Senator Marc Daniels On Ending Conscription

January 3, 2014

marc daniels PLP bermuda[Opinion column written by PLP Senator Marc Daniels]

In November 2012, The Progressive Labour Party had promised that it would seek to eradicate conscription in our Throne Speech.

When the election resulted in an OBA victory, we conceded that any changes would come during their first term as government, on the basis of their election promises.

Young Bermudians waited during their first year of OBA governance but saw no action. This resulted in numerous calls to the PLP by members of the public. The PLP Caucus then discussed that we could assist and commence drafting the necessary legislation to make these legislative changes.

We decided to table a bill at the opening of Parliament, November 8th, 2013, on the day of the Speech from the Throne. At the time of tabling the bill, we did not know whether the government would include their promise in their legislative agenda for the 2013-2014 year.

When we saw that amendments to conscription had been included, we anticipated that our legislative bill would be greeted with open arms. Unfortunately no one anticipated the hostility from the OBA that followed.

The government suggested that we tried to steal their thunder on the day of the Throne Speech. Much to everyone’s surprise, the OBA decided to block the bill, without even reading it, and extend conscription for the foreseeable future, even though the government had the power to revisit the bill weeks or months later, at their discretion, to debate additional points or amendments to the bill.

We sought to assist hundreds of young men, who feel that conscription infringes on their rights.

This Saturday January 4th, we approach another year of new conscripted recruits about to be forced into actions against their will. Many young Bermudian males feel that the government has once again failed to serve their own people.

The same type of “urgency of now,” that has been dedicated to ensuring foreign workers are able to apply for status, is now not being applied for young Bermudian males. We can only hope that the government will act quickly and that we will not see another year of the status quo.

We look forward to continuing to serve the people of Bermuda.

- Marc Daniels

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Comments (82)

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  1. Onion says:

    Nice of you to have a complete about-face as a party as soon as you’re out of power.

    The OBA seems committed to ending conscription but like most things they do they’re trying to do it right and take the time to transition out of it instead of just lurching forward without thinking about consequences.

    The PLP need to stop the political theatre, ask their colleagues across the floor why things are happening the way they are, and then start helping this country instead of trying to score cheap political points.

    • Sisu says:

      “The OBA seems committed to ending conscription but like most things they do they’re trying to do it right and take the time to transition out of it instead of just lurching forward without thinking about consequences.” —- What consequences? Uncontrolled riots? Uncut wood? Parades with no marchers? External invasion? They sound ridiculous because that’s exactly what they are. Ending conscription will have no impact on our day to day existence in Bermuda besides for having fewer soldiers. So what are the consequences you speak of? Undisciplined young men? No, we already have them (and the regiment does diddly-squat to alleviate this problem…even though it isn’t their mandate to ‘fix’ our young boys (even though many regiment fanboys seem to throw this ‘benefit’ around like it holds weight, but I digress)). I think the biggest consequence you and many others fear is a regiment that can’t sustain itself. And so we will continue to conscript our young men and put them into a hate-filled environment that provides little benefit, crap pay, and infringes on their rights as human beings. #hoorahb******

      • Black Soil says:

        Let me get this straight. PLP waited until they got voted out of office to get all passionate about pushing legislation through Parliament to sweep away conscription??

    • Betty Trump says:

      WELL SAID SENATOR DANIELS>>>> WELL SAID

      I THINK @WATCHING CAREFULLY PUTS IT BEST :

      “Senator Daniels lays this out clearly and accurately. While the PLP did have time in office to sort conscription out, it was in their 2012 platform and one can only take their word that they would effect change in this regard. The OBA had their first year to implement change however Minister Dunkley chose not to.

      The PLP decided to take control and table the legislation. The fact that the OBA would dismiss the legislation simply because they had the numbers to shows immaturity and politricks. The legislation could have been tabled and then amended to be more specific to what the OBA may have had in mind.

      Premier Cannonier was on the news the other night speaking about collaboration etc which has become his usual buzz word. However his actions are so much less than his words

      KEEP PUSHING ON PLP< your on the right track, and TRANSPARENCY IS KILLING THE UBPOBA…REALLY !!

