Today should be an interesting day.
I understand there is a demonstration being held today at the House of Assembly for 1230hrs to protest the way the Uighur detainees have been brought to Bermuda. The organisers of this demonstration have been at pains to stress that they are not against the Uighurs, but are protesting the way in which the decision was made.
In reaction to this, a counter-demonstration is being organised for the same time, but instead gathering at the Cabinet Office. This demonstration is being billed as supporting the decision to bring the Uighurs here.
This blog takes the position that it encourages active and critical participation in Bermuda’s politics, and to that degree I hope that there is a good turn-out for today’s demonstrations, as such activity is to the credit of our democracy. I look forward to reading about how it all turns out.
This blog is, without hesitation, in the support of those who are critical of how this decision was made. I feel that the decision was made not on humanitarian grounds and that describing it as such is a red herring and emotionally manipulative deflection. I believe that the way this was done was contrary to the Constitution, and unneccessarily so. For one thing, Dr. Brown and the Party at that, could have prevented much local backlash, and strengthened the argument for greater Bermudian powers, by putting this idea to the Party, Parliament and people, and appealed to the Governor to allow it. There still would have been opposition, and it is probable that the UK would have refused permission. However, Dr. Brown would have scored a moral victory of sorts, instead of the political own goal it seems to have achieved instead.
I understand that the Premier and Senator Burch are arguing that they have acted within the remit of the Immigration Act, but, not being a lawyer, I have trouble stomaching that argument, when I see the process and the issue being strongly within the realm of foreign affairs and outside the remit of the delegated authority that Bermuda does have for discussing economic issues with other countries.
Now that the Uighurs are here they should stay, but the way the decision was done needs protested. I am aware that there are some who are expressing racist, xenophobic and anti-islamic prejudice towards the Uighurs. It is likely they will also be joining the demonstration against the decision. That is unfortunate, and needs confronted. For one thing, they are two separate issues, despite the attempts of some to polarise the issue in such black and white terms.
Either way, everyone have fun, be careful, confront ignorance and generally exercise your democratic rights, either for or against the decision.
"catch a fire" 
Jonny – Good post. Unfortunately the presence of those who are expressing xenophobic sentiments will be used by the spinmasters to detract from the purpose of the demonstration which is a protest against the lack of due process that took place around this decision.
Unfortunately some of the anti-Uighar sentiment IMHO stems from a lack of clear information and had due process been adhered to, could have been avoided as greater information could have been provided to Bermudians along with reliable information that these four detainees are in fact not terrorists. One (or two men) making a unilateral decision and psychological assessment does not cut it. And should never cut it.
Jonny and CO,
Excellent comments and I fully agree. While there may be some who are expressing racist, xenophobic and other prejudices toward the Uighurs, the vast majority of those protesting will be doing so in protest against the process not the Uighurs. If the PLP trys to spin it in any other way I do believe that they may begin to see a marked decrease in those that consider themselves PLP supporters because many PLP supporters do not agree with the process of this.
Well when one of the main proponents of the demonstrations has a Facebook group called “Bermudians Against Terrorists” then it deos seem like its more against the 4 guys then it is about due process.
I also dont buy that this is all about due process. This march today was about people who have never liked, will not ever like, and will not ever try to like or appreciate anything about Dr Brown or the PLP government. I dont agree with everything that is done or how it is done but there are some of you that will never see any positives. This was an opportunity for them to come like gangbusters.
Interestingly enough they didnt hardly represent the electorate of Bermuda though.
A huge turn out…. I was quite impressed.
Is this thing bigger than we thought – or not?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1193420/Milibands-frank-conversation-Clinton-U-S-decision-transfer-Guantanamo-detainees-Bermuda.html
“Foreign Secretary David Miliband testifies about America’s relationship with the UK before the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee in London in the wake of the Guantanamo diplomatic row today”.
More lies from the good Doctor – or has the Police Commissioner misled The House, the country and its people?
http://www.theroyalgazette.com/siftology.royalgazette/Article/article.jsp?articleId=7d9684e30030001§ionId=60
Published: June 16. 2009 04:26PM
Breaking News: Police Commissioner only knew of detainees’ arrival on Thursday
Police do not have enough information for thorough security check
The Commissioner of Police only learned the four detainees from Guantanamo Bay were relocating to Bermuda last Thursday, the morning of their arrival.
