Opinion Column: ‘Reckless, Unpatriotic Attacks’
[Written by OBA MP Sylvan Richards + Updated with PLP response]
Here is something that I bet the majority of Bermudians had no idea was happening: PLP leaders for months now have been publishing articles in an online newspaper telling the people of the Caribbean that the Government of Bermuda is deceitful and anti-democratic, willing to crush democratic rules to get its way electorally.
PLP Senators Marc Daniels and Diallo Rabain along with MP Walter Roban have been running columns in Caribbean News Now that raise questions about Bermuda’s integrity and its commitment to democracy.
This is politics gone wild – reckless, unpatriotic and potentially destructive.
All Bermudians know their Island is going through desperate economic times, needing every possible penny of income to bring about the recovery that so many need. And most of them understand that recovery requires a unified effort, with everyone working together to create new jobs, grow paycheques, close our massive deficit and pay down the crushing debt.
Unfortunately, PLP leaders are undermining this effort by casting aspersions on our Island’s reputation overseas.
Before an audience of 100,000 readers across 40 nations and territories, PLP leaders have been using Caribbean News Now to disparage the elected Government of Bermuda, characterizing it as childish [like “a 5-year-old” - Dec 21], “dictatorial” [January 2] and making decisions “behind closed doors by who knows who, motivated by who knows what.” [January 20].
Here’s is what Walter Roban wrote on February 3rd about Government’s just-launched public dialogue on commercial immigration:
“The OBA Government is seeking to gerrymander the electoral process by possibly selling status to persons who will in turn vote for them in the next election. As the party who represents a majority of born Bermudians, we appeal to our Caribbean kin to support us in our challenge.”
Wow! Unbelievable! With Bermudians like these, who needs enemies?
I once heard a saying while studying in the USA that “Politics stops at the water’s edge”. It means that political parties should always present a united front to other countries despite whatever disagreements may be occurring at home. The wisdom in this saying is that the national interest is more important than party interest.
These unpatriotic attacks show PLP leaders have not learned the most important lesson from their 2012 election defeat, which is the need to put people before politics, country before party.
Ask yourself this question: What good comes from a PLP Senator or MP telling an international audience that Bermuda is governed by a dictatorship?
Does it promote confidence in Bermuda as a place to do business? No. Does it promote the Island as a stable jurisdiction for international business? No. Does it encourage investments that grow jobs for Bermudians? No.
It is clear to me that these attacks do not serve Bermuda’s national interest. Rather, they reflect the PLP leadership’s desperate political game to win back political power at any cost, even if it means damaging Bermuda’s reputation abroad and shutting down opportunities for job growth.
The PLP leadership needs to step back and think about that.
Bermuda’s economic recovery depends largely on rebuilding investor confidence in our Island as a place to do business and live.
Restoring that confidence will bring much needed jobs, opportunity and security for thousands of Bermudian families. That’s what this Government is working so hard to achieve.
Let us all, regardless of political affiliation, keep that vital goal in sight.
It is important for the Opposition to understand that the Island’s economic recovery, after years of decline and debt, is very delicate, needing everyone rowing in the same direction. It is clear that the PLP columns in Caribbean News Now are not in any way helpful.
Perhaps a first step toward a more constructive path would be for PLP leaders to acknowledge that. Their answers would say a lot about their thinking.
- Sylvan Richards, Junior Minister for Home Affairs
Update 2.32pm: In response, Mr. Roban said Mr. Richards “should be distressed but not because the world is taking notice of their shenanigans, but because he has been a willing and eager accomplice to their shenanigans.”
Mr Roban’s full response follows below:
The Minister who said he deserved to be fired seems very distressed to learn that the spotlight of the world is on his OBA government. He should be more distressed with the actions of his party.
The OBA failed to produce a Jobs Plan for Bermudians
The OBA have broken promise after promise with no remorse
Key OBA members Denigrated Bermudians as “xenophobic” and “Kool Aid Drinkers,”
The Jetgate 4 violated the Ministerial Code of Conduct in accepting a private jet ride and vacation stay paid for by a potential hotel investor
The OBA have implemented anti-Bermudian policies
The OBA blocked the abolition of conscription
The OBA have opposed efforts to decriminalize cannabis
The OBA continues to make excuses and seek to blame others for their own incompetent, deceitful and anti-Bermudian behaviour.
Yes the Minister who said he deserved to be fired should be distressed but not because the world is taking notice of their shenanigans, but because he has been a willing and eager accomplice to their shenanigans.
Read More About
Comments (139)
Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed
Articles that link to this one:
- PLP Respond To Criticism From Sylvan Richards | Bernews.com | February 10, 2014
- Premier: Bean’s Allegation Was “Below The Belt” | Bernews.com | February 16, 2014
- Opinion: “What A Difference A Year Makes” | Bernews.com | March 7, 2014
- Opinion: Famous Responds To Sylvan Richards | Bernews.com | March 8, 2014
Where was Sylvan’s condemnation of Bob when he and the opposition OBA were slamming Bermuda’s reputation left right and center prior to the election?
