OBA MP apologises to country for Government's behaviour

OBA MP Leah Scott today slammed the OBA Government and Premier Craig Cannonier for its actions surrounding the JetGate saga.

Ms Scott took to Facebook to voice her feelings saying she believed the image of the country had been tarnished by Premier Craig Cannonier's handling of the situation.

Her comments came just hours ahead of an emergency meeting called by the party this afternoon in the wake of further damaging JetGate revelations.

Ms Scott, who became a first time MP in December 2012, said: "I cannot answer for the behavior or mindset of those who have created this intolerable situation.

"I can only speak for myself. I would like to apologize first to my constituents in Southampton East Central (#30), and secondly, to the people of this country, for the behavior that has been thrust upon you by this Government. It is reprehensible and I am sure it is not what you expected, and certainly not what you deserve."

The former Minister without portfolio described the JetGate revelations as 'death by a thousand cuts".

She added: "I will no longer sit by and be quiet and allow myself painted by anyone's brush as being one of those who is condoning this present activity by Craig Cannonier.

"And the fact of the matter is that this political and social situation has gone beyond even him. The OBA campaigned on transparency and accountability.

"Well, where is it? I stand on principle....and principle has no allegiances. I am not willing to sacrifice my integrity and character over the actions of a few.

"Integrity means being totally honest and truthful in every part of your life no matter what the cost. I ran for office because I wanted to be able to be part of effective change for Bermuda.

"I believed that the team that I was joining wanted the same thing. From the day that Jetgate first erupted, the right thing should have been done by the Premier.

"And that right thing was to stand up, be TRANSPARENT and ACCOUNTABLE, and set out, for the people, and I might add, the Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament who were not privy to any information about the trip, with every detail of everything that happened, including attendees, meeting participants...EVERYTHING.

"Bermudians are forgiving people. While they may not agree with what was done, they can appreciate honesty....because then, you are not treating folks like they are stupid.

Ms Scott said the country deserved more from its Government than what it had seen in the wake of the JetGate sage.

And she said it was time the Government started "effectively managing the expectations of those who elected us".

She added: "I signed up to do the business of the people. I did not sign up to be caught up in and tainted by someone else's duplicitous behavior.

"Before we can even begin to move forward, the current level of mistrust between and among members of this Government and its party, between members of this Government and the Opposition, and between members of this Government and the people of this country must be addressed.

"When people lose faith in the Government and those who are supposed to be leaders of this county, human rights are put at risk. What we do not want, and simply cannot have is for the streets to become an alternative to viable economic and social solutions for Bermuda.

"Our political polarization, both internally and externally is undermining us, as Parliamentarians, to effectively serve the people of this Country.

"And if we don't start addressing the needs of the people of this country in a very real and genuine way, we are going to see even more organized protests, such as the recent People's Manifesto, organized by Reverend Tweed, from Somerset to St Georges.

"People are feeling less and less like their vote matters - that while they may be able to change WHO is in power, they are not able to affect WHAT actions their government takes.

"Transparency is not about restoring trust in institutions. Transparency is about managing mistrust among people and unveiling lies and deceptions. Some people compromise their integrity and morals because they are desperate and need help or support, others do so because they are bored or aren't thinking straight.

"I cannot answer for the behaviour or mindset of those who have created this intolerable situation.

"The image of this country has been tarnished and we must now begin the long journey back to restoration....promoting our country as a place to invest in, live in and believe in and that journey must be led by a Government that is honest, efficient, responsive, transparent and accountable..because that is what WE, as a country, deserve."

 The Bermuda Sun tried to reach Ms Scott for further comment but were unable to contact her.