. We are now in March and we are having to do damage control and quell demonstrations when a 2-3 month exchange could have help us to avoid this mess.
We could have been in a win win situation had we employed these two items:
1. Met with the same stakeholders that weighed in on the abolishing to indicate to them that we are open for business and we are looking to abolish the policy in 2 – 3 months but will undertake a public awareness and buy-in program.
2. Engaged in a public awareness program that truly sought to get the feedback of the people.
I will end with a marriage analogy. As a married man, suppose I chose not to get my wife’s input about a key money maker for the family. Even if the decision makes us lots of money and will supply all her wants and needs, it doesn’t make it right that I failed to seek her input on such an important matter. Depending on the make-up of my wife, My actions will bring all manner of responses to the fore.
I will end how this blog began, the approach thus far has been dangerous and dismissive.
Er, the public did weigh in..in December, at the election. Remember.
I agree… The OBA is not very good at politics, and have made some pretty poor decisions regarding P.R. And public buy- in to their programs. Unfortunately, too many folks simply don’t understand how our economy operates, and how removing Term Limits will ultimately CREATE JOBA for Bermudians. It’s called it the trickle-down effect. Bermuda desperately needs an injection of Capital into the Island, and only foreigners can do that. Whether they work here or just live here, we need new people coming in.
As has been stressed many, many times, it’s WORK PERMIT POLICY that opens up jobs for Bermudians. The plp created this mess, and some folks, like many at the so-called March on Parliament, expect the OBA to clean up 14 years of blundering, looting and corruption by the plp in 10 weeks. Pul-eese!! Give the OBA a chance…..
Expected better from you Mr Williams and then again maybe not. What do you have to say about the fact that the number of expat workers increased quite a bit under the PLPs immigration policy. Also many of the so called term limits work permits were extended by this same government? The unemployment that exist is a direct result of PLP poor management not the OBA. Just the facts sir.
with the way they acted, with the way they spoke, I’m quite embarrassed to be a Bermudian because of those few who acted like animals yesterday.
the government did not kill its people, they did nothing but abolish term limits. you guys are going on way to hard.
you want your children to get a job? then make sure they stay in school an they’ll get it you f$%#@% idiots
“The powers that be (OBA, Corporate Bermuda etc) want to open the floodgates without limitations. They’re not interested in securing or preserving jobs for (black) Bermudians.”
Knowthyself-
Can you support this assertion with any facts? Or is it only your opinion?
I have heard “floodgates” used many times of late, yet I have seen nothing in Government’s words or actions to suggest it has any basis in fact.
Thanks in advance for clarifying.
EW
See my reply to bdaboy above.
That should help to clarify my previous statement(s).
Godspeed
Knowthyself-
I don’t see the word floodgates in your reply to bdaboy above. In fact, I don’t see anything that addresses your assertion that Government wants to flood the Island with foreign workers without limitations.
So, in fact, you have no basis on which to make your statement about floodgates. You are simply expressing your opinion, which is unsupported by any facts.
Thanks for the clarification.
EW
I think Fahy and the Premier should get an apology from those hooligans because of the way they shouted at them and inappropriately handled themselves. Didn’t the organizer tell them to handle themselves properly in a professional manner. And allow the Premier and the minister to explain themselves. It seemed like they just had a vendetta to make a lot of noise they didn’t want to hear anything the Premier or the minister had to say. Witch shows a lack of maturity. Very embarrassing. I’m all for marching and questioning authority but I feel they at this one, went about it all wrong.
A bunch of plp sore losers.
Wow, that crowd convinces me even more that the future of Bermuda looks bright….not! Feel the love…
The gravy train is over folks, get ready for your standard of living to drop 30% before things will get better.
The OBA did not cause this, its time for you to recognize this and move on.
Time for you to move on as well. Safe trip!
The OBA will put us in more debt, big time…so yes they did cause it !! This large amount of borrowing this year and next year will put us into a further hole. So Yes THey are responsible. We must hold them accountable.
CALM DOWN BETTY TRUMP
Terms limits should be adjusted to allow CEO etc to stay longer than 6 years. Many company’s have a long term plan to gain profits or to grow. If they have a CEO in place to turn things around and the plan is to do it in let’s say 10 years, well having him leave in 6 years will not help the company. They will not set up in Bda. So terms limits should only be International Business friendly.