Any links or sources to pieces written by Bob? I did a google search and nothing came up…
They don’t have sources or facts or links because all they do is spout false lies and garbage…oh and propaganda
A false lie……..must be the truth? Huh?
Got ahead of myself, pretty funny James Rego. Hardy har har. Jump off a bridge…
It’s like only the folks who got kicked out of high school are now running the PLP.
Does anyone else believe that Sylvan was directed to put this in the public eyes to distract the voters from the Premier’s recent Prayer Trip to Washington during the BIU strike?
Voters on both sides hammered the Premier for wasting money again.
“tick like for yes or dislike for no”
Sorry misdirrection is just as much the PLP’s thing as it is with the OBA after all they learned it from somewhere.
LOL
Politically correct my friend! LOL
Well written articles by the young PLP team. They are thought provoking and most insightful. Great Stuff .
It was NO secret, only maybe that MR. Richards and other UBPoba fans did not know about it !!
Well after all Uncle Bob Richards says we are apart of the Global economy. I see nothing wrong with the PLP writing articles like other countries as part of the Caribbean News. Facts are presented, and shared with out countries, which helps all countries.
Sounds more like Mr. Richards is upset that he did not think of such an idea. The reality is nothing is unknown to the world. Whatever Bermuda does gets to the Global world anyway, regardless if PLP write articles or does not. The Business world are very much aware of what is going on, or not going on. Why such fear?
Review of the articles only spells out what the government are doing well or not doing so well in. The article written by Roban is thought provoking indeed”Undermining democracy and the voice of born Bermudians”..it is food for thought and highlights some key significant points. I think he should also publish it here in Bermuda, folks need this valuable information to critically analyze and decipher.
I believe this is petty reactions by Mr.Richards. Stop with all this silly stuff and get on with a JOB PLAN, so folks can have REAL jobs. I look forward to more critically pieces of articles to read and critique.
One can not label it propaganda or lies, as their articles are based upon FACTS and TRUTH. They provide supporting information to support their positions.
Please print them on Bernews as well…great articles…. well done.
Racist PLP. Literary bile. I’m going back to Aspen for a while to spend your bus fare Betty.
Because Bob’s criticism was based upon real FACTS not feelings. Huge PLP debt & deficits, bloated Civil Service, non-payment of BIU bond, overspending at Berkeley…the list is almost endless…..
How people can defend the PLP is beyond me. It’s as if they can’t see what the PLP did to Bermuda.
Can You see what OBA is doing?
What are they doing? Let’s see some facts and truths instead of your propaganda you spread daily. I challenge you…
oh and doing a whoooooooooooooooooooole lot more than the PLP did in their 14 years. Sorry to burst your bubble lmfao
You can’t burst my bubble, I am not a PLP supporter. If I was, they would still be in government
FACTS/TRUTHS:-
OBA and PLP are two sides of the same coin.
OBA and PLP have no clue what to do with this mess.
OBA and PLP have put us $2.4 bn in debt.
OBA and PLP will work in their own best interests.
OBA and PLP count on us to stay divided.
OBA and PLP both have followers that will back them, even when they are wrong.
Let me correct this for you.
FACTS/TRUTHS:-
OBA and PLP are two sides of the same coin.
OBA are working hard to figure out what to do with PLP have put us $2.4 bn in debt.
OBA and PLP will work in their own best interests. The OBA understand that they need to make Bermuda profitable before they can be profitable.
PLP count on us to stay divided.
OBA and PLP both have followers that will back them, even when they are wrong.
Let me correct this for you (and myself as it turns out
FACTS/TRUTHS:-
OBA and PLP are two sides of the same coin.
OBA are working hard to figure out what to do with the mess the PLP created.
PLP have put us $2.4 bn in debt.
OBA and PLP will work in their own best interests. The OBA understand that they need to make Bermuda profitable before they can be profitable. The PLP didn’t care where the money was coming from.
PLP count on us to stay divided.
OBA and PLP both have followers that will back them, even when they are wrong.
PLP 1.6bn in 14 years.
OBA 8bn in 1 year.
Do you believe that the OBA should’ve reneged on their inherited financial obligations by not borrowing?
I mean I am very much up for cutting Government expenditure.
But I also imagine that if the OBA didn’t borrow to meet these obligations (i.e. civil service pay) you would’ve jumped and screamed, like you do now, about how they are ‘anti-labor,’ ‘anti-Bermudian,’ ‘hate black people’ etc.
So please explain to us why you think they shouldn’t have borrowed and what could’ve been cut to ensure that further borrowing wasn’t or isn’t required.
Something I have addressed before.
When in debt you need to create a surplus. If you start cutting things back/off, then you are going to suffer all around. Revenue needs to be generated in order to cover current and past bills.
