Premier & PLP Leader On No Confidence Motion
It “comes as no surprise” that Opposition Leader David Burt “would move a Motion of No Confidence in the Government with Bermudians in the middle of hosting the America’s Cup,” Premier Michael Dunkley said, while Mr Burt said the “Premier should not use a sporting event as a shield from democracy ” and if a majority support the Motion, the “country should expect an election before Cup Match.”
These statements come after Mr Burt brought a Motion of No Confidence in the Government following the passage of two Opposition Bills on Friday night in the House of Assembly.
Premier Michael Dunkley’s Comments
Premier Michael Dunkley said, “It comes as no surprise to me or my colleagues that Opposition Leader David Burt would move a Motion of No Confidence in the Government with Bermudians in the middle of hosting the America’s Cup.
“It has always been politics first, country second with him.
“It shows a remarkable tone-deaf approach to what’s important to the thousands of Bermudians who have worked hard to make sure we put our best foot forward for the biggest sporting event in the Island’s history, before a global audience.
“And it shows reckless disregard for an event that will dramatically position Bermuda for tourism success that can grow and sustain Bermudian jobs and businesses for years to come.
“If ever there was a time for Bermuda to demonstrate collaboration and teamwork, to set aside our squabbles and move forward together as one Bermuda, it is now. But that’s not the way of the Opposition Leader. ,
“It’s unfortunate, but that’s what you get. Blind politics.
“As Premier, we will deal with this motion. It’s just one more hurdle to jump as we work to support the well being of all Bermudians, moving the Island forward.”
Opposition Leader David Burt’s Comments
In response, Opposition Leader David Burt said, “The Premier should not use a sporting event as a shield from democracy and Bermuda’s constitution. The OBA lost 2 of its founding members making it Bermuda’s first Minority Government that is unable to pass laws.
“There are members of the Premier’s Cabinet who recently expressed in writing that they have lost confidence in his leadership, therefore it should not surprise the Premier’s colleagues that the Opposition would fulfill its constitutional duty of testing the confidence of the Government.
“On Friday the PLP passed two bills thorough parliament despite the objections of the OBA Cabinet. On June 9th, the PLP will make the case that Bermuda can do better than it is doing under the OBA. We will make the case that we can take care of the economy while also prioritising the pressing social issues faced by Bermudians seeking hope for a brighter future and want a Government that puts Bermudians first.
“If a majority of the people’s representatives support our motion of no confidence, the PLP will agree to wrap up any urgent legislation prior to the dissolution of Parliament to ensure Bermuda’s continued stability and the country should expect an election before Cup Match.
“As the Opposition Leader, I have no doubt that our warmth, hospitality and beauty will shine as our Island hosts the 35th America’s Cup. Bermuda’s taxpayers have spent $110 million to host the America’s Cup and I look forward to all Bermudians putting their best foot forward to showcase our Island as the best place to host an international event.
“When the America’s Cup ends, Bermuda will need a strong and stable government with the confidence of Parliament to conduct any future negotiations with the America’s Cup organisers. Bermuda needs a Government that controls a majority of seats in Parliament, and therefore when the event is concluded the country should go to the polls.”
BURT and PLP go away please your insignificant with one purpose to DESTROY Bermuda with excuse of power at any cost that includes the DETRIMENT of your own followers
Good strategy Burt, hit em while they’re weak.
what strategy that of fools fooling themselves with a false sense
PLP are desperate to squash the Lahey case.
Why so glum? If there is a tie the Speaker has the casting vote. For all the insults and criticism he’s been subjected to by the PLP he might well vote against them, especially if he decides to retire from politics. If I were he I would based on the current status of the parties.
On a related note, if the PLP is so convinced they will win, where are the Polls to how they are ahead? That’s politics 101.
Please don’t tear our country apart when we’re so visible on a world stage – these are not the headlines we need right now. I beg the PLP and the OBA to leave the politicking alone for a month and then you can start right back at each other
Our country has been torn apart since de first landed here, and its good that de world sees how racially divided we are.
Or do you want to give them an alternative fact impression that there is no racism here?
Why do you think we are racially divided and what do YOU propose to do about it?
We MUST put BERMUDA first.
