Michael Dunkley Resigns As OBA Leader
Michael Dunkley has resigned as the leader of the One Bermuda Alliance, saying he “felt it was the right thing to do given the election result,” adding that he “remains totally committed to helping the party.”
This follows after the Progressive Labour Party’s major victory in the General Election, where they won 24 seats to the OBA’s 12, and 20,059 votes [58.89%], compared to the OBA’s 13,832 votes [40.61%].
In addition to winning 24 seats, the PLP increased their winning percentage of the vote in multiple seats, and recorded fairly large margins of victory in many of the seats they won from the OBA.
Mr Dunkley retained his seat, and is one of 12 remaining OBA MPs in the 36 seat House of Assembly, with the other eleven including Sylvan Richards, Cole Simons, Trevor Moniz, Craig Cannonier, Jeanne Atherden, Susan Jackson, Dr Grant Gibbons, Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, Jeff Baron, Leah Scott, and Ben Smith.
Mr Dunkley said, “Last night was a tough night to endure for me and my OBA colleagues. We worked hard over the past 4 plus years to rescue the island from economic ruin while making sure those who needed support got it. We are proud of the progress made.
“However the people spoke and the General Election result clearly said our work was not enough. I am heartened that the people of Smith’s North expressed confidence in me by re-electing me as their Member of Parliament. I will continue to serve them with my heart and soul.
“With that said, I want to inform you that I resigned as Leader of the One Bermuda Alliance early this morning in a communication to Party Chairman Lynne Woolridge.
“I felt it was the right thing to do given the election result and the need to clear the decks to help the party assess next steps. I remain totally committed to helping the party and whomever it chooses to be the next leader and deputy leader.
“Bermuda continues to face big challenges. Despite our progress on the economy we are not out of the woods. Much remains to be done to stabilize government finances and continue job creation. We must also focus on and improve education, seniors, the cost of healthcare and other social issues.
“However it is clear from the election results that the big issue in the room is how we live and work together in Bermuda. Are we going to continue to divide our country on race or work together for a better and stronger Bermuda?
“There is much work to do and much progress to be made on this fundamental question. I have been involved in Bermuda’s public life from all sides and, working with colleagues, I will do all I can to set the tone for a better and cohesive way forward.
“Thank you to everyone who reached out to me following the result, and to all those who in their own way help each day to move Bermuda forward.”
His time is up.
Too much damage done to black people.
He repeatedly ignored the cries of Bermudians for YEARS!!
Thank God above that his ridiculous reign of terror IS OVER!!
Moving along…..NEXT!!
Honestly, using the word ‘terror’ is beyond sickening when you put it in perspective of the world. How about living in Uganda or Syria? The OBA was not perfect and made mistakes like all previous parties in our history but at least there was a level of integrity with Dunkley when you compare him to most others in our history. They were not perfect, but imo, made big strides in getting BDA back on its feet. Now “backbone” let’s hope your party doesn’t keep up its history and actually does some good for once?
Very well said!
Well Said Patricia Krehberg. Dunkley, Richards and Gibbons did an AMAZING JOB and deserve this country’s huge thanks for a job well done. Agree or disagree, like the OBA or not, but they collectively came in at a critical time when Bermuda was on life support and turned that around. Bermuda however still has a long recovery period and the PLP had better not repeat their very poor performance from their last time in Government. Congrats to PLP and looking forward to a Party that works for ALL Bermuda, and that puts Bermuda FIRST, BEFORE PARTY OR SELF.
Excellent comment.
Get em’ Patricia. Some people are just plain stupid and ignorant. They don’t have a clue about anything.
Well wait a minute… “for years” – you make it sound like decades
The party itself hasn’t been around all that long.
How many years did it take the PLP (& they did so in pretty quick time) to put the island in massive debt ???
Can you provide examples of such targeted damage? I doubt he would have won his constituency if that was the case. If you can’t, then this is just political Cool-Aid.
Because Hewart Brown did do much for you….or was it Paula Cox that hooked you up so….
Exactly I think we all know that the damage was done under Dr. Brown. The 1.4 billion debt he racked up has caused all the damage in Bermuda. I am so confused by the thinking and logic. It doesn’t make sense.
Damage? Terror? Are you serious? Overly dramatic much?
“Too much damage done to black people.”
oh please, have some backbone, stop being such a cry baby.