If the OBA truly had a plan going in, they would have implemented it and not needed to borrow 3yrs in advance. To us ‘free thinkers’ this means you are winging it.
OBA has borrowed enough money to cover itself while in office. When the lose the next election, we will really see how bad Bermuda really is.
People need to know the truth and PLP and OBA will not give it to us.
It’s not 8bn you moron…more of your lies
$.8bn
Jus’ Askin… Have you considered the possibility that the OBA did have a plan going in, given the information that was available, but once in office and able to ascertain the reality they were now having to deal with they found their plan no longer viable and had to come up with an alternative?
Funny doesn’t usually seem that way…
and I asked what the OBA are doing “wrong.”
Care to answer?
and….no they wouldn’t.
Had PLP called a snap election when BDA was being formed and UBP was splitting, PLP would have won. Instead they waited and paid for it.
OBA are not listening to the people and doing as they please. THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE DOING WRONG!
That did not work for the UBP or the PLP and it will not work for the OBA
GIVE ME EXAMPLES…..
of doing as they please and not listening to the people, seems to me they been doin pretty good, maybe just not suiting your personal needs.
Hmm. The recent reversal on a gaming referendum comes to mind. Or maybe you like to bury your head in the sand and only come out when the OBA tell you to.
good bye oba
What exactly are they doing? And can it be compared to:
a) T-Street Home building Scam
b) Pro Active / Berkely Institute disaster…what was it again.. 20 million over budget?
c) TCD contract hand out
d) Bermuda Emissions
e)taking of Bermuda Cement Co. and handing it over to friends and family
f) How many hundreds of millions in “unaccounted for” government money.
g) Coco Reefs 100 year lease…for what??? They didn’t build or develop the property.
h)How many trips around the world with full entourage.
I) Failed Government Education system
J) Tuckers Point SDO deal…what has that cost us already.
k)Empty Condos across from Swizzle Inn, How many millions wasted there.
l)Demolition of St Georges Hotel and closing of its only Golf Course
The list goes on, and on….now compare the two lists and HONESTLY ask yourself why would any right thinking person, defend the PLP.
they didn’t print it in an overseas newspaper
My question is..how exactly do the PLP think Bermuda will benefit from this?
Well after all Bob Richards says we are apart of the Global economy. I see nothing wrong with the PLP writing articles like other countries as part of the Caribbean News. Facts are presented, and shared with out countries, which helps all countries.
Sounds more like Mr. Richards is upset that he did not think of such an idea. The reality is nothing is unknown to the world. Whatever Bermuda does gets to the Global world anyway, regardless if PLP write articles or does not. The Business world are very much aware of what is going on, or not going on. Why such fear?
Review of the articles only spells out what the government are doing well or not doing so well in. The article written by Roban is thought provoking indeed”Undermining democracy and the voice of born Bermudians”..it is food for thought and highlights some key significant points. I think he should also publish it here in Bermuda, folks need this valuable information to critically analyze and decipher.
I believe this is petty reactions by Mr.Richards. Stop with all this silly stuff and get on with a JOB PLAN, so folks can have REAL jobs. I look forward to more critically pieces of articles to read and critique.
Betty. With all due respect…if the PLP had not DESTROYED the economy the OBA wouldn’t have to be trying to create jobs. Pre-PLP , the jobs created themselves. Stop defending them…even if it is your job.
Bravo. DESTROYED IT. My Pearl sushi take away and my nights at Harry’s haven’t got any cheaper though.
Betty – give a direct answer…how exactly do the PLP think BERMUDA will benefit from this?
Afterall, as you frequently point out, the PLP are interested in helping the country, right?
Mr. Richards was speaking to Bermudians in Bermuda not writing deceitful articles bringing down Bermuda overseas. The PLP disgust me with this latest revelation and I would never vote for them. I find them a disgrace to black peopleand a low hitting bitter bunch of immature dishonest imbeciles.
Thanks Mr. Richards for exposing this. This is a long line of PLP propaganda pieces designed to keep Bermudians deeply divided by RACE/education/economic/social/political status. It is xenophobic, inflammatory, regressive and anti-business. Designed to keep investors out of Bermuda and prevent economic growth and job creation. Simply put the PLP is trying it’s best to prevent unemployed Bermudians from getting jobs because they need high Bermudian unemployment to win next election.
And Surrogate Richards and OBA have done nothing wrong?
OBA is holding us back, not the PLP
no people with your mindstate and propaganda is what’s holdin this country back bra…
What is my mindset?
Well you gave it away with your silly surrogate comment…if you knew the truth you would kno its not that.
Please tell me what the truth is
well the surrogates things was propaganda drummed up by the plp of keeping people like you brainwashed to vote for them no matter what
I didn’t vote for either haha
PLP is a joke
OBA is a joke
DO you feel Craig was a better choice then Bob or Michael?
