Well, that was a long night. I’m sure most readers by now are aware that the Motion of No Confidence was debated till about 0500hrs Bermuda time, and was then defeated, 22-11. All PLP MPs voted against the motions, as did Independent Wayne Furbert. Two UBP MPs, Darius Tucker and Mark Pettingil abstained (although Mr. Tucker who absented himself had indicated he would vote against the motion). I stayed up till 0200hrs UK time following the Mystery Science Theatre transcripts at BIAW, and woke up this morning to catch up on the rest.
After reading over the transcripts of the debate and looking at the end vote, I think one thing is definitely clear. Dr. Brown won the battle, but he has lost the war. A good number of PLP MPs heavily critiqued Dr. Brown over this issue, and while Dale Butler and Alex Scott made some excellent speeches in this regard, I think Ms. Cox’s statement really was the heaviest hitter in terms of expressing Dr. Brown’s situation. She didn’t much more than to say that the Party has mechanisms within it to change the Party Leader, special or annual delegates conventions. To me she was effectively giving out a major signal and saying that the Party will not support this No Confidence Motion, but Dr. Brown should know his time is coming to a close.
Dale Butler called on Dr. Brown to apologise for his actions. My interpretation of this statement was that it was a warning to Dr. Brown that an apology on his part, officially directed at the House but really addressed to the PLP MPs would be key to gaurunteeing PLP votes against the motion. That Dr. Brown conceded this and did apologise to the House was to me a catharsis moment, and sufficient for PLP votes to defeat the motion. Dale Butler has apparently now resigned as a Cabinet Minister. To be honest I don’t see that he had much choice in this matter. His speech made it clear that he found Dr. Brown’s actions reprehensible, and having given a speech like that, his ability to stay in Cabinet become largely untenable. It was really a question of whether he got pushed first, or jump. I think he decided, correctly, that its better to jump.
While on the surface it may appear that Dr. Brown’s hand has been strengthened, from my reading any such strength now is more illussionary that real. The Party, at least in the form of its MPs, have clearly expressed that business as usual a la Dr. Brown cannot continue. He must now either build bridges or accept it is time to go gracefully as per internal Party procedures.
One other thing that became clear in the debate, patently so with the comments by Alex Scott, Jennifer Smith and Dale Butler, is that the spin coming from Party apparatchiks was off the mark and misrepresentative of the real issue. It cannot be denied that race was a factor in the opposition and composition of the demonstrations. As with all things in Bermuda it was and is. Polls consistently indicate that Whites vote overwhelmingly in support for the UBP, and were already feeling marginalised and alienated by Dr. Brown. This is all true. And it gave some credence to the argument that the demonstrations represented people who didn’t vote for the PLP in the first place. This is true. What is not true however is that race was the dominant factor in opposition to the incident. Polls also showed a small majority of PLP voters and Blacks (and thus not solely Whites) were also disapproving of the situation. Why the actualy composition of the demonstrations did not necessarily reflect this is an interesting question that deserves further reflection from all involved.
Had the spin left it at there, accepting widespread disapproval with the issue and using that to stimulate discussion within the community, that would have been fine. But in my opinion certain media and personalities wilfully distorted the reality, while the majority White demonstrators also failed to acknowledge the racial factor and even compounded the issue with an embarrassingly overt focus on increasing the racial diversity of the demonstration.
The most disturbing developments of the last week for me really was the manipulation of this reality for political ends, and direct censorship of posts at (Not Anymore) Progressive Minds. I say it is not anymore Progressive Minds as it no longer is under control or in any way connected with what was the PLP Youth Wing, Progressive Minds. It no longer sticks to the ideals and operating parameters that this group intended for it. It is now nothing more than an additional appendage for ‘controlling the message’ and manipulating opinion on the behalf of the dominant Party faction.
Both of these events, the wilful misrepresentation of the race factor and the overt censorship of dissent will have left a bad taste in many otherwise supporters of the PLP. Relationships are no doubt frayed as a result, and it is unclear what the longer-term consequences of these actions will be, both in terms of racial understanding and Party support.
