Comments on: PLP & Ministry On Ending Regiment Conscription

By: D

Sun, 09 Nov 2014 18:13:49 +0000

After all that’s said and done, all that don’t want to be forced into the regiment can thank Larry Marshall for sticking to his belief.. If it weren’t for his diligence, we won’t even be talking about this right now. For all that want to go regiment, you’re welcome to it. Hats off to Larry Marshall!

By: D

Sun, 09 Nov 2014 17:22:44 +0000

Yeah lol

By: PBanks

PBanks — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 15:36:55 +0000

But by making it ‘non-volunteer’, you’re pretty much perpetuating the conscription policy, to a different kind of service.

By: Nine Colonels React To MP Roban’s Comments | Bernews.com

Nine Colonels React To MP Roban’s Comments | Bernews.com — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 10:38:03 +0000

[...] a statement last week Mr. Roban, the Shadow Minister of National Security, said: “It is important for the OBA to now [...]

By: Varied

Varied — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 21:10:24 +0000

I wonder how Cayman Islands or BVI deal with such things… oh wait

By: Varied

Varied — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 21:03:25 +0000

So why do so few countries have conscription, if it’s such an ‘Universal Honour’?

By: wam bamm thank you mam

wam bamm thank you mam — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 17:38:22 +0000

It is my humble view that if Some don’t wish to serve they shouldn’t have to,but….if you stand to gain from serving then you wouldn’t need a conscript.You would have abundant full time regiment.Again while serving schooling should be offered as a reward,or a consequence of serving,marine mechanics,electrical,piloting,bus driving,ambulance ,fire service,air conditioning automotive mechanics,heavy equiptment,and any and all formal education,(with a promise to work in govt. Till schooling is paid for,by that time you might enjoy your job.)It is a nateral evolution of regimental structure,and at the same time you learn responsibility,how to go to bed at night and wake up early in the morning, how to do your part sociologically speaking…we all serve a purpose in the grand scheme of things and this …of done properly would be a great beginning….

By: wam bamm thank you mam

wam bamm thank you mam — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 13:55:36 +0000

Tell you like an old friend of mine once tole me…(No fall down…fall up!”Like I said propose to head of commonwealth this idea,pool conscript from an inter commonwealth pool of volunteers,of which you will have many if for service the possibility of commonwealth citizen with right to work and live in country…or countries of service…or commonwealth membership be offered.Is this not a forward thinking idea,all that would be required is no criminal history,this should also be a thing that could change for service providing tenure is good and effort is made to learn anything offered,more skills more consideration.Conscript or volunteer “should”,be made into a place of learning life skills and character building.Be all that you can be!

By: watchfuleyes

watchfuleyes — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 02:40:15 +0000

Movement in the direction? that is not good enough, all this planning should have and could have been done ages ago, if one was serious about ending conscription. It looks to me like the Premier said anything to get elected and now is stalling. With the OBA’s record of not following through on their promises, this does not surprise me. @Raymone Ray where have you been? Mr.Marshall has not just been fighting for his sons but for all males who are likely to be conscripted,since it affects those who have the misfortune of being called up into the Regiment. Stop making this personal, this goes far beyond his sons, and my sons and even past the ‘tradition’ and ‘myth’ we have been brainwashed to believe which is that we need conscription.

By: Barnacle Bill

Barnacle Bill — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 00:27:14 +0000

End conscription?…not exactly…we will always need a regiment,it’s fuction could be more robust and inciteful,why not create a regiment that can do more than fight,a unique and useful highly trained indevidual with many crafts and expertise useful to them later on anywher they go…on call after service for a period of time in case of emergancy.Inter country conscript or choice all of commonwealth with citizenship at duality for time in service to country of service.Bermudian or as commonwealth citizen as concequence of service to commonwealth then commomwealth citizenship of all countries cooperating in this endeavor……do’t think small…think big!

By: Cleancut

Cleancut — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 00:10:09 +0000

Oh! i was unaware that the Premier was the Commander and Chief of the Bermuda Regiment.

By: MR. Wisdom

MR. Wisdom — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 21:20:41 +0000

The exception should be those who DON’T want to serve. When will you get it through your thick skull that forced labour is WRONG.

