Senator Jeff Baron: “What’s Best For Bermuda”
[Written by OBA Senator Jeff Baron] Fight, flight or freeze. That’s how your body responds to a significant ‘survival stress response’, without conscious thought or reflection about the pros and cons of taking such an action. There’s no time for thinking. If you want to survive, you fight, you run away as fast as you can or you stand perfectly still, hoping the threat passes you by altogether.
As a former UN weapons instructor of forward operating response teams I know, from first-hand experience, the tragic outcomes of one or all of the survival responses. It can cost a life. It can cost a career. Paradoxically, I’ve also seen the same reactions in similar conditions have overpoweringly positive results. It saved lives. It saved careers. I have had to make decisions under such stress. My perspective on the matter – responding under stress – is relevant after a disgraceful display of political activities.
Politics in Bermuda – in the last week alone – has no shortage of examples of all three defensive responses to attacks and perceived political threats. Some are wildly inappropriate and self-serving while the results of other responses have yet to be determined. Here is a brief and bipartisan anatomy of those response options:
Fight: The politician-on-politician attacks of the past week that played out in the House of Assembly – and into cyberspace, coffee shops and our living rooms – are a clear example of the fight response to political stress. The personal insults, accusations – of which none have been proven or evidenced in any meaningful way at the time of writing this – also perform openly as fight responses. It’s easy to fight nowadays in the digital age. Social media is the new theatre of war and for current and future politicians; cyberspace is your second constituency.
Flight: Some politicians have attempted to distance themselves from the attacks and inappropriate exchanges. ‘Creating a reactionary gap’ is the term I used with officers during safety training. Most elected or appointed leaders would never admit they run from adversity – but there is a time and place for making a tactical withdrawal.
Freeze: Politicians know that sometimes your best response option is to do and say nothing. Want to know where your MP stands on this matter? You might just have to ask them directly. You pay our salaries. You have a right to know.
Throughout this gloomy week in politics one thing is clear:In today’s political environment, the sense of common purpose is lacking in our dialogue and our actions. This division places us at a disadvantage, globally and locally. It sets back our ability to deal with difficult challenges and injects a sense of anxiety and polarization into our politics that can affect our policies and our posture across the island. It must be replaced by a renewed sense of civility and a commitment to resolving Bermuda’s real problems faced by real people in real-time situations.
Politicians are not soldiers. Politicians have time to react. Time to think. Time to make choices about how they respond to perceived threats [political], dangers [opponents, policy-changes] and other impact factors [community voices]. The choices we make as individual politicians impacts the collective body and that can impact our reputation as a competitive island in the global market. The choices made by some politicians over the past week are dumbfounding and subvert the very call of our ultimate duty: “To advance the peace, prosperity and welfare of these islands and of those whose interests you have committed to your charge”.
Call my renewed ‘call to duty’ contrived. Call it state-craft. Call it naïve. Continue the political attacks and obtuse slogans. I will remain clear-eyed about what the central challenges are in Bermuda. Besides, that’s what our community is really concerned about. The choices we make as politicians need not be reactionary. Unlike those facing existential threats in war-time, we have time for reflection and consideration. The choices we make must be for the collective good, not for political expediency. The decisions we make as a body should not answer the question of “What’s best for my party?” Instead we must always seek to answer the ever-important question of “What’s best for Bermuda”.
- Jeff Baron
Thank you for you service and for your wisdom in a time when common sense seems to be have been thrown out along with the bath water and the baby.
Written by the Greason Chronicles?
Mr. Baron,
Can you share if your colleague Mrs. Nandi, violated Mr. Mark’s rights when she secretly taped their conversation. When you answer that, my respect for you will return.
You do realize that Mr. Bean and Co, also claim to have tapes. Do you respect him or those in his party and less? I don’t think so.
You like most of have a strong opinion on what has happened (if anything) and you know that almost nothing will make that opinion change. However, if she would jump ship, I’m sure all would be forgiven and she will be embraced! We have seen this happen many times in the past where members have changed parties and the same people that spoke ill of them – welcomed them with open arms and sang their praises. Its happened both ways.
I’m just sick of these two leaders already, not the individuals, just their behavior of late. WE elect and pay them to be great leaders but somehow they have lost sight of the fact that they represent US. The world is watching these two idiots act like kids, and it sickens me to think the opinion that others may have of us (as a people) may be a reflection of our leaders. At least my University classmates in Toronto only have one Rob Ford. We have two “leaders” acting this way. The way I see it, which ever leader – leads – we loose!
