Rabain: “Lack Of Legislation Is Concerning”

May 21, 2014

Diallo RabainOpposition Senate Leader Diallo Rabain said there “has been little to no significant legislation of late” adding they he hopes the “internal distractions and confusion haven’t affected the OBA’s ability to govern properly.”

Today’s Senate meeting lasted approximately 90 minutes, and the Senator noted that the last time the Senate met was March 26, and now they have adjourned until June 11.

Mr. Rabain said, “The Opposition Senate Team find it abysmal that the OBA government presented no legislation to the Senate. The last time the Senate met was March 26, and now we are adjourned until June 11.

“Today’s session saw the Government Senators read four Ministerial Statements [which all had been read in the House of Assembly], and submit reports.

“In the Motion to Adjourn, all three PLP Senators spoke for the length of our allotted time to the issues of the day, but only the OBA Senate Leader Minister Fahy spoke. The remaining Government Senators were quiet yet again.

“We sincerely hope that the internal distractions and confusion haven’t affected the OBA’s ability to govern properly, but the fact that there has been little to no significant legislation of late, is concerning to us.”

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Comments (36)

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  1. Creme Brûlée says:

    Less is more, we are over legislated as it is by sneaky, petty busybodies.

    • jt says:

      Better this than having to repeal or modify ineffective, damaging, rushed and sloppy legislation. Know what I mean Mr. Rabain?

      • Raymond Ray says:

        In quoting a good friend:”Politicians are like diapers…they need to be changed often”.
        It’s unfortunate we see here something that had “possibly” been planned by a very astute individual,(DR. E. Brown?)One to wits to conceived this whole “political disruption” simply by placing people in pertinent places along with promises once the O.B.A. are either thrown out by vote of no confidence or ultimately, being voted out at the Polls / during the next General elections:-( These are all suspicions; yet realistically, quite possible some more ploys set up by the Opposition, i.e. the Progressive Labour Party.

    • Luis Suarez says:

      Absolutely, but Mr Rabain, you don’t need to be in Government to propose law.

      The PLP: very good at throwing mud, not a lot of ideas of their own though.

    • Sandy Bottom says:

      Perhaps if the PLP had thought more carefully they wouldn’t have wasted $60m on ugly unwanted condos.
      Just a thought, Mr Rabain.

  2. Marge says:

    I am so fed up with both parties,can you believe the kindergaden politics that is going on ?
    I wonder who the reliable insider is? This person seems to have a lot of info that is being passed on to certain individuals.

    • inna says:

      im telling you! all the PLP does is make noise just to make noise!

  3. Toodle-oo says:

    Oh Diallo , come on now . How stupid do you think everyone on this island is ?
    Not everyone is in the 50% that blindly support you lot and gobble up everything you come out with .

    Read carefully and understand .

    This is EXACTLY what all of the PLP/BIU manufactured innuendo, fabrications , lies , calls for resignations and requests for the dissolution of the (OBA) government have been about for the last 17 months.
    They have foolishly been trying to placate you all instead of ignoring you, so what do you expect to happen ?
    Nothing gets done ! (Even though things have been getting done)
    But I’m sure this will be the next ‘gate’ that you have lined up.

    This would be laughable anywhere else in the world except here on fantasy rock .

    • lucky 7 says:

      Agree!

      • Black Soil says:

        He relies on people being dead heads. If you think about anything he says it makes you realize that he cares only for PLP power. He needs to go fishing with our disgraced former Premier.

    • Rockfish#2 says:

      Bingo!
      Rabain has been quiet for a while. He awakens from his slumber and utters this foolishness.
      He is fully aware of the PLP plan to disrupt and obstruct the Government’s effort to move Bermuda forward.

    • Sonso says:

      And the funniest of it all, “Jetgate” doesnt even make sense. The name with which the scandal is associated, Watergate, was the name of the building that the alleged crimes went down in. Jetgate doesnt make a lick of sense. Attractive, yes, but that is all the PLP seems to only be good at, stirring that proverbial pot !

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

    WTF!!!!…I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS GUY IS REALLY SAYING THIS…I’M CALLING FOR AN INTERVENTION FROM GOD…the only solution.

  5. M.T. Pockets says:

    Wondering if the slow pace of legislation is due to the persistent accusations and calls for resignations from the PLP that keep the OBA busy with responding, rather than dealing with the people’s business. Cannot really say that the PLP has been very supportive in the battle to restore Bermuda to a healthy financial state.

    Perhaps if you back off a little and let them get on with the job at hand you might see some progress. Unless you feel that progress isn’t needed, which is scary.

    Can we please work together to get people back to work!

  6. Terry says:

    Dee…..Deee Allo……Day light come and me wann goe home.

    (see section 3 paragraph 7)

    ‘Pressure Cooker’

    Over the weekend….Independent ….vatz heeze naim will support Mr. Bean.

    Ever watch that comedy show Mr. Bean?

    GP 27 with a green exhaust………………………….

    Bawahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

  7. Suck Rock says:

    when will the plp ever become a useful opposition. to centered on kidergarden politics but net er look in the mirror does the word hypocrites ring loud????????