And PLP did not have to drum up anything. There are many of us that do not like PLP or OBA. 1/3 of Bermuda, if you want a fact.
@Just Askin….what are they holding us back from??? Total Destruction? You do realize the Bermuda was a much better place for EVERYONE before the PLP. Well, everyone except those that benefited for those hundreds of millions of unaccounted for Bermuda Gov money.
OBA has had 14 months of ‘looking under the hood’ and yet nothing has been brought forward to show there was wrong doing
to all the black people in the oba it is time to wake and stop allowing your self to be used
What was Exposed, may I ask? This online Caribbean newspaper has been in place for sometime now. Mr. Roban has been writing there for sometime as well. It is great when other Islands share information on the current political issues or social agendas facing various Islands. We learn about what is going on in the different Caribbean Islands.
I am concerned that UBPoba fans and MPs were not aware of this ongoing news article online. It does suggest just how out of touch UBPoba are in regards to our Caribbean brothers and sister, and their willingness to learn and keep abreast of our Caribbean sisters and brothers. Mr. Richards seems to be in the dark in this regards.So I guess he will feel like he has open up a surprise box. But in reality this is old news, but new only to the some folks. I expected him to know a little more, but guess not.
This online Caribbean news line is great for us to share and learn about other Islands. It is very necessary in todays world. I am glad and hope that more sharing will be done.
Keep writing Senators and MPs of the PLP. Your articles are insightful and most thought provoking. Most folks in the Caribbean have given praise to such articles.
This is great stuff. I hope it continues. News about Bermuda is no secret, everyone knows and finds out anything they want to know. It is not big surprise package.
Well done, keep it up Roban, Daniels, and Rabain…
HOW MANY ARTICLES HAVE YOU READ & MR. RICHARDS IN THE CARIBBEAN NEWS ON LINE>>..I SAY NONE….YET YOU CALL IT SUCH THINGS AS xenophobic, inflammatory, regressive and anti-business….REALLY….I think you need to read first, comment after digesting the articles, and make an educated critique….if not stop with your UBPoba nonsense or poltical scoring points….
Betty Trump whe you are exposed I hope there’s a space for you to go live else where in the Caribbean. We are sick of you ignorance and cowardly comments. A real loser with no credibility.
I hate to break it to you but Bermuda is a British Dependent Territory. Bermuda is NOT part of the Caribbean region and to suggest otherwise is fallacy. I suggest you look into the geographic placement and history of Bermuda before you suggest that we should look to learn from our “Caribbean brothers and sisters”.
Date of CARICOM Membership: 2 July 2003
Now that is low, and just another reason I could never vote for them.
This should be a good one.
I’m not worried about these anarchist….their efforts to destabilize are being noted…I’ll save their articles on file and in the run up to the next election, I’ll question their motives.
Mr. Richards, Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention. After learning this, I will never vote PLP again. The only thing worse than betraying your country is betraying your family; the PLP have managed to do both.
Are you serious?
You never voted PLP
Why not ? After all Betty is an ex OBA voter . She said it herself , so it must be true .. LOL
Betty, every time I think you can’t sink any lower, you actually surprise me and do!! Can you give any of us one good reason that bud and friends writing in a Caribbean news rag can help us?? If you haven’t noticed they have never helped us in any way shape or form!!! You are now a certified IDIOT! , another example of why you and your plp are now ancient history !!! Go get a life!!!
As a matter of principle, I always made a point of voting for Dr. Barbara Ball. More recently, I voted for Mr. Terry Lister.
Sylvan, as a member of a Party that has regularly denigrated Bermuda’s affiliation with CARICOM and anything related to the Caribbean, why do you even care? No-one did more to harm the prospects of investment in Bermuda than your teamates and their media buddies. You introduced the spectre of rampant corruption and the narrative of the Government being untrustworthy and aided and abetted by a media that made your Opposition of 9 members sound like 90.Those headlines too went around the world. So if investors are shy its because they were reading what YOU said and what after 15 months of looking under the hood you have not proved.Internally, you need to deal with your supporters who continue to write poisoned stuff all over the place which goes global too. The first thing your Premier probably has to say in all his overseas meetings is “Bermuda’s not corrupt and there’s nothing to fear if the other guys win again”. And then they scatch their heads because they have some stories in their briefing packet that quote his team members saying the opposite. Clean your own house before you worry about the PLP communicating with some folks who your Party don’t even think exist.
well said!
Mr Richards must know that every accusation of corruption that his own party has made and that has not been proven was just as damaging. So too is promising to do things like have a referendum and then not following through because of some as yet unproven threat. Th egovernment is its own worst enemy from a PR respective! What about the effect this article will have? This island remains divided down the middle in terms of political support and I dont think this article will help to unite us!