      • Betty Trump says:

        ” DID THE UBPoba really want “COLLOBRATION AND TRANSPARENCY” ?

        If so why not work with the PLP, regardless of whom brought the bill forward….instead they played a political game of I did not do it first instead…..I mean REALLY !! A CHILD PLAY AT BEST BY THE UBPoba,,nothing more, nothing less…..

        If the UBPoba were really serious about COLLOBRATION AND TRANSPARENCY< they would have worked along with the PLP to ensure that this bill as put forward by the PLP was debated and past. NO, BUT NO…they were more interested in gaining political points of "WE DID IT"…..REALLY ….TRANSPARENCY AND COLLOBRATION KILLING THE UBPoba once again….. GET REAL UBPOBA ….

        Now click the dislike……it does not change the FACTS !!!

        • Clive Spate says:

          Happy New Year Betty!!

          • Betty Trump says:

            Thank you, and HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU> IT IS CLEAR THAT UBPoba campaigned on the ideas of TRANSPARENCY AND COLLOBARATION< YET FAILING TO LIVE UP TO IT !! REALLY

            THOSE UBPoba diehards Clicking the Dislike…..CLick….are great examples of a party failing to live up to COLLOBRATION AND TRANSPARENCY !!

        • terry says:

          You had 14 years.
          OBA has been the Government for 1 year cleaning up a mess and a few billion in debt.
          Lets move on.

          • Betty Trump says:

            Guess your overlooking the MESS OF THIS UBPoba government in just short of 1 year ! BLindfaithfulness seems to allow you to see only one side of things, but overlook other factors in regards to your beloved UBPoba party and government..>REALLY just be HONEST and admit your promise of TRANSPARENCY AND COLLOBRATION IS KILLING THE UBPoba…..one has yet to see any signs of it…FAIL PROMISES, FAIL TO ACT IN A WAY THAT IS TRANSPARENT OR COLLOBRATIVE….REALLY….. this is what will make you a ONE TIME GOVERNMENT !!

            HOLD ON>..the chess pieces are moving in the right direction now……ahaha

            • Sandgrownan says:

              Stop shouting. You know, repeating things over and over does not make them true.

              • Betty Trump says:

                The truth is killing you, like the UBPoba’s failure to be TRANSPARENT OR COLLOBORATIVE !! REALLY….I see now…..Truth, but do not want to hear it….

                • Sandgrownan says:

                  Sure, they could be more transparent, but there is absolutely no obligation to collaborate with the PLP, despite what Cannonnier says. In my view, the PLP ought to be excluded from all discussion until they apologise for the s*** show that was their time in charge and for the damage they did to the economy and the social fabric of the island.

                  • Black Soil says:

                    Hello Betty…you (and your empty rhetoric about the “truth”) have been listening too much to the greatest truth teller of them all – Rev Farrakhan

              • Triangle Drifter says:

                Repeat,repeat, then repeat some more. Standard PLP MO. The easily fooled hear it more than once or twice so it MUST be true.

                The method of indoctrination works. Betty is an excellent example.

      • Hmmm says:

        Wrong Betty

        • Betty Trump says:

          OBA Government decided to pull the plug on the Gaming Referendum Bill…..as well as this Bill on CONSCRIPTION !!!

          Its like the lack of TRANSPARENCY AND COLLOBRATION OF THE GAMING REFERENDUM…… WAKE UP BLINDFAITHFULNESS ONES>>>>SO GET REAL>

          A government whom knock on the doors, making promises, saying one thing, but doing the opposite… WHAT IS THIS ?