Not really sure how effective term limits are for IB anyway. I know of many Canadians, Americans, British and Irish expats who have been here well over ten years, and in some cases over 15.
I am very disappointed in how Bermudian citizens address their Premier! If this happened in the United States or even United Kingdom the gentlemen in green would have been arrested. His actions were pathetic and immature, and he should be ashamed of himself. The amount of disrespect I saw in this video was shameful. As a seventeen year old looking at this video it opened my eyes to see how you SHOULDN’T address a LEADER of a COUNTRY.
-KMS
WOW! I for one and happy that you spoke up and have shared your thoughts… there seems to be no RESPECT for one another and we need to understand that RESPECT starts at home.
If one reads the blogs daily, by comments made by the OBA supporters are extremely disrespect and daily attacks on our MPs is done regular. Mr Fahy indicated this, but he was shocked to learn that it was a high percentage of his own supporters writing such distastful remarks daily on the blogs. Their writings were just as distasteful as the man in the green shirt. Their writing reflect the very same behaviours as the man in the shirt, just that he did not hide out under a name or in Cyber-space. He was bold in the face action. Hopefully, OBA folks would stop some day. This must also stop !!!
Get stuffed Betty. You obviously hate Bermuda. If you were a real Bermudian you would try a bit harder to defend the good things that are happening here, rather than defending obnoxious bullies.
VIGILANT cause they have nothing else to do and no one else to bother. SAD. LOL
The protesters actions at yesterday’s gathering was nothing short of disgraceful.
Please note that you were addressing a leader of our country the office of Premier deserves respect even if you do not like the person or agree with the leaders policy.
May I remind you that no one ever shouted in the face or wagged a finger in tirade at Madam Premier Cox.
Regardless of your views and grievances, which you are totally entitled to express as we alive in a modern democratic society….all of your actions totally distracted attention away from your cause…sadly AND you all collectively made Bermuda look very silly to the rest of the world.
Please remember our news is picked up world wide.
No matter what walk of life we are from Bermuda is much better than this.
Time to work together folks instead of pulling each other apart.
To Concerned Bermudians…simple old school rule…..treat other as you yourself would like to be treated.
The OBAMA didn’t cause these issues they are trying to help.
Bermuda strong…..
We are spoiled. Our economic problems are reflected in the fact that since the arrival of the big reinsurance companies in the 90s even people who didn’t graduate high school and or can hardly read and write are driving $50k cars, buying LV handbags and going on expensive vacations. That just isn’t sustainable unless you pay the moral price. And the moral price is greed, entitlement, drugs, breakdown of cultural values, and international companies demanding being allowed to hire internationally competitive staff without worrying about terms limits. Bda is NOT another world anymore. We are another competitor in a flat world.
The guy in green will never get a job!
Why did the PLP/BIU get the man in the green T-shirt to be their spokesman ? He sounded like Lavern or Betty’s bie. Look out Chris F, there is a fat man screaming to get your job. The PLP [Parinoid Lunitic People] have taken another step backwards with this display.
)
The protesters should show respect to the Premier of the country.
The marchers showed no respect or concern for our duly elected officials.The Bermuda Police Service needs to be more security conscience,as our leaders address hostile and disruptive individuals.We are living in a different Bermuda,than 20 yrs ago!
Notice to that bunch of greedy jerk offs and has beens and in the words of one of your own kind
‘we dont care what you think!’
I sure hope the guy in green watches the play back and see how a different course of action might have been a better strategy.
I would say 98 percent of Bermuda is cringing today after watching yesterday’s performances…..we are better than this fellows misguided approach
Mr. Green guy….respect is given when it is shown…surely your parents taught you this, please next time consider this.
Come on Bermuda lets wake up and fix this mess….if we can manage it…..that will be an excellent legacy for our children and grandchildren….
If he had any smarts he would have long found something to do with at least some of the skills has has attained since he left school.. others have… No! Somebody has to make a job for him…. HAH as someone has already said he will not likely get another job… So get stepping mate, become your own employer, if you can figure that out!!! Idiot!!!