The demonstrators will feel disillussioned after these events. That is unfortunate, and I advise them to carry on their energy of political and community activism in other areas. There are a lot of issues of concern in our society, and if people can mobilise as they did last week, there is no reason why this momentum cannot be carried forward for the betterment of our people on other issues. I have heard talk of engaging in Friday democracy lunches, where every Friday lunch hour citizens rally at the House of Assembly to discuss the political topics of the day, and, more importantly, keep our parliamentarians on their toes. This is certainly something to be commended and encouraged for our nation. For those who feel the PLP has lost its way, or wish to organise a new political force, all I can say is ‘don’t mourn – organise’. Organise within the Party for change, organise outside the Party for grassroots community change, organise a new political party, or two, or even forge a coalition of independents, a weak political alliance. Do all of this and more. While those in power may cry that control is being lost, in fact it is our democracy and political consciousness that is being strengthened.
Succinctly put Johnathan – all key points covered, except perhaps one. I am not convinced that this is the end of the matter.
By that, I think the issue still has to be played out fully with regards to the UK and the Chinese.
There may well be problems to face domestically as a result.
I guess there was one moment of mild humour when the meaning of the meaning of HSBC had to be spelt out. No Chinese influence in Bermuda? Priceless.
u make some good points johnny but as miles davis used to say, ur 1 beat behind,- last nite wasn’t about dr. brown per se – it was about whether the plp would grow up and whether the storm intact or break apart the way they did in the past or the way the dockworkers or belco workers have done in the past – they didn’t let their personal opinion cloud the big picture – the party will be bigger and better for it.
i don’t know who u hang w/ what church u go to or what social orgs u belong to but u seem to miss the “in between the lines” meanings in re; to politics in bda and how it plays out in the kitchens and bedrooms and backyards of bda
maybe u should write for the gazette
Let us not forget Zane DeSilva lying through his teeth about the Protest Saunter.
Lying liar who lies. Through his teeth. Outright and completely.
It’s been great to read the commentary from yourself, 21 Square, Vexed and the various folks at BIAW.
I think that it will remain business as usual as far as government itself is concerned, just because the PLP is standing by the leader, despite the commentary that alluded to dissatisfaction with recent events. Perhaps the next delegates convention, or the one after, may reveal other plans.
As for the UBP who proposed the motion, its utter failure should send a clear signal that they are a spent force. They will have to swallow their pride, let Dr Brown’s dream come true and disband utterly. They cannot even count on support from any ‘independent’ voices at this time.
Hello there, Jonny,
You’ve posted some fine entries on your blog during the past week or so. I hope your studies haven’t suffered for the time you’ve dedicated to posting and following up.
While I don’t agree with some of your points, I think I can say that we would agree that a UBP government in Bermuda is neither desirable or a good thing. It amazes me that the tired old UBP-ites have dragged out their “death” so long.
I believe that there are Bermudians who are capable of governing, and who are of not only good character but great character and promise … and not self-serving and consumed by race-baiting.
Good on Dale Butler and Paula Cox for standing up to Ewart Brown as much as they did. I would be proud to call either Premier. I’m only embarrassed to be reading and hearing so much about Bermuda’s “Prime Minister” Ewart Brown. Apparently, Ewart Brown makes no effort to correct the media and other foreign politicians who mistakenly call him “Prime Minister”.
One day Bermuda may well have a Prime Minister, but there are paths to take and things to work through to get there. Does it hurt to be dignified on the way?
If you look online, Bermuda has become something of a laughingstock. The joke of the day: A sign in a bar in Bermuda “Come on in and get bombed!”
Now, Ewart Brown needs to provide lovely pink cottages with pools for his people. He also needs to explain why captive dolphins warrant $10 million when homeless Bermudians in the North Street Shelter have to paddle through sewerage in huts that will probably just fall down the next time the Island has a good hit from a storm. Human rights and dignity for Bermudians!
Another joke about the Uighars in Bermuda goes like this: “Well, yes, Muslim terrorists DO go to Paradise!”
wow…….so now all crime is legal!!!! wow incredable
the plp politicians are now clssified as corrupt for supporting the laws being broken
Hi-ya Steve,
Actually I’m an atheist and militant secularist, so the Church reference don’t mean a thing to me. Ironically though I wanted to be a journalist, applied to both the Sun and the RG. Thought that they depended to much on guest workers who didn’t have a sufficient grasp of our history and culture. Figured I could do better. LOL! As it is I do my journalism vicarously through my blog instead! LOL.
