OBA Respond To Minister Hayward’s Comments
[Updated with comment from Premier Burt] ‘It’s hard to believe that these words were so boldly spoken on the floor of the House of Assembly by Minister of Economy & Labour, Jason Hayward,” OBA Chairman Aguinaldo Medeiros said.
Mr Medeiros said, “‘I’ll stand at the polls and the person will say: I haven’t seen you, so you won’t get my vote. I don’t want your vote. I don’t want your vote! For what, so you feel like you have some control or say over what I do in the future?‘ – It’s hard to believe that these words were so boldly spoken on the floor of the House of Assembly by Minister of Economy & Labour, Jason Hayward. But then again, this is typical behaviour from member of a political party who thinks he is doing so much for the people of Bermuda that accountability does not apply to him.
Minister Jason Hayward’s speech in Parliament
“I thought one of Mr Hayward’s roles was to attract foreign investment to the island, not cause alienation. What was he thinking? Our Government Ministers must not forget the entire premise of public service is just that –service to the public. To say you don’t need anyone’s vote is arrogant and a slap in the face of the electorate.
“I hope that no one took Mr Hayward’s comments to heart. In order to progress and return to the Bermuda it once was, diversity and inclusion is imperative. Anything short of that would only set our community back in time.
“The island cannot sustain further divisiveness. To think otherwise is simply delusional to say the least!
“It begs the question whether the Progressive Labour Party, and especially Mr Hayward, can be trusted with overseeing Bermuda’s future for all Bermudians. Does the party sincerely and fully intend to represent all the people of Bermuda, irrespective of their sex, colour, creed, race, or whichever label they choose to identify with?
“Is it the PLP’s modus operandi to just pander to its base in its efforts to simply garner only enough votes in constituencies to form a government by the people but not for the people!
“Mr Hayward quoted the Attorney General by saying: ‘Individuals are looking for love back from a country that they love.’ Indeed, Mrs. Simmons’ observations may have merit; but perhaps such love may first need to be sought from her party’s Parliamentary representatives.”
Update 10.35pm: Premier David Burt said, “The Progressive Labour Party has a history of working to secure every vote and representing every citizen no matter who they voted for. That will not change.
“Minister Hayward is a passionate and energetic representative of his constituents and Bermuda who has committed himself to growing this economy while always being available locally or overseas to further Bermuda’s interests; but he is human.
“In this case, after a long day in the House of Assembly, I believe the Minister expressed frustration of the Government’s continuing attempts to try to work with the Opposition, for the betterment of Bermuda, to no positive avail.
“While I accept the Minister could have worded his statement better, the lack of humanity experienced while canvassing when members of the public may put out dogs will naturally invoke anger and disappointment and the Minister’s uncharacteristic comments were a reflection of that.
“PLP MPs and candidates canvass regularly; and this provides an opportunity to better connect with the people we represent. We will continue to explain our positions directly and make the case that the Progressive Labour Party is a party that cares for all people and is committed to growing Bermuda’s economy to the benefit of those same people we are privileged to represent….whether they vote for us or not.”
Just like Mugabe power through anger causes destruction and not growth. You thug politicians need to celebrate and encourage diversity and inclusion and support a country of all as one and work for Bermuda not for power. You have had power for 20 years and your anger and self serving has damaged all our futures. You don’t need to celebrate winning elections, you need to deliver a framework where all can prosper not one where you leech Bermudian resources. Ps quit the propaganda and work for Bermuda not for you.
Minister Hayward, You don’t want my vote? You don’t want me to care about my country and give you alternative ideas and opinions? You don’t want me to applaud the good things the government has done (albeit they are few and far between). You have all the answers and solutions? You are superior? You don’t need the electorate?
You speak like you think you are Superior. Is this now a dictatorship? You are whom the Premier surrounds himself? Narrow minded individuals! You act like you’re better than everyone.
You actually act like an imbecile, a spoiled child.
What you need is to be sacked! The Premier needs to replace you! You are a disgrace, there is no place for this kind of thinking in 2023! By the way, we need investment and you are an obstacle. Premier Burt, remove this man because he is not fit to serve!
With talk like this Bermuda you must all clearly understand where this government is leading everyone. It is the end of the Bermuda that most of us remember. Please don’t allow these people to continue in power.
Another ‘faux rage’ article from OBA!!
Firstly the article is not accurate and the OBA Chairman Aguinaldo Medeiros would have easily confirmed same if the intention was not faux rage.
Secondly, if there was any intent to minimize the impact of the statement, it would not have been repeated for the article since the audience for BerNews will add to anyone that listened to the Motion to Adjourn on March 3.
Thirdly, the Attorney General did not speak on the Motion to Adjourn. Therefore no comments can be attributed to her.
Fourthly – Bermuda is aware that Minister Jason Hayward can speak for himself but it is clear that the inference is that the voter was insinuating that the vote came with an attached expectation.
Fifthly (if that is a word), any inference or connection to foreign investment is a ‘bridge too far’ because a non Bermudian would not be casting a vote.
Need I say more…
Lets see if there is an apology for such false and inaccurate reporting.
Re your point no. 5, you’re wrong. Non-Bermudians do cast a vote when they decide whether or not to invest and live here. They have no reason to invest or live in a place where the political leadership has thinly veiled hatred for them.
The rest of your points are irrelevant rubbish.
And increasingly, along with Bermudians, are choosing not to.
What are you talking about lol? You do know that we can hear his appalling statements, right? smh
Tiredofignorance
Dunkley should start a new party with only capable people in it.
Rodney Smith
Agreed. So that would mean a Party without Dunkley .smile
Didn’t you plp supporters compare Jason to Martin Luther King ???? and you wonder why he thinks he’s superior. No actual qualifications for the job he has but got it anyway, I would be cocky as well. It’s good to see the real Jason show up finally tho lol
Burt has to fire this guy. Those comments were flat out unacceptable.
Indeed
What a pathetic and telling response from the Premier. “He was tired” is not an excuse and Hayward didn’t make up this diatribe on the spur of the moment. What he said is total PLP behavior and the Premier is defending him. MPs tell the OBA we don’t want your input, or whatever you suggest we’ll do the opposite, or to the public if you live east of white hill your views don’t matter. Odd though that the Premier never issued a similar defense to the allegations raised by Derrick Burgess relating to 2 Premiers and 2 MPs over issues with a local bank.
Horrible comments, he has to resign.
And if he doesn’t Burt has to force his resignation.
How can he stay?
What a desperate move by the OBA.
No one should have to tolerate being accosted intentionally by someone’s dog for their vote.
What a pathetic fabrication by the PLP.
No one should have to read your made up BS, ever. LMFAO
It was his story.
You have an unhealthy obsession with the OBA (or anyone not PLP) and a dangerously blind allegiance to the PLP .