Bwwwahahaha. Vigilant? Where were they while Cog and Ewart sold us down the river?
You talking about the time you were made to pay the land licence fee for purchasing property with your Bermudian spouse ? Now would be a grand time to ask the OBA for a refund .
You note the words: ‘dangerous and dismissive not to listen to their concerns.’
How come we have moved swiftly with the input of IB and others but have not allowed the public of Bermuda to weigh in? Isn’t this dangerous and dismissive?
Isn’t this the reason we are in this mess? The OBA has acted dangerously and dismissively by not having the term limits brought to the people. This matter could have been handled in 2-3 months tops.
There is nothing that has been revealed to us that leads me to believe that this matter could not have been better handled. 70% of the application were being approved. Seems to me that a PR blitz to IB could have easily resolved this matter until the public consultative process took place with the people of Bermuda. We are now in March and we are having to do damage control and quell demonstrations when a 2-3 month exchange could have help us to avoid this mess.
We could have been in a win win situation had we employed these two items:
1. Met with the same stakeholders that weighed in on the abolishing to indicate to them that we are open for business and we are looking to abolish the policy in 2 – 3 months but will undertake a public awareness and buy-in program.
2. Engaged in a public awareness program that truly sought to get the feedback of the people.
I will end with a marriage analogy. As a married man, suppose I chose not to get my wife’s input about a key money maker for the family. Even if the decision makes us lots of money and will supply all her wants and needs, it doesn’t make it right that I failed to seek her input on such an important matter. Depending on the make-up of my wife, My actions will bring all manner of responses to the fore.
I will end how this blog began, the approach thus far has been dangerous and dismissive.
“Kool Aid Drinkers”: People lacking critical thinking. every political party has them, a small minority who are not prepared to look objectively at things . Usually loud, disrespectful and thankfully lacking any real influence on sensible thinking people in their own political party. The Country saw the minority of the PLP extreme yesterday…don’t judge the whole “family” by them!
The guy in green should have been arrested, the PLP should be apologizing for spending our money and leaving us broke, EB should had taken the Uighurs with him when he left, Chris Furbert should resign from the BIU and get a job at KFC and finally the PLP should do us all a grand favor by closing up shop and WITHER AWAY. I hope all employers were paying close attention at who was at the march and addressed the Leader of our country the way they did. If they didn’t have respect for him there’s no way they’re going to have respect for their boss. WAKE UP BERMUDA AND STOP MAKING US LOOK LIKE A BUNCH OF DOPES! VERY EMBARRASSED TO BE A BERMUDIAN YESTERDAY!!!!!
I have absolutely no problem with this group being vigilant in their concerns, I only hope that in the future they will separate themselves from the militant few who turned that protest into what was for me, and I hope for the organisers, an embarrassment.
It’s actually refreshing to see people stand up for what they believe is right. It doesn’t matter that I disagree with their stance, like our present Government, they are doing what they feel is right for Bermudians. I commend that effort. I only wish they had chosen to speak up at the time when Bermuda was being so badly damaged by those who should be held accountable but never will. Sadly, leaders must do far worse these days than to financially and racially destroy a country in order to be considered criminal.
I commend our government for speaking both to the smaller demonstration as well as to the one that was greatly disrespectful, even though I believe the organisers intent was good. I, personally, would not have apologised for the use of the word xenophobic as it is quite accurate these days, but clearly it was misunderstood by and offended many.
The government took the caring and concerned approach by apologising for the hurt feelings and offense. I can hardly view this as a bad thing.
Exactly when and where did Minister Fahy say the word, xenophobic..??
Didn’t say Fahy said it. Sometimes one must deal with perception and not reality.
If the group making all that noise did so a few years ago, just think how much better off we would be?. Instead they are screaming to a government that has had a few weeks to try to begin cleaning up this mess.
The problem is that they were kept in the dark for so long. This is a message to the OBA that communication and education in political matters will create an informed populous which might better understand the issues.
Dr. Ben Carson says that education is freedom. For 14 years many of the population were lied to about the cost of buildings (Berkeley was on time and under budget) until the truth was discovered. All other major building projects came in over budget. All the while every thing was the fault of others even thought they were not in power.