    • Sisu says:

      “The OBA seems committed to ending conscription but like most things they do they’re trying to do it right and take the time to transition out of it instead of just lurching forward without thinking about consequences.” —- What consequences? Uncontrolled riots? Uncut wood? Parades with no marchers? External invasion? They sound ridiculous because that’s exactly what they are. Ending conscription will have no impact on our day to day existence in Bermuda besides for having fewer soldiers. So what are the consequences you speak of? Undisciplined young men? No, we already have them (and the regiment does diddly-squat to alleviate this problem…even though it isn’t their mandate to ‘fix’ our young boys (even though many regiment fanboys seem to throw this ‘benefit’ around like it holds weight, but I digress)). I think the biggest consequence you and many others fear is a regiment that can’t sustain itself. And so we will continue to conscript our young men and put them into a hate-filled environment that provides little benefit, crap pay, and infringes on their rights as human beings. #hoorahb*****s

  2. What Grinds My Gears says:

    I am 150% against conscription, but I cannot understand why the PLP waited until they became the Opposition to ONLY NOW make conscription a priority. Why wasn’t this done during their 14 years?
    Mr Daniels, can you please answer that question for those hundreds of young Bermudian males you mention in your article.

    • inna says:

      political noise!

      • Sisu says:

        ^ typical responses from the anti-plp bloggers. Obfuscate from the matter at hand and attempt to make the plp look bad at all costs (including my rights…thanks!). Either you agree with marc daniels/the plp or you don’t. But don’t simply ignore the message because of who is saying it. Too often we miss making bermuda a better place in order to score cheap political points. And guess what…we all suffer because of it. A rising tide lifts all boats, didn’t you know? So grow a pair of f****** b***** and admit the plp are right for once. It isn’t that hard, i promise. And just FYI the oba have had more time to end conscription after making it a known goal of theirs than the plp… #butletsnotletfactsgetinthewayofattemptingtomaketheplplookworsethantheiractionsactuallydo

        • What Grinds My Gears says:

          So wrong in so many ways. I am a true PLP supporter, but just because i ask a question that is justifiable, I’m now a OBAubp supporter. Its comments like yours that creates so much hate between individuals.
          I’m only asking “Why now and not yesterday?”
          Your comments “Either you agree with marc daniels/the plp or you don’t.” demonstrates that you are willing to side with OUR party even if they are wrong (NOTE im not saying that they are wrong in this case).
          Try growing some b@lls and ask questions when its needed instead of being JUST a follower.

          • Sisu says:

            Where did I say you were an “OBAubp supporter”? Hint: I didn’t. That would be your guilty conscious talking. Anyway, what difference does it make if the plp had proposed the idea when in power and never followed through? So they lacked the will power to do it then…does that negate the fact that they are trying to do the right thing now? No, it doesn’t. And it shouldn’t. But to you and many oba supporters it does. And it is always bought up. Ad nauseam. And our oba politicians won’t support the idea of ending conscription in a bill proposed by the plp because of it. And that shows who really lacks the b@lls or testicular fortitude or whatever else the flavour of the month is. When we pass on doing the right thing in an attempt to score political points and ‘gotchas’…who loses? Hint: not the politicians.

            • What Grinds My Gears says:

              You snooze, you lose. This is how its going to go down….. The OBA, within the next few years (before the next election) will get rid of conscription and win the votes of many young males as they will FINALLY not be forced to serve. By getting their votes, the OBA will almost be certain to secure another term (in my opinion ofcourse).

              Based on the above, it makes a strategic difference if you decide to follow through on a plan/promise or not. All I’m stating is that the PLP missed out on this and should have done it when in power.

            • LOL (original TM*) says:

              You infered it with you reply openning remark although you did not come out and say it stright up.I’m sure you can agree that things will be interperted if clarity isn’t in the words.

              “^ typical responses from the anti-plp bloggers”

              If this was a general comment you would start your own commentby replying to WGMG’s comment it could be taken as a reply to him/her.