And he said a “preliminary threat assessment” of the men conducted by Police the following day described them as “high risk” — information passed on to Governor Sir Richard and Public Safety Minister David Burch later that afternoon.
Premier Ewart Brown stated in the House of Assembly on Friday that Mr. Jackson had done a thorough security check on the men.
“This march today was about people who have never liked, will not ever like, and will not ever try to like or appreciate anything about Dr Brown or the PLP government”.
Ken – not so. And please – try and separate out PLP Government from Dr Brown!
Many were quite happy to see a PLP Government and at least give them a shot. You have some good people in the PLP; it’s just sad that they will never be given a chance with Dr Brown doing his one-man act.
Hi Ken, I understand from the RG’s article (which is linked in this posting) that the organisers are not associated with the BAT group. That the BAT group has endorsed and asked its members to turn out is a different thing altogether.
Also, while I do agree that there is no doubt and anti-PLP and anti-Brown grouping within our society, and it is true they no doubt were out protesting today, it is not a sensible argument I think to just shrug off this demonstration as an expression of those people only.
While you are true that the racial breakdown of the demo was not completely representative of our country (from what I’ve seen it was the opposite, with a large Black minority), one must ask why the ‘counter-attack’ which would have been a demonstration of solidarity with Dr. Brown, recieved so little support?
Ken – Not so. Stop spinning. And there was no association between the BAT and the organizers of today’s march. None.
JS – on point!
KEN – I take it that you weren’t there. I was. And I was standing next to a group of 3 or 4 older black Bermudians who described themselves as lifelong PLP supporters who are just sick and tired of the messes that the premier seems to get us into.
Jonathan,
I was there, and I am an older PLP supporter (life-long) like the people who was standing next to Casual Observer. While on one hand I was surprised by the number of people who came out to show their hatred for Dr. Brown, on the other hand I was not so surprised. I read Bermuda Sucks and other blogs, including yours, and I know there are some people in this community who want to see Dr. Brown gone, by any means necessary.
I saw the hatred and felt the hatred and as I said on talk radio today, the last time I saw such negative energy was on the eve of December 10, 1977 after Bermuda Lois Browne-Evans told the thousands of black Bermudians (there were very few whites there, if any) that “Her Majesty” had turned down her appeal to have a stay of execution and hence Larry Tacklyn and Erskine “Buck” Burrows were hanged. Few, if any of your posters would have been present in Hamilton that night. I was, and I remember personally appealing to the crowds to stay calm. My appeals were not listened to.
What I saw today was a group of people (mainly whites) who wanted Dr. Brown to suffer the same fate as Larry Tacklyn and “Buck” Burrows. They wanted his blood and they used the fact that “due process” was not followed. However, there was little said in the speech given by Mrs. Battersbee about due process, it was all about the evils of Dr. Brown. As soon as she started to read the statement, I knew that the statement was another means that the Opposition UBP have used to unseat the government.
Of course, few of your posters will agree with, but then again, few of your posters have lived as long as I have.
One thing is for certain, the “demonstration” today proved one thing to me, racism is alive and well in Bermuda.
“wanted his blood”? Buck Burrows references?
It IS nice to see you write “…the fact that “due process” was not followed.” as it shows that you do see that it wasn’t, in fact, followed.
As for your allegations that this is about “the Opposition UBP… [trying] to unseat the government”, um… maybe you didn’t follow that a) Ms. Battersbee is a PLP supporter and b) she said, outright, that this wasn’t about party politics OR race, it was about one man’s seemingly dictatorial iron fist.
I didn’t see any “hate” there, just disgust, frustration and anger at the way that Dr. Brown has, once again, disrespected the Bermudian people, the very people that he is supposed to be representing.
The only hate I see is the use of inciteful words like “Lynch Mob”, “They wanted his blood” and the like and the only racism I saw is in things like “What I saw today was a group of people (mainly whites) who wanted Dr. Brown to suffer the same fate as Larry Tacklyn and “Buck” Burrows.” No one wants to “lynch” Dr. Brown. No one wants to hang him and to insinuate that they do is, quite frankly, disgusting and, yes, racist.
They, and I, just want him to no longer be our Premier so that the potentially great (and certainly the better possibility) PLP can form a GOOD Government, one not determined by one man’s whims, one that DOES represent the Bermudian public, one that DOES operate in the sunshine of public scrutiny.