Assuming Mr. Burt’s motion passes, perhaps the two parties could agree not to begin campaigning until after AC35 is done and dusted… Which leaves plenty of time to canvas for the Cup Match election Mr. Burt seems to want. Mind you, some of the more senior candidates might start doing some stamina training as canvassing in summer heat is no joke. I hope they all remember to drink lots of water while out and about.
Regardless, that is not why I am writing. My observation is that the mistakes of the previous government have simply been compounded by this one. More debt not less and not a hope in hell of paying it off as planned through growth – so instead we get Richards slapping taxes on those who can least afford them, whilst the service industries (lawyers, accountants, etc) yet again wiggle out. Prize national assets are being giving away for a few short term jobs. Government guarantees on real estate ventures ( so called hotel deals) are revealed at the eleventh hour. And has anybody thought about doing something about a certain wholesaler (Pepsi, Tropicana, Frito Lay, Quaker Oats, etc) who has a milk monopoly? Surely the price of this essential would be lower, and we could have real milk instead of the powdered rubbish, if this was done.
Alternative Facts
Like the price of your milk…
This is so utterly stupid.
You think there will be confidence in the PLP? The people who support you have their hands out already, they think you will improve life for them by doling out cash.
The rest of us have zero confidence in you. None. Particularly the bunch who are under investigation still. Same people same willingness to bend rules.
The arc of the moral universe is long but it points towards justice – your turn.
Shame on you David Burt…..all ego and ambition and no respect for the average Bermudian and what they have worked so hard to achieve for the whole country for the next few weeks.
De average Bermudian dont give a hoot about this elite sailboat race.
Ignore the boats – think of it as a massive investment in the island, 1000′s of tourists and associated spending, massive publicity for our tourism product, the catalyst for new hotels….there’s plenty to go around, you just have to get off your ass and do something about it.
Why are you against progress?
I suspect the average taxi driver, hotel worker, boar operator, W&E worker on overtime, any person working at Dockyard ALL give a hoot about it – or do you think they would rather not make some extra income???
@Onion Juice. How many hundreds of public school kids have enjoyed the benefits of the Endeavor Programme? They have certainly gained from the AC. Ask Island Construction how they have benefited during the construction of the Village and supplies of equipment. Ask how many food vendors have benefited. Ask how many electricians, plumbers etc have benefited. You clearly have no idea and just want to continue the false information.
What has the PLP to offer? A black mayors conference perhaps? The silence is deafening.
Oh really? Well an average Bermudian friend of mine is working for the first time in four years thanks to the AC – driving guests around in a BMW for $20 an hour!!!! And gives more than a hoot that he’s working
Wow a whole month making 20$ an hour driving around multi millionaires/billionaires. At least pay people good money since this is only temporary work.
And that’s your problem, I can’t wait to see what all gonna do when you get rid of the hand that feeds you.
“De average Bermudian dont give a hoot about this elite sailboat race.”
or equality.
Given the PLP’s track record of negotiations (read USS Bermuda about Morgan’s Point and the Causeway bridge for examples) and their sheer incompetence with capital projects and the economy how does a PLP government expect to command any sort of respect?
“When the America’s Cup ends, Bermuda will need a strong and stable government with the confidence of Parliament to conduct any future negotiations with the America’s Cup organisers.”
LOL
This guy is such a dreamer. After the shenanigans with the protests, the threats by the BIU (which the AC organizers can clearly see is an offshoot of the PLP)and now this, do you think they will negotiate with the PLP?
There won’t be any AC back in Bermuda and your attempt to disrupt the event will be remembered long into the future by some of the wealthiest people in the world.
PLP PLP PLP PLP PLP!!!!!!!!!!!!
David Burt clearly has no idea how the AC works. Totally out of touch. Here is the proof of what will happen to Bermuda should the PLP be the next Government.
Dunkley is running scared…but it is clear that the OBA government does not have control of the House. The Opposition tabled 2 important bills and the OBA could do nothing to stop them. They are effectively neutered and as such, the only thing to do is go to the polls.
Well, not really. Two pretty “weak sauce” bills that would have cut across party lines at any time, and the fact that an opposition bill passes doesn’t make for weak government – it enhances it.
So, no.
If Parliament is blocked when Burt tries his stunt, that would be ok with everyone presumably.
