Minister & Shadow: Lefroy House Roof Repair
“While the OBA has been quick to repair bus shelters in the hope of getting a few extra votes in constituency 33, they have displayed a shocking lack of urgency or compassion for the safety and comfort of seniors at Lefroy House,” Shadow Minister for Labour Relations and Seniors Derrick Burgess said.
Mr. Burgess said that hurricane damage to Lefroy House is still not repaired, and asked why “does the OBA think it is more important to repair a bus shelter than it is to repair the roof of a home for seniors.”
In response, Minister of Public Works Patricia Gordon-Pamplin said that Hurricane Gonzalo blew off “some of the asbestos shingles” and “before repairs can be attempted to the roof, there has to be complete abatement of the asbestos.”
“This project will be completed as soon as is humanly possible in order to allow our seniors to have the benefit of living in dignity in their surroundings, having been failed so miserably by the PLP administration,” added the Minister.
Shadow Minister Derrick Burgess’ Comments
Mr. Burgess said, “Reports reaching the Progressive Labour Party that hurricane damage to Lefroy House is still not repaired is highly concerning. While the OBA has been quick to repair bus shelters in the hope of getting a few extra votes in constituency 33, they have displayed a shocking lack of urgency or compassion for the safety and comfort of seniors at Lefroy House.
“In the last three weeks, the OBA have dragged their feet and slowed down the speed of which slate could be distributed to Bermudians with damage to their homes. This has created uncertainty and put at risk the homes of thousands of Bermudians.
“Our questions to Public Works Minister Patricia Gordon Pamplin are -
- 1. When will the Lefroy House roof be repaired?
- 2. How is the decision made as to priority when repairs are being made?
- 3. Why does the OBA think it is more important to repair a bus shelter than it is to repair the roof of a home for seniors?
“Over the past week, Bermuda has experienced almost 2 inches of rain. This downpour has resulted in more damage to homes with unrepaired roofs due to the OBA refusing to give permission for Slate cutters to cut slate to make the necessary emergency repairs.
“Decisions made by the OBA have raised questions and impacted negatively on the lives of countless Bermudians. The OBA owes Bermudians an explanation.
Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin’s Comments
In response, Minister Gordon-Pamplin said, “The questions raised by MP Derek Burgess on Lefroy House, which can only be described as shameless politics, serve as a bitter reminder that the stewardship that the PLP had over the budgetary process was atrociously managed.
“Lefroy House had millions budgeted for repairs and renovations, including the replacement of the asbestos laden roof, ever since Hurricane Fabian devastated the building in 2003, and MP Burgess and his cohorts failed our seniors over the intervening 9 years by not getting the work done.
“Now that Hurricane Gonzalo has blown off some of the asbestos shingles three weeks ago, before repairs can be attempted to the roof, there has to be complete abatement of the asbestos. That process, which must follow financial instructions, is in progress to find a qualified contractor to complete the abatement.
“In tandem, the process is underway to confirm the scope of work required for the replacement of the roof, and the engineering department is working with the matron to achieve the design and replacement specifications. There are also ongoing discussions with the loss adjustor so that we can have a better idea on net costs. This project will be completed as soon as is humanly possible in order to allow our seniors to have the benefit of living in dignity in their surroundings, having been failed so miserably by the PLP administration.
“MP Burgess’ observation of the slate that had been put on a bus stop is acknowledged, and I gave instructions last week to the respective department that there should be no cosmetic work being achieved while people are still without resolution to their slate shortages and roof repairs.
“With that said, it is also important to note that any citizen has the freedom to make requests of the department for work to be done in any area under their responsibility, and if such work can be accommodated by the department, they are more than willing to oblige.”
Man, the PLP constantly come out with these complaints and constantly end up looking foolish.
Indeed. The PLP specialise in speaking without thinking, talking without listening and acting without understanding.
Their consistently juvenile and hollow remarks devoid of critical thought confirm a complete lack of ability and socio-economic know how. One need look no further than Marc Bean’s latest guffaw as evidence of this affliction of incompetence.
PLP – party before country since 1998.
It’s only Monday. How many times does the OBA have to correct the PLP this week?
They comment as opposition the same way they drafted legislation as government – without thinking.
More garbage from the PLP.
What did they do during their tenure.
S4it.
According to the PLP, bus shelters must have more votes than residents, and their families, at Lefroy House. Why else would bus shelters get preference? It just shows what foolishness Derrick Burgess is spouting. Maybe had the PLP Administration properly repaired Lefroy House after Fabian this issue would not have arisen.
No shame. The PLP have no shame at all.
these people make me laugh!
The Minister was too kind to the PLP.
“Lefroy House had millions budgeted for repairs and renovations, including the replacement of the asbestos laden roof, ever since Hurricane Fabian devastated the building in 2003, and MP Burgess and his cohorts failed our seniors over the intervening 9 years by not getting the work done.
I don’t see anywhere in that statement where the Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin stuttered. Give it a break u’lot on the other side of the floor
Far to many Bermudian are looking in the rear view mirror, at what the plp did or didn’t do during their tenure, dutifully directed by the Oba. Let’s hope that when you turn back around there is enough time to avoid the pit being dug in front of you.
Interesting….maybe you should practice what you preach!! Apply this same principle to what happened over 400 YEARS AGO and maybe, just maybe, people will begin to take you seriously.
I know, I know….it will NEVER happen…so, by the same token…the PLP does NOT get a free pass just because of what happened in the past. The decisions and actions of the past directly affect the present situation and possible future so they HAVE to be held accountable…period.
It is painfully obvious that the PLP and their flock truly believe that when they handed over the reins of the government that they were no longer responsible for any of the trash they left behind…as if by being voted out of office by the Bermudian public they were automatically absolved of all their sins!!! Sorry…doesn’t work that way.
Anyhoo…rant over…thanks for the inspiration….and btw…that’s what REAR VIEW mirrors are for…so you don’t have to TURN AROUND to see what is behind you!! LOFL Typical….speak first and think later.
While one is driving a motor vehicle there’s a small rear view mirror in that vehicle for the operator to peek into from time to time, (so as nothing can hit them from behind without giving a warning first) The motor vehicle has also a large windscreen up front to allow the operator to see clearly where it is they are heading…Catch my drift?
should the whole roof need replacing, perhaps thought could be put towards getting some solar pv panels installed to lower the electricity cost as well. just a thought.
Louise Jackson chased the PLP for years to do something about Lefroy House…did they do it? a resounding NO!!!!! So Mr. Burgess….why was this? I guess you all knew then that the roof was harbouring asbestos…So, I would suggest that all staff there have legal advice as they are now at risk from asbestos contamination….Something needs to happen now…but do not put the onus on the OBA…the PLP dallied too long and did nothing…Lefroy is in dire need of an upgrade and has been for years..