Your name says it all..!
Well it seems like O.B.A are stuck on frozen when are they going to thaw out.
jus like ya brain…
Better than stuck on stupid as many others are
Def not better.
More of the same to be accurate.
Yawwwnnnnnnnnnn
So we are going to hear responses from everyone in the OBA besides the ones who really need to answer some questions.
To be honest I agree with you Jeff, but the fact that you yourself appear to delfect the public from the truth, and talk about nothing, makes you part of the problem.
What you should be doing is stressing to your senior colleagues to come out with revelent responses to clear their names and to give the Bermudian public the real truth. We are all tired of the back and forth, but with how far the allegations have been taken we the public would like to have some clarity or better word for you TRANSPARENCY.
TRANSPARENCY I thought that was only for P.L.P.
African Bermudians have been living under stress for centuries and survival is part of our nature got anything new to share?
your comments cause me stress
so have many other cultures and races…you want a cookie bra?!
Yup they`re the only ones that have struggled ! Contrary to what you believe, not all of the non-African Bermudians were born into wealth and opportunity. Many of us, in fact the majority of us have struggled, and have worked hard for what we own. My parents told me to aim high, dream big and work hard for what I wanted. Others in this country (and others) unfortunately have been taught to whine about what you don’t have, bring others down or take from others what you can’t be bothered to work for.
African Bermudian? I would guess that most bermudians have no idea what it’s like in Africa
No they don’t, being the fact that we were stolen, raped and undermined of our culture and were brainwashed into believing that they are inferior etc,etc., and I know not all white people were not born into wealth but still had the extra edge in society called white privilege.
There is no reason why black Bermudians should be calling themselves African/Bermudian…..seeing as there are white people from Africa too. Think the PLP would be pretty upset if white or yellow skined BERMUDIANS started to also call themselves African/Bermudian….stop judging skin colour…WE ARE ALL BERMUDIAN…
ONE LOVE BERMUDA.
What is best for Bermuda is for the Premier to answer the very serious allegations before him!
That is what is “Best for Bermuda”
says who…you…and just who are you to say what’s best for Bermuda
As far as I remember, he did answer those allegations. He said they were untrue. What more can he say? Should he call Mr. Bean a liar and get into a slanging match? That would be even worse for the country. I am curious. How does one respond to false accusations? How does one defend against them? What can one possibly say that will make a difference?
He didn’t say why his businessman was on the plane, he didn’t say if he’s had meetings with this guy since.
Why doesn’t he say what’s going on.
Listen up…we know nothing for sure! However, lets ASSume that a meeting did take place and someone offered a bribe! Did he say he asked for it – NO! Did he say he was going to take it – No! If I walk up to Mr. Bean and him money to vote a certain way in Parliament – should he be held accountable for what I proposed to him? no!
.
PCC did call Mr. Bean a bold face liar. and Mr. Dunkley said the petition was an effin waste of film.
Yes, I recall the Premier answering, he said I have a tape of you.
Exactly the game that is being played out.
I read all the PLP supporters comments…their outrage over “Jetgate” and tape recordings. I wonder if these people notice the great big white elephant they drive past sitting on South Shore that is the MONUMENT to failed PLP policies…aka Grand Atlantic. It is just one example but a good one. You people must just turn your heads and ignore this eye sore. Rusting ac units, ugly, empty buildings.
lets not forget… T-street mansion, TCD, Berkeley, Coco Reef, Whites Island , Cedar Beams, Bda Emissions, Uigars, Tuckers Point, many other SDO’s, Dame Lois Building, We had to deceive you, Southlands Deal, destruction of Club Med, closing of t Georges Golf Club and lots lots more.
All this, but people are stuck on, he taped me talking! He said nasty things to me! He said, she said….get on with business ALL OF YOU, do your job, and stop wasting OUR money!
there are serious allegations on both sides
What is even better for Bermuda, if for the Opposition Leader and his comrade to come forward with PROOF of these serious allegations! Are we not innocent until proven guilty? The man has come out and said all of these “allegations” are fabrications, which i can quite honestly believe. It is now on Bean and Burt to come forward with their proof that these events did transpire, which, I bet ya they do not have!
Ah did O.B.A/ubp have proof when they accused Dr. Brown, and they had C.I.A, F.B.I and Scotland Yard.