The PLP are actively working to deny rights to some Bermudians…but you’re ok with that, right?
pathetic little victim you are, grow up and stop expecting handouts.
Well said. I am so tired of the down trodden victims out there. They have no clue of how good life is in Bermuda.
Nasty, nasty, nasty. It’s my policy not to stoop to ad hominem attacks but rather to address the issues at hand.
Yet I can barely restrain myself from calling you a tiresome, xenophobic, racist bigot who hides behind a pseudonym because he is too chicken to put his real name out there.
However I will restrain myself this time. The previous administration was not perfect and was tone-deaf to the needs of the average lower-income Bermudian. Their appeal was to the head rather than to the heart and they paid the price. But never did they stoop to racist tactics or try to pit “born Bermudians” against “guest workers” for example, which is a hallmark of the PLP.
I wish the new administration all the best in keeping the forward momentum going, both economically and socially (SSM for example), because my own livelihood, like that of every Bermuda citizen or resident depends on it.
I agree plp should go for the jugular and launch a commission of inquiry into the past five years but with a different outcome.
Great job Michael Dunkley.
Your country can be proud of the way you handled yourself. Your values, transparency, honesty and belief in the people of Bermuda will never be forgotten.
Never stop conducting yourself with 100% integrity and values, our children will remember how you conducted yourself in good times and in times when everything doesn’t go according to plan.
Were there two Michael Dunkleys?
Nope. Just one, but some people are gonna find fault and hate no matter what.
The only thing left to be said directly to Mr. Dunkley, is that you had enough time to turn many situations around, and you did absolutely nothing.
Many folk over the last two years took to social media to speak directly to you via facebook and other forms of media. you never replied, these are the folks that you refused to listen to directly and indirectly.
You were given multiple opportunities to come on to the Sherri J show but never did you make any effort to come, but you conveniently found time to speak on the Shirley Dill show and other media, but never on any of the Black own stations.
You ignored the working class people, the middle class society and our seniors and youth. you were very much ready and available at every turn, to give the rich and the elite an audience with you, and you endorsed your leaders to treat Bermudians as trash.
From the like’s of being called kool aid drinkers to S.O.B’S on live television and radio by your former colleagues. Not to mention the slander of one of your former party members disrespecting all Bermudians, in saying there is no such thing as a Bermudian.
The List goes on and it is very long, you made many remarks during Dr. Ewart Brown’s time in office of calling him a dictator, but under your administration we as a people were treated as if we were under dictatorship.
You have been warned many times that if you did not put an end to this behavior, that your fall would be great, and that time has come.So in closing, I will say, you did us a great favor by showing who you truly are, and the results speak for themselves, your safe seat in your constituency does not speak for the majority.
The majority has spoken and to this end we are still respectful enough to wish you well in your future endevours, and may the next five years be a time of reflection as we the people put Bermudians first, and prove to you it is more then just the economy, it is loving and respecting each other as individuals, and learning to bring all of our strength’s and weaknesses to the table, in order to get this Island moving in the right direction.
We as Bermudians need each other regardless of race, culture or creed, or political affiliations, or economic position in life.
And I truly Believe that the P.L.P has what it takes to make that happens, Mr. Dunkley, you talk about the Great God and creator as a tool to win folk over, but their are those of us that actually have a personal relationship of knowing this Mighty power God, and He has avenged us, against the likes of those that use His name just as a matter of convenience and a front.
Last night’s Victory was the Voice of Almighty God, speaking clearly to all Bermuda.
You hit the nail on the head here (I am an OBA voter). They had so many opportunities to listen to the majority, it was clear.
So that is that.
On another note, please keep fairy tales aka “a god” out of the affairs of a country. Thanks.
ikr: A FOOL says in their heart there is no Yahweh/God. This has been the problem individuals such as you want to remove Yahweh/God from society, so individuals like you can take Yahweh/God’s place on earth. Hence mankind’s hearts are colder than a sub-zero refrigerator.
Last time I checked you and individuals like you are not responsible for why I have breath in my lungs.
” An EDUCATED PERSON says in their heart there is no Yahweh/God. ”
…and they are right.
It’s fools like you who believe in the sky fairy.
And who are you to say if there is or not? Do you have definitive proof? So it must be that every scientist that exist must not believe in God? That’s the problem with society if you disagree with someone you want to shout them down, it’s the —– mentality to go in and tell everyone what is and what’s not according to them!
