Together for change

August 25, 2009

Dear Sir,

We, the group BERMUDIANS, wish to say a heartfelt "Thank You" to everyone who supported us in our actions of June 16, 19 and 26, 2009. Due to the sheer magnitude of e-mails, telephone calls and comments, we have decided to utilise this media so that as many as possible can receive our message. Your response to our call has shown us that when we come together as stakeholders in our own country, we can make a difference. The fear that has ruled our Island for so many years, although very subtly, was removed and a new attitude was revealed – an attitude which stated that we will no longer be silent and let wrong rule over right. An attitude which stated that we can no longer wait for a select few to do what needs to be done and done now. An attitude which desires to cast away the demons of the past and move forward toward the future on behalf of our children and our Island home.

We came together because we knew that if we remained silent and allowed certain unchecked behaviour to continue, we were no better than those committing this behaviour. We came together because we believed that the governmental system in which we had put our trust was neither living up to its promises nor meeting our expectations.

We came together because we were tired of the complaining in corners where faces could be hidden, while we waited for someone else to make the change. The change begins with us – all of us. We must step out of the box and we must continue to state that enough is enough. We must continue to demand integrity, good governance and change the course on which our Island home is headed.

Having had a chance to reflect over the last two months, we have noted with interest that within all the political rhetoric that spewed out during and since our protests, none of the points of our speeches have been refuted. Bermuda, we remind you to think over the tenure of the current government led by Premier Brown and seriously ask yourselves if you are confident that we are being led in the manner in which we should be. Since then, we note further behaviour which should have disturbed us.

For example:

¦ The failed attempt at the passing of the gaming bill in the House of Parliament by our Premier behind the backs of our elected Members of Parliament – but once again, he had to deceive us – you see, the end justifies the means.

¦ Premier Brown's absence from our 400th Anniversary celebrations during our Somers Day (Bermuda's Birthday) and Annual Cup Match Celebrations with no prior explanation. We can understand the Premier's need for a vacation with his wife and no one would think to deny him of this. However, he is the Premier. Would we not have appreciated prior knowledge that he would not be in attendance for such a momentous occasion, one about which we have been consistently encouraged to educate our children? How can we explain to them that at such a time in our history our leader was nowhere to be found! It was only after the celebrations that we were told that he was on a pre-planned vacation. Or perhaps that was top secret too? It's interesting to note that when President Obama goes on vacation, at least you are told of his imminent departure and see him getting into the helicopter on the White House lawn!

¦ The return of the Hon. Elvin James as Education Minister leaves a bitter taste. Of course, the terms of his return are shrouded in mystery. Having heard his very heartfelt speech during the vote of no confidence – we heard a man torn between his Premier and those whom he represented. We heard a man torn between his Premier and what he knew was "the right thing to do". We heard a man who – perhaps – had no idea what was going to happen to him after that night, but he put himself on the line and said what needed to be said. Upon his return to Cabinet, we heard a politician – cagey and ducking questions. As we stated in our speech of June 19, much of what our Premier will do from here on in will be clouded in suspicion. Is this the way we wish to live Bermuda?

Many thanks to former Ministers, Mr. Dale Butler, Mr. Randy Horton and Mr. Terry Lister who stood their ground and told it like it is. We don't pretend to know their deep personal reasons for making such a bold move, but we thank you for setting the example – an example of honesty, integrity and selflessness. Of doing what is right when tempted to do what you know is wrong. An example that we, the citizens of Bermuda, can trust and believe in. How many other MPs were tempted to make such a move but couldn't or wouldn't? When will they wake up to the possibility that their voters have now had a good look at their unwillingness to act on behalf of those they represent? Many PLP voters have become disillusioned – all because of one man's conduct in a position of leadership. Is the PLP quite confident that their voters will carry them to power at the next General Election under the current leader? You'd better start checking now.

There are those that say our Premier has done much for our Island but the negative manner in which he has conducted himself on so many levels overshadows the positive. For example, we can appreciate the initiative to offer free transportation for schoolchildren and even free day care for single parents who need help (thanks Mr. Taxpayer), however, our taxes have paid for a trip to the Playboy mansion and are also still paying for an empty Premier's official residence and new wheelchair accessible buses which cannot be used for the purpose which they were imported because proper prior research had not been conducted.

