Opinion: Marc Bean On Birthright Of Bermudians
[Opinion column written by Opposition Leader Marc Bean] The Permanent Residence Certificate [PRC] was a solution to a problem that began when individuals were brought in on work permits and through various circumstances were allowed to stay and work in Bermuda for decades.
On Friday June 6 2013, the PLP extended the hand of cooperation to the OBA to close the legal loophole that could allow thousands of PRCs to achieve employment rights, ability to purchase property and the ability to vote.
The PLP brought legislation to Parliament that would have closed this legal loophole and protected the birthright of Bermudians. The OBA again refused to stand up for Bermudians failing to prevent one of the most radical changes to the political and social landscape since their political forefathers, the UBP, granted the Bermudian status to thousands of non-Bermudians in the 1970’s.
This was an opportunity for PLP and OBA to stand together to protect the birthright of Bermudians. Correcting a legal error that would drastically diminish opportunities of Bermudians. The OBA once again refused to keep a pre-election promise; their pledge that they would not grant PRCs Bermudian status.
By their actions the OBA have demonstrated that to them, working together means Bermudians sitting silently while jobs, opportunities and political power are prioritized for everyone but Bermudians.
This latest refusal to stand up for Bermudians is confirmation that the OBA agenda is one that will further marginalize Bermudians, and radically transform this country back into the favour of Non Bermudians alone. This is a situation that should never be permitted.
It was certainly not the intent of the former government to open the door to Bermudian status for thousands of non-Bermudians and their children. We acknowledge and apologize to the people of Bermuda for this error and pledge that we will do what we can to rectify this issue.
The PLP believes that we have a real opportunity to use this situation to begin a national conversation surrounding comprehensive immigration reform and identifying an approach that balances the needs of employers with Bermudian aspirations and opportunities.
There will be a Town Hall meeting on Thursday June 26 at the Devonshire Recreation Club starting at 5:30pm. Panelists will be;
- MP Walton Brown
- MP Rolfe Commissiong
- MP Michael Scott
We look forward to speaking with the people of Bermuda who are in support of protecting the birthright of full employment, opportunities to purchase property and fair democratic rights for Bermudians.
Thank you for your time and attention,
- Marc Bean
Read More About
Comments (121)
Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed
Articles that link to this one:
- OBA: “Enough Of The Rhetoric” On PRC & Status | Bernews.com | June 26, 2014
The PLP is a simple hate group masquerading as a political party.
Bermudas own National Front.
Really sounds like the OBA hate Bermudian and would rather have all foreigners who don’t really care about Bermuda but what can Bermuda do for them SMDH
So what he is saying is he thinks Bermudians hate Bermudians. Absolutely lunacy.
PLP will stop at nothing to lie and decieve in order to get your vote.
SMDH
That is rich coming from a supporter of operation UBP-to-BDA-OBA…
I am not an OBA supporter. The UBP were a mess when they lost to PLP and I rejoiced.
The PLP were Ok in first term, but then headed downhill and became an abject failure for Bermuda and Bermudians and when they were out I rejoiced.
We are in a mess and the OBA is our only real hope, so I’m currently supporting the only viable party and the one that is determined and has the ability to work for Bermuda.
Eventually if opposition become viable and not just power hungry hate filled divisive nasties, then I will rejoice.
Looks like we have a Tea Party rally on June 26.
On the patio at the Plantation!
“If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear”-George Orwell,writer(1903-1950)
@ Hmmm 9:15am. I view our present day problems exactly as you do and I’m sure there are countless others sharing mutual feelings…
Coming from the guy who months back explicity stated that what happened to the black family of yesteryear Tuckers Town was, in part, justified by the fact whites showed up on these shores first…
Where are your comments coming from Ian? Just an unbiased, straight shootin’, call it as you see it guy huh.
