“I am dumbfounded that there hasn't been a crackdown with the libel and slander laws on some of these would-be writers and reporters on the internet.”— Walter Cronkite

The word “corruption” is used freely by nameless persons in the comments sections of local media. Day in and day out, Bermudians have to read baseless claims of elected persons taking bribes or awarding themselves contracts.

When people make the same claims of “corrupt government officials" over and over, it is usually for one of two reasons:

• They actually have evidence of corruption

In which case, they should take that evidence to the relevant authorities. You know, so those “dastardly” persons can be taken to court.

• They actually have no evidence at all and are just attempting to paint a false narrative

The sad reality is that they are simply upset because they themselves did not get whatever it is they were trying to get from the Government.

Some want government contracts, or those contracts to be renewed

Are people generally supposed to make baseless accusations without proof?

Compliance 101

Here is a little fact-finder for the people of Bermuda.

Every parliamentarian, and those in their family, have their bank accounts listed as PEP. This stands for Politically Exposed Person

Any activity in those accounts is subject to extra scrutiny. Any bank loan or transfer requires extra sets of paperwork/compliance.

So, is the claim now going to be that the banks are in on hiding illicit assets? No, they would never go so far as to accuse the banks of protecting elected officials.

Why?

Because they would be then facing court action from the banks. The reality is that hiding their names will not help them.

Fox and grapes

Another person who seems to make statements without merit is one Vic Ball.

In his op-ed of June 16, 2022, among his ramblings, he attempted to be creative by parroting a lie that has been paraded around on social media.

What is is motive for doing so?

Well, unfortunately another reason that persons show an unhealthy angst towards government is because they themselves failed to ever to become candidates with one party and/or failed to get elected with another party.

Perhaps they should take some more time out and realise that the voters made their decision.

For what it is worth, Vic deserves credit. At least he does not hide behind a fake name when making baseless claims.

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him on WhatsApp at 599-0901 or e-mail at carib_pro@yahoo.com