Comments on: Marc Bean: Crockwell & Fahy Should Also Resign

By: Ringmaster

Ringmaster — Sat, 24 May 2014 22:01:02 +0000

I never said the problem is ENTIRELY THE PLP’S FAULT. “You guys”; “bloated packages”; “warm fuzzy and super duper”? You are really showing your ignorance of reality and blind acceptance of the PLP PR machine. Ask Dale Butler if the work permit holders at MEF have “bloated packages”. Are you a Government employee? If so you are entirely dependent on IB to pay you and the continuing debt. Even if not, you are still dependent on IB. If IB downsizes much more then you will be eating onions and fish. Did you read Cyril Whitter’s OP ED prior to the 2012 election? Here’s a fact. Of your 6,000 number, a small minority have “bloated packages”. Bermuda is 100% dependent on non Bermudians and has been for probably 100 years. By the way, why don’t you try and copy Freddie Yearwood’s success?

By: 32n64w

32n64w — Sat, 24 May 2014 20:38:08 +0000

Highlighting the PLP’s abysmal track record on education (+8 education ministers in 14 years and a DoE in shambles) and thousands of unemployed people as a direct result of the PLP’s I’ll thought and poorly conceived policies is arrogant and condescending? Observing the party which put their core supporters’ interests ahead of the voters is somehow a racial attack?

Give me a break. Your myopia and hypocrisy is ridiculous.

By: Raymond Ray

Raymond Ray — Sat, 24 May 2014 16:39:30 +0000

As Mr. Joe Brown would say, “My, my, my…” The face one sees in a mirror, they may not like

By: Raymond Ray

Raymond Ray — Sat, 24 May 2014 16:26:01 +0000

“The essence of wisdom is recognizing your own ignorance”-Plato
“Too often we enjoy the comforts of opinion without the discomfort of thought” President John F. Kennedy
I’m also “human” and at times do “come short”…like all others. (“Several excuses are less convincing than one”-Aldous Huxley 1894-1963)

By: Ian

Ian — Sat, 24 May 2014 16:05:46 +0000

Good one Sandy! That was awesome and clever!!

By: Ian

Ian — Sat, 24 May 2014 16:02:32 +0000

Yet you had no problem supporting CC’s simple self as a “Leader” [because you knew he wasn't the one in control]. And this is why you OBAUBP supporters carry zero merit from a credibility of judgement standpoint.

By: Ian

Ian — Sat, 24 May 2014 15:50:08 +0000

You see the problem with you guys is you backtrack into a “reality” you have created whereby the starting point is “by hook or crook, this sh%t is ENTIRELY THE PLPS FAULT!!” In accounting for the 6ooo folks that have left the island, please list the ones who were senior executives that moved to “more expensive jurisdictions” because they felt that, beyond their bloated compensation packages and company-subsidized lives, Bermuda just wasn’t doing enough to make them feel warm, fuzzy and super duper special.

By: Ian

Ian — Sat, 24 May 2014 15:10:40 +0000

That last line pretty much sums up the arrogance and condescending profiling of many OBA/UBP supporters. The only think he left out was ‘black’. Ooops, race card right?! What are you credentials Mr Employed, Overeducated voter??

By: fedup Nana

fedup Nana — Sat, 24 May 2014 15:01:40 +0000

“OnFire” must be one of those school yard playmates that clapped for Dunkley

By: Ringmaster

Ringmaster — Sat, 24 May 2014 14:19:08 +0000

I note you have carefully ignored most of my post, just cherry picked bit. Final word. You mention downsizing. Yes many companies downsized in Bermuda and guess what, they moved those junior jobs to cheaper places and the senior jobs to more expensive places. Why? The more expensive places welcomed the senior jobs with large welcoming mats because they are financially astute enough to know the senior jobs bring much needed revenue, and create even more jobs. The PLP went out of their way to make them feel unwelcome and create uncertainness as to what law or restriction they would bring next.

By: Lay Down!

