Let’s engage in open-mic discussion

Greetings brothers and sisters,

I wish to address two terms that have become buzzwords as of late: collaboration and self-determination. 

The PLP is on record stating our wish to move Bermudians forward via cooperation and self-determination, as explained in my recent address to the nation. 

At that time, I said: “It is the time for leadership, real shared sacrifice and action. We must educate our children about themselves, giving them knowledge of self, our shared history, culture and heritage.

“It is only through Bermudians learning to cooperate with each other to compete on the global economic scale that we can begin to break down the resentment, powerlessness, dependency, and dysfunction that currently holds many of us back.”

When I said those words to you, it was in the genuine hope that this message of cooperation, empowerment and self-determination would be embraced — not just by the people, but by the leadership, members and supporters of the One Bermuda Alliance. 

So it is with warm hearts that we see our Premier is now calling for the same spirit of thought.

Bi-partisan

Premier Cannonier said: “ …we must be seeking allies out of enemies, friends out of adversaries. The time of conflict has passed and this must be the age of collaboration” (September 2).

Premier Cannonier added: “I’m sure if you talk to Bermudians, most would like to see more choice in the Governor, or less powers or a more collective voice in what he does with things like the police and the Regiment.” 

He added that he would personally like to see more power vested in the island’s government, rather than unelected Governors appointed by the Crown.  

Mr Cannonier said: “Yes, absolutely and I will leave it at that.” (Bermuda Sun, September 11, 2013)

Premier Cannonier said: “This is what collaboration is all about, getting people to see beyond their traditional turf to the surrounding landscape and understanding the importance of its well-being. 

“The ‘me-first’ mentality has to make room for others because we are truly all in this together.”  (September 20, 2013).

To this end, we of the PLP, warmly invite the Premier to join us in mapping out a clear path towards real collaboration, empowerment and self-determination.  

We do not need fancy meetings in the House of Assembly, nor do we need to sit in isolated silos at the OBA or PLP headquarters.

What we need to do is come to the people with a series of bi-partisan open mic events on topics concerning the real issues that matter to Bermudians. 

What better way to exhibit unity and joint vision than to have the leaders of both political parties united in a call for all Bermudians to come together to share your visions and expectations of the way forward for Bermuda.

There are those who will come up with any number of excuses as to why this cannot and should not happen.  

The time for excuses is past, the time from excluding our people from the process is past, and the time for true, equal partnership, collaboration and shared sacrifice is now.

Recently, there have been those who have sought to define collaboration as one segment of the community doing whatever they want to benefit themselves, while the rest of us are not allowed to give input, ask questions or offer constructive criticism.  

That’s not collaboration that is confrontation. 

With a country this small, no Bermudian should be barred from seeking fairness, empowerment and self determination.  

The best answers to all our problems lies within us cooperating and collaborating where we agree, constructively engaging where we disagree, and in all things, seeking what is best for all and not just for ourselves.

Often the Premier and I disagree, yet on these points, we are sure you all will agree it is overdue.

Let me know your thoughts on these topics via e-mail, at [email protected].