              LOL

              • LOL (original TM*) says:

                apologize to you you commented to Inna

                LOL

    • Sisu says:

      ^ typical responses from the anti-plp bloggers. Obfuscate from the matter at hand and attempt to make the plp look bad at all costs (including my rights…thanks!). Either you agree with marc daniels/the plp or you don’t. But don’t simply ignore the message because of who is saying it. Too often we miss making bermuda a better place in order to score cheap political points. And guess what…we all suffer because of it. A rising tide lifts all boats, didn’t you know? So grow a pair of f***** b**** and admit the plp are right for once. It isn’t that hard, i promise. And just FYI the oba have had more time to end conscription after making it a known goal of theirs than the plp… #butletsnotletfactsgetinthewayofattemptingtomaketheplplookworsethantheiractionsactuallydo

      • LOL (original TM*) says:

        It’s already come to light that the PLP had since Premier Brown days to do it when they first mentioned it. So what are you talking about?

        LOL speaking of bullets…………

  3. Bermuda Boy says:

    It’s no wonder the world is in the condition it’s in, with people like this person Daniels trying to run it. Get a life.

    • LOL (original TM*) says:

      That was uncalled for I don’t know this guy but how does this show any level of his ablity.

      LOL is Daniels the face book ranter guy or was that someone else?

      • Mike Hind says:

        That was someone else. Marc Daniels is a good guy.

  4. watching says:

    Senator Daniels lays this out clearly and accurately. While the PLP did have time in office to sort conscription out, it was in their 2012 platform and one can only take their word that they would effect change in this regard. The OBA had their first year to implement change however Minister Dunkley chose not to. The PLP decided to take control and table the legislation. The fact that the OBA would dismiss the legislation simply because they had the numbers to shows immaturity and politricks. The legislation could have been tabled and then amended to be more specific to what the OBA may have had in mind. Premier Cannonier was on the news the other night speaking about collaboration etc which has become his usual buzz word. However his actions are so much less than his words.

    • The Fact says:

      Ending conscription was in the PLP’s last 3 throne speeches. Dr. Brown talked about it so did Paula. The removal of conscription is process that will be fased out. It can’t be just cutt off as Marc states. He knows this and so does the PLP, thus the reason why they didnt do it. Welcome to the game of politics. We could have, would have, and should have but you didnt.

    • LOL (original TM*) says:

      You can take the PLP at their word all you want but their past does not support your comment. The PLP said alot in their time and blamed the state of affairs on the UBP but in the 14 yes 14 years no real educational reform came. In fact they took money from education had, more education ministers than sat in the cabnet. The PLP made an about face on this issue as well after all when BAD started the PLP was in power………….

      LOL

    • Hmmm says:

      It was in way before 2012…you can start by looking at 2011

    • Suzie Quattro says:

      “The PLP decided to take control and table the legislation”

      That’s the problem isn’t it. The PLP didn’t communicate. They didn’t open a discussion. They didn’t put something forward as a suggestion. Instead, they landed a bill on the government at 9.00am on the day of the Throne Speech and expected it to be passed immediately.

      That just isn’t smart. The fact is that Bean was grandstanding, like Daniels is now.

      The government has it in hand. It was in the Throne Speech, and unlike the PLP (who promised all sorts of stuff that never happened), this time it will actually happen.

  5. Just Wondering says:

    Wonder if they still wanna end conscription if independence was on the table.

    • Free-DUM says:

      Why not? Not all independent nations even have a military!

      • Just Wondering says:

        name them please and are the part of the United Nations?

        • Sisu says:

          I’m unsure as to their respective independence but the following countries don’t have a military force and are member states of the UN: Andorra; Costa Rica; Grenada; Kiribati; Liechtenstein; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Nauru; Palau; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Solomon Islands; and Tuvalu.

          See any similarities between the above list and Bermuda?

          • Sandgrownan says:

            They’re all broke?

            • Sisu says:

              Touche. IMO small island states do not need a military force. Most of the above have enhanced police forces to deal with internal security threats (i.e. riots). Some even have agreements with other countries to provide security when/as needed (much as Britain is obliged to provide us now). I’m a strong believer that the money currently spent funding the regiment (and it’s part-time soldiers) would get a much better bang for it’s buck hiring (full-time) police officers who could be trained in riot control but carry out normal policing duties when not dealing with riots (i.e. 99.9% of the time). $7,000,000 could get us what, approx. 100 additional police officers? Heck, train them to use chainsaws and kill two birds with one stone.