” The Opposition tabled 2 important bills and the OBA could do nothing to stop them.”
The opposition tabled two bills that the OBA had tabled years ago, the opposition voted against them then, but votes for them now. Of course, the OBA would vote with them..it was the OBAs idea in the first place. the plp can’t come up with anything original, so they just steal ideas from others.
Their base is far too stupid to see this though…as proven by the post above.
Time to block Parliament!
And I hope you get charged just like they did! Oh wait….. they OBA rent a crowd already done it and no charges what’s so ever. They were actually praised for their blockage parties. Weird how it’s different rules when the tables are turned!!
More trash from the Opposition. Bermuda will nosedive into garbage if the Ewart band comes in.
Says de baldhead.
LOL
“Says de baldhead.
LOL”
The angry b!%@h, OJ, squealed. lol
All,
Lets not start the hysteria. The PLP are correct in their approach. It is clear that Premier Dunkley has steadily lost the confidence of the general public during the course of his Premiership. Note that he was not elected Premier in the first instance. He got the role after MP Cannonier resigned.
If the PLP can demonstrate that the majority of MPs do not support Premier Dunkley then constitutionally he is on longer the Premier.
Many of us will comment about democracy but part of the process is the administrative transfer from one party to the next. Therefore if we believe Bermuda’s strength as a democracy will be further demonstrated if the No Confidence Motion succeeds and there is an orderly transition.
To those that complain that the timing is wrong since we are on the world stage during the America’s Cup, the reverse is actually true. Given the mass confusion, violence etc in other jurisdictions associated with elections, Bermuda can demonstrate that political maturity can result in continued stability during times of transition.
As a final comment, it is a definite reality that several Bermudians are simply not feeling the economic benefits of the America’s Cup. It therefore serves no good purpose for others to try to convince them that they should feel what is not real for them.
Kinda like “several Bermudians simply did not feel the economic benefits” of Beyonce and the Black Mayors?
Notice how they cant argue with reason? The same ones who decry the oppositions constitutional duty to proceed as simply party politics…
” It is clear that Premier Dunkley has steadily lost the confidence of the general public during the course of his Premiership.”
is that why their approval rating increased and the plps dropped?
If the decriminalizing of Marijuana is an indication of what the PLP proposes to bring forth if they win an election, heaven help us. Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time.
The island is not united and the Premier knows this. Call the election after the Americas Cup. The PEOPLE will choose and we will have a winner.
End of story!
Definitely scary to think we have all these projects going on and the PLP have a chance to regain power. Have a lot of unfinished buildings laying around.
I have nothing but contempt for Burt and every other one of his PLP cronies. His actions are destroying all the good work that has been done to make Bermuda shine in the light of the America’s Cup.
Vote for me is back!!! Must be an election coming. Fact – PLP/BIU/UBP/PC are about protecting themselves and are not about Bermuda at all!!! It is absolutely awful. Mr Burt will be the biggest disaster Bermuda has ever had. The puppet master Dr Brown is doing what he does best – destabilize and undermine. The House does not represent how the people feel. Bermuda is shining – it is on the UP and UP. So two selfish clowns who are in this for themselves can bring Bermuda to its knees. They are selfish and nasty. OBA is not perfect. Far from it. But the alternative is truly terrifying. Imagine a government with Col. Burch and Roban. A junior minister of Finance who ruined bermuda. Zane taking what he wants. Forward not back!!!!!!
JETGATE JETGATE JETGATE JETGATE JETGATE
Sorry what was the reason Dr. Brown didnt go before the Commission of Inquiry? What did they have to say about him and current MP??
LAHEYGATE LAHEYGATE LAHEYGATE LAHEYGATE
Lolololol
Port royal, Heritage wharf, TCD building, Magistrates court building….. Do you need me to go on or is it correct that people in glass houses ought not to throw stones? I am very much a neutral /swing voter but I hardly think screaming “jetgate” is a good answer to the screws ups of the previous Government
Agree 1000%! It will be a sad and dark day if the PLP ever regain power.