Mr. Santucci: Like many, I bemoaned the fact that the OBA seemed incapable of relating their policies to the life of the everyday Bermudian. However your vitriolic diatribe against Mr. Dunkley is completely out of line. No matter what you think of his policies, it is clearly a fact that he did his best for the people of Bermuda with complete integrity.
I leave you with words far more telling than anything you have written. Please ponder them:
“In Victory: Magnanimity. In Peace: Good Will.”
- Winston Churchill
I couldn’t agree more, you don’t kick people when they are down. Mr.Dunkley deserves respect regardless of the political decisions he made. He worked for all Bermudians no matter what the political spin was put on his decisions. At Cupmatch we congratulate both teams one for winning and one for being great challengers. Surely Mr Dunkley deserves respect as well.
George Patton you contradict yourself you say “I bemoaned the fact that the OBA seemed incapable of relating their policies to the life of the everyday Bermudian”
Then, you go on to say “it is clearly a fact that he did his best for the people of Bermuda with complete integrity.”
Which one is it? Because if – according to you – “he did his best for the people of Bermuda” – his best was by far and away not good enough.
Or is it your people to whom you refer?
Almighty god helped me read all that! Rubbish! All propaganda all over again!
Duane that is such bu##sh;t the plp have the perfect opportunity to finish off the oba now is not the time for weakness we must carry on In the same vein as pre election mode.I’m really disappointed that mp Burch is not in charge of immigration as we need all these permits revoked so that unemployed Bermudians can have jobs.
If Burch was put in charge of immigration again, you would definitely see work permit holders leaving… along with their rent payments, grocery spending, payments of school fees, taxi rides, etc. Burch is the chief reason we lost 6,000 people which in turn threw thousands of Bermudians out of work. He was among the chief architects of the disaster that was the PLP government of ’98 to ’12.
God don’t vote you moron!
Thank you OBA for trying, it is appreciated, stay to the wicket we will need you again of that I am sure. You have the easy job now of being in opposition and I suspect that you will have lots to do.
That may be so, but not in same form. Time for reflection, if that is at all possible.
You guys,(OBA) hold your head up proud and proper! You have stitched up multiple wounds on Bermudas economy!
The new government will come in and claim the recognition.
But! We all know.
Um… From 500 million to 2.5 billion in debt in 4 years.. At least hes consistant. Become party leader, lose an election, resign as leader. I feel plp supporters should help clean up the graffiti at the dairy,that wasnt in good taste and visa versa for caines home that was vandled.
Agreed
It was a billi when OBA came in…and every year they borrow more money anyway, regardless of the government.
PLP came in with NO DEBT..and created this mess in the 1st place…..
Congratulations PlP, we are counting on you to put this country back on track. I would suggest to change some of the Immigration officers who are incompetents.
The Country WAS heading in the right direction despite the condition that the PLP left it in. You just refused to see it.
I have respect to all Government Employees as they work under the Policies handed down to them. Immigration have a well rounded team of employees working for them under Dr. Ming. It’s the Policies put into place by Ministers which they have to adhere to. Especially that Business line even tourist / visitors don’t agree with it but it was put into place. Many work permits policies were changed by a Canadian.
Once again you trot out the lie that Mr. Fahy isn’t a Bermudian. He is a born Bermudian and you know it. You may not like his policies: fine, but don’t question his nationality or his integrity. I never met the man, but I don’t question the fact that he was doing his duty as he saw fit – even if his political style was not to my liking.
FAHY thank you so much for trying to force the BDA STATUS. You help the PLP win by 24 – 12. Beautiful blow out.
Thank you so much,
Kind Regards
Bermuda
You do realize that the OBA only tried to design a pathway to status because without it Bermuda is in contravention of international human rights laws and United Nations charters to which the UK is a party, don’t you? So it is only a matter of time before the Foreign & Commonwealth Office forces this upon Bermuda. Fahy was trying to get it done on Bermuda’s terms, to avoid being forced into something in which we had no say.
Why don’t we just stop issuing permits that’s easy .
I am sure in a strange way he is relieved. I know I couldn’t handle a position that resulted in my family’s property vandalized and threats on my life made. Some things are just not worth it.
