Deputy OBA Leader On Attendance, Silence
Only 14 of the 47 members of the Legislature spoke at today’s joint session to honour the Queen, Deputy Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson said, adding that the UK “continues to accept our economic refugees” and “we as Bermudians, have accepted the honours of our association with the UK” for matters like knighthoods and Covid vaccines, the “very least we can do is offer more than tepid condolences.”
Mr Richardson noted that of the MPs and Senators “composed of some 47 persons out of the 60,000 plus residents of Bermuda, only 14 spoke at all. Nine of whom were members of the Loyal Opposition,” and he also noted that while the event was scheduled to last from 10 am to 12:30 pm, it “concluded in less than half that time.”
Those who spoke today included the Premier, the Speaker, all six OBA MPs, one PLP MP, all three OBA Senators and two Independent senators; you can watch the full replay below.
OBA’s Comment
Mr. Richardson said, “History is made up not of our opinion of the moment but how we respond. The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II needs neither rhetoric nor political ideology. Rather, it is an opportunity to display the qualities Bermudian known for—dignity, civility, and respect. We are polite to a fault, honest in our affairs and optimistic in our challenges.
“The Joint Sitting of the Legislature, a rare enough occasion in our storied history, did not reflect that.
“Of the Members of the House of Assembly and Senate, composed of some 47 persons out of the 60,000 plus residents of Bermuda, only 14 spoke at all. Nine of whom, were members of the Loyal Opposition.
“We, the Parliament and people of Bermuda, marked the occasion, not by consoling a family anguished in the loss of their matriarch, but rather with formal, stony and cold silence. An event scheduled to last from 10 am to 12:30 pm, was concluded in less than half that time.
“The role of the monarchy was not being debated. But rather, this motion:
“That this Honourable House conveys its deepest sorrow on the death of Her Majesty The Queen; expresses its sincere condolences to His Majesty The King and other members of the Royal Family and acknowledges her association with Bermuda and her people.”
“We, as Bermudians, have accepted the honours of our association with the United Kingdom including military ranks, knighthoods and memberships in Royal Orders. We have accepted lifesaving Covid vaccines.
“The United Kingdom continues to accept our economic refugees who have no natural place in the United States, or Canada or Australia or the other dozens of members of the Commonwealth. We have close economic and cultural ties to Liverpool, Manchester, and London.
“If we are to still benefit from these things, then the very least we can do is offer more than tepid condolences.”
PLP Comment
Prior to Mr Richardson’s statement, Bernews had asked the PLP about to comment about the number of speakers and a spokesperson said, “The Party Leader offered a fulsome tribute and there is also a tribute on the Government’s website. Other MPs came out to support those sentiments.
“The Premier shall extend his condolences in London along with other world leaders at Monday’s funeral. We are thankful that under our parliamentary democracy with the monarch as the titular head of state, the King now, and the Queen before, afforded all Parliamentarians and indeed all subjects the right to freely choose to speak or not speak on any given topic.”
No no no no! Jarrion this is not going to win you votes with the people we need to support us, to help us over come 30-6. If someone in the OBA has told you run out on the battlefield attack the PLP over this, my friend their advising you incorrectly. If you’re not trying to win the election stop wasting your time.
I knew Richardson was going to be another obaUBP puppet. It was just a matter of time.
Better to be a puppet than a racist, homophobic xenophobe.
See Jarion he even admitted you’re a puppet. Straight from the words of Capt Racist Saud himself, aka racist, homophobic xenophobe blogger. Folks like this in the OBA are few and small, but they do the most damage to the party, which is why it’s 30 to 6.
BINGO! My oba MP stressed that he knows it’s idiots like this that destroy the party. Beyond sad because they believe their helping to unite us.
I’m calling BS on that.
LOL…My PLP MP said it’s people like you who are killing Bermuda. You think you’re helping, but you’re too stupid to realize that you’re not
LOL, that’s a bit of a stretch dude…you seem to get very angry when you’re called a racist and homophobe…it’s very telling.
That’s a textbook narcissistic response. Complete with moving the goalposts. LOL
CV Jim Woolridge one of the leading figures in the UBP stated in his book some famous words. “Those little white boys don’t mind you being in charge as long as they can tell you what to do.
A lie, taken entirely out of context.
Always and repeatedly.
It’s all they have – kind of like endlessly bringing up Morgan’s Point, the Airport and Americas Cup. It’s pathetic.
…or claiming oppression…while loudly and proudly standing on the worlds stage and telling everyone that they’re not welcome in Bermuda…if you’re gay or non Bermudian.
Real classy PLP. Incompetent and arrogant, how about a snap election now David?
And its getting much worse people. Wait until the debt gets called, and people don’t get paid. Its coming.
Refugees?? Really Jarion.
You need to try again.
Who is really writing this stuff?
I see you at the food bank every week!
You really need to sit this one out. LMFAO
This is a prime example of how disconnected the OBA are with the people of this country.
Tell us how your benefitting from egomeir and his puppets.
Most of us are struggling. We’ll the ones that are not Dr’s. Entertainers fof landlords and contractors
mixitup really…..its outright arrogance when you have many accepted honours and medals (burch included) and show disrespect ….the only people disconnected here are wearing green for what the uk did for Bermuda with vaccines and this is their response …shameful
The rest of the world is aware of Born, true Bermudians attitudes towards others…who don’t look like them.
Bermudas overwhelming racism is killing it.
Both parties are disconnected with the people of Bermuda.
A lot of people said a lot of things “eyes wide open” …lot of quotes indeed…do you have one of your own?
I miss having a Matriarch I found it comforting to know Her Compassion during covid for example…we had vaccines readily available quite fast in comparison to other countries…we have had assistance before that as well…I remember Her Smile mostly…I miss Her. There is a void in my heart now…I can feel it’s emptiness.
Fact: Bermudians do move to the UK as they say “they can’t afford to live and work here” majority are also black, not that race matters, but they are those the PLP claims to support. They are economic refuges fleeing a home state that has no direction. Funny when a black man speaks something you don’t like to hear you all assume he is a puppet. Yet no comment on the lack of attendance. Fact: Bermudians do move to the UK as they say “they can’t afford to live and work here” majority are also black, not that race matters, but they are those the PLP claims to support. They are economic refuges fleeing a home state that has no direction. Funny when a black man speaks something you don’t like to hear you all assume he is a puppet. Yet no comment on the lack of attendance.
What he should have said is this: “PLP MP’s are petulant, foul tempered incompetents who never miss a chance to take a cheap political shot. They will of course take Monday off, and will accept any honours such as OBEs and MBEs.”
More news at 10.
The PLP is an evil cult. Money-grabbing, secretive, lying, don’t care about us one little bit.
Jarion really you can’t be so gullible. Your people are not voting for a party that uses black men and women like you just to sway votes. Have you not learned nothing over the years? They even charge the name after all their black supporters departed. They call your people names and you still stand with them! Start your own party and stop wasting your time.
Get back to us when you figure out how to post online.
You’re a racist, go away.
Well said, Mr. Richardson! Thank you for your honest and thoughtful input. Keep speaking up for our country!