Pretty much. And if Raymond wishes to deny it I will post the link to the thread containing his shocking comments. Same way I have done every time in the past I have made reference to it. Gotta love the internets perfect memory…
His exact words were, and I quote… “…Do you want to hear the truth? This is the truth, yes, there had been numerous, (black Bermudian families) that had resided over here in Tuckers Town but, you fail to realize that it was the white man who ran aground on this Island loooooog before any “black person stepped foot on these shores”…”
Well quoted, Mr. Bean and his supports keep saying he is out to protect Bermudians, but in truth is he is out to protect the PLP, the trouble is they have long had an issue separating the 2. Those PRC holders that are eligible for status have long proven they are as Bermudian as any ‘Birthright’ Bermudian, and in some cases more so. For a a party that prides itself on having been the historical party leading the fight for equal human and worker rights, their current stance shows that it wasn’t equal rights they were after. I wonder what Dr. Gordon would say if he knew that those who claim to represent his legacy are now moving to block the rights of other immigrants like himself, who have lived and worked for Bermuda for so long?
mr. Bean likes to trumpet about how they tried to work with then OBA to undue this mess, but as recent history has shown us, any snap legislation from the PLP ends with more mess than it tries to fix. After all, it was a supposedly thought out immigration legislation from them that got the ball rolling, what are the odds that an overnight fix from them would have worked?
The only truth Mr. Bean has spoken on this subject is that it will allow those that couldn’t vote, the right to vote. Why he keep flogging the lies that this will take away employment and property from ‘Birthright Bermudians’ is ridiculous, they already have these rights and no matter how often he repeats them, they will still be lies. So much for the PLP’s valiant defender of truth, honesty and integrity. Why call this a ‘Town Meeting’ and just be truthful and call it an anti-PRC rights rally
^^^ this is the base mentality that Marc Bean is appealing to. Straight out of the Tea Party/National Front play book.
About time someone is looking out for de Bermudians !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On the subject of Birthright,
Is Birthright being announced soon as the PLP’s new Candidate for Devonshire North West to reverse the 377 vs. 470 result of December 2012?
PRC’s already have employment rights .
PRC’s can also buy property and can live here until they die. They are already here, they won’t be arriving by the plane load. Thanks to the former government.
To James and others: How can a former Govt. Party after 14 years of being the Govt. of the Island now want the O.B.A. to correct their error, which by the way they could have rectified themselves when being, “the big dogs in the yard”. Now they,(the P.L.P.) want to close the gate after the chickens have left the coop. It’s too late…sad yes, but true
I totally agree with Sad!
Sad said it all !! The twisted thinking of the PLP is nothing short of stupid. Do the PLP think if the PRC`S left Bermudians would take up where the PRC`S left ??! Please!
Let the insults and name calling begin!!! And they’re off!
^^^^^^ says the attack dog who spends his day ragging on Bermudas gay community and immigrant population.
Bermudas own dumbed down version of a Daily Mail reporter.
And campervan is taking the lead around the first bend!!
How’d did this become about gays btw… How does EVERYTHING become about gays???
With you it’s always about ‘real Bermudians’ isn’t it?
Depends on the topic of discussion serengeti…
Which constituency do you represent for the PLP Ian ?
What is your role in the PLP ?
Are you a Union representative ?
Do you work for the Union ?
I’m trying to figure out what your angle is.
You seem completely unable to recognize why people are frustrated with the PLP and their present course of action, so you must have dice.
So thats the conclusion you arrive at. For the record I voted for the OBA last election. This has nothing to do with angles versus the fact I do not trust the OBA with the task of placing the interests of long-standing, average, real Bermudians. The past 14 months speaks to it directly when you tally up the things they have done to benefit non-Bermudians directly versus Bermudians. At this point I can at least feel certain the PLP would never “sell-out” average Bermudians. Beyond that, I feel the OBA is deceptive and manipulative. And I have felt that way increasing so since the discovery of their operation UBP to BDA to OBA report and especially following the ultimately realization they are on track executing that agenda with the removal of their former surrogate Premier. Its not hard to predict what the OBA will do over the next few years to secure power and accommodate the same interests the UBP aligned themselves with in the past.
another Bean press release appealing to his ever shrinking base….any one care what this guy thinks ? other than Betty of course and maybe Alvin….hard to even read his drivel
Ian – you can always depend on him to support anything that’s anti-OBA, regardless of how ridiculous.
@ sad… you’re obviously either a current PRC holder or looking to be one… everytime persons who are against another persons views they have to bring up the word HATE! SMH!!! This island is only but so small..it’s about Bermudians preserving Bermudians. Dont get it twisted.