Dear dunkley… no hard feelings. U looked hurt lastnight. I think u were doing an ok job for the economy but u for got about us. When u cook supper u dont just perfect the meat and not mind the vegtables. Each dish must b tended to. U leave d veg too long and they become soggy and unwanted but u know they are good for u. In ya house u might throw dem veggies away but in my house u better sit dea and eat that food till ya finished. Thats the difference u cant see. U have money and time to play with your choices, I/WE DONT! I hope u find it in ya heart not to attack everything the plp does going forward but assist them, because they will listen. We do “social” better u do “business” better. They both need each other to become successful. I know this might be difficult for you but try. I will help u with the first step, LISTEN. You can do that with ya eyes closed.
While I don’t think for a minute that Mr. Dunkley or Bob Richards forgot about those who are economically struggling, the OBA’s messaging was totally lacking in empathy for the average Bermudian. They never could relate how their policies – and things like the America’s Cup – will still help every single Bermudian down the road. This was their downfall – one that I and many others reminded them about time and again. There are indeed two Bermudas – not the black vs white the PLP ran on, but the rich vs poor. Now that the PLP is in power I sincerely hope they will frame the debate on these terms and get away from words like “born Bermudians” and “guest workers”. The government should be for ALL residents of Bermuda, born on the island or not. EVERYONE contributes to the society and everyone should be included in policy considerations.
Mr Patton, thank you for some very fair words.
And your parting comment is to be applauded.
EVERYONE who does or has or is about to contribute to society should be considered equally inclusive.
For (and God forbid) that we all make it through- we have therefore been in each piece of the equation that makes up a society.
” EVERYONE contributes to the society and everyone should be included in policy considerations.”
Except for the LGBT community, they should continue to pay, like everyone else, but not receive the same rights and benefits as everyone else.
You lost me there bdaboy …. You believe the LGBT community should continue to pay, but still be discriminated against? Or the opposite?
what do you think?
I sincerely don’t know what you meant. I would appreciate a clear answer.
While I am glad that you have chosen to (partially) listen to the concerns posted in the comments above yours, there is still an unconscious bias that makes it difficult for you to see the fault in some of your premises. The ACTUAL truth is..the rich vs poor two Bermudas is equal to the white vs black two Bermudas by and large. Look around the island, the CEOs of companies, the people living in the higher value homes are disproportionately one race, the people working the lower income jobs, the ones living in the lower value areas are disproportionately another race. The proportion of those in jail, those being murdered (and convicted of doing the murdering), those dying at a young age are disproportionately black, while those enjoying the memberships at the private clubs are disproportionately white. We can have an honest conversation if people on these comments stop ignoring or stay hidden from the obvious and talk about the truth. Funny how some people can only feel the “racism” that most other people live with their entire lives when it comes to an election.
WOW – is this comment ever bang on the money!!! Perfectly said!! thank you!
Thank you for trying to fix the 12 years of mess that the PLP created in your short 4 year reign. Don’t forget about us please. Bermuda needs you. When the PLP show us once again how incompetent they are I hope that the OBA will be ready to take over. Now as the opposition, regroup, be honest with yourselves as to how/why you lost and learn from it. Thank you for your service!
12 years? Another lie. Oba 5 years of nothing but controversy from its inception. Wonder what name they gonna come up with now or put a few more black faces in to try and get the vote back. Whats the plan to deceive the ppl again WoW? You should know, these ya ppls
‘I had to deceive you’….ring a bell? That’s not deception cause he’s ya ppls right?
You have failed the UBP/OBA. Worst Premier in history. You only have yourself to blame for allowing M. Fahy to push status down the Bermudian peoples throats.
Absolute Coward…couldnt even announce it himself
This…
Thank you for your service. You weren’t perfect, as most before you weren’t either, but you did your best. You are a professional and represented your country well. I think you did a great job with the economy and tourism, and the positive effects from the past few years will be felt for years to come. Ignore the haters and keep representing what you believe in. THANK YOU and I wish you all the best.
Bob Richards said it is easy to captain a ship through calm seas , but the true measure of the captain is how well he handles the rough .
IN RESIGNING AS THE CAPTAIN OF THE UBP/OBA ,Micheal Dunkley has shown a weakness not uncommon in men such as he , who’ve NEVER HAD TO TRULY FIGHT FOR ANYTHING . In other words he is spoilt , entitled and afraid of the DARKNESS he can’t control .
