“A Moment For Genuine Learning And Change”
“We believe that the entire OBA leadership needs to attend SCARS training immediately in order to begin the process of changing their mindset,” Social Justice Bermuda said, adding that “this needs to be a moment for genuine learning and change and we encourage all people of all political affiliations to support the Centre Against Abuse, SCARS and the CyberTips initiative who all do amazing work.”
Senator Resigns After Comments
This follows after former OBA Senator Marcus Jones resigned after, during a discussion on Teen Dating Abuse in the Senate, he made comments including saying ”young people are inviting this type of behaviour because they are ignorantly getting on social media and putting themselves up, and putting themselves in harm’s way.”
In announcing his resignation, OBA Leader Cole Simons said, “To say I am saddened by the comments made by Senator Jones is an understatement. While it was not his intent to offend anyone, his words were perceived by some as hurtful towards young people, females, and victims of assault.
“As previously stated, I do not believe that he intended to be offensive, but as public servants, we are all accountable for the words we speak, whether they were well-intended, they are not always received as such.
“In the past, the One Bermuda Alliance has levied criticism against public servants who have used inappropriate language, and our position has not changed. As a result, for the sake of Bermuda, Senator Jones has offered me his resignation, and with regret, I have accepted it.
“I have found him to be a man of principle and at this time, I would like to thank him for his time and commitment to the country and for the good work he has done in the Upper House,” Mr Simons added.
Social Justice Bermuda Statement
A spokesperson said, “Social Justice Bermuda says the OBA problem remains and was clearly bigger than Marcus Jones. It was just over a year ago that SJB first called for his resignation over his support of disgraced former President Trump in the aftermath of the January 6th, 2021 coup attempt.
‘We argued at the time that Marcus Jones was not fit to serve in the Senate and that as long as the OBA kept him in the Senate, then they are guilty by association. We stand by that position and regret that it took a year for his removal. The signal that sends to those appalled by the unhinged and oppressive values of Trumpism still remains.
“That is the problem. The values that are given a safe harbour by the OBA leadership. The Opposition Leader’s defense of Marcus Jones’s vile victim-blaming behaviour must not be swept under the rug. Marcus’ comments were offensive and an apology for abuse.
“There are no ifs or buts about that, and for the Opposition Leader to even try to justify the comments of his Senator speaks to a wider problem within the OBA. Quite frankly, based on the excuses of the Opposition Leader, it seems clear to us that the resignation is not because they genuinely disagree with the sentiments expressed by their Trump supporting Senator, but solely in reaction to political optics.
“We believe that the entire OBA leadership needs to attend SCARS training immediately in order to begin the process of changing their mindset around these issues. Marcus Jones’s comments in the Senate were those of an apologist for abusers everywhere and through history,” the organisation said.
“That there were many comments online defending him is disgusting to us and highlights the problem of abuse and abuse excusers that wreaks havoc across all segments of our community.
“We believe this needs to be a moment for genuine learning and change and we encourage all people of all political affiliations to support the Centre Against Abuse, SCARS and the CyberTips initiative who all do amazing work to counter the blight of abuse in our society.”
Be careful SJB, dangerous ground. You may not like Marcus Jones ( i don’t either) but don’t get on a path of telling people what they can or cannot say or think.
Thanks Kristin, what would we do without you lol!
Thank you for what appears to be a PLP political announcement.
Who is behind “Social Justice Bermuda” please? Is it the same people who are behind “the People’s Campaign”?
One might be forgiven for thinking that “Social Justice Bermuda” is a paid political consultant for the PLP.
So despite immediate condemnation and the required resignation of one of their senators- they are guilty by association? Social Justice Bermuda proving that their political allegiances are more important than any legitimate goals of helping children in Bermuda.
The nerve of this group to challenge an entire political party because one supporter stuck his foot in his mouth yet again. On balance, there have been more damaging statements made by premier Burt over the years than all 36 members combined. Time to focus the microscope on the real problem here.