Column: DeSilva On Race, Conversation & More
[Opinion column written by MP Zane DeSilva]
Like many Bermudians, I read the OBA’s recent calls for a “national conversation” about our challenges with interest. And on one level, I agree. Bermuda does need honest discussion about opportunity, inequality, safety, and the future we are leaving our young people.
But conversation alone is not enough.
Anyone who has spent time in our community and really spent time listening, knows that these conversations have been happening for years. The issue is that it has mostly only been happening among Black Bermudians who have lived under the burden of a racist, unfair societal structure every day. When those conversations were heard by the beneficiaries of the racist unfair structure, they were dismissed, ridiculed, and attacked. Those who raised the issue were called “divisive,” and accused of “stirring up emotions,” and “playing the race card.”
So when we talk about conversation, we also have to talk about credibility.
Trust isn’t built overnight, and it isn’t built through words alone. It’s built by showing up consistently and by standing on the side of justice, not just when it’s comfortable, but when it’s hard.
I say that as someone who didn’t grow up experiencing discrimination firsthand, but who has spent enough time listening to understand that fairness in Bermuda has never been automatic. It has had to be fought for, organised for, and legislated for.
That’s why I joined the Progressive Labour Party.
Not because it was easy. Not because it was popular in every room I walked into. But because I saw, up close, that this was the party doing the work, and fighting to expand opportunity for people who had been pushed aside for far too long.
So yes, let’s talk. Let’s listen. Let’s challenge ourselves to do better.
But let’s also be honest about who has been willing to turn those conversations into action and who is still just talking.
The PLP welcomes any genuine effort to engage the country. We’ve never claimed to have all the answers. If we want a future that works for everyone, the conversation must be paired with commitment and not just from people who don’t look like me and it must lead to action.
Anything less risks being just talk.
And Bermuda deserves more than that.
- Minister of Housing & Municipalities Zane DeSilva
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Zane
WHAT is it that gets you to jump very quick from real-estate to social issues.
Getting too hot in the kitchen?
Are trying to please the ungrateful young people or yourself or leaving your taxpayers to fend for themselves.
Stop reading now, because this may get worse
I and many others have struggled all our live now it gets worse the support from inflation was very thin and we all know why!
Without the Bermuda public you would not have any work here or there, you need us in more ways than one.
Why do i have to keep reminding you to at least make some attempt on behalf of the people to deal with increasing the Bermuda economy.
The key word here is marketing.
we have any jewely in our crown layigdormant. there is no ajustment for so called globl warming
Have you ever seen a poor man smile when he cannot pay his bills, because he is waiting for the next hand out from charity.
e Ever seen a dog fight where they all join in that issue?
Hardship is right under your nose.
Can you not see very our young children also are suffering as the taxman delight himself with ching! ching!
Zane, do you honestly thing By avoiding all of us are living in an unhappy Bermuda are you throwing gas on the problem.
I want 36 votes not one that means nothing and cover ony 3 acres numbered or votes 36 time at my polling station you have a big problem when people do not vote.
Do you not get it?
that shows lack of interest and community support also that does not look good all from an international point of view..
Let me tell you over many years past i have found Bermuda people wonder full help full and courthouse, the elderly are exceptionally pleasant.
Best people in the world.
You need to talk to your public-school teachers privately about unity.
Stop their discord! you must knw where it starts. we see he results!
From a small seed, will grow a giant tree of discontent.
Zane, please stop stinting the pot of discontent.
This radial one-sided game is like a bad cold that will never go away.
That will beak Bermuda’s’ back like overloading the donkey.
On the hill you all act like royalty you are not invincible.
While we peasants watch from the valley below.
Minister Desilva, you bring up some very good points. Sadly discrimination is world wide. It is important for a person especially in a decision making position the difference and recognition between conscience and un conscience discrimination. . In reviewing for example a person to hire, a decision maker must be aware we all have bias. To make the correct choices we need to ask ourselves – are we choosing this candidate because we are have an un conscience bias and if so it gives us an opportunity to adjust our behavior to make the correct decision
I learnt this many years ago from my wife who was in the health field at a Hospital.
I agree more needs to be done in education and recognition, I don’t think this can be done by the US Bermuda or and Government enforcement, but rather by education, so you are on the right path !
I am proud to say that as a white Bermudian – living in the US, I have a small CPA and Planning firm with skilled employees and based on % an extremely diverse employment – not because of their ethnic back ground but skill, personality to fit the job.
I think my wife for teaching me the meaning of un conscience bias.
So this guy wants to have a ‘conversation’ including race and he was the person who referred to himself at the HNIC with no backlash from his supposed support base !
And he wants to talk about credibility .
Go away Zane .