Cowardly , lack of testicular fortitude and eager to shelter behind someone else when the fight begins in earnest . Even if that someone is a female .
Bermuda has no place for men like Micheal Dunkley . We are a hardy people . I don’t particularly like Dr.Brown , however I love the courage he has been blessed with in abundance . Dr .Brown possess a built in toughness that either you have it , or you don’t . Micheal Dunkley will never have it .
It is not the man in the fight , it is the fight in the man .
OK so what’s Paula up to now?? I hope by now she realizes people lied to her!!
If only Micheal Dunkeley could muster half of the strength and courage , conviction of heart and fortitude of former premier , The Hon. Paula Cox !
If you make the bed , you must lay in it .
“you must lay in it .”
Always talking about getting laid….except, the ones who talk about it so much, never seem to get any…hence the bitterness that oozes out of every post you make, coffee.
Congratulations Bermuda we now have a 1 party system but hey that’s what we had before.
Mr. Dunkley is, I agree, too polite and mild mannered for the rough-and-tumble of today’s politics. But you are wrong to fault him for stepping down after the defeat at the polls. He carried responsibility for calling the election, and with this stunning failure he has to admit that he was spectacularly wrong. He has done so in an honourable fashion by stepping aside as the leader of his party in accordance with parliamentary tradition.
It was that or the no confidence vote that Mr. Crockwell unfortunately would have been unable to participate in…
The people of Smiths North are divided, what are you talking about. You only one by 40 votes honey.
Makes you oneder doesn’t it? Wonce in a while eye oneder what it is all about.
” IT IS NOT WHAT THE COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU, IT IS WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY.”
JFK.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE.
The peiople of this island have learned the of “Power of the Vote”.
Be care full what you pray for.
A FOOL AND HIS MONEY ARE SOON PARTED.
ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD.
JUST THINK !
okay….You are very wise Mr. Junk Yard Dog but can you tell me do your own fleas really bite harder?
Mark my word , ppl is going to fail again, they will triple the debt , more people will be un employed,, school will not be cleaned , roads will get worse, trash will not get picked up on time, tax will go up, money will be un accounted for,
Again, they will blame the Oba for the mess, well let’s see if u ppl supporters are going to march. I doubt it smh. That’s my view of things to come.
Another world, you are a. Crybaby sore loser. It’s ok for your people to lead the country but now that the PLP are in the driver’s seat it is a problem. He same thing that is happening in the USA. Donald Trump is a walking jack@$$ don’t know anything and he is an embarrassment to America. If Obama was like thst he wouldn’t last a month as President. As privilege would have it he is doing a great job. The PLP would do fine. They have young educated young people running Government now. Why don’t you wish them well. All I see from you is negativity. Sore loser. Sour grapes.
My goodness; you OBA supporters are really taking this loss hard! I can feel the hatred as you violently tap those keys as you type! Smh
It may be hatred for some, but for me it’s fear of an economic collapse. We remain in a tenuous position and there is real and legitimate concern based upon PLP governing history that they will be unable to manage the economy and control spending. I hope they get it right but if they don’t, we are all screwed, and that cuts across racial lines. If they manage to achieve what they say they can, it will be fantastic, but all the spending promises don’t fit with balancing the budget by 2019.
That your opinion and that’s mine, you will see just look at the ministers that was picked. I feel sorry for Bermuda in the future. You picked them
Enjoy a normal life now Mr. Dunkley.. You did a great job!!!
bye bye Milk man and the UBP/oba
And milk aint good for us anyway.
Shutthemdown you are full of it, you have no common sense just like the plp.
Everyone shut ya traps and let what ever government in power do their jobs . We all have to live here black ,white ,Portuguese gay,lesbian what ever u are . We are people of Bermuda one thing that can’t be taken from us. Now let’s stand together and make sure the government has support and if they start ducking up and not keeping their promises. Then vote them out and try this again . Only Bermuda can make this work not our government alone . I.e. All Bermudians . Stand for what’s right . One thing the plp has taught me and I was a oba supporter was voice your opinion be heard have some back bone . I will be marching and petitioning if u don’t meet the people of Bermudas needs. Good luck plp. And just remember u can be voted out as fast as you were voted in . Bermuda is counting on you this time don’t duck it up .