By: Ex_Regiment

Ex_Regiment — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 21:12:21 +0000

Just END IT!! I served 4 years I loved it but I feel that it is a total waste of tax payers money! Plus 80% of the guys up the regiment don’t wanna be their.

By: Larry Marshall

Larry Marshall — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 16:03:12 +0000

The British position was made clear in 2008 when the FCO issued a statement as follows:”Conscription is a matter for the Bermuda Government.”

By: MR. Wisdom

MR. Wisdom — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 15:38:06 +0000

With all due respect Takbir Karriem Sharrieff, in one breath you state, ” I will resist slavery with every ounce of my very fibre” yet conscription which is a modern day form of slavery you believe is acceptable? Either you’re intellectually dishonest (hypocritical) or just can’t comprehend what slavery is.

To force someone into work and threaten them with arrest if they don’t conform is a form of slavery, you are aware of this right?

By: Generalisimo

Generalisimo — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 15:23:56 +0000

Was ROME built in a day, The lot of you need to figure that no matter what IT WILL TAKE TIME and even more to do it PROPERLY FGS. At least there is movement in the direction. Also past sell by dates are only a suggested date, we all know the products will last beyond that date !!

By: Triangle Drifter

Triangle Drifter — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 14:28:16 +0000

Maybe you should read the whole thread before jumping in with an opinion.

In an earlier post I suggested that EVERYONE between 18 & 25 do a period of community service, not necessarily the Regiment.

The only exceptions should be those furthering educations overseas, the medically exempt & the self employed.

By: Independent

Independent — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 14:02:07 +0000

Britain does not have conscription,why should we?
By the way I served 3 yrs in The regiment after being conscripted.

By: Alvin Williams

Alvin Williams — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 13:20:39 +0000

Interesting aspect which has not come to the fore;Bermuda is still a British overseas territory and that means the governor has over all control of the courts; the police and I presume The Bermuda regiment. What is their view of the dismantlement of the regiment? Because if anyone harbours the belief that Bermuda with it’s very small population is going to be able to produce this all volunteer military force? well that will be a disappointment. In other countries with larger populations; long standing structure unemployment; although some will say Bermuda has reach that point; other economic factors have seen people turning to military service if only to earn a living. Even if Bermuda decided to pay what I suppose would be a full time scale down military force a real wage; the question still remains what role would it play in the Bermuda contexts? Again what is the British position on this? Does the Bermuda government know? Because if they do Premier Dunkley is not saying.

By: Takbir Karriem Sharrieff

Takbir Karriem Sharrieff — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 11:13:21 +0000

Mr.Wisdom…..I remain committed to my Point that a citizen should serve the country of his choice or birth.If he is dissatisfied with his country of choice or birth then he along with others should fight along with others to change that country or take that country over then change it.I was a proud follower of The Honourable Elijah Muhammad during his lifetime and I came into The Nation of Islam as a follower of Malcolm x…!I am also a life Student of Imam Warith Deen Mohammed the Mujeddid of this time and age…..and a follower of Muhammad the Prophet of 1400years ago.!Muhammad Ali is my favourite Boxer and Roy Jones is next in line to him.I do not eat pork although I am in a pork eating society under a pork eating government.,,,,and I will resist slavery with every ounce of my very fibre.I am a universal free thinker and a good citizen of my country of birth.I under the racial context of everything that went on in Bermuda before the famous theatre boycott that busted all racial barriers in Bermuda in 1959….!I supported it and was an active participant.I also remember when the P.L.P. was formed 3 doors from my house in Mr Rio Richardsons Garage in Serpentine Road in Pembroke Parish.I also know when the P.L.P. the lifetime party of my choice, started to lose its way following in the footsteps of its devil master.I remain a Committed Muslim and a commited Bermudian , and I thank you for allowing me to tell my story.! Now ,,,,,what’s yours….?

By: X man

X man — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 10:08:28 +0000

All this is about is scoring Political brownie points — all this is a bunch of noise – the whole process still has to
still be decided by the UK Govt. – which consist of a debating and deciding process right up to the Queen.
You right the PLP had 14 years to deal with this issue but totaly ignored those who bought the Issue to light.
Ignoring Issues and People were one of the things I disliked about the PLP when they ran Bermuda.