Lay Down! — Sat, 24 May 2014 13:46:11 +0000

This from a party that brought us “We had to deceive you.” Lay DOWN Marc.

By: Rockfish#1

Rockfish#1 — Sat, 24 May 2014 12:43:26 +0000

Bean is calling for resignations in order to force a few Ministers to quit the party as opposed to joining the backbench.

This of course means the calling of bielections will be necessary. Given the razor thin Government majority he sees the possibility of the PLP regaining a few seats, which would propel them back as the Government.

By: Ian

Ian — Sat, 24 May 2014 12:31:49 +0000

@ Ringmaster
Did the PLP do anything to reduce it?? What exactly does that mean. Increases in the cost of living in Bermuda since the 9o’s have been driven mostly by housing and food costs. Those have largely been driven be the presence of a thriving IB sector particularly leading up to 2oo8. Outside of initiatives focused on creation of affordable housing, what exactly should the PLP have to slow down or reverse trends caused by the successes of IB? As for payroll tax, a cost of doing business, you can cry about that all you want but clearly its no deal breaker for companies here in general. Bermuda is still one of the most attractive business jurisdictions at 14%. As for maintaining ratios I doubt you will get too much sympathy from the black population here when, even in this day, whites equally qualified get paid more then them, AND EVERYONE KNOWS IT. Same applies to women’s incomes vs men. Your mention of Katrina and 9/11 hits the nail on the head and supports my comments that I do not necessarily credit the PLP for the upswing but rather changes in market conditions. Markets experience highs and lows, a big low being post 2oo8 if you didn’t notice. On that logic you cant exactly fully credit the PLP for the ‘downswing’ either. Thats just simple common sense starting with the fact our small time local politics have less influence on your local economics than mach larger outside influences. Lastly, regardless of who introduces new pillars it needs to happen. There is nothing constructive about debating who should have do it and when.

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 24 May 2014 12:16:44 +0000

Empty cans always make the most noise. Bean and his puppet masters should look in the mirror.

By: Ian

Ian — Sat, 24 May 2014 12:14:41 +0000

Ding ding ding ding!! Thats right YOU ARE CORRECT! They DID move parts of their operations. Now give yourself credit for having a shred of common sense and tell us why they did that! When companies like ACE are moving technical departments to places like India, why do you think that is??? When XL takes measures to downsize after their stock drops from a high of almost $84 to UNDER $3 in December 2oo8 how is that a shocker to you. And the banks you mention… You really need someone to explain to you when they would see the sense in shutting down their small Bermuda offices after a global credit crisis??? And those company registrations as of recent… Try explaining why they’re up yet there are pretty much zero jobs tied to them? Let me know if you need help with that one. Or maybe you can blame the PLP for that too!

By: Bold man

Bold man — Sat, 24 May 2014 11:22:37 +0000

Please start discussing the needs of the people, needs of the Island. Have you forgotten what you did while you were there for 12 years? All suffering from short memory syndrome?

By: SBSinBDA

SBSinBDA — Sat, 24 May 2014 10:58:26 +0000

Heap. That does seem to be the game plan. So sad really. Thought we wanted jobs, but we chasing it all away.

By: Ringmaster

Ringmaster — Sat, 24 May 2014 09:57:38 +0000

@Ian. You included one of the major reasons above when you said Bermuda is the 3rd most expensive place to live. Did the PLP reduce this? Payroll tax was 8% in 1998 now it is 14%. Who raised it? Are you OK with taking a 50% pay cut to reduce those costs? You have not mentioned other reasons for the exodus. Examples. Talk of “Sven and Johnny” meaning an employer has to hire a Bermudian for each work permit, then kick out the work permit after 3 years; wanting to implement a ratio of race to total employment; travel by PLP MP’s on private jets so business would be made easier for those companies. There are many other examples. Also why not mention 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina following which many large insurance/reinsurance set up shop here. Was the PLP responsible or was it fortunate that Bermudians prospered following these disasters? Did the PLP invent IB or was it already in place in 1998? Lastly, in 14 years, how many new pillars of the economy did the PLP create or have the opportunity to start, such as sea bed mining, and now are calling for the OBA to create?