Huge PLP debt & deficits, bloated Civil Service, non-payment of BIU bond, overspending at Berkeley & new court Building, racist dog, the magic bullet, fake cheques, Uigurs, we had to deceive you, friends & family plan, Beyoncé, Bollywood movies, cedar beams, Grand Atlantic, Housing Corporation, huge salary increases for Cabinet Ministers, oversized Toyota’s for PLP Ministers, massive expense accounts, declining economy, hotels foreclosing, International Business leaving because of term limits and massive payroll tax increases…the list is almost endless…..
Forgot housing corperation bs with the ex premier’s house.
LOL
Four consecutive qualified audits.
Failing to audit the public pension fund since 2005.
The use of blind trusts in capital taxpayer funded projects.
Um Bernews is an online newspaper.
Newsflash, when you say something ONLINE you are telling the WORLD not just the Caribbean.
Ummmmm ya, but as Bernews, the online newspaper, though accessible from anywhere in the world, has a greater local reader base. Meaning, I go on Bernews as it is a BERMUDA site with majority of BERMUDA articles. I have never been on Caribbean News Now.
If one wish to spread information that they require getting overseas attention, one would do as the PLP has done and publish their comments in an overseas site. So don’t try to spin it.
On to Vulpes; yes there are local laws in EVERY country that regulates an individual of that country from passing off information that can damage that country. It borders on treason. When one stoops so low as to risk damage to their own country to forward themselves or political party, one is a traitor.
Now before I get jumped on may I note I have been a PLP voter and most importantly, backed MY Premier when the a** from the Cayman was disrespectful to the leader of my country. Because as BERMUDIANS, it our duty to put country first. End of story.
Anyone suggesting otherwise is only out for themselves and will never be respected.
Stop writing articles that cast your country in a bad light; it’s just wrong.
Wow! I went on line to read some of these articles by Roban, Robain and Marc Daniels on Caribbean News Now. What propaganda and rubbish. How do you guys sleep at night? As one of their readers commented, “Antiquated xenophobia unbecoming of a 21st century political party.” I would have to agree. Stop this nonsense, immediately gentlemen. You are doing further damage to Bermuda.
That wasn’t exactly a very firm response from the PLP.
Typical of them tho!
Well, this seems to undermine Mr. Weeks opinion about the PLP being for Bermudians.
Apparently they don’t care how their ‘opinions’ look to the rest of the world. They should. Because without the rest of the world, we’re in deep.
How embarrassing that they accuse the OBA of exactly the things they chose to do while they were in power.
Not surprising coming from a wreckless labour party.
Anyway, they are providing their opinion and we have every right to counter with our opinion and state whether they are right or wrong. Its our country too.
This is the lowest form of politics ever in Bermuda. It’s one thing to agree with an international opinion it’s another thing to give ammo to other counties that we compete with WTF were the PLP thinking?
LOL yet another reason to never vote PLP
1. The OBA failed to produce a Jobs Plan for Bermudians
No. That was the PLP
2. The OBA have broken promise after promise with no remorse
No. That was the PLP.
3. Key OBA members Denigrated Bermudians as “xenophobic” and “Kool Aid Drinkers,”
Some Bermudians are xenophobic and it should be noted that this isn’t name calling. It’s a perfectly acceptable description of a common phobia.
Key PLP members made reference to ‘people who look like us’ and ‘house n…ers’
5. The Jetgate 4 violated the Ministerial Code of Conduct in accepting a private jet ride and vacation stay paid for by a potential hotel investor
Yes they did, in efforts to benefit Bermuda, no it doesn’t violate Ministerial Code.
6. The OBA have implemented anti-Bermudian policies
No, that was the PLP.
7. The OBA blocked the abolition of conscription
No, they just want to do it the right way, not to act first and then have to juggle madly to right the mess they made by not handling a situation properly. Does this behaviour sound familiar?
8. The OBA have opposed efforts to decriminalize cannabis
And the PLP has opposed efforts to create equal rights. Which do you suppose is worse?
9. The OBA continues to make excuses and seek to blame others for their own incompetent, deceitful and anti-Bermudian behaviour.
No, they’re placing responsibility on the shoulders of those responsible when trying to explain why things aren’t moving forward at the speed which they had hoped.
Again, incompetent, deceitful, and anti-Bermudian is PLP standards.
Kinda danced around 8 there
Yeah, I know.
I couldn’t, for the life of me, remember what their stance is on cannabis. Still can’t.
I’ll sum it up for both parties on this one. Ready :
Status quo! unless we can galvanize temporary support then we’ll talk about talking about decriminalizing it while telling the conservitive ie most of Bermuda voter base and church groups not to worry cause it would happen. Even though I would wager that there are more smokers than voters in this country. real talk.
LOL
Wow PLP! That is pretty low of you.
The actions of members of the PLP never ceases to amaze me. Really does show the true colours of this party.
I would love to have seen what sort of reaction there would have been had the OBA been publishing columns like this in an overseas paper. Unlikely to happen as they are above such behavior.