Hello
There is proof. Do you not remember a certain AG being arrested and documents going missing? Or memory doesn’t serve you too well?
Ask yourself why he resigned in 2010.
Smart man. He saw stuff approaching the fan at a rapid speed & did not want to be held responsible when it hit. More will come.
The onus is on the accuser to provide proof. Both Marc Bean and Nandi Davis are on the hook for this. No one needs to prove innocence.
Yes “Greed Killed Bermuda” and while we are at it—Will the Honourable Mark Bean please tell us who he represents as per the comments he made last night?
This is critical information to gather and understand for the next time our country goes to the polls!!!!
PLP duhhhh! Stop overanalyzing every word that leaves his mouth. The forefathers and front runners involved with PLP I presume.
No one said the road will be easy PLP need to regain their footing as the reigning government.
Senator Baron -
1. Do you feel the Premier should have blamed Marc bean for abandoning the referendum?
2. Do you feel the Premier, Minister Crockwell and AG Pettingill should have participated in jet gate?
3. Are you not disturbed at all that Premier Cannonier took his private business manager on this trip?
4. Do you feel it was appropriate for Nandi Outerbridge to record her conversation with Marc Bean?
5. Have you heard the tape?
6. Do you feel the tape should be released?
7. Should Premier Cannonier respond to the allegations made in the House of Assembly?
also…
do you now regret mixing with these self serving, arrogant,foul-motuhed so and so’s?
or are you still in ‘alliance’ with your party?
One more – should Marc Bean provide proof of the allegations he has levelled or is it up to the Premier to prove his innocence?
as a voter, let me answer your dumb*** questions: 1. nobody is “blaming” anybody for abandoning a referendum. The simple fact is: a) most people want gaming and b) we can’t afford a referendum and when you don’t have the money for something you don’t get it. 2. There was no “Jetgate”. It was a private meeting. This topic has been addressed and put to bed. Take a cue from Dr Brown and move on. 3. No. 4. Anybody can push record on their cell phone at any time. What’s the big deal? 5. Nobody wants to hear a recording of a nosey parker giving their 2 cents on someone else’s marriage. 6. No. It’s personal property. 7. NO. Everybody should just MOVE ON and get back to business.
The PLP has drawn a line in the sand. There will no longer be ANY possibility of either party working together on anything now. That means hell for you and me mate.
Dumb dumb spot2 your Premier blamed PLP for abandoning the referendum.
There was a jetgate with Minister Grant Gibbons stating he did not know of the exploration trip which the Premier said there were only 3 then admited to 4 when confronted.
The big deal is that troubled young Nandi is a… to not only herself, others in her party but Bermuda on a whole – we must be the laughing stock with someone like her representing in parliament.
We can not move on, until the Premier answers the allegations !!!!!!!
yes, we can move entirely! WTH is Nandi’s personal business any business of yours or anybody! and btw, the PLP can look directly in the mirror with some of their embarrassing representatives. if you want a real life, look at Mayor Ford in Toronto!
when your profession is deemed an honor and privilege you must display behaviour that is consistent with your profession.
If a doctor used cocaine on the weekend but operated on you on Monday would “his behavior” not disturb you?
But oh like you say Nandi’s behaviour is none of our business. She serves a country by profession and runs her personal life like an episode from Maury and Jerry Springer!
Mrs.Messyboots has got to go!
If you truly believe what you say to be true, then why would Marc Bean admit that he was trying to get her to come over to the pLp? You do know that he admitted to doing that? Why then? Snake!
Plantation questions .
Next , please !
Where is the proof of the allegations made by Bean and Burt?
Same place your proof of PLP corruption is is my guess.
Thank you ‘watching,’ your comments are spot on. I am so glad Mark Bean has spoken. After all the rhetoric we have heard over the years about Ewart Brown, the OBA was elected and they are far worse. Let’s not forget the E Brown issues were allegations just like the CCannonier issues are but the OBA didn’t give him a break so stop whining now OBA/Ubps . It’s like the bully picking a fight and then getting beat up. Well Craig take your licks and quit! Let’s not forget who started this fight – the OBA. They are so used to the PLP backing down or risk being ruined financially in this country. Times have changed OBA/UBP. We are gonna fight. Mark we are behind us. Bda remember we the majority when banded together hold the financial power on this country – not the few elite. So let us not be moved!