This latest action, and the following evidence that he did, in fact, lie to the House and the Bermudian people, just shows his complete disregard for ALL of us.
Hi LaVerne,
I have seen some of the footage and I agree, as noted to Ken, that there is definitely people who were protesting because they oppose Dr. Brown. These people will look for anything as confirmation of Dr. Brown being bad. I cannot deny that. And that is unfortunate.
That such motives exist however are not a good enough defence for rebutting the arguments that Dr. Brown’s latest actions have brought into play. One does wonder why he keeps providing ammo for his opponents though.
It is unfortunate, but true that the current actions have led many supporters to have to agree with such opponents now. It should not be this way, but I cannot agree with the actions that were taken, or rather how they were taken.
You are entitled to your opinion. I can empathise with you when you say people were out (metaphorically) for blood, and that is unfortunate. I continue to disagree with how this action was handled, and I do think that Dr. Brown, as the Premier, needs to be rebuked for the disregard of the Constitution. It would be far better if this event triggers internal Party pressure, not necessarily to replace, but to rebuke and ensure that such avoidable mistakes as have been done so far, are not repeated. I am of the opinion that Dr. Brown has definitely had an earful by now from Party members and supporters. I hope that this is sufficient, although I can understand the argument for a formal parliamentary rebuke. I am more and more willing to hope that such a path is the one that develops. However I have less and less time for the spin that is being made about this situation from within the Party. I will continue to do my best to rebut it and put forward my own criticism of the actions. I hope we understand each other on these points.
“One thing is for certain, the “demonstration” today proved one thing to me, racism is alive and well in Bermuda.”
Perhaps Mrs. Furbert, however, the only racist remarks I have heard today have come from you and other Brown supporters both on the news this evening and at the Cabinet Office grounds this afternoon. During your interview with ZBM news tonight you appeared fixated on the race of the supporters or “those people” as you referred to them. Furthermore you remarked earlier this afternoon on Everert’s show that in your estimation about 80% of the protesters were white and of those half were non-Bermudians. How do you arrive at the ‘expert’ conclusion? Furthermore why is the race of a protester even relevant in the first instance.
The organisers have made it clear as well as in Ms. Battersbee’s speech this afternoon that this was a Bermudian matter, not a PLP/UBP or black/white one and yet you and others in the Brown/PLP camp continually seek to break issues down along racial lines. Clearly you are going out of your way to mischaracterize the motives of the protesters and misdirect attention to incorrectly and mischievously recast this a racial problem as the reality of the situation is that Dr. Brown clearly circumvented the Bermuda Constitution for political gain and now his supporters are “all hands on deck” to spin away the legitimate concerns of the Bermudian people.
“While on one hand I was surprised by the number of people who came out to show their hatred for Dr. Brown, on the other hand I was not so surprised.”
Zane Desilva viciously screamed at a protester and then walked away – appearing to joke about it. Another Brown supporter was so verbally rude to an elderly protester that Mr. Caines had to come over and personally apologise for their actions. These instances do not reflect the actions of a Government that puts the people ahead of personal agendas. Quite the opposite. It’s reflects a power hungry cabal whose hatred for the voters/taxpayers is unjust, undemocratic and un-Bermudian.
Metaphorically? Where’s the metaphor in “What I saw today was a group of people (mainly whites) who wanted Dr. Brown to suffer the same fate as Larry Tacklyn and “Buck” Burrows. They wanted his blood and they used the fact that “due process” was not followed.”?
I personally do not think that LaVerne is making those, albeit emotionally charged, statements in a metaphorical way.
Mass demonstrations are always highly emotional situations, especially when there are counter-demonstrations. It is not surprising that there were, at the least, some verbal confrontations. They are also hugely educational though, in terms of consciousness and tactics/strategy.
Ms. Furbert,
I don’t know where you were at today, but what i saw was a healthy mix of Bermudians utilizing their democratic right to voice their discontent at the current leadership. Instead of addressing the issue you just automatically revert to your boring and over used race argument. But yet you have still not commented on the fact that your beloved Dr. Brown has blatantly circumvented the island’s constitution. Does that give us plebs free reign to disregard the laws as well? Or do you consider Dr. Brown to be of some higher life form then the people which put him in power to begin with? And also where were all your supporters? Just because you surround yourself with nothing but blind party loyalists does not mean that all black Bermudians have lodged themselves up Dr. Brown’s backside like you and Ken. You keep on going on about your age and your supposed experience. But all that means is that you are fast becoming the past and irrelevant along with your dinosaur way of thinking. Personally i think Bermudians should hold demonstrations against yourself as you are more divisive and damaging to Bermuda then Dr. Brown.