              • Sandgrownan says:

                No argument here. But that’s the rub. You don’t just disband, there has to be a structured wind down, with alternatives ( mini coast guard, marine force, riot police etc)….it’s not low hanging fruit like buying liquor on a Sunday.

  6. john doe says:

    His a lawyer not s senator go back to the court room

  7. Tolerate says:

    This is no way in defense of the OBA; but is it fair to compare legislation (law) changes such as Sale of Liquor on Sundays to Ending Conscription? I’m hearing people criticize the time this is taking, while other law changes are happening.
    Do you really think a law to end conscription can be hashed out in the time it takes to pass a law to take the locks off the liquor coolers on Sundays?
    Come on people….. And YES; the PLP had many years to address this and did not.

  8. We the people says:

    Why is Senator Daniels rehashing this? I thought the Opposition had their go at it last year. This is 2014. Time to move on.

    • watching says:

      Becuase the OBA have done nothing in regards to conscription. yet another broken promise.

      • Mike Hind says:

        …yet.

      • LOL (original TM*) says:

        Isn’t the dead line onelection promisses like 5 years………………

        LOL

        • Mike Hind says:

          Nope. The deadline is whenever it’s convenient to denounce the OBA with.

          It’s not like they said “100 days” or something…

          • Triangle Drifter says:

            Who would be dumb enough to claim that they can fix something major in 100 days? Oh…thats right. Never mind, I remember now.

            • Sandy Bottom says:

              And who would be dumb enough to believe that kind of claim….

              Oh, I remember that too now….

  9. Voter says:

    The OBA will abolish conscription Mr.Daniels.Your beloved PLP just talked about it and did nothing.Oh yeah,I forgot,the former govt did give many overpriced govt contracts and sweet deals to friends and family.
    We voters know that the only way Bermuda can survive is with an open,honest and transparent govt,like we have now!

    • LOL (original TM*) says:

      Pesonally I’m still on the side of that. They have not been in long enough to determine if they are better and by hope mutch or less.

      LOL

    • Betty Trump says:

      “UBPoba DENIAL is killing the diehard fans”

      REally, I think your blindfaithfulness is killing you, and making you talk in a twisted fashion. WHERE HAS THE UBPoba been TRANSPARENT, more so COLLOBRATIVE…… guess your sleeping…there are too many things done or not done by this UBPoba govt, that proves otherwise….OOOOH please get real here….. even your old UBPoba MPs are calling the government out on many things…. some folks love to live in “UBPoba Denial” really…. guess your just one of many of them….

  10. Unbelievebale says:

    I can’t believe in my heart of hearts that on the day that Parliament reconvened, the PLP walked up to the House with that bill under their arms all innocently and presented that bill without an agenda. It was even in the Throne Speech that day I believe. I’m happy to be corrected on that last part.

    And yes just like everyone saying here, this is political theatre. All of a sudden the PLP in one year are expected to do all the right things that they didn’t do in 14 years? Politics is dirty, dirty game.

    • Sisu says:

      FML. So because they didn’t do the “right things” in their 14 years in power and instead want to do them now we should block them in their attempts to do so? Politics is indeed a dirty game…when the “right thing” is not done simply because another party is proposing them. Who honestly cares (besides politicians) where a good idea comes from? If it benefits all of Bermuda #justgetthejobdone!

      • Unbelievebale says:

        Yes abolish conscription, I guess we can agree with that but also, yes it does matter how politicians conduct themselves.

        The PLP 14 years to do all the right things (and yes they did good things) but in just one year of being the Opposition what on Earth makes them think they now have all the right answers? Same with the OBA. There is no way they will fix all of BDA’s ills in one year.

        I think it’s pretty easy being in Opposition for the PLP right now. The OBA have stumbled and fumbled in their first year and all the PLP need to do is fire shot after shot. The public sees this as them winning. But in fact, as I stated, they had 14 years…no I’ll be fair…since about 2007 or 2008 to sort out BDA’s economy and didn’t. They didn’t heed the advice from many people and set us up for a disaster. Heck, Canada heeded the advice and they weathered the recession better than most. Now the OBA have a gargantuan task of lifting BDA out of this mess and all the PLP get to do is sit back and criticise. They moan about the old UBP being back in power, well look at who’s all of a sudden offering a bunch of new ideas to get BDA back on track? The same people who put us in this mess. Really???

