The PLP is busy regrouping

FRIDAY, JANUARY 18: Over the past few weeks I have noticed a trend among PLP supporters; shock and anguish over the election defeat has evolved now into individual and collective calls to action.

Not a day goes by without any number of people stopping me for a brief conversation about politics, and they either ask what can they do to help, or say what they wish to bring to the table.

I can say with complete confidence that a sleeping giant has been awakened. At times we can all be laid back and fall into a mindset of complacency — it’s only natural.

Likewise, it is only natural to get a wake-up call.

Without going into too much detail prematurely, I know I can say that the PLP is re-energizing in many ways that are needed.

Supporters from all walks of life are beginning to network more and lay the groundwork for uplifting the people of this island in many ways.

When I say for the people of this island I don’t narrow it down to PLP voters alone. We have a duty to every resident of this island to not only be an Opposition but to be the driver and motivators of real social uplift, self-empowerment and community strength.

Additionally, there is a wide support base growing, to give the support needed to empower the party to facilitate lectures of financial empowerment and social events reconnecting the community.

As Bob Marley sang:

‘If you get down and you quarrel every day,

You’re saying prayers to the devils, I say. Wo-oh-ooh!

Why not help one another on the way?

Make it much easier. Just a little bit easier.’

While I have your attention, another point will be addressed. The baton is being passed onto my generation for future leadership of the PLP.

But make no mistake, we are under the guidance of our elders, who have paved the way.

Anyone seeking to present a picture of divisions and or generation gaps, better stick to painting by numbers.

Not a day can go by without my mother or my Aunt Helen Mateen calling me up to discuss what needs to be done.

Anyone that knows either one of them, knows I am under heavy manners. I know this story echoes throughout the families of every young person involved with the PLP.

There is a saying “It takes a village to raise a child”. I am seeing and feeling from PLP supporters that they have reignited their inside fires and are ready to raise up the PLP to a higher level.

The older generation are taking the young folks by the scruff and bending their ears to groom them for the future.

We of the younger generation seem more intent now to absorb the schoolings of our political elders.

The end result will be a robust PLP family, led by a mixture of finely tuned statespersons, with a posse of young energetic “Diddlybops”.

Many young persons aged 20-40 see politics as irrelevant to their daily life. One of the quickest ways to make it relevant, is for them to see persons of their age group become involved in the party and in running for politics.

This is the path the PLP is firmly on — a blend of genders and generations.

As stated previously, the PLP is but a window into our society. Our society needs to see a continuous merging of all generations. The strongest societies in the world revere their elders without reservation.

So, folks of all ages, keep your heads up straight, put some pep in your step. Get ready to feel the power of a refocused party.

Here are some of the events on the horizon:

PLP Thank You Party, BIU Headquarters, Union Street, Hamilton  Saturday Feb 9, 6pm-12am Admission, entertainment & food free. Meet your new leader and your team. Dress smart casual.

Understanding Modern Bermuda: a Lecture Series by Walton Brown Jr. Venue:   Dr. E F Gordon Memorial Hall, Bermuda Industrial Union Building. Time: 6pm. January 22: Trade Unionism, Desegregation and the Vote. January 29: Party Politics and Ideology. February 5: 21st Century Politics. Free admission.

‘Say you just can’t live that negative way,

If you know what I mean;

Make way for the positive day,

‘Cause it’s news (new day) - news and days -

New time, new time, and if it’s a new feelin’ new feelin’, yeah! -

Said it’s a new sign, new sign

Oh, what a new day!’

— Bob Marley

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