Politics is often about perspective. Time will tell who’s analysis is closer to the mark. My perception of last night was that it was about Dr. Brown’s style, although it was more a warning to him, and a signal that the Party will take care of the issue itself and not through parliamentary games. I think we agree that the Party will be better for it, for this approach.
last nite wasn’t about dr. brown per se – it was about whether the plp would grow up
Obviously they didn’t. Grown ups would have made up their own minds rather than bow to the whip. In the process they managed to demonstrate that, in their mind, the rule of law is completely irrelevant. Sad really. I thought better of a few of them.
The mps are still subject to the rule of law…the people still have the ability to bring accountability to all the mps who have basically said its ok for mps to break the law, by taking them all to court.
“I guess there was one moment of mild humour when the meaning of the meaning of HSBC had to be spelt out.”
HSBC Holdings plc is a public limited company incorporated in England and Wales in 1990, and headquartered in London since 1993.[1] As of 2009, it is both the world’s largest banking group and the world’s 6th largest company according to a composite measure by Forbes magazine.[2][3] The group was founded from The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation based in Hong Kong, the acronym of which led to the current name
starling – i meant church as in its social context not its religious context
this might be a stretch – but i’ve always thought that the reason some countries failed in their post colonial lives is that they clung to outdated socialist ideals – mostly because those leaders had been educated in the UK – many african leaders have spoken of being labelled socialist/communist but they readily admit that those bedfellows were often a matter of convenience rather than truly shared ideals
dr. brown is providing a painful yet neccessary break from that so that we can evolve
u gotta take off the training wheels and take some risks if u want to learn how to ride
Fair enough.
I’ve always thought that the reason some countries failed in their post-colonial lives stems from a combination of neo-colonialism and a committment to a deformed form of socialism akin to Stalinism. Too much reliance on the Party Line and Party Loyalty than independent critical thought. However, the Cold War certainly played a role in determining who was considered what. The PLP in its earlier forms, and even today, is called socialist/communist, when they are clearly anything but.
to me brown is like lamumba in that he preaches self reliance in spite of the fact that it scares the very people it should inspire and who are so ingrained with the false belief that britain some keeps us safe – some kid on facebook thought that if we go broke britain would bail us out –
dr. brown might rub some people the wrong way but its utter nonsense that his actions are based on something as trivial as personal pride – i believe that freddy wade knew exactly who dr. brown was and knew that he was the key to the plps future when he personally asked dr.brown to come home -
He noted China’s rising economic power, adding that the recent recession had barely slowed down the country’s growth. He described “a big connection” between Bermuda and China, with 50 percent of the companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange being based in Bermuda.
Just to put Steve’s ability to Copy and Paste into context, here is the verbatum:
“In response to a comment from PLP MP Walter Roban that “Bermuda has no relationship with China at all” Mr. Richards reminded the House that HSBC (owner of the Bank of Bermuda) stands for the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, noting that 75 percent of the bank’s pretax profits come from Hong Kong or mainland China.
“You still think we don’t have a relationship with China?” he asked.
Hey Steve, I hear where you are coming from, but to me I see Dr. Brown more along the lines of Eric Williams than anything else. But there are indeed some parrallels with Patrice Lumumba, but for African politics I think Thabo Mbeki is by far the most appropriate.
I am all for independence, but I’m not interested in merely taking down one flag and putting up another. To me thats merely cosmetic independence. And in reality we are more a colony of the US than anything. I’m more interested in developing our people to the point that we are truly independent, as well as politically independent, both from the US and the UK. I think the only way we can really do that though is along the lines of a Federation with our sister islands to the south. And a bottom up economic and political democracy as opposed to our existing hierrachical corporate system of both economy and politics.
Nice idea, but the Federation failed many decades ago. Even now the CSME is under much scrutiny from a few Caribbean countries. While it’s useful to monitor this situation as well as other similar regional groupings, Bermuda still seems to be in a position of being best served as a ‘colony’ of the US.
I read that Mark Pettingill abstained from voting. Why would he have done that?
considering nafta and the eu – the carbbean was way ahead of its time w/ federation – sadly it’s 2 “offspring” windies cricket and UWI are both great examples of what could’ve been – and from what i understand it collapsed due to ego over who should be in charge (ja or trini)
He probably received something in the mail…..
