OBA: Upheld Commitment To Better Governance
“Despite what Mr. Bean continues to say about the Government, the OBA has upheld its commitment to better governance for Bermuda,” the OBA said today.
This follows after Opposition Leader Marc Bean said that “further strengthening of our anti-corruption laws is urgently needed,” and said the PLP proposes measures including the introduction of Anti-Corruption legislation, the introduction of Campaign Finance Reform, the introduction of legislation mandating open and transparent tendering processes, and the tabling in Parliament of any contract over $50,000.
An OBA spokesperson said, “We appreciate Mr. Bean’s newfound focus on good governance. It’s never too late for a ‘born again’ conversion to better governance, despite his party’s 14 years in government that left many Bermudians questioning the integrity of their government.
“It was the aura of corruption and self-aggrandizement in public office that the OBA campaigned against in 2012, and despite what Mr. Bean continues to say about the Government, the OBA has upheld its commitment to better governance for Bermuda.
“The implementation of PATI, some 12 years after the PLP first announced it, is evidence of that.
“The Proceeds of Crime legislation, which came into effect in November 2013, greatly increased penalties for political corruption. It also strengthened powers to gather evidence and recover tainted property such as bribes, kickbacks and any assets purchased with that tainted money.
“Monies seized through these regulations have already been distributed through our Cash Back For Communities programme to community groups and charities to help the people they serve.
“We will continue bringing forward good governance measures, such as integrity in public office legislation and implementing a Minister’s Code of Conduct that the PLP Government spoke of but did nothing about.
“At the end of this year, the Government will invite members of the public to sit on one or more advisory boards and committees that support Ministries – a step that will strengthen public engagement in decision-making, making it more accountable.
“The Government is willing to consider any anti-corruption reform as well as electoral reforms to ensure Bermuda operates at the highest levels of inclusivity and with integrity. And we welcome any public input on that point.
“As for Mr. Bean’s call to reform government procurement by tabling in Parliament any contract over $50,000, that is already a requirement of PATI regulations – the regulations his Government never put in place. We did that, to get the job done for Bermuda.
“In the final analysis, Bermuda will be more open, more transparent and more accountable when the OBA completes its 5-year term in office in 2017.”
Premier just talks nonsense with talk of koombaya and improving the language bc this drivel about past government when current government is caught right up is jokes
Well done, what an eloquent and well thought out response. You have succinctly addressed the subject of the article and I am sure you have stimulated a higher level of debate.
MOST BERMUDIANS HAVE NO ABILITY TO ARGUE PROPERLY, MUCH LESS WRITE SOMETHING LEGIBLY
I EXPECT NOTHING FROM THEM
But we have thee ability to know Bull S!@# when we here it.
the
Pretty sad if you think that was the only mistake that needed correcting.
After reading the History of King Leopold II of Belgium, I understand politics better.
Charming.
Put your cocktail down before you start typing.
Was anything better expected?
That is your opinion and, well, we know what they’re like right?
An O.B.A. spokesperson said, “We appreciate Mr. Bean’s newfound focus on good governance. It’s never too late for a ‘born again’ conversion to better governance, despite his party’s 14 years in government that left many Bermudians questioning the integrity of their government.”
A thought for today…
“It’s a shallow life that doesn’t give a person a few scars.” -Garrison Keillor, radio host and author (b. 7 Aug 1942)
haha again….the OBA has to correct the PLP AGAIN!
‘Whom the Gods would destroy they first make mad’; Truly after two and a half years of government and it utter failure to show any semblance or understanding what good governance is; let alone adhering to it’s election promise of transparency; the OBA has truly been made mad if it thinks Bermudians believe that it is committed to better governance.
They can do better, but they are a massive improvement.
How long, will it take, for you Bermudians to wake da f#@k up HUH?
Only intelligence will save you…If you have not begun to secure a swift exit strategy or plan B…then your demise WILL be of YOUR OWN actions…After a short period of falsely appearing to be Peace and Safety…Comes SUDDEN DESTRUCTION…and Bermuda is NOT EXEMPT.
more destruction to come.
Well that’s good, We’ve been living good for a long time and never appreciated it and those who fought for the struggle so we can prosper.
Now that see who is not for us and our interest we have to hit rock bottom in order for us to see the light.
The OBA selling out Bermuda and Bermudians one day at a time.
Good, that’s all a part off the Hoodwink.
The offer to strenghthen the corruption laws is merely another piece in the “take back Governmenet by any means” campaign of disinformation and misinformation by the PLP. By making this announcement they are implying the OBA are being corrupt. No evidence but just innuendo. Classic propoganda, something of which the PLP are masters of.
Marc “All ABout The Contracts” Bean is calling for legislation that he clearly does not want to be applied retroactively.
Well written article. Unfortunately many commenting on here will not see it, but keep going with the direction.
So Bean seems to have finally admitted he has no evidence of anything at all.
And now he’s pretending it would have been different if only the goalposts were in a different place.
Pathetic.
Unfortunately the less educated and die-harders will fall this PLP propaganda!
I must ask, why are the PLP so desperate to take over government immediately?
It strikes me that there is more to this than meets the eye!
Smiths
PLP is in death spiral. Only a complete fool would believe their line of complete BS. Unfortunately, there are quite a few around.
That retro active legislation?