Mr. Roban’s response was nothing short of pathetic which was very fitting given who wrote it.
Reaction? You would have seen the PLP and BIU marching down Front Street again demanding apologies at Cabinet..
Would have been roits spered by one talk show host whom is married to the party.
LOL
I am guessing this sort of thing is why one party has the word Bermuda in it and the other doesn’t.
Indisputable proof that there is probably , and never was , a government and by extension its supporters , more angry at loosing ‘de powa’ than the PLP.
This is proof further of the PLP mantra of divide and conquer and now they’re going overseas to try to drum up support . The problem is , a large percentage of the people in those places would give an eye tooth to come and live here.
There is no doubt whatsoever in my mind that the PLP’s ultimate goal is to so completely divide and anger its support base with complete lies and fabrications that they actually want to incite ‘unrest’ .
We’ve already had plenty of people bandying around the term over complete non-incidents in the last 14 months as evidence.
Stay angry ya’ll and see just where it gets you .
nay people round the world go to civil wars and such..
LOL
….*the spotlight of the world is on his OBA government*
Biggest pack of LIES I have read in a long time,but typical of the rubbish that spews out..
The World has far more greater things on it’s mind than a tiny Island in the Atlantic.
Which is why this article is rubbish
All by design.
Recent events have gave me more input.
Follow the money.
St.Kitts just got another 1000 from London HMS that relocated.
Thanks Snowden.
More chatter from a party that does not hold Bermuda or Bermudians first.
“As the party who represents a majority of born Bermudians…” So all this talk about there being two Bermudas is true….born Bermudians and the ‘other’ Bermudians. You cannot complain about ‘two Bermudas’ and then continue down this path of are distinguishing between different types of Bermudians. You either represent all Bermudians or you don’t. And the PLP by that statement shows clearly where they stand.
As Joe Brown used to say…My My My My My….Go to http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com and read for yourself…..
I have difficulty believing that our leaders would do something like this! I swear I’m really beginning to believe politicians are truly ruthless, willing to sabotage the small gains that have been made for their own political gain.
In my opinion this amounts to treason and should be taken very serious by all Bermudians.
BTW YES IM BLACK!
Dear Concerned Ambassador,
This is not a new phenomenon in Bermuda politics! The UBP used every media outlet available when the PLP was in power to defame the character of the elected officials and topple their regime and it had far-reaching effects. We ALL suffer as a result of these tactics because it makes Bermuda look like an unstable destination led by incompetent, unethical individuals. Unfortunately the OBA and old UBPers are now experiencing what their counterparts went through. Tell Sylvan to stop crying and suck it up. It is par for the course!
It’s all the truth. That is the blind irony of the Oba. You lie and deceive at home, and you lie and deceive abroad. Confidence comes from trust, not image and falsehood!
I came on here expecting to see something real bad about Bermuda. lol
You all acting like he is screaming bloody murder.
You people are jokers. If you were honest, all the bad articles that have been written about the PLP had to have an impact, because they were coming pretty regularly over the last 2 years or so.
And I will say it, a certain media outlet was the leader. Putting stories up Bermudians & the world to read without evening finding out if they are true or not.
I am still waiting for criminal charges to be brought against some of the former ministers. Come on, we heard so many stories about what was under the hood, and all the corruption that was taking place.
IF it exist, let’s have it, so they can be named, shamed, and prosecuted. If there is no evidence, all you freaks can shut the f up.
Race.
I fail to understand any productive motivation of publishing such articles in foreign online media. Therefore, I can only conclude the motivation was malicious. If you have something to say, say it here, in the media of the people you represent so WE can all read it. Don’t go spouting off elsewhere and when you get caught doing so, your only response is to fight your way out of the corner with more accusations rather than addressing WHAT and WHY you did what you did.
That is one post really describes our political figures on both sides though doesn’t it. All the while telling the faithfull that some ‘others” live by diffent rules and are “above the law” mean while look at them and how “we should be sitting in the front of the church” crap huh anyone care to explain that.
LOL
Appalling behavior by the PLP and more specifically their representatives writing to Caribbean news now. Time to stop with the slander and discredit approach in order to come up with solid, feasible, opposition solutions that affect and benefit all Bermudians. We are not in the Caribbean or part of it so no need to spread hate.
Let’s get there together.
So, let me be sure I understand this correctly. Senators Marc Daniels and Diallo Rabain along with MP Walter Roban are writing columns inviting “support” from our neighbours to the South. What are they hoping for? That folks from the Caribbean will relocate here and swell their voting ranks? If not that, what is it they are hoping to achieve? And if it is that, where is the difference between inviting Caribbean people and inviting rich folks from elsewhere? As far as I can see, the only difference (potentially) is complexion. Sad, pathetic, and reprehensible.
Please tell me different!
Question: Is there any scenario, where the two parties could or would work as one for the good of the country?