The PRCs already have every almost right that a Bermudian has except the right to vote. Bermudians lose nothing by allowing PRCs full status.
Let’s not mix things up.
Al,
But if that is the case, then why are we seeing a rush of PRCs wanting to getting status pronto? From the time the Chief Justice handed down his ruling, it has been reported in the media that the Immigration Department has been flooded with requests and queries from PRCs wanting to get status. Also, more than 115 PRCs have been naturalised since the CJ’s ruling, in expectation of full Bermuda status.
Now, I can understand someone wanting the right to vote, and if voting is the only difference between Bermudians and PRCs, then ok. But there is no election happening anytime soon that we are preparing for. So why the influx of interest and applications?
Is there something that the public is not being told? Is there actually something else that PRCs stand to gain from having full status? Because these events certainly lead one to believe so.
Portia…it’s another conspiracy theory by the OBA to take over the world and flood it with mutants. SMH
Is this a serious question? haha, like what are you insinuating? Are you trying to say that maybe they all know the secret that they are soon to be given rights that supersede the roghts of Bermudians? What a joke?!
Maybe people actually just want to be true citizens of the country they have called home for years and want to be afforded the same rights of their fellow Bermudians. The option to naturalize wasn’t even an available to them until this all came out. It’s obvious why there is such a rush. Don’t be daft.
Portia, the reason for the rush? Simple – the PLP already introduced a bill to block PRC’s from obtaining status – the rush was simply to beat that bill if it had passed.
^^^^How so?
People stood against apartheid who were not Black South Africans.
People fight homophobia who are not gay.
People opposed the National Fronts immigration policies who were not immigrants.
Why is Sad “obviously” a PRC holder?
Maybe they are not looking at this from a selfish stand point and taking a moral angle.
“you’re obviously either a current PRC holder or looking to be”
Hilarious. Sad is absolutely right and I know many Bermudians who feel this way. They feel this way because the PLP consistently return to the rhetoric of hate and fear. It is cynical and manipulative and does not take the needs of Bermuda into account. Only the needs of the party are considered, and hate and fear are good tools for dulling people’s objectivity and their ability to think.
No wonder people look at the PLP and see the party of hate.
Is this an admission that the PLP caused this legal loophole during their 14 year rule?
“It was certainly not the intent of the former [PLP] government to open the door to Bermudian status for thousands of non-Bermudians and their children. We acknowledge and apologize to the people of Bermuda for this error and pledge that we will do what we can to rectify this issue.”
Finally, the PLP leadership has apologised for a mistake whilst in power. Incompetence, short-sightedness or did you have your eyes and/or political attention firmly focused elsewhere?
No doubt it is a massive problem that YOU, the PLP, made and now seek the OBA to work with you to rectify the problem.
You now want to show that both political parties can stand together for the good of Bermuda? However, poisonous rhetoric is not a first step in working together to rectify this problem. The PLP’s legislative incompetence should not be followed by a speech poisoning the public’s consciousness with OBA anti-Bermudian rhetoric.
You indadvertedly opened the door to the next generation of new Bermudians, it would be advisable not to alienate them, you may be seeking their votes down the line.
London, England
Inna.
Fish Egg,
St. David’s, Bermuda.
you may be the one short-sighted
the PLP barely lost without their base showing up
the OBA barely won with their base showing up
the PLP will handily win if their base shows up even if any prospective PRC votes were to go to the OBA
the threat of PRC voters will probably be enough to galvanize the PLP base come next election
the OBA needs to be very careful how they play their hand here otherwise their core base and a thousand of so PRC votes will be all the votes they’ll be looking at
Spot on JS.
So. If that”s the case, why is the bigot running scared?
Valirie Marcia Akinstall 7:18am. My dear, “you have called a spade a spade” in your letter, especially the 2nd. last paragraph in ref. to the P.L.P. now want to “work together” e.g.”The P.L.P. legislative incompetence should not be followed by a speech poisoning the public’s consciousness with O.B.A. anti-Bermudian rhetoric”.
I want to thank you for another “positive letters”; I do look forward in reading them daily.