By: watchfuleyes

watchfuleyes — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 05:50:52 +0000

Why are we going backwards. We have had the conversation and debate on the ending of conscription and both parties agreed that it must end. What is taking Mr. Dunkley so long or should I even ask? Get on with it and stop stalling. It is for the Regiment to determine and find a way to keep operational with volunteers just like the rest of the world has been doing. Lets not keep making excuses as to why and when it will end. As long as men remain there forcefully they are conscripts, so in essence conscription ends when the last man goes through those gates.@Bermy Bud it maybe the premier who is lying, as I see no progress in ending conscription besides talk. Let the OBA put it in writing then I will believe them., Just imagine if all the supporters of conscription online would keep on volunteering, then we wouldn’t even need conscription, all you lovers of conscription, re-enlist. Is there a cut off age? It shouldn’t be, people of all ages can clean the streets after a hurricane.

By: Larry Marshall

Larry Marshall — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 01:40:13 +0000

Maybe you should inform the Premier as he does not have that inside info from Buckingham Palace.

By: MR. Wisdom

MR. Wisdom — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 00:41:30 +0000

Free ride? Is a free ride equal to FREEDOM? If so, every individual deserves a free ride. There is no excuse for forced labor of any kind in a society that practices choice. So if you believe that forcing one rather than educating one is in the best interest of a country you Mr. Triangle Drifter need psychiatric help.

The way it is with conscription now, everyone besides the conscripts gets a free ride and you don’t seem to have a problem with that.

By: Build a Better Bermuda

Build a Better Bermuda — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 00:37:12 +0000

Those that have come to take their service seriously are. Your attempt to generalize all soldiers serving, as those who waste their time there, is a disservice to those who don’t and you should apologize to them. I have had the chance to work with many there who take their duties seriously, some were happy to go in, some reluctant, all from different walks of life on this island, and all choose to make a positive use of their time there, and these are the ones who make up the active operations division that provides the primary support to the police from the regiment. Your remarks shows a willing sense of ignorance about that and an unjustified intolerance to those who volunteer to comprise the first line of this force.

By: Cleancut

Cleancut — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 00:20:50 +0000

Larry, The Regiment and conscription is not going anywhere. Read my lips.

Why? Because the queen says so.

By: Build a Better Bermuda

Build a Better Bermuda — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 00:20:22 +0000

We’re nit picking at points, the act of conscription will end with the last conscripts entering in 2016, the last conscripts will serve until 2019.
However, your desire to see it end immediately, is both short sighted and selfish. When conscription ends, there will be a hole in our social safety net that conscription has inadvertently filled, and that has been to catch and give purpose to individuals that have otherwise fallen through the cracks until that point. Many have found in the regiment a chance to build a sense of self discipline that was never present or instilled into them prior to being called to service, and have benefitted and from this and allowed them to catch themselves from falling into bad conditions in life. Unless there are means to fill this hole, those that could have been caught, will be further missed, and that is a disservice to them and society as a whole.
Your views on the Regiment have always been singular, self-serving and negative, intolerant to the good that has come out of the regiment, and while it has not been all good, this fault lies not in the institution, but in the nature of humanity itself. What you get out of the service in the regiment is very much a reflection of what you put into it. It is a shame you sons never allowed themselves to experience the service, it could have been a positive and beneficial experience, but only if they could have removed their personal intolerances, and the regiment is a good place for that.
The OBA has taken the right strides toward the end goal; as with construction, if you want a solid building, you begin with a solid foundation, because if you rush that first stage, in short order, your walls will be coming down around you.
During my time in, I found a great many faults, some with the institution, most with selfish members, but having opened myself to its experience, I carried out a far more positive opportunity than I had expected and relish in the many friends and colleagues, across all walks of our society, whom I had a chance to cross paths with during my various stages of my career there.
In the end, I can tell you without a doubt, that what you get out of the Regiment, will be exactly what you put in and a reflection of your attitude toward life and others.

By: MR. Wisdom

MR. Wisdom — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 00:09:16 +0000

Thing is, the people disagreeing with Larry Marshall are not even understanding his words. I’d like to know why people have something against Mr. Marshall? All he has done is fight against an unjust law. What’s so wrong about that?