By: Navin Johnson

Navin Johnson — Sat, 24 May 2014 09:18:47 +0000

Thanks Uncle Bob…you too…think I will take the fast ferry into town if its working..

By: Navin Johnson

Navin Johnson — Sat, 24 May 2014 09:16:26 +0000

Betty? is that you Uncle Bob?

By: Comebye Ahh

Comebye Ahh — Sat, 24 May 2014 06:59:43 +0000

The biggest and most successful moved large parts of their companies, entire departments – overseas to other areas. XL Capitals existence here is now almost non existent. Citigroup is another, BNY, STW, Old Mutual and so on.

The companies register shrunk under the PLP administration and has grown already under the OBA.

By: Unbelievable

Unbelievable — Sat, 24 May 2014 04:37:10 +0000

I did not submit that entry.

By: Build a Better Bermuda

Build a Better Bermuda — Sat, 24 May 2014 04:01:57 +0000

The poll asked an opinion of perception, perception is seldom reality. The perception is is that the OBA are out to pander to big business, the reality is that business is required for us to grow again and the OBA embrace this. The PLP know this too, they just don’t promote it, they are entirely about image, they spend ridiculous amounts of money to maintain it. But it is just that, an image. The UBP built the infrastructure that created the successful business economy we had during the middle of the last decade, the PLP exploited it and failed Bermudians during it. Pre-2008 business was good here, for all, many Bermudians were able to be self-employed or have small businesses, because there was an influx capital into the economy producing work and job opportunities at all levels of society to support this entrepreneurship. The PLP failed because they never prepared for the possibility that it might go away and believed it would just come back after it did.
There isn’t an economy in this world with a population base of Bermuda’s that can support itself locally, we have no industry, the only way for tourism to truly come back is to lower the cost of the product, and to do that we would need to be like other successful tourist destinations and pay hospitality workers next to nothing like the other jurisdictions. We need foreign investment, but the PLP won’t tell you that right now, they will not admit that if the OBA entertains foreign business and successfully bring it back, then work and jobs will come back as well. They are able to maintain the perception that actually touch with and care about the worker, but the OBA has the monumental task of trying to fix what was done out of neglect and inaction and to do so in a very different atmosphere than it was 5 – 10 years ago. Just don’t buy to hard into the perception that what they are doing means they are in touch with what the people need, the reality is they are, but they are also concerned with making sure that we have what we will need tomorrow. It’s not disconnect, it’s forward focus for our children. The reality is that the PLP never had a clue about building an economy for the future and still don’t, because they are more concerned with maintaining an image today and anybody that fully buys into their image seems to want to ignore what they did before now for the sake of an image they could never live up to.
We still have hard times ahead, focus on reality, don’t get distracted by images.

By: Ian

Ian — Sat, 24 May 2014 01:42:49 +0000

Not a whole lot to think about. Start with the fact Bermuda is the 3rd most expensive jurisdiction to live in. Again, I don’t really understand the extreme lack of common sense thinking here… Bermuda’s costs are manageable for the big boys, hence why the biggest, most successful operations never left.

By: Ian

Ian — Sat, 24 May 2014 01:38:30 +0000

Ok… you’re clearly no PHD on the subject…

By: Comebye Ahh

Comebye Ahh — Sat, 24 May 2014 01:14:41 +0000

Not the driving force , but perhaps the final straw. Think about it Ian. These companies did not shut their doors – THEY MOVED! Ask yourself why and then reply back with a serious answer.

By: Comebye Ahh

Comebye Ahh — Sat, 24 May 2014 01:08:07 +0000

Who resigned over Quigars deal?
Who resigned over “We had to deceive you”
Who resigned over Fast Ferry Deal?

By: Ringmaster

Ringmaster — Fri, 23 May 2014 23:08:51 +0000

All you are doing is reposting the Marc Bean corruption story. Nothing has come out that shows any indication of corruption, just dumb antics. Marc Bean has 3 lawsuits against him for shouting corruption and bribes. Be careful what you post or you could be joining him.

