PLP: Time For OBA To Collaborate With PLP
The Opposition Progressive Labour Party today [July 7] said it’s time for the OBA to collaborate with the PLP and end conscription.
Shadow Home Affairs Minister Walter Roban said, “The news that support for the abolition of conscription is growing among Bermudians is encouraging, and hopefully sends a message to the OBA that the time has come to join with the PLP and support our Anti-Conscription Bill.”
“This bill was brought to the HOA in Nov 2013 and rejected by OBA National Security Minister Micheal Dunkley. To date he continues to reject our options for the end of conscription.
“A hallmark of our tenure in Opposition has been to bring forward draft legislation and substantive motions designed to build a Bermuda that works for Bermudians. Despite this, the OBA, has with few exceptions opposed our efforts to work with them on this vision.
“We intend to keep pushing for the abolition of conscription for hundreds of young Bermudians males .Our mandate is to continuously seek options and solutions that will move Bermudians and Bermuda forward.
“We thank Bermudians for continuing to renew their faith and trust in our collective vision.”
Both parties are fond of using buzz words like ‘collaborate’, but we seldom actually see it in action.
Let’s see how this one goes.
This is about the PLP making it look as though they were the ones who have been fighting to end conscription. For 14 years, the PLP never considered to end conscription. In fact the PLP were always the CHAMPIONS of conscription. The PLP govt used tax payers money to fight those who were trying to end conscription. THESE ARE THE FACTS. And it is these facts which the PLP want you to forget.
Great point, the PLP were opposed to it back then especially because Colonel Burch was the National Security Minister at the time…
It might seem that they are just playing politics now that they are the opposition, however there are some fresh faces and perspectives in the PLP since then, and ending conscription is long overdue, no matter which party tables the bill…
I’d be interested in hearing what Mr.Roban feels was the hallmark of the PLP’s time in government.
Roban, had various ministerial posts, and he failed in every one of them…..so now he wants the OBA to do what he could not seem to do..
“Once we have the report of the Security and Defence Review Committee in hand and in consultation with the Commanding Officer, conscription will be removed from our books.”
so why is Roban banging on ???????
Bud likes to hear himself speak.
in business, let’s set up a review committee, wait for the review committee , meet, discuss further,all means it’s not happening…. until my butt looks as if it will be kicked… however IMV it will happen but just months before the next election…depending on how the votes looks at that time…. if they can just get PRC’s status before that time…then the OBA won’t need to deal with this…
A little early to be drinking Rhonda. Sober up and use sentences that make some sense.
Let me get this right, Bud wants the OBA Government to co-operate with the people who totally F*^c$d up Bermy?
Cut it out already. You fought B.A.D tooth and nail to keep this practice alive. Now you see that the O.B.A is gonna put an end to conscription paranoia is setting in. And we know why. I am a member of B.A.D and I could see right through you. PLP Government tried to table the legislation not because you cared for us ,more so you are concerned with votes .To me it doesn’t matter who passes it but don’t think that you can pull the wool over my eyes.
The writing was on the wall back in December of 2012 and now you are nearing the final chapter. KUDOS!!!!
Quite !
Just another example of the PLP speaking up about something now that they not only did nothing about in their 14 glorious years but they actually fought .
And to have the gall to now want to make it sound like it’s their idea and demand collaboration .
To steal an oft used term from one of the biggest trolls on here .
LMFAO
The important point to remember here is that this is not just about ending conscription, but keeping some sort of viable entity in existence after conscription has been abolished. The Regiment does serve an important function in our society, and as such it needs to be evolved so that a void is not left behind and we are left without it’s aid when we need it.
I find this just another fluff piece from the PLP, trying to make themselves look good after they spent so many years dragging us down. Frankly, after years of short sighted and disastrous legislation from the PLP, I would rather the OBA take the time to get this right.
*Yawn*… I just keep thinking to myself “14 years mate, 14 years!!!”.
Sorry Mr. Roban but the PLP’s band-aid approaches to this topic and the weed issue cannot be considered to be prudent governance. You provided no options to the present Government other than a hastily written legislative amendment abolishing conscription. That is it. There are no “options” put forward as you claim.
Me. myself, I prefer a more robust and comprehensive review to be complete to ensure that all potential consequences are gauged before passing legislation for simple sound bites and political pandering. Imagine if your Party had done this when passing the flawed; PRC bill, drunk driving bill and Whites Island lease etc.