It seems any statement released by either side is for the sole purpose of undermining or discrediting the other. There has never been a “nice job” press release issued from either side.
It seems not about the good of the people or the country but rather “what keeps me in power” or “what gets me back in power”. Both sides of the fence are more concerned with self preservation vs. moving forward and good for all.
It is sad, regardless of where you loyalty falls. One tiny country should not stand this divided and aggressive.
Get it done folks!
Hahaha…. Went on the site and all I can say to the PLP Commentaries is “They Found YA”. Thought you could go behind Bermuda’s back pushing up your chest crying her down to look all educated and right on all matters to readers who don’t know your back ground; well the gigs up.
Love the one on marijuana and the 14 years the PLP had to deal with the issue. Apparently Walter Roban dos NOT represent ALL Bermudians.
Priceless
In addition, to posit that there might be enough people “buying” citizenship and potential voting rights to make a major difference to the outcomes is ludicrous! In the first place, I do not believe that is the intent. Secondly, at the very least, more than 100 people would have to decide it was worthwhile to pay $X millions come here to live. Any numbers less than that would be nullified if only 10% of the folks who didn’t come out to vote last time got off their backsides and voted in the next election. And those transplantees would have to be living in the marginal areas – which is again unlikely. The big, multi-million dollar properties and locations that would attract the super-rich are in already OBA safe seats.
Rather than endlessly attacking either or both parties I would far prefer to get to the truth.
Here is a statement from Walter Roban, ““The OBA Government is seeking to gerrymander the electoral process by possibly selling status to persons who will in turn vote for them in the next election.”
Could either Mr. Roban or anyone else please quote anything in any newspaper, document, statement etc, in which it has been suggested that the OBA Government intends to sell status, including VOTING RIGHTS to anyone, under any circumstances. I just want to know if there is any truth to this very serious allegations or if it is based on facts.
I await the proof.
My My what short memories we have in this country; reckless-unpatriotic attacks hey? I wonder what the drum beat about alleged former PLP government corruption by OBA politicians and their herd mentality political supporters was all about? Front page news stories almost every day being read by the international community had no impact on potential investors? How about the reactionary group who no doubt took a page out their predecessors the so-called concern Bermudians from the UBP government era; who went over to England in an effort to get the British government to overthrow the elected PLP government on the grounds of their trumped-up allegations of PLP government corruption? Was it not the OBA finance minister Bob Richards who took the side of the Cayman premier who no doubt was attempting to undermined Bermuda’s position in the financial business sector by attacking Bermuda’s than premier Paula Cox? Talk about unpatriotic attacks; where was the concern of the ex-OBA minister Sylvan Richards than? Has he suddenly discovered Bermudian nationalism? Well I don’t mind letting the world know that as a Bermudian; I look forward to the day that we can get rid of this anti-Bermudian one term OBA government and in the words of my union leader;’You can take that to the bank’.
I don’t usually comment, but this has to be one of the most disturbing and politically underhanded moves I have ever witnessed in BDA politics.
Sorry PLP, but this reeks of desperation and paints your team as being the ‘anti-Bermudian’ Party of this island.
Nasty stuff indeed.
Incredible!
On one hand you have Mr. Weeks saying Bermuda for Bermudians, mean while on the other you have other PLP members call for help from our Caribbean brothers and sisters. The PLP would sooner throw all expat and PRC holders out of the country (including our Caribbean families) to have Bermuda for Bermudians while calling on support from the very same people they repeatly disenfranchise.
I think the PLP should spend some time in other Caribbean countries to understand what these things look like: national pride, acceptance of others, how to stop discrimination and the true meaning of unity in all social classes to solve problems.
Would the honourable members of the opposition please have a meeting to decide on who they would like to offend first: Bermudians or the rest of the world?
For the record, the PLP, on their Facebook page, have used the phrase Kool Aid Drinkers to denigrate anyone that doesn’t follow the party line, so…
Oh, wait. I forgot. “it’s ok when we do it”…
God is good! When the Concerned Bermudians were writing to the Governor and the British Government, lying through their teeth about me, my wife and the PLP Government, where were you then?
You must now lie in the bed which you made!
It shows the depth to which the once “jewel of the Atlantic” has sunk when apparently an ex Premier, assuming this is not a fraud, posts such a message. A true leader would rise above perceived personal attacks and lead to take their Island forward. Apparently not in this case.
We must lie in the bed that you made for us
Sooooooo, this is how you get revenge?
No, I don’t think what was written about you and the PLP government were lies, but I don’t doubt that you, presuming you are as the username suggests, believes them to be so.
You complain about Bermudians expressing concern to the UK regarding the absolutely deplorable chain of events which overshadowed your four years in Government resulting in massive budget overruns and billions in accumulated debt and yet have no problem using an honorific title in your name – bestowed by the same government which you repeatedly railed against.