        • Betty Trump says:

          “PLP bringing forward SOLUTIONS AND IDEAS TO MOVE BERMUDA FORWARD”

          @Unbelievebale…..THE PLP are not just sitting back and critizing, instead they are working hard to bring forward SOLUTIONS and BILLS to the HOUSE…this is a working OPPOSITION. This Opposition is bringing forward constructive criticism at best. This is what any strong Opposition should be doing, working and debating the issues that impact the people of Bermuda.

          I do not want a sleeping Opposition, and I am sure many others agree with that. after all, they too are being paid by the taxpayer, and must stand up to represent the folks whom voted for them. The victory was very minor at best. UBPoba did not win by a large margin or landslide. This we must keep in mind. Keep speaking up PLP, and standing for the people.

          This working Opposition is what is killing the UBPoba govt, they wish the PLP would not act or bring forward such great solutions. Many on the UBPoba side wish they would just sleep or die, but this is far from it.

          A powerful Opposition at that…keep working PLP for the good of the people of Bermuda…. I love it !! Keep bringing forward Solutions, and ideas to move Bermuda forward…. Folks love it !!

          • 32n64w says:

            “THE PLP are not just sitting back and critizing, instead they are working hard to bring forward SOLUTIONS and BILLS to the HOUSE..”

            Ok, list at least five solutions and bills they’ve brought to the House.

          • Unbelievebale says:

            It would be genuine and constructive criticism if the PLP hadn’t actually and factually screwed up Bermuda’s finances.

            You know, I wish the OBA would just embrace the fact that they are pro-business and show that the PLP CLEARLY do not understand the economy.

      • LOL (original TM*) says:

        Every one does the “right thing” when the possiblity of re-election is the prize. So its the means to the end that is the question and bring ethics into it. Why did they not just do the right thing when they could effect change.

        LOL

  11. LOL (original TM*) says:

    Two options for the regiment either make it so the skills you learn dirrectly transfer to the real world ie MT’s should be qualified bus drivers, signals/boat troop people could help with patrolling/or train with police on our waters, medics should qualify for EMT’s and the like. The Regiment has had Government money for many years step up the training to the point of qualifing for the real jobs involved.

    Option two admit it’s stright bs break it down to voluntiers so that we have some help for hurrican clean up as I would not rely on W&E getting that done in a reasonable time to get the island back on it’s feet.

    LOL

    • What Grinds My Gears says:

      Option 1 already exists; all regimental qualifications are transferable to the private and public sector. E.G. MTs are qualified bus drivers and some Medics are trained EMTs, Boots etc. Its just a matter of when Gov wants to utilize these resources within the Regiment.

      • LOL (original TM*) says:

        Good to know when I was a medic up there they did not do half the things they said ie like actually going and working with the EMTs in the ambulance. As Brangman/and Fred said we would. or getting us tested to recieve qualifications. Glad thats changed.

        LOL

  12. Winnie Dread says:

    Only thing I have to say is what happened to the 14 years in power Mr. Daniels, why this and lots more of which you now have the answer was not done…. The PLP could have effected sooooo many changes yet did nothing and to act like you have all the solutions now is just Brute Storm…. I don’t get it 14 years vs 1 year so far, give the incumbent a chance, in my reality there are far more IMPORTANT things to deal with now on which most energy should be expanded, just for the record I support a party not, no not true I support my family party of which my wife and I are the Gov,Premier,Prime Minister,President ok got the picture….

  13. Sandgrownan says:

    Daniels’ disingenuous oped pice would carry more weight without the shameless politicking. As written, it’s nonsense.

    They really need help to frame effective arguments AND, unfortunately for the hapless and out of his depth Daniels, he’s saddled with 14 years of PLP ineffectiveness and incompetence. Who could argue from that position with a straight face?