There are numerous Bermudians that are employed full time by the Regiment and by simply ‘ending conscription’ with a flick of the pen is irresponsible as it could cause the collapse of the regimental institution and with it those jobs. As the PLP constantly claim that they are for Bermudian jobs, then one would think that your Party would consider the effects on these individuals before passing legislation for legislations sake.
It is this Government, the Premier to be exact, that has promised to end conscription and is going about it the responsible way. So it will get done once the report, which was commissioned, is finalized with the recommendations as to the best approach going forward. I look forward to that day.
The funniest thing about it all is that you yourself, Mr. Roban, were part of the PLP administration that took BAD all the way to the Privy Council to ensure that conscription remained in place. Now, about a year later, you want it scrapped immediately. Funny as hell, but to be expected from politricians.
“A hallmark of our tenure in Opposition has been to bring forward draft legislation and substantive motions designed to build a Bermuda that works for Bermudians.”
It’s a shame this wasn’t a hallmark of your tenure as Government!
More knee-jerk badly drafted legislation to make you look busy when the OBA make popular changes that you failed to take action on in your 14 years.
Somebody said a few weeks back that present PLP leader is on way out and Brown is on the way back perhaps it is he that is speaking from behind the scenes don’t fall for any of this stuff people stand on the voting public’s choice of Dec 2012
Why does the PLP keep on shooting blanks?
It took us 14 years to get rid of you PLP/BIU, now we don’t want you back, EVER!!!!
I am so sick of the childish antics that the OBA,and the PLP are running this Island,shame on all of you !!!! and else for the so called leader of the opposition…. he is one angry and self serving young man.
We need leaders not hungry wannabees that are only concerned about the money they can make as a politician.
Does anyone wonder if the PLP talking heads actually believe the crap that comes from their mouths?
Of course they believe what they are saying….the hallmark of persons who speak from both sides of their mouth!
This really is a LOL post by Mr. Roban. Desperately trying to latch on to a decision that will actually be popular. The OBA government will draft the legislation, the OBA majority will pass the legislation (see how the oppositions MPs vote on that one lol) and the OBA government will be the party that ended conscription….
Plenty of opportunity to collaborate however Mr. Roban, vote yes on the OBA conscription legislation
However, on legislation, things are still not moving fast enough, medical MJ and removing the stop list legislation should be done, Gaming should be done by now, Pati should be in place…Stop responding to an opposition that has little to say other than rhetoric and get stuff done!
The stop list is 100% US Federal Law. There’s nothing we can do about it.
Actually there is. Possession of marijuana is a midemeanor offence in the US. Here it is a criminal offence so you get classed with thieves murderers and rapists and thus put on the stop list. If we at the least decriminalized we wouldn’t have the stop list issue for small amounts of possession.
PlP your the reason Bermuda is were its at now. GO LAY DOWN
When I read SOME of these comments I wonder if as a people our goal IS to move forward…..
Are you having a problem understanding that there are in fact people who CAN see what’s going on , or am I missing something ?
I KNOW the reason for MY comment…sorry if YOU and those that “like” your comment don’t. .so yeah…YOU might just be missing something
PLP you had 14 years to abolish conscription, you want us to trust your collective vision!!!! Stevie Wonder has better vision then you all.
Why do you think the group of Regimental officers publicly expressed their urgent concerns over the possibility of ending conscription.
The complaints came from those who were being abused in various ways. The issue was not one of conscious against killing some one if ordered. Other armies have a medical corps which does not bear arms to kill people.
Was it because the continued issue of abuse in the regiment was never addressed.
A Regiment of trained ordinary Bermudians is necessary for the protection of democracy in our country. It should be controlled by conscripted Bermudians as their responsibility, loyal to Bermuda not some other power.
“This bill was brought to the HOA in Nov 2013 and rejected by OBA National Security Minister Micheal Dunkley. To date he continues to reject our options for the end of conscription.”
The PLP had from Nov 1998 to Nov 2012, 14 years as Government, to put forth a bill to end conscription. You had the BAD group who is/was campaigning against it the last several years, that would have been an ideal time to really look at it. It’s disingenuous of Mr. Roban or the PLP to act as though it s the OBA upholding conscription when they had plenty of opportunities to do it themselves.