I think that there were a lot of issues with the way the WIFederation was initially set up, and you are right that Jamaican and Trini rivaling were certainly the catalyst for its dissolution. I think its important for us to critically study the problems with the WIF as well as the problems with CARICOM today. Neither of them are exactly what I have in mind for a future United States of the Caribbean (not part of the USA!), but they are forerunners that need to be understood, if for nothing more than to avoid the same problems.
As for Mr. Pettingill, no idea why he abstained. I haven’t been able to find his statements from the debate, and I’m not sure if he even spoke. Maybe he didn’t agree with the motion or realised it was going no where and was looking to save his political capital. Maybe he and Mr. Tucker are angling at something new?
I heard Mark Petingill’s comments. He was calling himself a “Straight Shooter” and wanted to be remembered as such. He said that the rebel PLP members had come to the UBP with the proposal of the Vote of No Confidence, and when they saw that is was going to fail had backed away from it. He said of them that if you can’t walk the walk, don’t talk the talk. So, I assume he felt the Motion was doomed to fail at that point and felt used by them.
I assume he felt the Motion was doomed to fail at that point and felt used by them.
So he passed up the opportunity to make any statement, even if only symbolic. Sad.
Just read Mark Pettingill’s explanation in the Gazette and I have to say I am not entirely satisfied. For one he does not really explain why the motion of No Confidence was procedurally incorrect, nor does he dispute that it would have been successful in removing the Premier had it passed. I can understand his complaint that he didn’t want to vote for something that the main instigators were probably not going to support, but surely his coming out and saying he was not going to support it in the debate would not help with the rebel PLP MP’s courage. He says it would have been hypocritical for him to vote for this when those who instigated it were not going to. Well, maybe I am just not as good at English as Mr. Pettingill but I thought that it would be the rebel PLP MP’s who stood to be hypocrits and not Mr. Pettingill. None of his explanations seem to add up 100% but he does mention a few times how he wasn’t consulted on the motion as shadow AG. Could it be that ego and an internal dispute have a lot more to do with his failure to vote?
He also seems to hint at an element of racism in the protests when he mentions that most of the protesters were white while most of the observers in the gallery were black. On this matter, I think he explains himself even less clearly but I am left with the feeling that he has really missed the point of the protests.
[...] Catch a fire weighed in after “a long night”: After reading over the transcripts of the debate and [...]
telling:
“Mark Pettingail: I have this question. Why is it that the overwhelming majority of marchers were white? The overwhelming amount of people that sat up in the House were black. And to my mind, what group was focused on the process?”
I think he explains himself even less clearly but I am left with the feeling that he has really missed the point of the protests.
Mark’s smart enough to understand exactly what the protests were about. His reasons, at least as presented in the Gazette, make no sense whatsoever.
On that matter, I was under the impression that both parties were under a three line whip which means that the PLP/EFB was not confident that the motion would not pass if MP’s were left to their own devices [so much for EFB having the courage of his convictions]. Of course, I would hope the UBP would also take appropriate action against both UBP MP’s who failed to vote in favour of the motion – a three line whip requires everyone to attend AND to vote along party lines.
“Mark’s smart enough to understand exactly what the protests were about. His reasons, at least as presented in the Gazette, make no sense whatsoever.”
I should have mentioned that I don’t discount that it could be shoddy reporting to blame for the mud-like clarity of his explanation. The article was obviously very sloppily written with loads of grammatical and spelling errors so the lack of coherence could be due to the journalist rather than Mr. Pettingill.
Also, I tend to agree with Jonny’s post. Dr. Brown may have been smiling on his way out of this session but he received a lashing like I have never heard of in that house. In any other country, his position would be untenable at this point but this IS Bermuda so I am only cautiously optimistic about what the future holds for the principles of good governance in our country.
Well, so much for ‘Cool Whip’. Chocolate Pudding is the cave of the present.
[...] Catch a fire weighed in after “a long night”: After reading over the transcripts of the debate and [...]
Cabinet Minister Dale Butler told the House that the Premier should have consulted the UK before his controversial decision, but admitted Dr. Brown was not the type to constantly seek permission.
“It’s not part of his modus operandi,” he said.
Even more telling:
Mr. Butler praised this week’s rallies as “democracy in action”, and noted that he saw “Bermudians” at the protests rather than white people.
“I’m not even surprised or upset or want to belabour the point that the group was mostly white. So what?”