By: LOL (Original TM*)

LOL (Original TM*) — Fri, 23 May 2014 23:03:12 +0000

Ya they have always been better at the hole “ya moma” thing.

LOL

By: LOL (Original TM*)

LOL (Original TM*) — Fri, 23 May 2014 23:01:44 +0000

Case in point and the OBAers are the name calling nasties around here lol

LOL

By: LOL (Original TM*)

LOL (Original TM*) — Fri, 23 May 2014 23:00:04 +0000

Incorrect they did it mostly locally the PLP blog about it internationally see story on Roban and Daniels writing in online news papers internationally.

LOL

By: LOL (Original TM*)

LOL (Original TM*) — Fri, 23 May 2014 22:58:31 +0000

PLP people dont make mistakes only white people but then they aren’t mistakes ……

LOL

By: LOL (Original TM*)

LOL (Original TM*) — Fri, 23 May 2014 22:55:56 +0000

Nah the PLP regulars think they speak for everyone.. that looks like them of course

LOL

By: Keepin' it Real!...4Real!

Keepin' it Real!...4Real! — Fri, 23 May 2014 22:55:07 +0000

you know…this whole scenario that has played out in the political arena these past months, reminds me of the great attack with “Shock an Awe” hmmm i wonder if watchamacallit has been honing his skills in the dark…jus sayin

By: LOL (Original TM*)

LOL (Original TM*) — Fri, 23 May 2014 22:52:09 +0000

No they don’t and they have had the orijins of the names have been hashed out many time as people like you (is that racist) seem to want it too.

LOL

By: Keepin' it Real!...4Real!

Keepin' it Real!...4Real! — Fri, 23 May 2014 22:32:09 +0000

“stop bickering over spilt milk “..!!!!?? are u saying that people should just forget and expunge the PLPs record and jus move on..? Have you lost your mind?? or, did you even have one?? i’m hearing nothing but a mirrored echo from ALL OBA haters ever since day one of recovery…then when things start to look better for YOU…then you just retort disrespectfully “oh its about time” or “oh its just propaganda”…waah! waah! waah!…that’s where the impression of “Entitlement” comes into view…It’s not ONE persons job to sell BDA or its wares…it’s MY job and YOURS, its EVERYONES job, and YOU must remember, YOU are not having a backyard conversation…YOUR words are heard LOUD n CLEAR , INTERNATIONALLY!!! but i see that thought never entered your head that is why BDA will never succeed…so just go ahead and pull everyone else down with you…thanks

By: OnFire

OnFire — Fri, 23 May 2014 22:27:35 +0000

Dunkley has to lead. We need strong leadership and I think we now have it. But those tainted by this should indeed go. We have to distance ourselves from the stain of corruption, to have the community’s trust and investors confidence. There is simply too much at stake in our country’s future.

By: Opposition Leader To Table Censure Motion | Bernews.com

Opposition Leader To Table Censure Motion | Bernews.com — Fri, 23 May 2014 22:02:04 +0000

[...] in the House of Assembly this evening [May 23], Mr. Bean said, reiterated his call for Senator Michael Fahy and Minister Crockwell to resign, and said: “I will be tabling a Motion of Censure on the Honourable Members Crockwell and [...]

By: Kevin

Kevin — Fri, 23 May 2014 21:36:45 +0000

who remembers the quote “smoke and mirrors” well we have entered into a whole new era.The OBA are actually getting Bermuda back on track , i didn’t say they have been “transparent” and maybe right one or two need to move on and i think we have seen that and time now to refocus. The one thing the opposition can’t let happen is any success stories, it will show how inept they have been and to some extent are, as all they do is shoot down every proposal. If the OBA can turn this disaster around in any faction it will send the PLP into a death spin. They haven’t supported anything and being negative all day every day will send a clear message that failure is what they want. What a shame for what was the jewel of the Atlantic. Not sure what has got Bean so fired up he got everything he wanted up to 2 years ago there was a moratorium on gaming licenses but he got one .At least EB had a grudge to carry and carry he did he lives in the Hamptons and Bermudians are scratching to make ends meet.