Could someone please remind Walter Roban that it was HIS PLP govt that wasted tax payer money and took BAD all the way to the Privy Council to KEEP conscription! Do these people really think Bermudians don’t remember that?
Why cant Roban keep his mouth shut, and work on improving his selective memory? His latest diatribe is an insult to those of us are not in the sheeple category.
ooops!…..us *who* are not…..
Does Roban have a real job ?
It seems like only yesterday that Colonel and his merry bunch of haters were fighting a war of attrition with the expatriate community and making big inroads. They decimated the expat population. Now they want to wrap up the regiment? whats up with that?
“Your not in charge” blurted De Colonel!
utter garbage that Roban is using this as a political football. ask him to produce the legal bill that the PLP Govt footed to fight this anti- anti-conscription fight…….
you read it correctly……
ANTI
ANTI-CONSCRIPTION
THey weren’t serious then and they aren’t now…..
it is not genuine and is only a ploy to gain support in an area that they failed to be an advocate for…
classic strategist ploy.
Ok so now we don’t have the support of the public at large, let us try to exploit a demographic that we didn’t before – the abolitionists!!
Farging Beestitches!!
Let them be honest with their motive – they couldn’t be bothered with conscription, very few of their membership served so it doesn’t concern them or their kids…..
I support ending conscription but not with the help of these idiots who are not genuine AT ALL….self serving at best
It is better to be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt! #IJS
furthermore – Roban is a complete t%@t! Never one who is a champion of anything original…..NEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVERNEVER
Did I is say NEVERNEVER??
always something that someone else originated. yes he represents the people but we need visionaries and action ppl not complete and udder puppets.
If and that is a big IF you and your party practiced what you are preaching about collaborate then it may be believable. Unfortunately we the public are not as STUPID as you would like to think. BS baffles brains. BUT IN YOUR AND YOUR PARTIES current knee jerk and lets be adversarial position on anything said by the govt you become a laughing stock.
You didn’t care to end conscription during your 14 years in power and you are only trying to end it now to win the next election. The PLP only thinks of themselves and puts the party first and the country last! You make the majority of Bermudians sick.
PLP: Time For OBA To Collaborate With PLP
Actually it’s time for the PLP to finally get it that they LOST the last election and that they need to get the H#*ll out of the way!!!!
There endeth the lesson.
What people must remember is that they not only fought BAD tooth and nail to the privy council but the dirtiest thing the PLP did was go after those young man for legal cost.
Mr Roban has become a cartoon character. Every time I see his face I know I am in for a good laugh…
The PLP is in overtime Election Mode 24/7. Whatever it takes to try and regain Power. Nothing to do with the betterment of Bermuda, or jobs, just votes. Having failed at being the Governing Party for 14 years, they are now coming up with all the issues that between 1998 and 2012 were off limits. Gaming – don’t touch because it will upset the Church Vote. Cannabis – can’t touch because it will upset the Church Vote. Why has the “Church Vote” suddenly disappeared? Conscription – don’t touch because we are fighting BAD to keep this through the courts. PRC – don’t touch because we don’t know what to do. PRC. Hold public meetings to fire up the fear of having thousands of new Bermudians, lead by many who would be in the same position today if their parents and they weren’t allowed to become Bermudian by historic legislation. No wonder Bermuda is going downhill.
One thing is for sure the end of conscription will herald the end of the Bermuda regiment. The former Colonels of the regiment understand this very well.
Even if Bermuda was the develop an all volunteer regiment even a smaller size military unit which would probably be full time with reasonable pay our population size will not reach the mark in terms of man or even woman power. Than there is the other question; we are just too small a land mass to have a full time army and what would that army do; what would be it’s role?
Now the current unemployment problem that Bermuda has may prompt some Bermudians to volunteer; but one those not expect that this economic situation is going to last forever?
The first time a hurricane hits Bermuda head on and one would be a fool not to think that some time in the future this very well could be our fate; we would rue the day we no longer have a Bermuda regiment as a first line defence and reaction force to deal with a large scale human catastrophe. And there is one more factor which so far no one has touch on. Bermuda is still a British overseas territory and they might not agree that Bermuda should be without some type of military unit even if it is a smaller Bermuda regiment.
The Bermuda Regiment is not a “military” or an “army”… it is a Boy Scout troop. Fair point re storm clean up but no need for weapons training to run a chainsaw and a rake…
If you have ever been in the Scouts or the Regiment or any other army you would know the difference!
