11/6/2009 4:09:00 PM New party vows to remove race from politics Ex-UBP MPs launch Bermuda Democratic Alliance and insist it will ‘unite’ our country
* Photo by Sirkka Huish. Striving for change: MP Shawn Crockwell, front, and Bermuda Democratic Alliance members launch the party at the House of Assembly yesterday.
The Bermuda Democratic Alliance has vowed to take race out of politics to "help unite the country".
The six men who quit the UBP to form the new third political party say they will "reject the use of race or class as a means to political success".
Officially launching the BDA at the House of Assembly yesterday, MP Shawn Crockwell claimed they would be guided by non-discrimination and equal rights for all.
Mr. Crockwell, who was flanked by about 30 supporters, said the BDA, which will be known as the Alliance, will be like "nothing people have ever seen before".
He added it was time to "help forge a better way" as the island was "stuck in political deadlock".
Breakaway politicians Mr. Crockwell, Mark Pettingill and Donte Hunt are the Alliance's first three MPs.
They are supported by former UBP senator Michael Fahy, former UBP chairman Sean Pitcher and former UBP election candidate Wayne Scott.
Mr. Crockwell claimed the BDA's policies would be "for the benefit of the many, rather than the few".
He added: "We stand for a better way.
"A way that will reject the use of race or class as a means to political success, that will be the leader in responsible and open government and that will make Bermuda relevant for all Bermudians.
"The issue of race is important but we won't use it to galvanize the country but unite the country - to come together and celebrate our differences."
Mr. Crockwell said the new party would be "significantly different" to the UBP because the community is "seeking change".
He added: "People are dissatisfied as the country is in political deadlock.
"People want a new voice - we are that new voice.
"We believe in a better way of doing politics in Bermuda."
BDA's vision is "where a Government exists that stands for equality of opportunity, social and economic justice, fiscal responsibility, security and safety, environmental sustainability, transparency, honesty and fairness in government for the benefit of all of Bermuda's people."
Mr. Crockwell claimed it is "too early" to reveal specific policies as "these things take time and we are going to get it right".
But he said "policies would be central" and be "in the best interest of all people".
He added that "every Friday (in the House of Assembly) people of this country would hear what the party stands for".
Behind-the-scenes party members are said to be "feverishly working on" policies and solutions to the island's main issues - crime, the economy and education.
Conference
The party is also looking at the controversial issues of independence, amending the Human Rights Act and gaming.
Members have also been approached by representatives from Bermudians Against the Draft. The Alliance will hold its first party conference in the new year, when its constitution will be agreed and a leader democratically elected.
In the meantime, party members will be "reaching out to the wider community" by hosting town hall meetings, constituency gatherings and powerpoint presentations.
Mr. Crockwell said: "We want to include as many fellow Bermudians as possible to make real change in Bermuda."
He thanked everyone for the "fantastic response" to the new party, saying everyone had done a "Hercules job".
He added: "A lot of hard work has gone into this but we were never expecting it to be easy. Having 30 to 40 people who are willing to stand up and be counted at this early stage is excellent.
"We look forward to sending many more Alliance members to Parliament and welcoming those who embrace and share our core values and vision to come join us."
MP Mr. Hunt added that everything was going "extremely well" and the party had drummed up support "beyond his wildest dreams".
He claimed the six-week-old party has "hit the ground running", adding: "We want a better way for Bermuda - we are offering people more choice.
"Our ultimate goal is government. We are doing this for our love of Bermuda - we want to see Bermuda grow.
"We tried to create change within the vehicle we were in but it didn't work out so we have embarked on this new party.
"The timing and level of support will make us successful.
"We are doing what we have to do but it is the people who are turning it into a movement."
Visit the Bermuda Democratic Alliance website at www.thealliance.bm to learn about the party's core values and draft leadership principles. You can also become a member and make donations online.
Islanders pledging their support to the ‘vibrant’ BDA Support for Bermuda's newest political party is gathering pace from all walks of life.
The defecting members of the UBP were joined by about 30 supporters as they read out the launch statement of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance (BDA) ;yesterday.
The steps of the House of Assembly were filled with a mixed crowd of blacks and whites of all ages from all areas of the community.
Founding members of the party include blogger Sean Soares, construction boss Alex DeCouto, communications manager Kristin White and graphic designer Sean Collier.
Passers-by who stopped to listen in to the press conference included Erica Rance-Cariah, who led anti-Premier Brown protests in the summer.
As word spread across the island about the Alliance, the number of members on the party's Facebook page steadily grew.
The BDA's page had topped nearly reached 600 members as of Friday afternoon.
The UBP's Facebook page has 343 members, while the PLP's page has 560 members.
Those who have added their names to the BDA page include DJs Qian Dickinson and Paul Sofianos, actor Daren Herbert, shark researcher Choy Aming, yacht club commodore Ralph Richardson, musician Tony Brannon and comedian Chris Broadhurst.
Mr. DeCouto, president of the Construction Association, said he saw his new role as the BDA caucus chairman as a way to "positively contribute to the community".
He added: "I'm not someone who has historically been involved in politics at any level but I see this as an opportunity to get this group off the ground.
"This group has got off to a very impressive start and we will work together to make it a broad-based party.
"I'd like to see this party grow more and more. There is a certain amount of complacency with regards to politics at the moment.
"This is a new option the country definitely needs."
Mr. Richardson went along to yesterday's party launch because BDA is "a vibrant new group". He had attended one of the group's previous meetings and was "very impressed".
He said: "I really wanted to lend my support.
"This group is full of vibrancy and youthfulness and everyone is so articulate.
"Everyone is given the chance to have their say."
Mr. Collier, who was also at the launch, said: "I believe in change and I believe in the values of this party."
Comments on the BDA Facebook page included words of encouragement such as: "Bermuda needs this new hope. We deserve to have integrity in leadership."
Others read "I am holding out much hope that your group might be the answer that our island so desperately needs", "looking forward to some change" and "I really hope this is Bermuda's Obama moment".
More encouraging statements included "we need you" and "whatever you do, make it happen quickly before we go down for good".
The PLP posted a comment on its website accusing members of BDA of being "the same old vitriolic voices who have long opposed the PLP".
The party's online statement read: "While we hope the BDA chooses engagement and cooperation over reflexive opposition, the composition of BDA suggests that they are little more than the same old UBP wolf dressed up in fancy new sheep clothing."
Posted: Friday, November 06, 2009
Comment by:
Pat Ferguson
I just finished watching the documentary of Barack Obama's lead up campaign to his victory in the last US election. If the new political group can whip up the enthusiasm and energy that Obama's group did, then all the better for Bermuda because with the state of Bermuda's political parties as they are, God knows we need all the help we can get ... and we desperately need to get rid of what we now have. We need hope and we need help otherwise with the PLP leadership all hope is lost for Bermuda and her people. If the BDA group can do this, I am with them.