To pay off the dept you need revenue——-Has the PLP stated at all how they plan on making revenue to pay off our dept. The OBA has actually spent hours and hours bringing events, turning the attitude around, bringing in business-which all means that more people are needed so permits go up-imports and duties go up, etc…… they spent money to make money-a very sound decision that is widely supported. The PLP play tricks and games and twist every fact and figure around and end up spitting out lie after lie, after lie. Burt I feel your heart may actually be in the right place but you have 12 years of PLP failure and twisted lies to shake and then 4 years of acting like Trump and the Republicans (constantly trying to derail anything and everything you can-> no matter how much it benefits the country the constant ‘party over country’ mind set you and the PLP constantly push is old, selfish, and has no place in the future of Bermuda (I have yet to read how exactly you plan on making Bermuda a better place for Bermudians and everybody else who contributes to the well being and survival of Bermuda)
Hannah, are you not aware that on May 12 the OBA Government laid a similar bill to decriminalize marijuana as well? So I am not sure what point you are making. Do you think it is ok that young black males are put on the stop list to travel to the US for possession of small amounts of marijuana? You probably believe that young white males don’t smoke marijuana in Bermuda. Well they do, and like in most other jurisdictions they are often not targeted by the Authorities and therefore do not often get arrested. When they do get arrested and charged some get a total discharge from the courts. But you are happy with the way things are?
False! There are many Caucasians on the stop list. Stop lying to yourself. The difference is rich vs poor. The rich get away with the crimes while the poor are convicted. It’s all about how much one can spend on a lawyer. I know of black families with expensive lawyers too, and therefor no criminal record.
Please don’t assume I am white, my son is white and he’s on the stop list, next question.
I have seen this first hand. DARE ME TO CALL THE NAME. Sucker didn’t even spend an hour in jail…for 1/2 oz…
#2bermudas
You mean the plp candidate who was just ‘holding it’ for a friend?
Agreed, he got off pretty lightly didn’t he?
David Burt and the PLP only think of themselves and couldn’t care less about Bermuda. To force an election now through a vote of No Confidence would only benefit the PLP and in fact would hurt Bermuda. The OBA only has 7 or 8 months left in their term and should be allowed to finish the good work that they have been doing cleaning up the mess that the PLP left them. If the PLP want to prove me wrong then withdraw the vote of No Confidence from the Order Paper.
I am only concerned about Bermuda and what is best for Bermuda and have no political affiliations whatsoever.
They just want to get their hands on the pot like b4 n spend what they don’t have
Should we block parliament and stop the PLP ministers from voting?
So PLP/BIU supporters can I ask this? If those people who do not support the vote of no confidence motion that the PLP has “filed” – if they/we block access to the House of Assembly on Friday to prevent the motion being debated – is that ok? Or would you have a problem with that?? (its a yes or no answer)
This is not about the country, it’s about them getting back in power to stop the legal proceedings in Boston with lahey clinic and dr brown,
They cannot afford it to go any further.
This will backfire on Burt. Trust me. I hope he does force the election during AC. Then Burt and the PLP will lose.
Rules are rules that must be followed.
Burt and his followers are selfish. To try and pull this now speaks volume. While this event may not fancy all Bermudians, you cannot change the fact that it has contributed so much to the island and if you can’t see it its because you choose not to. Why why why would anyone want to showcase Bermuda in a negative way while millions are watching? Why can’t we bask in this without interruption and deal with politics after? This is so selfish to those Bermudians who are finally working again. I know someone who has been unemployed for 1 year and is now working. I will never vote PLP as long as I live.
“Keep your eye on the prize.” “We don’t care what you think.” “It is our turn now.” “At your peril.” “We had to deceive you.” “This too shall pass.”
There are plenty more of those zingers. Which party did they come from?
Triangle my people don’t care what you think. Soon we will tell you in a vote. Now go cry in a hole.
If Mr. Pettingill is stupid enough to believe that he has a snowballs chance in hell of being elected as an Independent then I have some “ocean front land” in Arizona to sell him!!!
“If Mr. Pettingill is stupid enough…”
where is your law degree from?
All you saying PLP this and PLP that…. If they are that bad then the OBA will get back in… So don’t worry yourselves… Unless of course you know the OBA is doing worse (doubled our debt in 4 years) Oh wait…. they have to spend money to make money right? Well lets see what you all say when PLP gets back in…
David Burt = politics first, country second. Brilliant. Perfectly captures burt and the plp!