January 12, 2014

Dear Sir,

For a long time I have had my doubts and concerns about the Westminster style of party politics in Bermuda.The controversy surrounding the referendum issue raises my doubts and concerns higher than ever before.

The Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Shawn Crockwell, stated very emphatically that the OBA Government is moving ahead with its decision to back track on its campaign promise to hold a referendum on this important issue. He indicated that the petition would not change the Government’s mind. This is very troubling.

In enuciating this position, the Minister has proven what I, and I’m sure many others, have felt and stated. Political parties only need the voting public on election day. Once elected, The promises they make on important matters through party platforms, campaign promise, and speeches can be broken or changed without considering or consulting the voters to whom the promises were made with impunity.

The hope is that voters will be so committed to their respective parties that it will not make a difference at the next election.

We, the people can make a difference. Parties don’t make people.

People make parties. No matter what the Party position or the Party platform is, it is the people - men and women of integrity that will make the difference.

The current system of governing that includes “the collective responsibilty of the cabinet” and the “slavery” of party whips will keep us in this position as long as we continue to embrace our present system of government.

We can make a difference by taking party labels off the candidates that vie for our votes. Let’s vote for the best people we can find and let the chips fall where they may in the make up of the House.

CHARLES H JEFFERS