The PLP created the problem with poorly drafted legislation and and the OBA hired the PLP’s best man to fix it…
“The OBA again refused to stand up for Bermudians”
Interesting that Mr. ‘Tea Party Birther’ Bean conveniently forgets the Minister rejected the initial application and on at least two more occasions argued against the merits and has further agreed to appeal the Supreme Court’s decision.
But why let facts get in the way PLP? Unless you’re more concerned with the political implications of the issues?
“The PLP believes that we have a real opportunity to use this situation to begin a national conversation surrounding comprehensive immigration reform”
Can you make up your mind? On the one hand you want to draw a “red line” and now you want comprehensive reform? Which is it? Do you honestly believe a constructive dialogue begins with PLP online demagogues calling for “these people” to be deported as a good start?
This isn’t about fairness, equality or justice. It’s a political party that is concerned their mistreatment of long standing members of our community who have contributed to our collective well being will suddenly have a voice. Interesting that the PLP would seek to silence it.
Stop throwing common sense and facts into this emotive issue.
you are muddying the confusion.
Its people like you that put pop corn sellers out of business.
Will Mr. Bean also apologize for the anti Bermudian legislation the PLP introduced to prejudice home ownership of Bermudians who married non Bermudians? Is it acceptable for so many PLP MPs past and present who were born off island and or married non Bermudians for their spouses to have status? Mr. Bean, any comment?
Why the reference to the 1970′s when so many Bermudians are Bermudians despite their parents or grandparents coming from off Island and allowed to stay? That has been the case from the 1600′s not the 1970′s.
Both parties acknowledge the loophole and both parties recognize that when it occurred that all who were present did not see it so both must take ownership for it slipping by. The question is whether the OBA are going to fix it or use it to their benefit. That is the issue people, nothing to do with hate. Those who mention hate need to check their own first. If you yourself did not have it you would not see it in others when they question something.
It’s a human rights issue.
@Ringmaster
You’ve neglected at least one scenario. In truth all we can be reasonably certain of is that the then government (PLP) didn’t do enough due diligence and analysis of the legislation they created and enacted to notice and “correct” (?) the path to full citizenship for PRC holders.
One question: What status do the Uighurs have? Are they PRC?
Ride
Based on this notion of “birthright”, then all of the PLP spouses who have gained status through marriage should give up their papers because they clearly were not born here and not entitled to take away the “birthrights” of “real” Bermudians. When that happens, then we can take the PLP seriously about their “birthrights”. Until then, sit down.
Proctect Bermudians?you should be more worried about the people that comes on this island as a visitor for three months than those that are here from 25 to 40 years.Dare say no more.
Mark Bean when are you going to take your blinders off? PLP are going to do to you exactly what they did to Jennifer Smith and Alex Scott? Trust me you will see. On another note. Can someone tell me if Jennifer Smith is a member of the Sage Commission?
Yes Jennifer Bean with on the SAGE commission
@ Anon,
???
Ooops. Thanks Jennifer Smith was on the SAGE commission
why is he perpetrating? There is no birthright, same with the Irish, Caymanian, and Turks….yes we were born here, but the UK own this rock, not us….independence will fix this
Yes,in quoting you: “independence will fix this” but allow me to “hip you” to just a few of the problems we’ll face if we were ever to become an independent island. 1st. our currency will devalue…This will occur with out a doubt. What do we produce to earn us $? (We don’t have a pot to piss into nor a window to toss it out of)2nd. The foreign investors will “high tail” with their $ and we’ll become 3rd. world island within a week! “Money makes money” plan and simple…Unfortunately, negative voices will always play the loudest:-(
I agree with you. my point is that Beanie is aware of our status i.e no more rights to this island than any other BOTC so he is preaching to the uneducated and easily influenced.
Is it also true that those expats that have been here a certain amount of time will have to be given citizenship?
I thought that was the whole point of the term limits.
If that is the case the PLP is in quite the conundrum. Independence from the UK would mean DRASTICALLY diluting their so called ‘birth right’
That was the source of term limits if you recall
This will be the issue that mobilizes the PLP core political base and most importantly the hundreds of other wise PLP supporters who did not come out to vote in the last election.