Training a group of young men to effectively use firearms in an organized and disciplined manner as a force is more responsible that to allow arms on the street to be organized by an unsupervised mob.
Its one thing if the lack of respect of the Regiment is expressed because of its perceived Colonial heritage and conscription is seen as the continued colonial repression but its another thing to call the Bermudian Regiment Boy Scouts.
You’re yet another confused person Cromwell. How it one breath you say that Bermuda needs a conscripted regiment to protect it’s democracy but you are too ignorant to understand that conscription goes against any form of democracy, you’ve got to have more intelligence than that, but then again, you were a PLP senator.
Are you the same Alvin Williams that supports the PLP. If so, how are you looking to defend forced labour which is conscription? Shouldn’t you be out in front championing the fight against conscription or you yet another PLP supporter that only believes in doing what benefits the PLP and their supporters?
Alvin Williams is about PLP votes and that is it. Forget human rights . The ending of conscription spells “demise” for the PLP.
Conspiracy Theory… The PLP now want to do away with the regiment as they incite the public to riot.
PLP took BAD to the Privy Council to keep conscription.
Please Mr. Roban stop treating us like we are fools.
The regiment helps one to realise the extent of their capabilities, serving your country opens doors you don’t even realise are there…at the same time you are presenting yourself, it is a test of character,once through this ,you are ready.Fortidudinal resolve to see things through is an important attribute ,it is well known this is gained through service.And you travel, work at an objective together,learn how to achieve through teamwork……or don’t…..be an unknown quantity without backround or resume…..the results would astound you…but at that point …it’s too late!
The discussion isn’t about whether the regiment can benefit those who serve, it’s about removing the conscription policy from our laws.
Well said Mr. Robain, lets work together to make Bermuda a better place.
Ending conscription would be a great start.
Collaborate…?……….collaborate………………I don’t need no stinken collaborations!
Lazy is as lazy does!……
lazy people need lazy people to do like them….so their not being lazy alll alone….I’m lazy….so you gotta be lazy too….I don’t want you to do it cause I don’t want to do it….don’t do it….what ever you do …don’t do that!…I’m not going to do it so don’t you do it!Why should you haa-dee opportunity I don’t think you should have….I didn’t get one …why should you?!!!!
Always think for yourself,or live someone elses misery.It is either your choice,and your oportunity…or it is someone elses choice for you….man up!
I’ll tell you what…s’why deez clowns can only find my footprints……deah lazy!
Clearly …the only obolition that we need is the abolition of the criminilisation of marijuanna,it clearly needs to be de criminilised.If you don’t like the smell…don’t smell it!,clearly it is not for everyone…but the those who don’t have far more reaching and broader issues…no amount of constraint imposed on thers will elleviate or cure…..they would clearly impose their will on others…..ok…then let’s have a scrutiny of you and yours……Let us…look at you….and make some decisions for you……then….at least it would be unilatteral.
As it was then,it is now…WE HAD TO LIE TO YOU!
the plp went all the way to the UK Privy Council during their reign of terror in an effort to get B.A.D.
Time to collaborate huh. Just like the PLP did right?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
PLP Quote: We don’t care what you think.
PLP Quote: We had to deceive you.
PLP Quote: That’s a Plantation question.
Yeah, sounds like they were collaborating.
NOT!
Note to PLP: You are no longer in charge – because you effed it up. Now go away.
Go to hell PLP
One can simply read the lines here and see more Political Tricks.
Conscription : very good base line to get things going — this subject alone could popularize or un-popularize
both political Partys because it involves potential new voters in the future.
Collaborate: the ex Premier CC was trying to do that from the beginning but the opposition learder sought to make him
his enemy. — now what is he trying’
anything goes now!
You go Bud!
If you can’t beat ‘em with brilliance, baffle ‘em with bulls**t!