So with your oh so extensive experience do you think that that Dr. Brown was justified in blatantly lying to the public about the security assessment of these four gentlemen? Or is George Jackson an Uncle Tom as well?
I just want to thank you today for putting a smile on my face. Watching you lose your temper and ranting like a spoiled child in public is priceless. Thank you:)
This was not a lynch mob, there was no one out for blood, more spin and smoke screens. Keep trying.
Unfortunately, it is only a matter of time, time we do not really have, either Brown is ousted now or he drags our island down so low it will not recover for generations.
I believe the PLP has the ability to lead without Brown, I just hope they have the courage.
So let me get this right Laverne. You’re defending 4 expats who arrived without the basic level of due diligence as some sort of a US toxic waste dump, but attack what you call several thousand so-called expats who would have had to provide everything from character references to chest x-rays.
By the way, can you tell me what that expat Rock Newman was doing? Was his presence a problem or did he get a status grant too?
“By the way, can you tell me what that expat Rock Newman was doing? Was his presence a problem or did he get a status grant too?”
I’d like to know that as well. He appeared to have a hand in orchestrating the Premier’s publicity. Why was he there? Does he have a work permit?
LVF
Yes a protest against the abuse of due process organized in part by a black PLP supporter and attended in part by blacks, some of whome were also PLP supporters is clearly evidence that racism is alive and well in Bermuda
Wow. Where do you get this stuff? As somebody who claims to have fought long and hard for the rights of black folk it saddens me that you do not support those individuals who chose to exercise that very right that you claim to have worked and fought so hard for.
Does anyone else find it terribly amusing that individuals who have never taken a stand against Dr. Brown condemn those who have always stood against him?
don’t talk to laverne furbert about race. she only sees the world one way. you can’t blame her either – she grew up in a different time.
try teaching your granny about a computer. it isn’t gonna happen. she’s set in her ways and can’t comprehend what’s going on in front of her.
this is exactly what is happening with laverne. she doesn’t get it. she can only see the world through one lens…hatred.
and honestly, i don’t blame her, i just feel sorry for the old lady…
What wasn\’t known at the time of yesterday\’s protest, but has been confirmed now via a press release from the Commissioner of Police, is that the Premier also blatantly lied to the House.
Friday 12th June:
\”Dr. Brown informed MPs that the Commissioner of Police had assessed the four men, who arrived here on a private plane from Cuba on Wednesday night after seven years in US custody, and concluded \”that there is absolutely no security risk\”
Press release issued by Commissioner Of Police on 17th June:
\”So far the Commissioner and his experts in the Bermuda Police Service have not had from the Bermuda Government, who brought the Uighurs here and without any advance notice to the Police, the information they need to make a proper assessment.\”
\”Based on the limited information available, the overall threat assessment was deemed to be ‘high’. This was conveyed to the Governor and Minister Burch on Friday afternoon. Simultaneously, contact was made with our security agency partners and a more comprehensive threat assessment was commenced. This process is not yet complete.\”
Lying to the House about a matter of national security. Fantastic!
Hi Jonny,
The good news is that Bermudians of any stripe can still go out and protest. For how long?
Ms Furbert … would you ban protests against the government (or Glorious Leader) you support if you could?
Ms Furbert … would you overthrow the British in Bermuda by any means possible?
Ms Furbert, bringing in Burrows and Tacklyn is more than playing a race card, it is an effort to stir up violence. What HATE you have in you!
As for executing convicted murderers, might I remind you that some West Indian island governments are most reluctant to give up the death penalty. Bermuda, perhaps thanks to the British, has no capital punishment now.
The idea that Bermudians who disagree with you, Ms Furbert, want to hang Ewart Brown (and you?) makes me think you must be suffering from megalomania.
Did anyone see the photo of the \”cottage\” the Chinese fellows are staying in? How many Bermudians live like that? Assuming each of these men has a family (and should anyone refuse them entry if they are Bermudians?) coming to join them, that will be four \”cottages\”.
There will be plenty to spare though … living spaces … when the 10,000 expats doing so much of the work in Bermuda that keeps the economy moving simply leave. Then the Bermudians will be forced to eat Ms Furbert\’s few bananas and concrete.