Already as this anti-Bermudian one term OBA government has shown it’s true face; there has been a great deal of regret on the part of erstwhile PLP political supporters; that a government who most likely was going to protect their interests was allowed to be removed from the reign of government due largely to their non participation.
There are two lessons learn here; you never remove a government and in this case by default; that is better in protecting your interests and the second lesson on the part of the former PLP government; you never govern and in this incident without holding the interests of your own political supporters to the forefront. In many of it’s policies the former PLP government attempted to do just that; but in this issue over this so-called loop-hole which will allowed PRC’s to gain something in the way of Bermuda status that was never intended; they clearly dropped the ball. I believe that this happen because the former PLP government attempted to be fair concerning this issue and in this respect they did so to a fault. There are other examples where the former PLP government failed to act in it’s own political interests. Clearly it was in it’s interests to called an election when than than political opposition was divided into two parts; the old UBP and the grouping that was led former premier Cannonier. Now that part has been completely swallowed up by the old UBP giving Bermuda what it had pre-1998; a United Bermuda Party government with the same political support base which never miss a beat in it’s continue political support of a political entity that has always represented their interests no matter what they called themselves.
What is the way forward for the PLP and it’s political supporters? Learn the historical and political lessons and once again put itself in position to return to political power and never again allowed a government that does not represents their interests to win the government by political default.
“Stormtrooper Alvin” stoking the anti foreigner rhetoric just like the National Front in the East End of London in the 70′s.
Hard working Filipinos living in fear, tax-paying long term residents/PRC’s of the Island used as political pawns by hate mongers and bullies.
Fought it then, will fight it now.
Calling you out on your racist bigotry.
That was way too long to read Alvin, but I can guess the message.
In response, the biggest threat to our birth rights and to ‘real Bermudians’ like you is our $2 billion debt. Anything else pales in comparison, if it exists at all. You should be writing about the debt if you truly care about our future. Your independence dream will never occur until the debt is under control.
Alvin’s head firmly in the sand, as usual.
The bottom line is that the PLP created this supposed loophole and the ONLY reason they don’t want PRC holders to have the right to vote is that they won’t vote for the PLP after years and years of xenophobic bashing. PRC holders already have the right to buy property and to be employed so that is just a red herring…
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…
I think what’s happened in Bermuda is that a lot of the educated (including recent graduates)and forward thinking Bermudians have left the island or chosen not to return after working elsewhere. Those that remain are at other end of the education and world experience spectrum hence why they appear more xenophobic, union oriented and seem to not understand how the economics of Bermuda works. So they people that really need the life boat because they really don’t have any other options seem to be the same ones that continue to punch holes in it at every opportunity. Sad really as they will be the ones that will suffer the most if the PLP ever get back in power.
The old UBP did not fully answer the problem with imported workers or residents to allow them to integrate with the local population in fact just the opposite the created walls around their community.
The PLP had promised to solve the problem and integrate all these people into a unified Bermuda for everyone; it failed over the race issue of considering all Bermudians as black and the whites as some sort of foreigners.
With a future PLP Government committed to Independence its important for a peaceful development of the island to sort out “birthright” or citizenship for all these people before independence, because the problem will just become worse and call for UN, UK or American intervention to bring justice and civil rights to those people no matter where they came from.
Marc Baean and the PLP/National Front.
Standing Strong on top of human rights/gay rights
and stomping down hard.
Since PRC’s already have employment rights and can (with certain restrictions) buy property the only possible reasons that Mr Bean could be objecting relate to race and votes.
Race because “they don’t look like him” and votes because the PLP has been playing the xenophobic anti-foreigner card for years and still hasn’t stopped. Wonder if he’s afraid that them there furriners won’t vote for his party after the way they’ve been treated.
Alvin,,
So you admit that this is more about the PLP regaining power to you rather that having the best political party in place that can repair the damage done? Basically as long as it’s the PLP in power then it doesn’t matter what they do….ever because creating $2Billion in debt is OK for you. Honestly, you can make this type of logic up
The PLP debt is far larger than $2 billion because they also under-funded pensions, risking the future of every Civil Servant.
which includes postman pensions Alvin!
Onion, agreed but Alvin doesn’t think there a problem with the $2B already on the books. His type of ignorant thinking scares the living heck out of me because you can’t reason with…well I honest don’t know what to call that type of thinking.