This is all fine and dandy. But the fact is that these issues DO need to be addressed. You can’t expect to build a country of prosperity on the foundation of lies and scandal. The dirt needs to be cleaned from the top down, Starting with the leaders.
Will it get messy? of course. We could spend all day cleaning the tank below, but as long as there’s still crap on the roof, we’ll still have it running through our taps.
Whos scandal is it?? As far as i see it, Bean and Burt have come out firing from the hip making precarious accusations!!
whatever!
Senator Baron:
Well written article – - absolutely.
I have just one question for you : –
Do you feel comfortable with the state of your country at this very moment?
If your answer makes you uncomfortable, then you need to do something about it – correct?
I want the truth – nothing more, nothing else. Once we have the truth, we will do what is best for the country – - all of us.
Q
I think he is trhing to do something about it just by writing what he did.
well written article?..but you still have questions about what he attempted to say about his concern for Bermuda, and how “gloomy” this week has been? He used words “fight”flight”or “freeze”as his recipe…are you doubting that is how he truly feels? so am I…makes no sense to demand the truth, politicians are not capable of it, only well prepared statements that make no sense but tend to impress the less learned.
You should be asking Bean that question, Question.
SEEMS LIKE JEFF WOULD PREFER FLIGHT…SMH
Jeff you feel – “You pay our salaries. You have a right to know.”
But OBA feels differently, as we pay the BTA’s salary, but OBA and BTA refuse to let us know
Jeff do you truly feel Nandi and Craig are “What’s best for Bermuda”?
I know for sure, the Opposition is NOT up to the job… Just look at this week’s chaos!
To believe you know the truth is far less important than to know what to do with it!
Concerned Smiths
This weeks chaos ? Where have u been? Should Mark have just shut up n kept quiet when he and his party were falsely accused and not speak up! I believe every word from Mark Bean. So why did the OBA pick a fight they couldn’t win? Because they are soooo used to doing whatever they want and people offended just stay quiet. Not this time. U go Mark!!!
you believe every word because ya a sucka!!! haha
Look at all these PLP sleuths and detectives, where were you for the last 14 years asking these same types of questions of YOUR government?! oh yeah guess it’s just bad when others do it….smfh
exactly. where were all these people and in particular Bean’s “integrity” and desire for “truth” when Dr Brown smuggled in the Uighars? give me a break. can we please just MOVE ON.
So now that is your party it’s MOVE ON? You are doing the exact same thing your accusing other of – idiot!
No ha ha, we voted OBA and look what it got us ?!
This is all about Power and Money. Bean and Burt are having a tantrum because the Bermudians voters took away all their expensive toys on December 17th. What is far more frightening is that many people think that this “self appointed dynamic duo” could actually do a better job than the current Govt, despite 14 year Progressive Labour Party reign of terror, unemployment, scandal, overspending, debt, friends & family plan, bloated civil service, Berkeley overrun/union bond, magic bullet, declining tourism & International Business, special planning permissions….the nasty Caribbean News articles, the list goes on forever…
All by design.
Enjoy the paw paw’s from your neighbors yard.
Shalom.
Looks like Jeff has submitted his column but isn’t following up. Would be good if he came back on here and responded to some of the questions. Engage the public a bit.
why don’t you call him up, i’m sure he’d be readily available to talk to anyone…
better record it if you do
why does jeff always mention his blurry “UN” connection? humblebrag?
Because if he did not give his qualifications or source of experience the question would be, who is he & what qualification does he have to say what he says?
Sheesh, some can never be satisfied.
Speaking of Jetgate, I do remember quite clearly when the it was suggested by a PLP cabinet to a prominent local reinsurer that the Premier of the day would greatly benefit from the use of their private jet on demand. The answer was no, but the request was nonetheless made.
Getting back to a Senator Baron, keep it up and one day you will be Premier mate. You have my vote if you ever run in the East.
Are senators elected here in Bermuda?
Honest Question – I do not know…
Senators are appointed.
The Government Leader appoints five Government Senators.
The Opposition Leader appoints three Opposition Senators.
The Governor appoints three Independent Senators.
They are not elected and, theoretically (at least the politically appointed Senators) have to not contradict their respective party lines or they will be replaced.
Senators are appointed not elected.
@ norf rock cakes dont worry the PLP faithful (Betty Trump and Co) have short short memories! Man the the TRUTH could slap dead in the face and still wouldn’t know!
