Premier trying to block no confidence motion – UBP
By Tim Smith
The United Bermuda Party last night alleged Premier Ewart Brown's team is trying to kill the no confidence motion against him before it is debated.
Urging Speaker Stanley Lowe not to bow to the pressure, Opposition House Leader Cole Simons repeated his party's call for Dr. Brown's "reckless behaviour" to be checked.
"We cannot allow a Premier to get away with violating the Constitution. To do so would set a lawless precedent for Bermuda — something I am sure no one wants," said Mr. Simons in a statement.
MPs from both parties have spoken out against the Premier's failure to consult with the Governor or UK before bringing four Chinese Muslim prisoners to Bermuda last week. His deputy and potential successor Paula Cox told the House of Assembly she felt "politically neutered" at being kept out of the loop.
Last Friday, UBP leader Kim Swan tabled a motion of no confidence against the Government led by Dr. Brown, meaning either this Friday or next Friday MPs will vote on whether he should be kicked out.
Assuming all MPs vote, the UBP needs support from five PLP MPs — or four plus independent Wayne Furbert — to pass the motion. Mr. Simons' statement said: "We want to be very clear about the aim of the no confidence motion in Premier Ewart Brown: we are seeking a change of leadership in the Government.
"Bermuda must get back to the business of the people. Bermudians are troubled by Dr. Brown's leadership and it is time to hear what their elected representatives think.
"There are two important points to note about the no confidence motion tabled Friday: the motion was presented to the Speaker and approved by him before it was introduced; and it was tabled with the support of the House of Assembly.
"No one objected when my colleague Kim Swan introduced it, as they could have.
"We have since learned that the Premier's team will try to kill the motion before it is debated. We would urge the Speaker to resist the pressure and ensure that Parliamentary debate is not thwarted.
"Bermuda cannot allow Dr. Brown's Uighur decision to pass unchallenged. We cannot have a Government leader doing whatever he likes.
"Our system of government is designed to check reckless behaviour. When the system is breached — as it has been in this case — it must be defended."
Last Friday, the Progressive Labour Party's 'Progressive Minds' blog launched a poll asking whether people thought Dr. Brown should go.
Site administrators removed the poll and deleted its results when it emerged most people were voting against the Premier, although it is understood you don't have to be a PLP member to vote on that site.
