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Dear Sir,

The increasing speculation of change in leadership within both politically parties has caused the advocates for change to recommend several potential candidates to lead in the future. Despite the fact that the majority of the sitting members of the UBP are black, the white image of ultimate control continues to exist. In theory the composition of their members is supposed to demonstrate they are the ‘integrated party’ as apposed to the ‘all-black’ PLP and therefore they represent all of the people, all of the time.

Leader, Dr. Grant Gibbons, said in July 2002: “We are the new UBP. We are not the old UBP.” In December 2003 he said: “Working constructively to break down some of the racial barriers in our community will be a major focus of the UBP in 2004.” Unfortunately this breast-beating exercise has not worked.

Have we learned the wrong lessons from history? The PLP relish soapbox sermonizing about the injustices of black slavery brought about by white people. On the other hand the UBP can’t dispel the image of mostly monopolistic wealthy individuals who were born with a silver spoon in their mouth. In other words, people generally support those who have acquired their riches the hard way — by their own efforts.

It would appear a new opposition leader is imminent. In a survey that was conducted in the U.S. half the presidents of the largest American corporations come from modest backgrounds. I dare say if Dr. Gibbons decides to step down Sir John Swan should be given careful consideration. In a poll conducted by the Royal Gazette on Monday, July 22, 2002, fifty per cent of the voters felt the former Premier, Sir John Swan, should make a political comeback. It will be interesting to see if those numbers change in a recent poll conducted by the Bermuda Sun!

Sir John Swan retired from politics and from the leadership of the UBP after the independence referendum resulted in a ‘no’ vote. I have no issue with that. The country spoke and the idea was shelved. I hope the push for independence by Premier Alex Scott also winds up in file thirteen. The serious issues that continue to face our community must be handled with honesty and integrity otherwise we will take the short walk to being ‘a third world country’.

Sir John is our leading statesman and a passionate Bermudian who can and should be given the opportunity to head up the fragmented UBP. Many of us are anxiously awaiting his return.

W. A. (Toppy) Cowen

Pembroke[[In-content Ad]]

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