Love you.
“Lying to the House about a matter of national security. Fantastic!”
This is simply an immigration matter. We routinely accept people who were training in Afghanistan. And we never ever do security checks on those people first. Nothing to see here. Moving right along. All’s well.
Just want to clarify that the organizer of the Bermudians Against Terrorist group was standing on the stage directly behind the speaker Ms. Battersbee.
There was in fact a link.
The Black Beret Cadre held its first meeting at the YMCA on Cedar Avenue, Hailton.
On 12 February 1970 their first public meeting, at Trinity Hall, Hamilton, Rev.John Brandon of the Allen Temple AME Church was the keynote speaker. Brandon said, in a startling departure from principles of hhis faith, “If violence must be used to smash the barriers that seperate black people from the abundant life that Chrsist talked about, then under God there will be violence.”
Of course we all know that Alvin Williams was there at the first meeting along with a host of others including some present day MP’s.
Ms. Furbert, you have acknowledged that you were a memember of this radical group and others have proof that you were.
I would love to share with the people of Bermuda all the FCO Bermuda Intelligence Committee Reports of this era but then again you can access them by contacting the Foriegn Commonwealth Office.
Now, back on topic. Your still harbouring all these feelings from so long ago along with others that you still associate with and hold in high esteam. By all your actions in the past years and until today your ideas of change have not ‘changed’.
You can spin all this stuff about Ewart Brown all you want. Ther’s a pupose with your message that you constantly verbal. Distraction from facts and blame on the old white establishment has always been the crux of all your ideas.
If black Bermudians are afraid to voice their opinions in public and gather to show support for the breaches of the Constitution and blatant lies from the mouth of the Premier then you have done your job well. It is apparent that you have along with others succeeded just by the turnout of blacks yesterday.
According to Alvin Williams ‘you lot’ hadcommon heros like Malcolm X, Ho Chi Minh, Fidel Castro and Franz Fanon the writer.
Still have you copy of Fannons book/s?
This has nothing to do with the PLP. It’s about a leader who has lied and deceived his people. His people being all Bermudians and the basic structure of Government and the bussiness comunity.
Whatever happens, always remember that you have and still play a part in the future and the past of this Island.
Enough from me. There is so much more to say but I’m sure you’ll fill in the gaps but there really are’nt any.
This is all about the Bermuda Constitution not yours or Ewarts. He has brought shame on his party and they don’t deserve it.
I agree that due process was not followed and I disagree with how this decision came about. I’m happy that people still feel comfortable enough to express their democratic right to peaceful protest.
The scenes I witnessed on the news last night certainly (in my opinion) bore a resemblance to a lynch mob (absent a noose) in the fervor, hatred and disrespect I saw painted on the faces of many that were present. Most of the people that I have seen say that race has nothing to do with this protest are white. Many of these same people also see no issue with the fact that one political party in this country is supported by 90-95% of the white community. Whites will almost always say that race is not an issue because to us it is not – we don’t experience racism on a daily basis.
I’ve spoke to a number of black folks today – all of whom disagree with the way in which the decision was made, and many of whom could be considered opponents of Dr. Brown’s leadership All of them, to a person, said that what they saw on the news last night was concerning and worrisome to them and that they felt it had a lot more to do with racism than anyone would ever admit to.
What happened yesterday has actually strengthened Dr. Brown’s position within his own party and also amongst many Black folks who would consider themselves opponents of Dr. Brown. Many of the whites present yesterday will find, much to their chagrin, that their actions have crystallised support for the Premier within the Black community.
Just my $0.02
I heard a certain radio news DJ/senator this morning defending the stance that this was strictly a humanitarian issue.
Also, I heard him and others accusing the demonstrators as being racist and using this as an opportunity to attack Dr. Brown personally.
Let it be clear that just as they question the motives of these protesters, we also question the motive of Dr. Brown all of the sudden becoming a humanitarian.
bda is 65 % blk – yet that protest seemed to be 65% white – hmmm
I think Phil Perincheif could have been an okay leader as well, were he an MP.
ur joking johnny – pls have someone who knows him explain to u what his serious flaws are
re; the lack of brown supporters at the event – i chalk it up to why so few blks engage in these “battles on the blogs” – they speak in the voting booth
this tempest is some genuine blk anger being used by some white haterz of dr. brown
but if the voters let the powers that be trick them yet again – they need to be ashamed – its 2009 – lets be smart blk people – we’ve been dumb & duped for 2 long
—
blk bda – “i hate dr. brown?”
q: do u know him?
blk bda: no.
q: ever talk to him?
blk bda: no.
q: then why do u hate him?
bk bda: he’s so arrogant.
oy vey…
Almost forgot. Busy reading and listening to all your spin.