By: Hmmm

Hmmm — Fri, 23 May 2014 21:15:08 +0000

Ib weathered the low reinsurance rates by cutting worldwide costs, but that was in the last 3 years and nothing to do with the credit crunch in 2008 which wiped out a bunch of capital.

By: Hmmm

Hmmm — Fri, 23 May 2014 21:08:32 +0000

What are you banging on about? How does it relate?

By: Ian

Ian — Fri, 23 May 2014 20:51:42 +0000

Oh yeah… MOST as that poll clearly indicated the other day illustration the OBA’s disconnect with the populous. Youre a hypocrite talking about desire for power as you support a party proven to be built on deceit, lies and a strategy designed (per the writing) to return the UBP back to POWER. And MOST are not surprised at how things have played out with the “power shift” within the party. Now lets all watch as the create and/or endorse any pathway for creating new “Bermudians” loyal to the OBAs goal of retaining power through subsequent elections.

By: Looking in

Looking in — Fri, 23 May 2014 20:49:10 +0000

Mr. Bean.do Bermuda a favor,try just once to help us!

By: Dana

Dana — Fri, 23 May 2014 20:48:16 +0000

XMAN,Bean would pass the marijuana law in a heart beat…Mark diction is terrible….for the life of me I can not imagine him as a leader of the PLP.

By: Ian

Ian — Fri, 23 May 2014 20:37:39 +0000

Lol you’re joking right.. Regardless of whether the brief payroll tax increase was silly, as an adult of (at least) average intelligence you really expect me to take you seriously on your views that was the driving force behind the “exodus”? Perhaps Paula Cox is the reason Endurance’s CEO axed a ton of jobs, and the banks continue to… Read a book Sandy and build your own perspective on how the world works, based on facts not your small town local political/racial/socioeconomic biases…

By: Anon

Anon — Fri, 23 May 2014 19:40:58 +0000

I think he realizes that he’s pushed the resignation thing too far (4 in all) and now it’s lost any credibility it might have has and has been turned into a joke. People are treating it as a farce “Resign here, resign there” and “-gate this and -gate that”…not a bad thing

By: Navin Johnson

Navin Johnson — Fri, 23 May 2014 19:26:20 +0000

We tried to get them to resign on December 17,2012 but they just won’t go away. ….electiongate!!!,,

By: Karma

Karma — Fri, 23 May 2014 19:21:04 +0000

When the UBP were in power we all had jobs and the economy was booming . In fact at one time during their time in power we had the lowest unemployment and almost always on the top 10 list of countries with the best standard of living and highest per capita income.

Explain to me how you think the PLP improved on that. Was it the massive unemployment or the massive debt tat the PLP left us with that has you confused. My guess is that you are related to or part of the pay to play / friends an d family few that benefited from their contracts and awards.

By: Double Standards

Double Standards — Fri, 23 May 2014 19:20:01 +0000

Agreed.

It is a silly and pointless exercise.

I personally have had enough of the hysteria as it is just tiring and provides no progress to BDA and her people. So more publicity stunts will add just add to the ignorance that has currently engulfed the island. Argue your points but don’t copy the actions that is making you all riled up in the first place.

And that should go for everyone. It is ok to disagree and still be civil, despite the pathetic examples being set by both sides of the House at this point in time. In the end everyone should want wine thing and that is the best for Bermuda as a whole and not for some self-serving and arrogant bunch of politicians.

Come together people, cause it won’t get better if we don’t.

By: enough

enough — Fri, 23 May 2014 19:15:20 +0000

Bean seems to be demanding everyone to resign!! He might garner more respect from thinking people if he tried to help solve some of the dire problems that we are facing. If he is so keen on resignations, then why didn’t he resign when he was a minister. I guess one rule for one person and another rule for other people.