    • Spiderman says:

      Who is more false than your AG, Its been a big let down by the actions of your AG, on the actions he has taken so far. I think your sleeping big time, or doing what Betty calls so brightly living in UBPoba Denial” . I am very sad I voted for the UBPoba as Betty calls it ! I think I have a real change of heart now. Especially reading the comments by a group of people whom told me they have changed. CHANGED HOW?

  14. Voter says:

    The PLP put everyone who lives in Bermuda in jeopardy.
    Trust me,or better still yourself,to figure out which party you would put your children’s trust in!

    • Spiderman says:

      Yeah, like all the false promises the UBPoba made at the doorstep. REALLY , I rather not trust a party that has failed to keep at least one election promise, and has put into place a “Friends and Family Plan”. Who are you trying to fool now. Folks are talking and most are are not happy with what they see. What world are you and the other UBPoba fans living it.. guess it is what Betty calls “UBPoba DENIAL sydrome”.

      • Mike Hind says:

        Not even one? You should really do your own research and not listen to other people’s propaganda…

  15. CommonSensenBda says:

    “In November 2012, The Progressive Labour Party had promised that it would seek to eradicate conscription in our Throne Speech.”

    But yet you (as the GOVERNMENT) spent FIVE YEARS taking B.A.D. all the way to the Privy Council for something that BAD consistently pressed the fact that BLACK MEN WERE BEING TREATED AS SLAVES, yet the PLPbiu never relented…..AT ALL.

    Fast forward to last month and the fact that the leader of B.A.D. “just happened” to attend the House of Assembly the day of the OBA’s Throne Speech and the pitiful ATTEMPT to table the PLPbiu’s version of ending conscription after the PLP had learned that the OBA were doing it via their Throne Speech, was NO FLIPPING MISTAKE.

  16. Rockfish#2 says:

    If one listened to Daniels regurgitating over the last few months one would be excused for thinking he is the Leader of the Opposition.

    If an organization has a weak leader, people will gravitate towards anyone who appears stronger.

  17. Triangle Drifter says:

    Ending conscription into the Regiment is long overdue. The PLP did what they did best. They talked about it. Said they were going to do something about it. Then they did nothing.

    What is going to replace conscription? There is nothing wrong with a mandatory period of some sort of community service. The Regiment being one of the services that could use the community service.

  18. Drill Pig says:

    “We can only hope that the government will act quickly and that we will not see another year of the status quo.”
    The OBA said it would abolish conscription in this parliamentary session. The session has until July or even August to run. Marc Daniels is engaging in cheap political point scoring.

  19. watchfuleyes says:

    The OBA said that conscription would end in 2013, that is in fact gone, is it not? We all know that the OBa do not have a good track record when it comes to keeping promises, so forgive us if we don’t believe this one either. They had the opportunity to end it and chose not to, so who is politricking?
    Marc has made some good points and I think we all know, including Marc, that the PLP turned their back on the young men of this Island when it came to this issue and now it appears that the PLp have had a change of heart and are supporting ending conscription.

    • Mike Hind says:

      Did they? I am asking this in all honesty: when?

    • Sandy Bottom says:

      They did not say that conscription “would end in 2013″. It was the PLP who failed to do anything about this. It was in PLP Throne speeches, yet they did nothing. In fact, the PLP government opposed BAD in the courts for years. Finally the OBA will do something about this. The PLP failed that do anything, and turned their backs on the young men of this island.

    • Mike Hind says:

      So… No. It is not a fact. You are wrong.

  20. soul jah says:

    How many of you have served? Show your hand.

  21. watchfuleyes says:

    It was not the PLP who put ‘conscription’ in place. And yes the PLP could have ended it a long time ago, but they bought into the hype the whole Island was brainwashed into believing, which was that we needed it. Now, the OBA had the opportunity to abolish it for good and what did they do? play politics with this issue. So whoever has no fault in this game please step forward! Lets just get on with it seeing conscription ended and get on with more pressing problems and solutions.