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There's an ancient Chinese curse: 'May you live in interesting times.' And, in the 'New' Bermuda, the times get more 'interesting' every day.

First UBP MP Jamahl Simmons says that he can't get a day job because employers are afraid of Government retribution. Then in rebuttal, the PLP's Ashfield Devent says he too has had difficulty finding employment, but thinks the reason is racial. The 'interesting' thing is that Mr. Devent admits that, before being elected to Parliament, he had to resort to TV reporting to make ends meet, but that now he's lucky in that he "can afford to not work".

Well, he's my MP. And he's getting paid to represent me and the rest of his constituents in Parliament. In fact he just got a hefty raise! So if he's "not working" why is he getting paid at all!

But what I find even more 'interesting' is that since becoming an MP he has gone from struggling to make ends meet to not having to work at all.

And when you consider the recent suggestion that PLP MPs are the only black men finding success in the 'New' Bermuda it gets VERY 'interesting' indeed.

And the idea was so loudly rebuffed by the PLP that I am reminded of the Premier's favourite wordsmith, Shakespeare: "Me thinks he doth protest too much".

And there were lots of 'interesting' things about the recent Cabinet shuffle. The Government announces plans to build the new Freddie Wade Memorial Hospital in the middle of the Botanical Gardens and, within days, the Environment Minister is "re-assigned" to Education.

And it was implausibly convenient that the sitting Minister of Education suddenly felt the time was right for a rest. I'm sure the truth is much more 'interesting'.

Then the former head of Bermuda's largest union is given responsibility for Labour.

Of course this gives him the use of a GP car (with lots of room for golf clubs) so I expect from now on I'll be seeing it parked right by the clubhouse at all those charity tournaments.

Speaking of GP cars - I saw GP105 the other day. How can there possibly be one hundred and five people in Government that all need their own transportation for official business at the same time?

Anyway, it will be very 'interesting' to see how Mr. Burgess handles his successor at the BIU during the union's next "not strictly allowed under the collective bargaining agreement" work stoppage.

I wouldn't suggest he try bluffing a successful poker player like Mr. Furbert. The union head is likely to go 'all in' before the flop and force Government to fold.

The Premier's response to the latest demand for a referendum on Independence was 'interesting' as well.

His press release stated that the Government would be "deciding on Independence" very soon. He just doesn't seem to get that the whole point is that the Government SHOULDN'T decide on the issue - the PEOPLE should.

Even the Premier's latest 'Address to the Nation' was 'interesting'.

Not interesting enough for me to watch, mind you (I think I had to trim my toenails that night). But I gather it was filled with the usual collection of vague promises and optimistic catch phrases.

You know, the kind of statements designed to make it sound like he really cares but to provide no insight into how he's actually going to improve the situation.

It's just what I'd expect from a former advertising man - lots of 'flash and bang' (dare I say 'pop and sizzle'?), but no actual substance.

A slick advertising campaign will often entice naïve people to buy even the most ridiculous snake oil, but eventually you have to deliver on your promises.

I might buy into your campaign and try what you're selling, but if I don't get the promised results there will be no repeat purchase. What I find 'interesting' is that he seems to believe that we're all still buying it.[[In-content Ad]]

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