Why are the PLP held to some impossible f***** standard of never being able to change their views on anything by the posters above? And why aren’t the same posters making the same points when the OBA change their views on topics themselves? All I read above is ‘they had 14 years to do XYZ…and since they didn’t they can sod-off’. Let me ask you this: who was involved with the PLP in 1998? Or more importantly, who from the PLP of 2014 was involved back then? Half of the then cabinet aren’t even alive anymore. And David Burt was probably 15… Believe it or not folks political parties are allowed to change their opinions on whatever they so choose. The OBA have done it and yet their supporters say nothing like they do above. Why? Why do the posters above have the gall to do and say one thing when one political party is involved and do and say the complete opposite when another is? How does that move Bermuda forward? It doesn’t. But let’s not let that get in the way of sticking it to the PLP whenever possible all whilst failing to move towards a more just and acceptable solution for 2014 Bermuda, right? And you can bet your bottom dollar that next year’s recruit camp will be filled via conscription. And 2016 too. And possibly even 2017.. FML
You’re quite right, they are entitled to change, but given their time in Government, and their behaviour when there, many people are going to need to see a change not just in the PLP’s ideas, but in the way they address matters.
It would do them well to, instead of demanding that the OBA collaborate with them, that they step up and show the way when it comes to cooperation on the points in which they agree.
Admittedly, some people will never change their perception of the PLP, in the same way that some people will forever blame the UBP for all of Bermuda’s ills.
Stop your noise.
Roban was part of the same administration a few years back that took BAD all the way to the Privy Council to keep conscription alive. They even fought for the BAD members to pay their legal costs.
That didn’t take place in 1998. It occurred just before the 2012 election. So the majority of the current PLP MPs were present for that fight and fought BAD all the way to the highest appeals court of the land.
Sticking it to the PLP? Taking responsibility is not sticking it to anyone, it is simply taking responsibility for one’s actions. But as we all know, and reinforced by your rant, that taking responsibility of one’s actions has never been and never will be a PLP strong point.
Hahaha you’ve got some crust!
“That didn’t take place in 1998. It occurred just before the 2012 election. So the majority of the current PLP MPs were present for that fight….” – So why does seemingly every other post above make reference to the fact that they were in power for 14 years? Or did you (selectively?) miss them? Yes, Roban was around when the government fought BAD all the way to the Privy Council but the point I was trying to make is that the above posters have never complained about the OBA changing their stance on anything …so why do they complain and kick s___ when the PLP do? After all, Mike Dunkley was around when the OBA said they would hold a referendum on gaming just before the 2012 election. As was Mike Fahy. And Mark Pettingill. And Trevor Moniz. And Grant Gibbons. And Bob Richards. And so on.
“Sticking it to the PLP? – Yes. Or at least that’s what I would call the below gems:
- Why does the PLP keep on shooting blanks?
- It took us 14 years to get rid of you PLP/BIU, now we don’t want you back, EVER!!!!
- PLP…GO LAY DOWN
- PLP you had 14 years to abolish conscription, you want us to trust your collective vision!!!! Stevie Wonder has better vision then you all.
- Mr Roban has become a cartoon character. Every time I see his face I know I am in for a good laugh…
- Go to hell PLP
Wouldn’t you agree?
Party faithful always amaze me. Following blindly behind their party’s politricks. What Bermuda needs is more independent leaders solving the mess of the political whips for the several decades.
Maybe, but it’s been proven that Bermudians will not vote for independent candidates.
It can also be said that perhaps it’s time for the PLP to collaborate with the OBA, particularly since it’s the OBA that’s in power at the moment and not the other way around.
The OBA is heading towards removing conscription, you think it’s a good idea. Applaud the OBA and make certain they don’t let is slip to the back of the list. Nag them. That’s opposition’s job, not to try to rush the issue so you can grab all the credit.
Bermuda needs to work together, show that you can, PLP, and you’ll come up in the estimation of everyone watching.
So …after calling for resignations…demanding them….you want someone to be with you?….but wouldn’t that be stupid?…..no one wants to lose their job……misery wants company….I’m out of work…..now you have to be out of work…collaborate with out of work people ….you’ll enjoy it…..that’s something I am not going to do…
The process of eliminating (phasing out) conscription in a 5 year period is absurd.
Again, how does this feed our people, make healthcare affordable, create jobs or pay down the debt?
100% PLP bulls***t!
I am tired of it – pure and simple and I have supported the PLP since the dawn of time!
We should inact a law where politicians dont get paid unless they solve a SIGNIFICANT problem tied to health, seniors, education, jobs or debt paydown. Time for performance and not for theatrics Mr. Bean!
Get off the soap box and pick up a shovel – show everyone how to lead by example and not with empty words!
I will not vote PLP in the next election and I will campaign against the PLP if you dont make change happen and support change that is necessary! Take that to the Bank Mr. Bean!