Dr. Ewart Brown, I wish to express this to you and the people of Bermuda once again. “Persons appear to us according to the light we throw upon them from our own minds” (Laura Ingalla Wilder)
To Leader of the Opposition Mark Bean,
Your comments please!
why does dr brown include the hon. in his title?
or to be more direct, why do you?
i could be mistaken but i thought this was a title pertaining to when you were an active member of the government.
does it still apply?
It should have never applied to him!! But to answer your question, he is entitled to carry the Hon title because he applied to the very British Government he despises to be allowed to carry the title!! Ironic isn’t it????
He’s a hypocrite!
“The OBA Government is seeking to gerrymander the electoral process by possibly selling status to persons who will in turn vote for them in the next election. As the party who represents a majority of born Bermudians, we appeal to our Caribbean kin to support us in our challenge”
Walter, while on the subject of born Bermudians, please confirm your country of birth.
“but because he has been a willing and eager accomplice to their shenanigans.”
Did you explain how Dame Jennifer became a FORMER Premier?
The PLP is a party that has strong ties to the Caribbean, that is a fact. The UBP/Oba has ties also, but for entirely different reasons. For PLP supporters, it cultural, so we are not separated from our families south of us, no matter how hard you Oba folk think otherwise. You know, it’s similar to many of you folk seeing yourselves as being tied to the uk or the Azores. It’s natural. Only colonial or colonized minds think the way you folk do. And btw, nothing wrong letting our neighbors know what life under this evil, dishonest, obaubp government is really like. Sylvan Richards is an embarrassment to Howard University. Stop letting Don Grearson use you to deflect from the OBA’s gutter governance!
In some countries this would be considered treason..in Malaysia death by hanging.These three are the lowest and devious scums.Is there any law u can pit them in exile?
To think that these lot destroyed the island and still hellbent to do it.
How low can you go?This faux for the Plp and those defend this bunch of ruthless and desperate ppl
..give them rope and they will hang themselves
One can say that they ain’t got one bit of love for BDA but their disgusting interest…shameful,pathetic and just lowlife espec.to marc daniel!!!!!
One can say that they ain’t got one bit of love for BDA but their disgusting interest…shameful,pathetic and just lowlife espec.to marc daniel!!!!!
Thought lawyers are trained not incriminate themselves or leave paper trail…M.Daniels isn’t that clever in his academic discipline
I am sure that half of the people who have commented here have not even read the articles in question. The only one that is particularly reprehensible is the one written by Roban. Walter Roban should be ashamed of himself. I worked with Walter for more than 10 years and I can’t imagine that he is at the point that would have him put Bermuda under the bus as he has. I understand fully the frustrations our people face. I am one of them. Unemployed. No health insurance. Struggling to make it. And while I may not agree with some of the policies of the now government that the collective people of this country put in place, I would never show that face to anybody else! My family has supported teh PLP unwaveringly since its inception, but I can’t stomach this. I can appreciate and respect the recent strike actions, but I cannot accept a fellow Bermudian trashing Bermuda and its leadership so publicly. I cannot accept any Bermuda resident trashing Bermuda – Bermudian or a guest thereof. I am aware that Mr. Roban’s Bermuda legacy can be considered junior at best so I suggest perhaps he consider a re-domicile to his native land if he is so unhappy here.
Wow.
I don’t know which is more disturbing? The actions of the PLP or the blind followers who can’t see what they are doing (or couldn’t see for 14 years)?
It plum amazes me.
Granted, I don’t believe the OBA is any better. Or worse. Just a different group without a clue.
Next election I’m going to vote for Johnny Barnes. He loves everyone …
It is so sad that non of you have figured out that all of this is not good for our country, also that this is all on line and will be forever, every comment Forever. With all of the degrading, hateful things that are written, we should all be ashamed, our conduct is appalling, there’s no wonder the would is laughing at us. Once the jewel of the world now …. Well? Do we really care? I wonder because all I see negativity. It’s time to stop looking down and look up, stop following the rest of the world and become that leader we once were. Put aside things that are not constructive and build our island to the best. To be proud again to This is my Bermuda! Welcome!
Maybe, just maybe, if there had been any corruption or dodgy dealings by a former political party, a new leadership, leaders with some real insight and view of the bigger picture and long term strategy, might realise that ‘outing’ such information may actually be more damaging to the country’s cause than just keeping schtum (for now)….I mean real leaders trying to do the right thing for their country and her people.
Just a theory but try thinking outside the box.
Has anyone seen the Premier lately, where is he?
What a nasty F***** up party the PLP! U are NOT for BERMUDIANS you are for ya dam self center selves! What the F*** are u doing to our futures just plz stop the propaganda!
The PLP spreading lies to their faithful!
I believe it’s called ‘treason’.
It’s called treason:
the crime of betraying one’s country, esp. by attempting to kill the sovereign or overthrow the government.
LOL