MP Robinson Urges Action On Voting Reform
“The budget debates have not concluded yet, so I urge the Government to use some of the remaining debate to give some insight on this very important election pledge,” MP Dwayne Robinson said, saying that “enacting absentee balloting could bring the change needed that could make steps towards re-engaging Bermudians who are keenly invested in this electoral reform.”
Mr. Robinson said, “After a beautiful collective celebration of our island’s unique culture on Bermuda Day, as elected leaders, we have the responsibility to continue fostering unity and collaboration amongst our people.
“An issue frequently on the hearts and minds of students and Bermudians living desirous of remaining connected to Bermuda and its culture during this year’s election was absentee balloting.
“Absentee balloting was highlighted by Jahdia Spencer and championed by Bermuda Youth Connect, along with many other vocal young members of our community. As the current youngest sitting member of Parliament, I feel it is my duty to use my platform to ensure their efforts were not in vain.
“This is an issue that has gained wide-ranging support, especially amongst our university students who have felt disenfranchised in the political realm.
“Enacting absentee balloting could bring the change needed that could make steps towards re-engaging Bermudians who are keenly invested in this electoral reform.
“We would also demonstrate to the Bermudian public that their political leaders on both sides of the floor can come together to pass legislation that is in the public’s interest.
“It is very concerning that despite the PLP making an election pledge to Bermudians, it doesn’t appear to be a priority.
“Despite the One Bermuda Alliance pressuring the Government on this in the Reply to the Budget, the PLP has yet to give a comprehensive update or even tentative time frame on bringing Absentee Ballot legislation to parliament for consideration.
“The budget debates have not concluded yet, so I urge the Government to use some of the remaining debate to give some insight on this very important election pledge.”
The budget debate focused on the budget. The financial affairs of the country.
Voting reform would be legislative and likely a throne speech item.
Good Day, the budget outlines the funding for the Government’s legislative agenda.
If there is no funding set aside to make it happen, odds are it won’t. It is important for the public and the opposition to know if their is an allocated amount for progressing the Absentee Balloting legistlation.
It’s also only done for the upcoming year whereas the government term is up to 5 years. The government has a full term to accomplish their platform not just the first year.
Also a resolution to the Bermuda driving licence being unacceptable overseas needs to be a priority, especially in the USA bearing in mind the current environment.
To accomplish that Bermuda would first have to recognize the validity of foreign licenses on island as well to get reciprocity. It would certainly be a helpful change but there’s evidently no rush to accomplish it.
There is no urgent need to address the issue. The only place I know of that is consistent in refusing to recognise a Bermuda driving licence is the Azores.
It is urgent, and inexcusable that it has not been addressed. There are longstanding issues renting cars in Portugal generally, not just the Azores, and in Boston.
The way things currently are, our license need not be accepted by anyone anywhere in the world. Failing to correct it is just another example of how Bermuda is mismanaged.
We should also have term limits for senators and members of parliament. Too many are more worried about keeping their job than actually doing it properly.
If they have term limits the OBA will never win. Their MPs and candidates are struggling now as the voters clearly don’t want them in power.
Mr. D. Robinson
Given the posability of a controling vote to a absentee individual who may never return to overturn an election ,is not a good idea , as you never know the real reasons for them leaving Bermuda in the first place.
Bermuda is not a robot to be manipilated by remote control.
You could ask yourself why thousands of our porential voting resident through a posable lack if choice did not vote in the last restrictive election .
An entire party/ organization was cast to the wind, as votes became meaning less an many were disenfranchised
AN OPPINION.
The various devisions between the people and the present unfortunate political party positions further devides Bermuda having gravitated down the rocky road leaving much to be desired, as apathy , having reached an all time low however it is not exactly the election that matters ,it is what has happend in the past and what will come to pass after the election is over .
Was the Bermuda day parade for some who stayed home just another silent protest ?
Mr. D. Robinson.
How can you ask for support for your legislative adgenda when there is an obviouse disconnect between the Government and a vast majority of the people of Bermuda .
Party polatics has no place in the Governance of any country there is far to much to loose .
They tossed out the U.B.P. for the same reason and also laiming to have a liberal topping of arrogance .
No body can manage a country with their eyes closed.
No country can get by ,leaving virtually every thing on the bottom shelf in a dark closet .