The OBA attracts the most damaging publicity

“I think I always knew in my heart that the time I had as a Minister was going to be limited”

— OBA MP Sylvan Richards, Bernews, Dec. 19, 2014

Two opinion pieces were published recently in the Bermuda Sun by OBA MP Sylvan Richards. (Articles ‘reckless and unpatriotic’ and PLP continues to throw Bermuda under the bus)

In these opinion pieces, MP Richards complains bitterly about PLP parliamentary representatives having opinion pieces published on the website Caribbeannewsnow.com.

Elected and appointed officials of the PLP have a sworn duty to protect the interest of Bermudians, and Bermuda. Part of that responsibility is to enlighten the Bermudian and Caribbean public about all matters pertaining to the region.

It has in fact been enshrined into the PLP Constitution for over 50 years: ‘To cooperate with organizations within the British Commonwealth with a view to promoting the purposes of the Party, and more particularly to take common action with such organizations in the Caribbean region for the promotion of a higher standard of social and economic life for the population of the respective countries of the region as a whole.’

Currently, the OBA is attempting to embark on forcing Commercial Immigration and other relaxations of Immigration rules onto Bermudians. In their seeming quest to expand their voter base, the OBA is potentially looking to allow foreign nationals to gain the ability to:

• Purchase Bermudian status;

• Purchase Bermudian property;

• Open and control businesses in Bermuda;

• Have the right to vote in Bermuda.

Bermudians have a democratic right to defend their ability to:

• Be fully employed in Bermuda;

• Open Businesses in Bermuda;

• Purchase property in Bermuda;

• Vote, without fear of gerrymandering by non-Bermudians.

Perhaps MP Sylvan Richards is unaware but anything posted on the Bermuda Sun or any other media is instantly viewed around the world.

Prime examples:

• 300 Bermudians marching on Parliament due to Minister Fahy, in my view, attempting to break the unions;

• The constant back and forth of Plategate;

• The sordid affairs of Jetgate and Tapegate;

 The OBA are their own worst enemy and expose themselves globally every week.

What is most telling is that the OBA cannot say that anything we have written was untrue. Basically, their main concern was that their attempts to force legislation counterproductive to the development of Bermudians, has been exposed on a regional level.

In contrast to the OBA, the PLP has stood side by side with Bermudians on the following issues:

• Abolishment of Term Limits;

• Lamb Foggo closure;

• Right to hold a referendum;

• Attacks on the union;

• Raising of taxes on seniors;

• Attempts to privatize government workers jobs.

Last Friday I personally witnessed MP Sylvan Richards unable to answer the most basic questions posed to him about The Municipalities Act bill he just read in the House of Assembly. Every question asked of him, he had to turn to his parliamentary and political boss, Minister Fahy, and others in order to find the answer. It is perhaps due to his personal and political frustrations, that he called PLP MPs “scumbuckets,” in the House. I would strongly suggest that this ex-minister stick to learning about the ABCs his ministry and parliamentary rules, before he finds himself removed from his present position as well. 

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