This should not be repeated by the OBA. I implore you to talk to all Bermudians truthfully and often. Even if the news is not good explain why and what you plan to do about it. KNOWLEDGE IS FREEDOM – keep the population informed. They are looking for a new day. Let’s give it to them.
OBA, except for one major error, you are doing a reasonable job so far. It is going to be hard but try to keep the working class on your side as well. Some will never listen but you would not be blamed if you try.
This is interesting in that Bermuda now has tea party. A group of people who fear the new goverment, relied to much on the previous goverment and will probably do all they can over the next 5 years to hurt the goverment and the country so they can get the PLp back In.
If one reads the blogs daily, comments made by the OBA supporters are extremely disrespect and daily attacks on our MPs is done regular. Mr Fahy indicated this, but he was shocked to learn that it was a high percentage of his own supporters writing such distastful remarks daily on the blogs. Their writings were just as distasteful as the man in the green shirt. Their writing reflect the very same behaviours as the man in the shirt, just that he did not hide out under a name or in Cyber-space. He was bold in the face action. What is surprising is that OBA supporters are quick to point the man in green shirt out, but yet fail to call their own supporters out on performing the same kinds of Behaviours. Hopefully, OBA folks would stop some day. This must also stop !!!
STFU…. You are a fool
Calm down Betty! I understand its hard for you not being able to march last Friday, considering you live abroad in the states!
What nonsense!
I cannot find any words that will help these “vigilant”….
there is a wall they bang their heads into …
it does not need a fence around the wall …
or a hedge around the fence to protect them from banging their heads against the wall…
i kind of think that no matter the personal clarity they will derive from banging their heads into the wall …..
it should not be upon the rest of us to devise ways to keep them from their protest that the wall is not a wall …
so in remembrance of this day , when some misguided souls , exhibiting polite self destructive nihilism gave anti ising reality a go , i think we should rename this day in our history as
“Bang your head against the wall day? ”
and observe a moment of silence in commemoration each year.
What is even more disturbing is we have a group of first generation Bermudians (ie family lineage barely goes back one hundred years) looking to destroy what many have built over the last four hundred. Thank you St Kitts club and company!!! Next time you tell a foreigner go home just remember your family line has only been in Bermuda post 1900!!!
The PLP are responsible for this mess , and now we all gotta pay it off , they got a free loan , and left the country with 12 percent. Unemployment . What a mess. The PLP have kept there supporters so brainwashed that they actually that the couldn’t lose the election. No matter what they did , Now we got a bunch of sore losers trying to keep the country divided still
You should have been Vigilant for the last 14 years then maybe you wouldn’t have to make fools of yourselves Friday.
Dear “standing on transparency…”
Sorry friend….I simply do not see it that way.
I think the comments written by the majority of this blog show how deeply embarrassed we are as a community for the actions of a few yesterday. Including you Mr Green Shirt…just sad…your message would have been far better received if you would have spoken it to the Premier and acted as if you were willing to be part of a solution…rather…you look to all of us as nothing more than a symptom of the problem. Mr. Green Shirt..I hope upon reflection you see this and are willing to roll up your sleeves and help the rest of us get our beloved Island out of the sad state it is in. The fact that you were there shows you care….please redirect your approach..that energy could be a helpful force.
Let’s try something new….Bermudians are hurting…All Bermudians …..let’s be responsible citizens and adults and begin working together to fix the problem we have to hand. Those that have created will have to live with their conscious..they know what they did….their judgement will come by a court far higher than that of Bermuda’s
Bermuda is for all of us…not just some….lets remember that and get to work on problem solving TOGETHER
Concerned citizens….I appreciate your enthusiasm and respect your willingness to be vigilant….please going forward lets be vigilant for the benefit of our country and our children and grandchildren….shouting…hurling insults…finger wagging and near hysterical ranting at those that are trying to unwind the mess that we are in and create solutions…will not help.
Bermuda and Bermudians are better than this…..let’s show the world how good we really are.
Sorry Concerned Citizens…..really poor showing ….but somehow I think you already know this.