“December 10th 1977 I personally asked the crowds to stay calm.”
Well you did’nt do it yesterday did you. You tried to enflame even more.
And yes, I was there that day and on other occassions in the 60’s and 70’s so I really know your track record. Your still batting 100. The problem is your average is great but the people of Bermuda are going to be the loosers. What a shame. Your no Susan Boyle.
She had a dream to sing before a large audience, thats all, nothing more. Her dream came through but in this day and age it carries some baggage for her.
I suggest you travel light. Your stuff is still stored away and has been for many years.
I suggest a new wardrobe, or give it away to the devil. We don’t need those kind of handouts thank you.
“– all of whom disagree with the way in which the decision was made, and many of whom could be considered opponents of Dr. Brown’s leadership All of them, to a person, said that what they saw on the news last night was concerning and worrisome to them and that they felt it had a lot more to do with racism than anyone would ever admit to.”
So what you are saying is that while they disagree with his dictator style of leadership and the total disrespect that he flaunts for the Bermudian voter they won’t voice their discontent because of the color of his skin? Because of his skin pigment we would rather be led by a power hungry individual who disregards teh Bdian constitution and our rights then actually have balls to voice our concerns. Bermuda has to be one of the most politically immature countries on earth. Maybe democracy isn’t the best form of Governance I guess.
ken,
Nice to see that you are still avoiding the actual issue at hand once again and attacking the messengers and using your boring ass race card. So as I asked you and Ms. Furbert earlier, do you find it acceptable that the leader of our Government blatantly lied to the House and the people of Bermuda (not for the first time either)? The lie I am referring to now is the security assessment of these individuals. I know it’s a stupid question because you would follow Dr. Brown off a cliff if he led you to it.
“all of whom disagree with the way in which the decision was made, and many of whom could be considered opponents of Dr. Brown’s leadership All of them, to a person, said that what they saw on the news last night was concerning and worrisome to them and that they felt it had a lot more to do with racism than anyone would ever admit to.”
So, in other words, whites should just STFU, act like good boys and girls and let the rest of the population decide what’s good for them?
ken et al – what of the PLP supporters in the crowd. Are they suddenly racist as well? Confused negros? Or just unafraid of expressing their democratic rights?
This is not the first time that Bermuda has had a black leader. And a strong one at that. It is however the first time inh recent memory that the people (blacks and whites, don’t get it twisted) have marched on Parliament in direct protest of a leader.
No matter how hard you try to spin this, it’s not about race.
No matter how hard you try to run away from the issues and hide behind “WAH! ALL THE WHITE PEOPLE ARE BAD!”, like cowards, it’s not about race.
This man lied to the people of Bermuda.
He promised things that he is not in a position to promise.
They’ve said “There’s no quid pro quo”, but Lt. Col. Burch, almost in the next sentence tells us there is, in the baselands being back on the table.
“There’s no quid pro quo”, but Mrs. Correia asks us to think about all the good we’ll get out of the deal.
He lied to us. That is unacceptable and should be unnacceptable to you, as well.
The PLP are here to stay. We all know this.
We just want them to do their job.
It’s not happening.
It’s not about race. It’s about we, the people of Bermuda, deserving better than this.
It’s just not good enough.
if sara etc don’t think that there was a racist undertone to yesterdays demonstration ur either delusional or disingenuous – at the huge plp rallys during the run up to the election many in white bda painted them as racially tinged – so why not yesterdays – oh that’s right – white bda is :”cool and level headed”
CO,
I actually think the PLP supporters that were there were there because of the issues, but the majority of the white protesters would have been there whether it was this issue, or another, or another. Dr Brown could step on a snail and they would protest the fact that he killed a creature.
I know a PLP supporter who doesnt like how he did this, and who marched in that regard and she said she felt sick to her stomach when she realized that the reason she was marching was so blatantly different from the reason most of the white bermudians were marching. She said they werent concerned about the issues…there was a glee and excitement on their face, like they were witnessing the best day of their lives…so let’s not get it twisted…it wasnt about this incident.