But, but, but… the PLP is the verker’s party bie! They are in it for the verker.
Alvin is a political dinosaur (as is my mom and the remaining ‘rebels’ from the 60s 70s and the 1981 strike that hurt the workers more than the hotel owners who shut down, sold their properties, and moved to more friendly jurisdictions…now we have public transportation strikes every other week, which is killing the last threads of our struggling tourism industry….cruise ship passengers can go anywhere and enjoy sun, sand, surf and not spend a dime off-ship
Hey Alvin, you won’t be satisfied until your pension check doesn’t show up!
It is very sad to see PLP, which was formed to fight for peoples rights to vote, fight to deprive others of the same right.
^^^^^ THIS!
the labor party has been hijacked by extremist bible thumpers who don’t like any kind of devotion from their doctrine.
Some would say that toddlers have a birthright to grow up without having illegal drugs given to them by irresponsible parents.
To read some remarks from PLP supporters I wonder what you think that PRCs will gain that disadvantages you? Some-one who has been in Bermuda for over two decades probably has little or no ties to their native land. Furthermore with over decades of working in Bermuda who are they displacing?
They probably have children who will marry your chldren, and as grandparents, and the sad part, you’ll still be fighting over this issue!
As noted in Marc Bean’s speech the mistakes came from the legislators both in the faulty legislation then in its inpact in society when policies and/or programmes are rolled out (or in this case adjudicated) in Bermuda.
What I find baffling is how any “real Bermudian” can turn against any foreign worker and/or PRC when they (foreigners) do not make the laws and/or the rules. So you direct your anger, hostility and/or rage at indviduals who do not have the power to set policies or programmes into effect by law?
Legislators made these errors yet they step away from their errors and coax, through hostile negative spin speeches, that you see the problem as the foreigner.
And the absolute irony of this debacle is that many members of both Houses of Parliament, both past and present members, are married to foreigners.
London, England
“And the absolute irony of this debacle is that many members of both Houses of Parliament, both past and present members, are married to foreigners.”
Indeed, I believe Mr. Bean’s wife is Bahamian.
By the way, Ms. Akinstall, perhaps it’s time to come home – and begin to reverse the brain drain (your country needs people like you).
All Marc Bean is doing is trying to rally all his troops together.-nothing new – old Tactic!
I believe that as the economy improves the PLP voter base will eventually thin out so long as the OBA
don’t make any moves to upset the apple cart of the crossover voters [ ex PLP ] it has.
OBA watch your step — I can see right though this guy words.- just concentrate on reducing the unemployment,
rebuilding the economy ,ease current Social problems,Crime,Education, and show signs of improvement since
you were elected in by the People of Bermuda and you should be Ok .
Failure to do so means it’s back to the PLP. – only 30% of the population presently want this.
You are the anomoly of which you speak!……and to top it off….you would think by the way you speak you have some significant right to being bermudian…..if you are a an example ….of what a bermudian is….hell I for one no longer wish to be bermudian myself…..you are an embarressment….everytime you open your mouth …I cringe….
It’s the law Mr. Bean. We must follow the law. Plus, we need more people. It’s really okay to compete. Bermuda has always benefited from ideas that come from outside. Have some fun man!
Dear Mr. Bean,
While I appreciate and respect your dedication to the Bermudian people, I’m afraid that, as a Bermudian, I disagree with your assessment of the OBAs actions.
They have chosen to look into the full details of the matter before jumping in to a patch job that would likely have to be replaced again and again.
Right now, there is no concern about this ‘mass’ of PRC holders becoming Bermudians as applications are on hold. And even if they were to become Bermudians I fail to understand how this would be a problem.
They are already resident in Bermuda and therefore already either a burden or a contributor to the economy, they’ve shown their dedication to and love of our Island. Given the present housing market, I can’t see how it would be a bad thing to have them the ability to purchase property if they are in a financial position to do so. I also can’t see how it would be a bad thing to give them the right to vote, as the governing of the island impacts their lives as much as it impacts the lives of ‘born Bermudians’.