To our detractors, we state that there are Bermudians who can think and speak for themselves and will not toe your line. In a democratic society, we have a right to speak up for ourselves. We remind those detractors that with all the rhetoric spewing from their camp since our demonstrations, their numbers during the June 16 march were sadly lacking and totally non-existent during the next two gatherings. Where was their visible support for Premier Brown? Why did they not respond to the e-mails circulating the Island calling for the masses to come out in opposition on June 16?

We note that our detractors received plenty of airtime after our speech was presented on the evening news to tarnish the purpose of our demonstration, but even they cannot deny that their supporters were completely overwhelmed by those who have had enough of Premier Brown's leadership. We have been told via the media that Premier Brown has assured us, if you believe it, of his resignation in 2010. We do not wish to wait that long. As we have stated that we do not trust this leadership – why should we wait until October 2010 to endure more of the same deceitful behaviour? We have had enough. Bermuda, we desire a leader who will display respect for our Constitution, our laws, our people and all the citizens of Bermuda. A leader who will provide the transparency which we were promised over ten years ago but have yet to see. A leader who holds on to integrity and encourages unity within our country. A leader who surrounds themselves with those who seek to do what is best for our country and not just for their party or themselves.

We do not demand that each and every governmental decision be brought before the people for their approval – nothing would be accomplished that way. However, if a history of integrity and credibility is established between a leader, his cabinet and those whom they represent, there will be born a level of trust like no other. One which does not exist presently. As Premier Brown seems to be pushing his way, and us, closer to Independence, we ask that you really think about our Island as an independent nation. With a leader who seems to do what he wants, when and how he wants and with the silent support of those in his cabinet. Unfortunately, with many of us, issues must hurt us personally before we stand to take action.

Bermuda has historically been a Christian society – based on the foundation of love for God and one another – of treating others as we wish to be treated – of seeking to do right and turning away from wrong. There were clear-cut standards in our society with values that were taught, not only in the home, but out on the street. Our children knew what was right and they knew when they did wrong. We were a blessed society, the envy of other countries. We were "another world" and proud of it. Can we still say that today? Are the lines of right and wrong still clear-cut? Can we look to our governmental leaders and feel that they have held up the standard? Sadly, no – we cannot.

Yes, we had our struggles then as well. We had governmental leadership with whom we were not in agreement. We had to deal with racism, social injustice, ambition and greed. Sadly, it does not appear that things have changed with the change of government. We marched, sang, picketed, shouted and boycotted. Our action is not new and it will not go away. The only new component in this action is that it is being done against a labour government that was supposed to be for the People. A leadership consisting of those who came out of the grassroots of our society. Our faces may be different and younger, but get past the faces and listen carefully to the message – our message. We are not interested in ousting a government – just changing the leader. But if the powers that be do not listen to the community – they just may lose the very thing that they are trying so hard to hold on to. We will remember their inaction at the polls.

And let us be clear of this fact. Our actions over the last couple of months should serve as a message to anyone that would step up to lead our Island. No matter which party you represent, no matter what colour you are – we will be watching you and holding you up to the highest standards. We will express our displeasure when we see that the privilege of leadership which we afforded you with our vote (and trust) is being abused. We will no longer whisper among ourselves and hope for change. We will be the change. It is not over. We will come together again to show that we no longer wish to live like this. Come on Bermuda, let's get it together!

BERMUDIANS

Love, Peace, Unity and Respect

P.s. We sincerely wish to thank all those who documented our actions by way of photographs and video. In particular, we thank Mr. Chris Gibbons who captured all our demonstrations on his website Breezeblog and has depicted them very fairly.

Give Mr. Dowling his due

August 7, 2009

Dear Sir,

I was saddened and disappointed to see there was no placard to say who sculptured Sally Bassett's statue; a monument to the horrors and cruelty of the day, a slave being burned to death for a crime she denied. Why is it that black Bermudians never seem to honour their own, their talented sons and display pride at their achievements and celebrate each others successes. a kind of jealousy? If it had been a foreigner, say from Cuba, Spain or some other country, would it have been prominently displayed? I sincerely hope that this omission will be rectified. As I sat on the bench surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, I overheard two tourists talking and one said, "I wonder who did this work"? I was able to tell them of a very talented Bermudian sculptor, a man called Carlos Dowling, a Bermudian son.