By: MR. Wisdom

MR. Wisdom — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 23:54:46 +0000

Mr. Sharrieff I take it you’re a Muslim. Would you be okay with being forced to be a pork eating Christian? Point, I’m trying to make with you, is that if you can justify conscription in the name of serving ones country you can justify slavery in the name of serving ones country.

You should learn your history. Elijah Muhammad went to prison for the fighting the draft as did his son Wallace. The most Famous opponent to the draft was Muhammad Ali, yet another practicing Muslim. But of course you’re probably more of a Muslim than the three mentioned. For someone of color, you need to understand the racial context of conscription in Bermuda.

I’ll leave you with the below.

“You’re not to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it.” Malcolm X

By: Triangle Drifter

Triangle Drifter — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 23:19:50 +0000

True, but Marshall & Co think that they are entitled to a free ride. They are not interested in any sort of community service. They don’t owe anything to the Country of their birth.

By: micro

micro — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 22:47:59 +0000

Because there’s a process.

The Regiment has been making great strides in attracting more volunteers in the past couple years, never once have I seen you or any the BAD members praising that.

By: Raymond Ray

Raymond Ray — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 22:34:52 +0000

Thank you Frank. Now Mr. Roban from the P.L.P claims they wanted to do away with the Regiments draft but the O.B.A. stopped them.
When it comes down to the Progressive Labour Party members, they will do / say anything to get a vote. Sad yes, but true

By: Takbir Karriem Sharrieff

Takbir Karriem Sharrieff — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 22:31:59 +0000

Truth of the matter is…..conscription is just a Political Red Herring…..it is Political maneuvering at its slimiest.There is not one valid Reason for removing Conscription.It is a universal Honour and opportunity to serve ones country of Origin or Birth.One who wants Bermuda Citizenship should want to serve the Country of his choice.Status without obligation amounts to …no status at all.!Poli-tricks is at the root cause of all of the Political Hogwash.Cowardice and Infidelity is the fuel of the ones stoking the unholy embers…!

By: Larry Marshall

Larry Marshall — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 22:19:57 +0000

Mr. Wells,

I think we are both missing each others points. Thanks for the input.

By: Frank

Frank — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 21:43:34 +0000

Why did the PLP not get this done as they said they would over the 14 years running Bermuda is the Big question.We Bermudians seem to have a very selective memory as to promises made by both parties .

By: Edmund Wells

Edmund Wells — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 21:43:03 +0000

Mr. Marshall-

I respectfully disagree.

Slavery certainly didn’t end until the last slave was freed, but slavery (defined as one person forced to work for another without compensation or choice) is an on-going condition, and is not analogous to conscription (as defined above), which can only occur once, on one day (the day on which a person is enlisted for service to the state).

Under Premier Dunkley’s proposal, no one is at risk of being conscripted past 2015, when the final ballot is formed. Therefore, there cannot be conscription past that point.

But as I said, there will be conscripts that fulfill the remaining term of their compulsory service through 2019.

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

Keepin' it Real!...4Real! — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 21:29:56 +0000

i can’t wait until we do away with this Regiment of toy boys…crybabies…i don’t wanna boys…so when things get rough we can bring in the Real Soldiers…you know the “Foreign” Soldiers…the ones that don’t have a problem killing women, children and babies…the world is becoming militarized more n more everyday and you people still acting like you all are just camping out on an island for a vacation…God forbid if we ever acquire a Privatized Military…and i shall leave it at that.

heck while we’re at it lets hurry into Independence so we can lose our travel privileges too…you be glued to de rock…Bermudians need to feel what they cannot seem to see…REAL HARD poverty by the MAJORITY of its inhabitants…yes! YOU. oh…an by the way…after you riot against the system,but have burnt out the half dozen stores we have…then what?
You’ll only scare the people with ALL the MONEY outta here and there goes the last of possible employment…THINK for ONE MINUTE PLEASE…YOU CAN’T LEAVE…AND NO ONE WANTS TO COME HERE. We will end up a society where as YOU will face death for taking a banana or vegetable out of MY garden without first asking for it…Survival it’s the name of this Millennium…it’s a New Game and a whole new set of rules…Forget what you thought you knew.

