“UK needs to do more for our security.”

Dear Sir,

The above headline certainly caught my eye! Two thoughts immediately came to mind: is this a back-door approach to independence by undermining our relationship with Britain with claims that it needs to do more?

It is widely accepted that the Progressive Labour Party and David Burt, the Premier, are keen to progress a path to independence for Bermuda. At this time, it appears that Bermudians are not interested in this subject, as many have taken advantage of a British passport and all that comes with it — such as the ability to reside, work and take advantage of educational opportunities there.

Second, it crossed my mind that the PLP government should not blame Britain or a governor for our gang, guns and violence challenges! The Government funds the Bermuda Police Service, and he who pays the piper can surely call the tune!

The Government funds the Gang Violence Reduction Team, which is headed by Leroy Bean, the pastor turned MP, and which has spent millions of dollars without the success we require. The Government funds the Department of Corrections, with whom it has been at loggerheads over safety, security and staffing issues. The Government funds the Ministry of Education, but the standard of public education is not what is required for our young people, with many forced to enrol their children in private schools at significant expense.

Mr Burt, we should not make excuses or blame others for our poor oversight and for not addressing significant challenges. We must accept our problems and challenges, just like we take ownership of any success.

The recent Joint Ministerial Council in London provided an opportunity for the Overseas Territories to meet and discuss collectively or individually with Britain matters of importance to them. I found it to be a useful and productive process if used properly. While Britain has its challenges like any jurisdiction, it has helped when requested — such as more investigators in the BPS to tackle murder and violent crime investigations, offering to do reviews in the Department of Corrections, and providing supplies and vaccines through Covid.

The Premier has made it very clear that he and the PLP are keen for Bermuda to be an independent island and to become a full member of Caricom, seemingly without allowing the people who elected them to be involved in a full discussion on the pros and cons of both decisions.

This approach will surely not be in the best interests of Bermuda.

MICHAEL DUNKLEY

Smith’s

Former Premier of Bermuda