  8. Suck Rock says:

    by the way does anyone note they the plpbiu don’t respond to looking at cleaning up or even admitting their PAST indiscretions? ( so i can’t spell )

  9. Rich says:

    Anyone from the previous government should know better – the process of drafting legislation is a time- and labour-intensive process. There are policy papers, consultations, cabinet discussion papers, drafting instructions, various legislative drafts, cabinet decision papers, caucus presentations before a law even gets to the floor of the House.

    Furthermore, the number of laws passed is not an accurate measure of job performance as a legislature. The previous UK Labour Government was often accused of legislative hyperactivity – of constant tinkering and revisiting laws which left many within the legal profession and the wider community scratching their heads as to what the legal position was at any time. I am loath to see governments constantly engaging in ‘activity’, as if it were someone a substitute for ‘achievement’, as Sir Humphrey Appelby would say.

    Finally, the job description of the legislator goes beyond merely passing laws. There’s also scrutiny of policy and executive action, highlighting issues, constituency work, etc.

    • Sonso says:

      Unfortunately, that is a good characterization of the PLP government; activity equals achievement!!

  10. Coffee says:

    This is natural Sen.Rabain . When told by their leader in the senate to shut up,be quiet and let me do all the talking , than that’s exactly what the dummies are trained to do . They know no better and therefore are not expected to actively participate in the proceedings .

  11. J Herald says:

    As an OBA voter I am disturbed by the lack of action taken in the last year. However, the thought of the PLP as an alternative makes me so ill I want to be sick. Hopefully Bermuda is not stupid enough to vote the Pathetic Leech Party back in. If we do we are sunk. There will be no recovery and poverty will ensue. You think its been bad the last coupla years? You ain’t seen nuthin. Another PLP term would ruin Bermuda completely.

    Disappointed with OBA, but terrified of a PLP takeover.

    • SUZI says:

      Thanks for your comments, this will ensure the voting back in of the PLP..clueless…yes…

    • frank says:

      it has been said before the oba is going to be in for one term
      this week the people of Bermuda saw what they are all about after they set up graig they through him under the bus look carefully to see who is next

  12. Chaos Theory says:

    Sh!* stirrer? Yup!

  13. nuffin but the truth says:

    Diallo Rabain go back to lala land where only the defunct plp squabble and fight over the scraps that are left under the table

  14. Farmer Giles says:

    Diallo, They’re busy dealing with the mucky legacy of the previous government. You know this. You can do far better than this.

  15. Cleancut says:

    The PLP are just trying to hit the OBA while they are down with this petty JetGate. Chris Furbert will be next, probably an island wide strike, or the buses again, remember summer is just around the corner. Rev. Tweed is quiet, planning his attack?

  16. Sandgrownan says:

    Oh FFS..here we go again..more “concern” from the PLP….

  17. MisterMan311 says:

    Two points: Firstly, legislation isn’t the only way to govern, and hardly an accurate measure of effectiveness (the PLP passed over 650 Acts of Parliament in their 14 years, and I personally wouldn’t call them very effective as a Government). One example that would seem appropriate in the current news cycle is the Good Governance Act 2012. Politically driven and intended to show the PLP were serious about tackling perceived corruption, they passed an Act without putting any serious thought into it, and the result is an Act that is completely without teeth. Any politician with experience should be able to tell you that legislation is (or should be) a method of last resort when trying to shape policy.

    Which brings me to point #2: Traditionally, in bicameral (that’s two-chambers) parliamentary systems, the upper house is usually populated with the wise and experienced, the elder statesmen (and women!) and scholars who are able to use their experience and knowledge to ensure that Bills are debated fully and create good law. (That’s why Senators are appointed, not elected, so that the right people can be chosen to fulfill this important role). Sadly, this has not been the case for a while in Bermuda. Our Senate is used more as a training ground for those aspirants to the House of Assembly. Talk about bass ackwards. The Senate is supposed to be the more seasoned chamber, and we’re forced to hear complaints from Mr. Rabain that truly reflect his lack of experience and understanding of the Parliamentary system of government. Mr. Rabain, do us a favour please and focus on what you have before you, not what you don’t have. And OBA Senators, let’s try to bring more to the Senate Chamber than rehashed speeches. Why not move questions of public importance for debate, or raise awareness of other issues that are not on the agenda of the House of Assembly, but maybe should be.

    • Raymond Ray says:

      “When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains however improbable, must be the truth” (Arthur Canon Doyle physician and writer 1859-1930)

  18. Really??? says:

    Over the last couple of days I’ve heard you mention truthful and transparency…………..LOL do you really know what that means?? You get my drift don’t cha:) Let’s start with your expenses,trips and morality! You bunch make me laugh. Should never throw stones when you live in a glass house.

  19. seas the day says:

    Hey Diablo…Ahm toe you befuah….less legislation a better free life we live……you and yours over legislate ….just because you can ….doesn’t necessarily mean you should…..but if you want to do something constructive….go to public beaches and construct some decent bathroom that don’t stink like poop….put a pit and pump salt water…..make our welcome guests more welcome….put that to legislation and do some good for once in your life!

  20. very concerned says:

    Can anyone tell me why the public isnt privy to the debates in parliament prior to the day of/after the debate has taken place.