What a relief to finally read something civil, thoughtful and meaningful. I’m getting tired of the Jerry Stringer-style voyeurism,the repetitive misinformation spread through hateful comments on this website. What a relief to hear Pastor Syl ask a reasonable question: how does one defend oneself against false accusations? Seriously, what would you do? Sen. Baron has it right: focus on solving the real issues and set much higher standards for public debate.
Question: Can we all FIGHT for our island and get back to the business at hand? So mature of our (so-called)leaders to sling mud at each other, get into a public debate over a private conversation between (so-called) honorable members about a PRIVATE matter.
If you all (so-called leaders) did not realise we are in dire straits and I am getting sick and tired of all this damn nonsense rambling on and on about nothing. GET BACK TO WORK….
If this was some Bermudian on the job making allegations, causing unnecessary problems on the job they would be FIRED…You all deserve nothing less. Act like the appointed professionals you were voted in to be and represent the country and each other no-less with some friggin Intergity and show some damn Humility!! There is too much work to do and too many livelihoods at sake! For Pete’s sake n Mary’s
NO WE CAN NOT
NOT UNTIL THE PREMIER, CROCKWELL, PETTINGIL AND DUNKLEY
R E S I G N S
WHEN AN ALLEGED BRIBE IS ALLEGED IN AND OUT OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY,
THE ACCUSED MUST STEP DOWN UNTIL IT CAN BE CLEARED.
REGARDING DUNKLEY, HE MUST RESIGN FROM CABINET, NOW FOR HIS POTTY MOUTH
REMARKS ABOUT THE THOUSANDS OF CITIZENS THAT SIGNED THE PETITION.
Keep smoking mate. It is on the accusers to procure proof before any action needs to be taken by the individual or group that it is levied against. Nobody needs to say or answer anything until there is a valid reason for them to do so and an accusation is not valid reason. Only an accusation followed by proof of the act from the accuser.
There is nothing to defend it is all hearsay or lies without proper evidence. People throw the word resign around like it is nothing and people “resign” and a few months later they are back in the game. Just ask Roban.
You’re a moron.
What about house ****** or all the other ones Burch and Brown said to the Opposition then, where were you calling for their resignation (FAR WORSE than the word f***, which you hear school children saying today).
That is ALL IT IS: ALLEGED!!!!!!!! Because they have NO PROOF!
You’re assuming and alleging, and I’m certain you have no clue what you really mean, just repeating things from a man who tells an allegation/lie so much he believes it to be true. Went too deep for you, I know LMFAO!
Get an education and come back in five years. Bermuda College is a very good place to start as they offer an excellent remedial program for those who missed a lot of secondary school.
A measured and considered article, smacks of higher political office. Maybe Craig should be watching his senators now. Careful Mr. Premierthey are coming after you from all angles.
jeff, get back under your rock!
A man’s good reputation is worth more than gold. It takes only one accusation to sulley that man’s reputation forever. Anyone can accuse another person of misdeeds whether the accusation is true or not. The accused than has a decision to make…to either fight to clear his or her good reputation or do nothing. For example, an accuser makes a false acccusation against another person to the effect of “So and so beats his wife and molests his kids?” How does an innocent person defend against such a false accusation? In the final analysis, it is up to the accuser to present clear and irrefutable evidence of such a misdeed. If not, it is all heresay!!!!
I agree Craig needs to answer not just say nonsense and without a script he started this mess he can shut it down simple stuff
I come to the conclusion that some of our most prominent Politicians see things in only OBA or PLP
and nothing else.- what about Bermuda !
When I read the Blogs that some people post I have to wonder if they realize that any specific political party that is voted in
by the people of Bermuda has to do well and must be made to do well on behalf of the people of Bermuda.
All the dirt of he said and she said doesn’t help our current situation.- quite frankly this behavior from some of our elected
Govt. Officials along with and Opposition that promised that it was going to work with the elected Govt. of the day have
both become severe enemies.— for some political fanatics this is great news or personal gratification. – but how about Bermuda!
To me the common man a Truck Driver by Day and a Gas Station Attendant by night all I want is Food on my Table for my
two Children,the Mortgage paid, Electricity, Cable,and other bills paid for. – thats all it boils down to.
Get an education and come back in five years. Bermuda College is a very good place to start as they offer an excellent remedial program for those who missed a lot of secondary school.
@Gotham, go and sit down.