OBA chairman reacts to 'disgraceful' comment

The One Bermuda Alliance believes government, any government, must set the highest standards of conduct in professional and private life.

Only through example can we reinforce the values that our young people need to grow into productive, law-abiding citizens.

This is fundamental to government given that its conduct is under such public scrutiny. A bad example left uncorrected can do untold damage, giving both children and adults an excuse to engage in unacceptable behaviour.

On Friday, Health Minister Zane DeSilva was the latest PLP member to use a term that we consider disgusting, derogatory and disgraceful. During the course of his remarks in the Motion to Adjourn, Mr. DeSilva used the term “jewing down”.

When challenged by Mr. E.T. (Bob) Richards and other OBA MPs to withdraw the offensive remark, Mr. DeSilva did so, but we do not think this goes far enough.

We therefore call on the Premier to have Mr. DeSilva issue a public apology to Bermuda’s Jewish community.

We cannot tolerate abusive, alienating, racial language in any form.

Unfortunately, the PLP has failed time and again to enforce best standards when it comes to public statements by its members. In recent years, its members have used offensive language such as “house niggers” or “racist dog”, to cite just two. In each and every case, the words were allowed to stand.

We note that on the same day Mr. DeSilva made his remark, the Premier made a public statement that Bermuda’s Parliamentarians “must all be models of leadership.”

Well, Madame Premier, here is an opportunity to give meaning to your words.