Bermuda strong
Well said. Agree 1000%. Let’s all work together to make the Island we all love so much a better place for all Bermudians and those who chose to make it their temporary home away from home.
Work together? Seems to me people are becoming nastier and nastier toward each other. It’s sad to experience this first hand. SMH
It is so sad to read these blogs of ‘nastiness’ and hatred. The venom being spued forth is disturbing and is of no help to the locals and residents of Bermuda in the long run. Please remember that potential visitors to our island read our papers online and will no doubt have second thoughts about coming to visit when they read and view the angry verbiage that is being exchanged. Yes we all need jobs, but remember Bermuda is not a self sufficient country, we do not have natural resources. Sun, sand and sea can be had at other destinations e.g. Islands to the south where it is cheaper anyway, Mexico, Florida, the Algarve in Spain, Portugal, Ibiza, just to name a few. Bermuda as we depend on external forces to continue to live in the manner we have become accustomed we have to be circumspect. I know it is hard, but it is what it is. Can I suggest that persons currently unemployed put their heads together and see if they can come up with some form of cottage industry e.g. Making jams, cakes, bread, sewing items with a local flavor, and selling these things at the local craft market, or even going door to door selling items. Don’t be too proud! In the past this is how the big shop owners of today in Bermuda made their money, such as the Gibbons’. Be proud Bermudians! Remember both black and white Bermudians are affected by the downturn in this economy, please do not allow the situation to cause a hatred of each other to be ignited. We are not living in the 60s and will not be going back to that era – move on!
Agree 100%
@Dan Dan: how about the ‘nastiness’ and hatred and angry venom from the marchers? Or you didn’t see that.
Oh please,why were you not vigilant during the 14 year reign of terror!
I would not like to make an excuse for the Green Man,however I can only imagine the Frustration people like him feel, not having a job to go to every day, I will not Bet the Farm but i am pretty sure most of the Folks on here that had Negitive Comments, have a job ! we here in Bermuda Claim to care about our Fellow man ,,but we could give a Rats,,
Arse about each other as long as it is not on my front door ,,,Its ok
Sad story Its Not OK,,,the voices will get Louder and Surprisly More and more Bermudians will be Taking to the Streets,,,These Projects need to come on Line more sooner than later,,BERMUDIANS need to be put back To Work ,,
The group protested against the wrong government? It is the PLP that caused all of the unemployment that we are facing not the OBA! What do you expect after only two and half months. By the way I have been unemployed for the last 14 months.
” Our stated concerns as follows:
(1) Reinstatement an arbitrary policy that doesn’t help any Bermudians but forces productive foreigners off the island because we don’t like foreigners
…
(4) An apology for being called irrationally anti-foreigner.”
I am a black bermudian who voted for change. I am not a person that normally votes, but I thought on December 17th, I would voted for change because I did not like the direction in which Bermuda was heading. Reading these blogs has shown me just how racially divided we are. I would never vote for the OBA again.
Why? They haven’t had time to do anything yet. You have to give an administration some time to get something done before you swear off of them. Its only been two months!
You know, these people and the green man are yelling at the wrong Premier and the wrong party. If frustration needs to be expressed the next march should be at Alaska Hall. The present situation is a result of the previous Government, period! If this situation still exists next year (you have to give time for new policies to have an effect) then perhaps I will join the march on Parliament. But it is too early to blame the OBA Government.
We are in this situation when term limits were imposed, logic says that they may have had a part in how we all got to this point. Since we all agree that this is not where we want Bermuda to be then change is necessary. Why not see how this change, and others, will fare before screaming, shouting, and disrespecting our leader. Watching this demonstration made me ashamed to be Bermudian for a while. We are NOT this rude and we need to fix it and that rude, large, green man!
Name and shame: who was the man in the green shirt?
Has has the Green Man become the public face of the Opposition?
Will someone PLEASE EXPLAIN how “an extension of three months until June 30, 2013 for the review of the Work Permit Policy dated February 13, 2013″, will make any difference? Did I miss something? Thank you!
One would have to be really dense to see change in less than 3 months.
This is a done deal. I know an expat who has been here for 6 years and just got their renewed work permit for 6 years straight! OBA is pathetic and they have fooled all of you who voted for them!