Perhaps your concern is that these people take things that should go to Bermudians. Jobs or properties. These people already work here, so there would be no additional competition in the job market. The likelihood of all of these people being able to purchase properties in Bermuda and manage to do so ahead of Bermudians in a position to do so is pretty slim. They way I figure it, they’re all in the same financial boat as the rest of us. Some might be able to, some will be borderline, most will continue to rent.
The final concern that I can think that you might have is the vote. Well, yes, they would have a right to vote, and their vote could well have an impact in election outcomes. But the way they would vote would be based upon their perspective of the parties and candidates at the time. It’s hard to say which way they, as a mass, would lean, so their having votes shouldn’t largely impact any outcome.
I would appreciate it if you’d consider my perspective as I will be unable to attend the meeting due to my schedule.
can someone please print this and send to mr bean?
It wont be long before the plp stab Marc Bean in the back like they did to all the others,the sooner the better as I know many are sick and tired of the drivel that spews out of his mouth.
The plot thickens. It seems the so-called badly drafted legislation was not so badly drafted, in fact it was apparently deliberately worded that way and obscurely tucked away deep within the entire package. In that way the PLP Government was able to award status quietly to “chosen” people, and the word I am getting is indeed they did. Bernews please investigate this possible matter of serious corruption at clearly the highest ministerial levels during the PLP years.
Bermudians have a birthright to attend school, study hard and become qualified in areas that are of use to employers. But a birthright of full employment? Those days are long gone.
Many of these PRCs were born in Bermuda yet do not have the birthright Mr Bean is supposedly fighting for.
This man’s ignorance is legendary.
Nice to see Marc Bean apologise for something at least.
But…..PRCs already have employment rights. Is this purely about the fear that PRCs will be eligible to vote? And if they vote, they will vote for the OBA?
Well, if that is the case, then I believe that if a person is granted the right to vote, then they have the freedom to vote for whomever. Does the PLP want to deny people a chance to have a say in a country that they have been been given rights to? Looks like it does from here. Do it, OBA. The PLP have indeed tuned into an anti-immigration, anti-foreigner, anti-liberal and non-progressive political party.
If I need a motivation in the stance over the question of Bermudian national rights before all others; I need not look no further than this coming Friday when I attend the graduation of my grandson from the Berkeley Institute. It is for his generation; it is for his brothers and sisters coming behind him and even if I did not have grandchildren; all I would have to do is stand outside of Bermuda’s schools and observe the Bermudian children coming out of those doors and know what my responsibility is; and that is to fight to preserve their right; their entitlement to the country they were born in. There are grave implications to do with ownership of Bermuda’s limited land area; the right to change the government as they see fit; the right to have their being in the land they were born in. Peoples and nations have gone to war over these same issues and I make no apology in having similar strong feelings in this regard. I do not want to have to look into my grandchildren eyes and have them ask the question;’POPA Alvin why did you not defend our rights in our country when we as children could not? and I would not have an answer in that regard.
“Entitlement” is the key to your message. You are entitled to certain things but we all know what most Bermudians think they are “entitled” to… big house, expensive bags/sunglasses/cars, all without having to truly earn those things.
And why does giving (some) PRC holders the right to vote change that?
It doesn’t. You’re anti- human rights. You can’t bear the fact that these folks might not vote PLP. That’s all this is about. Denying human rights for petty, disgusting party politics. Shame on you.
Alvin – if you were truly concerned with ensuring your grandson has a bright future with plenty of opportunities available to him, why do you continue to support the PLP who forced all of us into financial slavery to repay the billions in debt accumulated during their last eight years in Government with little to show for it?
When asked the question “POPA Alvin why can’t the Government help me with a student loan, national training scheme or financial assistance when times are bad” are you going to be able to look him squarely in the eye and say … “Because your POPA’s party decided we were better off looking after our own lot rather than putting aside funds for future generation to ensure they had equal access to opportunities.” So which is it? Truth or lies?
Again you are pandering to your nationalistic obsessions.
Straight out of a certain hand book.
Your extreme stance will do untold damage to the Bermudian children if unchecked.
You should have been fighting for them as our debt was screaming out of control under the plp. That debt is the biggest threat to your grandchildrens future. But you were silent and accepted incompetence and more. You will have yourself to blame…not prc’s…not whites….not the u.k….not the governor…not the queen…not the oba.