By: Larry Marshall

Larry Marshall — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 21:25:25 +0000

Blindness is an unwillingness to accept the truth because of who speaks it.Blindness is the lack of understanding when it comes to the violation of basic human rights. For the record I don’t want anyone’s sons subjected to conscription and its inevitable abuses.That’s what BAD has fought for and everyone will benefit.

The blind are those foolish enough to believe that human rights violations are somehow justified in the name of national security.

By: Larry Marshall

Larry Marshall — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 21:13:53 +0000

Mr. Wells,

I have read several accounts on this matter. It is common to read that “conscription ended when the last conscript walked out of camp.”

As long as there are conscripts there is conscription.Without one you cannot have the other and vice versa. Otherwise those conscripted in 2016 could not be forced to complete their term. And what ensures they do? Conscription. As you’ve said the definition of conscription is forced mandatory service most usually in the military.That force remains in effect until 2019. Fact!

What you are suggesting is comparable to saying that slavery ended in 1834 and there were slaves for an aditional three years during the phasing out period but not slavery.

By: James

James — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 20:37:13 +0000

Just scarp it at the stroke of a pen. Sell the land off, put the money in a separate account so they can pay private companies to clean up after a hurricane. After all that is all they do!

By: Raymond Ray

Raymond Ray — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 20:21:20 +0000

It was a promise made and will be fulfill in due time…By the way, don’t forget the P.L.P. didn’t even make any moves toward ending the Regiment Also, remember the O.B.A. aren’t compelled (orders from The Motherland) to do away with the Bda. Regiment have they ? No, I didn’t think so either. So, just because Mr. Marshall didn’t want his sons in the army he got mad and all u’lot arejumping on the band wagon…Blind leading the damn blind!

By: Allspice

Allspice — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 19:36:37 +0000

snore.

By: Larry Marshall

Larry Marshall — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 19:25:19 +0000

“Working to do exactly what you have been asking all this time?”

At no time have you heard me or anyone in the group state that conscription should be phased out over a seven year period. On the back of our T-shirts the words read “End Conscription Now” with an emphasis on the word NOW.

The OBA to date has done absolutely nothing to facilitate the aboltion of conscription. In essence their “plan” is to do nothing for three years, an incredibly long time considering the human rights violations, and then in 2016 begin the phase out process. That is unacceptable.

Furthermore I have it on good authority that this timetable has nothing to with time or money but is being dictated by outside influence. Read between the lines.

On November 25,2011, then Sen Dunkley stated that conscription was past its sell by date. Why then keep something which was out of date three years ago for another five years?

By: Larry Marshall

Larry Marshall — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 19:10:02 +0000

I cannot express an opinion on a report that has not been made public.

And regarding what took place on July 11,2014 Again nothing was tabled on that date. No legislation or report.

By: Edmund Wells

Edmund Wells — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 19:02:14 +0000

Mr. Marshall-

No.

Conscription (the compulsory enlistment for state service, typically into the armed forces) ends when the last person is enlisted.

In Parliament, Premier Dunkley said that Government proposes “a phased end to conscription working towards the last ballot for recruits in 2015 for 2016’s Recruit Camp and a completion of service for those soldiers in 2019.”

Conscription would end in 2015, when the last ballot is made final, or at the latest in 2016, when the last conscript enters Recruit Camp.

You and the Premier are both correct that there will be conscripts until 2019.

By: LiarLiar

LiarLiar — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 18:39:45 +0000

Will there be any new ‘conscriptees’ pass 2016?

By: LiarLiar

LiarLiar — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 18:38:38 +0000

You’re right about no legislation beig tabled. My apologies.

But a report was tabled to discuss teh method of eliminating conscription. Which is much more than can be said for the Party that took you and yours all the way to the Privy Council to fight against your cause.

Do you really think the same individuals who did that all of a sudden had a change of heart? It’s all politics.

What do you think of teh Government’s report and its proposals?

By: Larry Marshall

Larry Marshall — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 18:21:05 +0000

Conscription ends on the day when the last conscript leaves Warwick Camp. As there will be conscripts until 2019 that is when it will end.

By: Larry Marshall

Larry Marshall — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 18:17:44 +0000

Nothing was tabled on that date.

By: Mr.Speaker

Mr.Speaker — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 18:04:48 +0000

PLP is a crock of S***