DIANA WILLIAMS

Pembroke

Kudos to The Archives

September 1, 2009

Dear Sir

I was gifted a wonderful opportunity to speak at the Navigating Success Conference on September 5, 2009. With a speech focusing on women for an audience of local and global professionals, I deemed this an excellent opportunity to highlight the marvellous courageous cooperation of Bermudian women which crossed the class and colour lines and reached out internationally. My file with the suffrage information was AWOL and in desperation I contacted the Archives. I must send a public thanks for the outstanding service and willingness to help. After all, this was my emergency not theirs. Karla Hayward, the director and her team went the extra mile to scan the 1895 Petition and debates. I was also informed about a second set of debates that I did not know about. Thank you Bermuda Archives I appreciate your going the extra mile cheerfully.

MICHELLE St JANE

Southampton

An escalating problem

August 31, 2009

Dear Sir,

This summer between June and August, 2009 hundreds of cycles were stolen – close to 40 percent of them snatched from theft-prone Pembroke Parish. Guess what? Mine was one of them. It was stolen in broad daylight from the new cycle parking lot built by the Corporation of Hamilton on the Number 1 Shed lot, across from the Bird Cage.

Cameras have not been installed facing this parking lot by the Police or the Corporation of Hamilton. There are no locking bars that we can secure our cycles to. Why not? This is a question that I would like answered by the Police and the Corporation of Hamilton. If the removal of cycles is such an escalating problem on our Island, especially in the City of Hamilton, we need cameras and locking bars in all parking lots. These thieves are stealing our cycles in the middle of the day and they are getting away with it. Having cameras and locking bars throughout Hamilton will help deter these criminals.

Bermuda, we can all help this escalating problem by getting involved. Everyone, please keep your eyes open in and around Hamilton parking lots or wherever there are cycles parked. If you happen to be driving behind any truck or witness someone placing a cycle into a truck, take down the number of the truck and cycle and report to police immediately. Even if the truck looks like it belongs to a cycle repair shop, report it. The cycle theft usually happens very quickly and it could happen to you or a family member, so take down as much detail as you can and call Police headquarters on 295-0011. This is one way we can all make a difference to help catch these criminals in the act and put them out of commission. We need to all get involved. I know I will be watching and reporting from now on. Please cut this article out and keep in your vehicle as a reminder. Thank you!

A VICTIM

Smith's

It was Scotland not Britain

August 29, 2009

Dear Sir,

In a Letter to the –Editor of 24 August 2009, the author expressed his anger that the Libyan terrorist convicted of causing the Lockerbie crash, Abdel Baset Al-Megrahi, was released by the "UK legislature" on compassionate grounds, given that Al-Megrahi was suffering from terminal pancreatic cancer. It should be noted, however, that the "UK legislature" (ordinarily known as the British Parliament) did not release Al-Megrahi; it was the devolved Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh that released him. The order was made by the Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill, with the explicit support of the Scottish National Party which has the largest number of seats (47) in the Scottish Parliament.

Although the author of the letter thought the release of Al-Megrahi was "appalling", that decision had nothing (officially, at least) to do with the Parliament at Westminster (the UK government). The Scottish Parliament, and Scottish law, has its own specific legislation and criteria for the release of convicted criminals on compassionate grounds by which the Minister was guided in his decision. Whatever the rights and wrongs of the decision (and there are plenty of people in both Scotland and the rest of the UK who don't agree with it), it was a perfectly legitimate matter for Edinburgh, not Westminster, to decide.

The author of the letter seemed to think, moreover, that there were people in Bermuda who "looked to the UK Government as a moral beacon during the furore (about the Uighur Four) here in Bermuda", and that the decision to release Al-Megrathi seriously compromised that "moral beacon". What moral beacon was that exactly? People were simply, and correctly, pointing out that the United Kingdom had legal and constitutional sovereignty to arbitrate in certain matters concerning foreign and internal security relating to one of their Dependent Territories, namely, Bermuda. The Premier of Bermuda decided to circumvent or, more likely, simply ignore that sovereign right. That, rather than any putative moral superiority of the UK government, is what got people's goat.

So, the release of Al-Megrathi was not an act of the UK government. The UK government has never claimed to be, nor is it, a "moral beacon" for its Dependent Territories. And if a "Royal Commission" or any other Commission of Inquiry were ever established to investigate matters needing such attention in Bermuda, it would not, therefore, be instigated on moral grounds but rather on straightforward constitutional criteria. In any case, the people of Bermuda, not Westminster, would initially demand such an investigation, through the Governor. The release of Al-Megrahi is not, therefore, a moral lodestone that would, or should divert the course of constitutional correctness in such a matter, if it were ever to arise.

G.J.B. FAIELLA

London, UK