Where exactly does the Premier stand on the issue of race?

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23: “We have to [make progress on race]. We have no other choice. There’s too much going on, there’s too much at stake to continue with the walls of divisiveness that’s up there. The question is how do we do that.” — Craig Cannonier RG Jan 19,2013

‘He [Mr Cannonier] said he had been talking to people like Dr Eva Hodgson and her brother, former Progressive Labour Party MP Arthur Hodgson about the need to make strides on race. He said he liked their focus on resolving the issue of racism.’

— from same article as above

‘Racism is the driving force behind the white community’s tendency to vote overwhelmingly for one political party, according to historian and activist Dr Eva Hodgson.’

— RG January 4, 2012

I wonder if Mr Cannonier agrees with that premise? Many OBA supporters demonize Dr Hodgson anytime she speaks on racism. Why did Mr Cannonier not say he liked her focus previously?

During an interview on VSB on December 2, 2012 Mr Cannonier, when asked about racism, alluded to “the ghosts of the past”.

So what is it with this chap? One minute racism is alive and well, but before the election it is “of the past” — and now it is alive again? Is this a political or personal roller-coaster ride?

Asked what his Government’s approach to race is, he said that the community had to acknowledge the past and deal with economic disparity: “There’s been talk about affirmative action type decisions that we may need to look at. We’re exploring those options right now and what that means.”

— RG Jan 19, 2013

Mr Cannonier seems to think racism is a convenient switch, that he can turn off and on as he sees politically fit. When the whites are fully on his side, don’t say anything about race. When the blacks start realizing what time it is, talk about race.

First step in fixing a problem, is to fully admit to the entire problem. Mr Cannonier, you cannot address race as you see politically fit.

What I have found over the last year, is that racism  is best addressed  in many small conversations. At times to my surprise, there are whites just as eager to engage each other and blacks in honest dialogue. I have literally had a young lady break out in tears, saying there is so much she wishes to bring to the table, but is afraid of being called a racist because her views may differ from blacks.

I ask myself how many more persons are like her? How many more ‘little conversations’ will we need to have to begin to attempt to understand each other? Perhaps it is time for our political leaders to jointly come to an open table and talk honestly to the people of Bermuda about racism. I am sure the country will take a step forward in social exchanges when the factions stop dancing around the elephant in everyone’s living room. n

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