I dont try to persuade you guys to see my point because that is pointless. I just cant wait til another leader is elected and you act in similar regard to them and another and another. Then maybe the few of you that actually are objective can see that its all a game and that until the entire party is ousted you will try to kill (figuratively) whoever is at the head of the party.
“at the huge plp rallys during the run up to the election many in white bda painted them as racially tinge”
Nah mate. I think it was quotes such as your mother’s ‘confused negroes,” Mr. Bean’s “neo-fascists” and Ms. Foggo’s “shackles and plantation” remarks at those rallies that made then racially tinged.
Ms. Battersbee and her committee are holding another rally this Friday and the one following. Please support it. Same place, 12pm.
Steve, your creating an avenue for history to repeat itself. Then again, I addressed that prior.
By any means neccessary ring a bell with you? What more do some want? Really, what more. United we stand. progressive some fail…..but thats cool right?Arryting his luvly………….
Gotta run…..Julian on dee lyne……Vat? Vat? Another raise? Hows that debt going…your very quiet lately. Oh thats right….shushhhhhhhhhhh
ken – not really sure who you’re referencing when you say “you”. The post was addressed to me so I’ll respond. I have voted for the PLP, I have attended PLP rallies, I have defended the PLP AND Dr. Brown in the past in real life and online. Personally, I can no longer defend a Premier who so blatantly disrespects the people of Bermuda with lies and deceit. I have never ever marched to protest a leader. Chances are that neither have those white folk in the crowd. I cannot speculate on the intentions of every single individual there… the fact however that this is the first time that it has happened leads me to believe that it cannot all be put down to race.
What I saw yesterday were Bermudians black and white, young and old, who feel disrespected. I’m not willing to delve any deeper than that into the collective black or white psyche… The fact that everything in this island has to come down to race is sickening and indicative of how far we as blacks have to go if we are consistently letting the race card be played against us.
ken –
“I actually think the PLP supporters that were there were there because of the issues, but the majority of the white protesters would have been there whether it was this issue, or another, or another.”
I’d be interested to know how you actually arrived at that conclusion…
“I know a PLP supporter who doesnt like how he did this, and who marched in that regard and she said she felt sick to her stomach when she realized that the reason she was marching was so blatantly different from the reason most of the white bermudians were marching. She said they werent concerned about the issues…there was a glee and excitement on their face, like they were witnessing the best day of their lives…so let’s not get it twisted…it wasnt about this incident. ”
Ken,
For years Dr. Brown has made questionable moves that have left the white community wondering why they were the only ones calling him on it, and worse, being condemned for doing so. Much as he used the ‘planation questions’ defence to suggest that such questions wouldn’t be asked of a white MP/Premier, so too it can be seen that if similar deeds were undertaken by a white MP/Premier that blacks certainly wouldn’t sit on the sidelines silent.
I believe much of the ‘glee’ and ‘anger’ as you describe that we’re seeing reflected in the white community is a result of white people hoping that Brown has finally gone far enough that blacks will stop sitting on the sidelines allowing the ridiculousness to continue simply because Brown is a black leader.
Is racism an element? Very much so, because if the roles were reversed we’d likely see a different turn of events and yet Bermuda still would not be moving forwards. Would whites sit on the sidelines, maybe, but recall that many whites made a move in 1998 to say enough is enough with the useless UBP and opted for real change. Real change that hasn’t come to fruitition.
We need to evolve beyond our racial differences and seek true change. If whites were in power then it would be up to whites to stand alongside blacks to call out whites for wrongdoings.
However, whites are not in power. Thus, how can blacks call for change when they won’t be the change themselves? Joining the PLP is not an option when they promote racial division and take a combative approach to the white community.
Blacks are in power and thus should set an example by calling Dr. Brown out on the things he does wrong and holding him accountable. No doing so only perpetuates this stalemate between the races that ensures we go nowhere but down as politicians capitalise on our division for their own gain.
How far will we let things go? Dr. Brown is already testing the waters with rather dictatorial actions. What if Brown decides to violate other portions of the constitution? How far do we need to go before we say enough is enough?
