Leadership contender on why he quit the BDA

He revealed today that he had quit the BDA at the end of last year amid concerns about the ‘backdoor discussions’ that were taking place over a deal with the UBP.

His exit was a low-profile departure and he says he wishes no ill-will to his former colleagues. But today he speaks for the first time about why he left and why he believes Bermudian voters need genuine alternatives.

I left the BDA because I felt that the BDA was deviating from its core values. The BDA promised a new way and failed to deliver on its promise whether real or perceived.

The people of Bermuda were ready for change when the BDA launched in November 2009 but the BDA failed to deliver a vision of hope and inspiration to gain any significant support especially in the black community. There was a lack of political will to hit the door steps in order to connect with the voters in a meaningful way. With thirty percent of the voters undecided I felt that there should have been more effort made to reach out and target this group.

What’s your opinion on the merger with the UBP?

The merger strategically has political merit if your goal is to be a stronger opposition, but I feel that if your goal is to win the government then I think you have to think long term. Egos have to be checked at the door and a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment with a clear and tangible vision has to be enacted.

How long had the merger been planned, to your knowledge?

There were discussions on some level shortly after the launching of BDA. I had strong reservations as to the way these discussions were being handled. I felt at that time that the public had a right to be aware of any discussions taking place in reference to any sort of merging.

It was my contention that the people signed up for a new vision, one that offered them hope and a new direction and looked to the BDA to provide leadership in that regard. I felt the people deserved better and should not be blindsided by back room politics. I was not satisfied that this was being managed effectively and therefore could no longer support the efforts of the BDA.

The BDA promised a ‘better way’ and recruited new people to politics who would not have joined the UBP. How do you feel about the fact that those people will now be part of a joint political party with the UBP?

Craig Cannonier has done the right thing by finally acknowledging these talks have been taking place. The discussions are now a part of mainstream conversation which is where it belongs in my opinion. The people are now stakeholders in the big conversation.

I have a strong aversion to politicians having private meetings only to claim they are doing it for the good of those they have sworn to represent while excluding these very same stakeholders in the decision making process. Politics is about making decisions based on our own needs and experiences. It is up to the people to make their own independent assessment and vote accordingly on this matter.

Do you think the new party has the potential to be different from the UBP as we know it?

When you get different people with different ideology coming together the potential to effect change is there. While the potential for change may be there, the dynamics that fuel the UBP may still exist.

My experience with the BDA has shown that in many aspects the way they conduct business mirrors the behaviour of the UBP. The people have not been able to define the BDA and they have consistently rejected the UBP. More importantly, “Can the egos be checked at the door?” “Can the UBP humble themselves to adopt the necessary change to gain political traction throughout the black community? The UBP are doomed until they can develop enough humility to validate and acknowledge the black experience. They consistently fail to identify what that experience is and thus have failed to address it. The BDA had the opportunity to capitalize on the disenchanted voters when it launched in November 2009 and to this point have failed to brand itself. It has no identity. The leadership is still looking for answers rather than working to promote its brand.”

One of the reasons many have cited for leaving the UBP in the first place was the racial dynamic (the perception that the same powerful white families pulling the strings while black leaders were used as the face of the administration). Do you think that has changed?

When HSBC came to Bermuda that was ostensibly the beginning of the end for powerful white families running Bermuda as we perceived it in the past. This was demonstrated in real terms with the closure of Trimingham’s and Smith’s. I think what we are really dealing with is white privilege. People are not going to surrender power willingly.

The white leadership of the UBP as well as many blacks within the party have such a disconnect with mainstream Bermuda; which happens to be predominantly black; because they fail to identify with the basic issues that affect the daily lives of the man in the streets. Many blacks that are initially attracted to the UBP often become disenchanted when their dreams and aspirations are dashed because of their ethnic makeup. It is then that they learn the harsh realities of what it means to be a black man in Bermuda. It is at this point they are forced to make a decision as to how they can best exercise their dreams. We have done much to meliorate the racial divide through the Bermuda Race Relations Initiative under Rolfe Commissiong and CURB under Lynn Wynfield and I serve under both organizations. However, the work in the community has to be supported from the top to be effective.

What was the racial dynamic within the BDA — was it different to the UBP?

The racial makeup of the BDA and the UBP are similar in my opinion. The sad thing is that both parties are predominantly attractive to the same group, the white voter. Therefore if an election were to take place the two parties could conceivably cannibalize each other because both fear offending their white voter base. 

What’s your future now in politics?

I have no immediate desire or need to advance myself politically. Party politics has left a sour taste in my mouth. I don’t believe in party politics for the simple fact that it often marginalizes and suppresses radical change. Most often the interests of the party outstrip the need to exercise justice and fair play. Creativity and free thinking is often stymied to protect the party line usually resulting in members being ostracized for their difference in view points. Most significant changes in society have come about by activism not by politicians. This sentiment was recently echoed by Walton Brown on Let’s Talk.

Anything else you want to add?

Bermuda is in a state of flux. We rarely know what the truth is when it comes to public interests. I am willing to lend a hand wherever and whenever it be needed in the interests of the people of Bermuda. However, it is up to the people of this country both black and white to accept responsibility in guiding social change and holding our politicians accountable. Until then nothing will change.

I would like to see the whites in this community step up and mobilize the call for equality in all aspects, especially with black empowerment. This would ensure parity and at the same time avoid the probability of reverse discrimination. Acknowledgement is the first step in the healing process. Demand your leaders to promote economic parity it is the fastest and most sustainable way to racial equality. It is incumbent of our white leaders to further the cause of racial equality by confronting the issues with open and honest dialogue. Avoiding the issues will only perpetuate the status quo.