Very few here are familiar with Bda’s immigration policies past and current. Few seem to understand that this is an issue of fundamental importance. There is a loophole folks that both parties say they did
not see that has multiple implications. It needs to be corrected.
Go to the meeting, listen, ask questions, and learn.
u seem to be well acquainted with BDA Immigration statues. Please tell me how can an intelligent PLP attorney that is known for his anti-foreigner stance ‘mess up’ such an important piece of legislation. There is more to this than meets the eye Liz…you know it!!!!!!
they all contribute to the economy which is in such disarray thanks to the former govt (plp). opinions are like ******* everyone has one. Just more hate and distrust from the plp/
Again, I say give citizenship to anyone that has contributed for +25 years, is clearly committed to being Bermudian and is prepared to denounce citizenship rights in their countries of origin as a result. At that point those folks will not see the OBA as a path to advancement but will instead hold them just as accountable as everyone else, which could in fact translate to a bolstered support base for the PLP if the OBA no longer serves their interests. PRC holders are not all “rich white folks” sucking off the so-called “UBP/OBA” teet.
Why do they have to denounce citizenship rights elsewhere?
Xenophobia is alive and well!
Homophobia too!
Really PLP–this is the best you’ve got?
Billions in deficit, Bermudians unemployed, Tourism in the crapper and an onslaught of commercial pressure from outside our borders and this is the most critical thing for you?
You are all joking right?
Comeon–let’s begin to focus on the issues here.
This is one you created–move through it and then move on and help solve the issues o this country–
Please stop holding us back!!!!
STOP! with all your common sense!
So can someone tell me what is the difference between the following MPs?
(1) Harry Vieira (RIP)
(2) Mark Bean
Answer: ABSOLUTELY NOTHING !!!!!!
Harry Viera was more entertaining.
LOL ‘gettem Harry’!!!!!
In fairness to Mr. Bean, he was never convicted of owning a fire arm, drinks a lot less (if at all), and does not smoke Marlboroughs. In fairness to Harry, he probably never tried nor gave his kids Herb tea.
I think the people of Bermuda, know about the opposition leader, he likes his weed. his diction is terrible…. how the hell is this man an opposition leader?
He was considered the best they had. Frightening isn’t it?
The ole adage: “The blind leading the blind” that is how he became their Leader (tentatively…yes, tentatively) For he also will be pushed to the curb just like Dame Jennifer Smith had been shoved to the streets after winning the election for the Progressive Labour Party…But oh those famous words the doctor had for allthe people of Bermuda, “we had to deceive you etc.”
Mr Bean et al. There are no TRUE BERMUDIANS! No matter how you cut the apple we ALL originated from a different country. The only things here were birds and pigs when OUR ancestors stumbled upon these shores and decided ton stay.
The OBA is considering (and the PLP thinking about) selling Bermuda Status for a big big price.
If a rich Arab, African or say Russian is willing to pay $10M for status why should that money go into the government general fund? Why not just let the Born Bermudian sell his particular birthright and he gets to keep the money and leave the island. (he could go to the UK they give him citizenship free!)
How much is this our birthright worth?
Maya Angelou wrote, “Can you imagine if we did not have this undergirded hate, racism, sexism, and ageism; if we were not crippled by these idiocies? Can you imagine what our country would be like?”
In Marc Bean’s big meeting tonight, perhaps he and the PLP can come up with a definition for a ‘Real Bermudian’.
Special note to Marc: We already know what is meant by a ‘Grassroots Bermudian’ and also a ‘Son Of The Soil’. So think real hard about this ok?
Your party stands no chance of survival if you don’t start to embrace everyone equally – ALL BERMUDIANS. After all, you’ve just alienated possibly thousands of new potential voters. Loads of old ones too.
You may well go down in history – as the guy who finally killed PLP’s chances.
Only the big DREB did this kinda damage.
I’d like to kow his definition of “Birthright”.
Because he doesn’t want “certain” people who were born here to get status and yet feels there are many “Bermudians” who were not born here who are “real Bermudians” and have this birthright.
I know exactly why this is, is Mr. Bean honest enough to admit it?