He read a selection of letters he received this week aloud in order to demonstrate the variety of viewpoints on the no confidence motion.
It’s too bad Dale Butler resigned. I thought he was a good guy that actually cared about Bermudians. I never expected Brown would go, but this really surprised me. It’s obvious that PLP is not all one big happy family.
There is real distaste for what Dr. Brown pulled within his own party.
I just hope the PLP does what is right in the end.
It does not look good to just forgive and forget yet another shady dealing.
starling – i’ve seen people post just outright racists and libelous accusations twd. the plp on this site and ur so understanding even lenient – yet u seem to want to fight and argue w/ ur “fellow” plpers when they don’t agree w/ u (this is in regards to the clash u seem to be having with progressive minds) what gives?
Steve, I do believe you and I have had this same conversation several times, both on this site and in emails.
I do my best to edit out what I consider outright hate speech or personal attacks. Like every human I am not perfect. At times I hold comments for several days and even ask others for advice on whether or not to allow them. Again, its not a foolproof system and I just do my best. People also have different conceptions of what should and should not be posted, and as I’ve said to you before, if you see something you think I should not have allowed, bring it up to me, either by email, or on this thread, and we can discuss your perception and see if you can convince me that I messed up and need to make some changes.
Also, as we have discussed several times, I regard PLP voices on this site as a lot more valuable than the non-PLP voices, and as such I address their issues more than others. My issue with the site ‘Progressive Minds’ is fully explained on that site which I know you have read. I see little reason to recap all of those issues here. I will simply say that if the site wants to claim to allow content from all users they should not edit/delete content that is critical or even anti the PLP (in the minds of the Admin). They need to either restrict content creation to PLPers (but allow comments to be free), or not edite/censor whatsoever. I also have an issue with it now using the name Progressive Minds and keeping up the banner which is now contrary to its reality. Eitherway, I am done with that site.
Steve, I find it INSANELY ironic that YOU of all people are complaining about racist, libelous attacks! You don’t see even the SLIGHTEST bit of hypocrisy in that? Seriously?
After all the things “u’ve” said, you’re going to get on your high horse about racist, libelous remarks?
Unbelievable.
Sara
I think Dale Butler still is a good guy who cares about Bermudians. i think his resignation illustrates his complete loss of faith and trust in the current government leader. I am sure he will be back in the next cabinet.
Maybe even as Premier. He has a unifying spirit which at this time in our history could be just what we need.
wiaruz said
June 23, 2009 at 6:22 am
I think Dale Butler still is a good guy who cares about Bermudians. i think his resignation illustrates his complete loss of faith and trust in the current government leader. I am sure he will be back in the next cabinet.
Sara says:
I think he is definitely still a great guy, and I know he resigned for all the right reasons. But, at the same time, the PLP are in dire need of good solid MPs that don’t let Dr. Brown get away with anything and everything he wants. It is sad
Thats wishfull thinking. It would be a uniting thing if he did become Premier.
One thing about Dale, he has the Country at heart and it’s future. Hell…he’d even declare 24th May National Cod Fish Day. Ironic thing is, he stands on and amongst his Principals………
A great day too all….Rummy……………
dale is still a plp mp – just not a cabinet minister
I often disagreed with some of the views that Dale had over the months and years.
That said, he is one of a few MP’s who has always said ‘Good morning’ when I met him in the street. He didn’t have the “do you know who I am” complex of the less secure amongst the PLP.
His time will come again no doubt.
Since this thread is titled “The Day After” whats a Libertaian Socialist going to do with regards to their new up and comming site ‘Jewel’.? I have much respect for Ms.Morris now that she has truly taken free speach to a new level.
Not trying to derail but just a thought on my part. I’ve read a lot of Lenin and Trotsky et al but have forgotton most of it. I’m more worried about Iraq, Iran, North Korea, the USA and of course Wall Street. Wall, controls more than any head of state.
Back on subject, there is no ‘Brown’ really in Bermuda…..but we do have “Deepdale”…….and if you know him and talk too him, he is really deep.
Gotta run……..
I’ll have something up on that newspaper article and JEWEL after I confirm something with Ms. Morris. This blog will, of course, continue.
Mind you your hover text for the Prog Minds link remains “Official blog of the PLP Youth Wing. Active, diverse and evolving”…