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“The fact that everything in this island has to come down to race is sickening and indicative of how far we as blacks have to go if we are consistently letting the race card be played against us.”
don’t u see how b washed u r – don’t u think that whites have any part in this – if u have a white newspaper that attacks someone everyday of course some people even blks are going to buy into it
like i said – if blk people let the powers that be trick them into despising the blk alpha male – then blk bda deserves what it gets – eternal slavery
there’s a reason why eddie murphy made 50 mil last year while denzel only made 10 🙂
steve – well lucky for me I don’t buy the RG… so what’s your reasoning now as to why I’m brainwashed? And was I brainwashed when online inthe past vehemently supporting Brown and the PLP? What changed? Not sure?
Here’s a hint. I don’t like being lied to by the leader of my country who has acted unilaterally on major issues that impact myself and my fellow Bermudians.
Blacks WILL forever be slaves if we continue to let other blacks use our former masters tactics against us.
Agree with some of your comments Dennis. I get them but I wish others did.
As you say about the “roles being reversed”.
1965/1968/1970/1972/1977/1980 ring a bell?
If the Premier to day was white, there would be no more Hamilton as we see it today. And they still would blame it on the ….pick a word or phrase.
As can be seen by the propaganda being spewed that that nit wit Tigga on Bermuda Sucks. The worms sure come out when it gets damp………
Really, how much they pay these people.
steve said
June 17, 2009 at 12:44 pm
if sara etc don’t think that there was a racist undertone to yesterdays demonstration ur either delusional or disingenuous – at the huge plp rallys during the run up to the election many in white bda painted them as racially tinged – so why not yesterdays – oh that’s right – white bda is :”cool and level headed”
Sara says:
Why has Dr. Brown not addressed the fact that he lied about the police commissioner clearing these men. Why has he not addressed why he did not discuss this with his OWN party, why has he not addressed the reason he did not consult the UK?
I understand your frustration at this being a mainly white protest, but how can you say you KNOW it is a racist issue instead of just people waiting accountability for their government? Just to be clear, these above issues are VERY CONCERNING!! This is not an issue liken to what kind of car Dr. Brown drives people. In my opinion if you are NOT concerned with these above issues then that tells me that certain individuals are either NOT paying attention to what is going on in their country or they support Dr. Brown blindly, which is certainly their democratic right. Just as it is the democratic right of people to protest an autocratic style of governing in what is supposed to be a democracy.
From Pitts on BIAW
“I thought it would be useful for everyone to actually read the relevant provisions of the Bermuda Constitution Order that are in play right now:
“Tenure of office of Premier and other Ministers
59 (1) If the House of Assembly by the affirmative votes of a majority of all the members thereof passes a resolution that it has no confidence in the Government, the Governor shall, by instrument under the Public Seal, revoke the Premier’s appointment:
Provided that before so doing the Governor shall consult with the Premier and may dissolve the Legislature in accordance with the provisions of section 49(1) of this Constitution instead of revoking the Premier’s appointment.”
“Governor’s special responsibilities
62 (1) The Governor, acting in his discretion, shall be responsible for the conduct (subject to the provisions of this Constitution and of any other law) of any business of the Government, including the administration of any department of government, with respect to the following matters—
(a) external affairs;
(b) defence, including armed forces;
(c) internal security;
(d) the police.
(2) The Governor, acting in his discretion, may by directions in writing delegate, with the prior approval of the Secretary of State, to the Premier or any other Minister designated by him after consultation with the Premier such responsibility for any of the matters specified in subsection (1) of this section as the Governor may think fit upon such conditions as he may impose.”
Contrary to what Laverne Furbert and other may be saying, the default provisions of S.59 – the vote of no confidence – is the removal of the Premier, not the dissolution of Parliament. If the UBP were clever they would give a written undertaking to the relevant PLP members of Parliament that in the event that the vote was successful, they would not support a dissolution of Parliament, only the replacement of the Premier “
According to the Premier the Hon. Dr. Ewart Brown he won’t be stepping down.
Well, we know how he doth not speaketh to the the Royal Gizzard.
But to be fare and honest, I did pen something to the Editor of the Royal Gizzard about a week ago.
If anyone wants to do some research or hell even pull up a dickshonarry and see what “DAMOCLES SWORD” is/means.
Thats the Ace up Dr. Browns sleeve. He knows what went on, whom was involved in things off the past. As old Rummy would say….yah buys goud……..
It’s ok, I take all precautions. Guess the Chinese Mafia will be after me next or the Red Sox cheerleaders.
It’s all on line Doc…..and can be linked………