The political scientist and theorist Francis Fukuyama in a 1989 essay once wrote that with the triumph of Western Liberal values – the precursor of neo-liberalism at the end of the cold war – that that would signal an end to history itself. Well on the 23rd of June, 2016, millions of British voters thought […]
Archives for June 2016
Cannonier: don’t call me a liar
Temperatures rise over cafe conversion to ministerial offices
Things got tense at the House of Assembly on Friday as works minister Craig Cannonier confronted Opposition MP Diallo Rabain for calling him a liar. The confrontation occurred outside the House chamber in full view of the media after Cannonier had faced a grilling from the Opposition over plans to renovate the cafeteria space on the…...
Marriage equality – back to square one
same sex relationship law change to come through court action after failed referendum
With a failed $350,000 referendum behind it, the Bermuda Government is now expecting that a court challenge will force it to give legal recognition to same sex relationships. Results of Thursday’s referendum were nullified because the number of voters taking part did not reach the legislated threshold for the referendum to be valid. But Bermuda is still…...
Economic model breaking down – economist
Bermuda College economist Craig Simmons has countered the narrative that importing foreign labour leads to more jobs for locals. Speaking at a panel discussion organised by the Chamber of Commerce on immigration reform proposals, Simmons noted that a period of growth in the early 2000s had been accompanied by a decrease in Bermudians in the labour…...
Poor leadership to blame for immigration impasse – Butterfield
The way forward must be grounded in equity
At a Chamber of Commerce hosted panel discussion entitled “Pathways to Status” on June 16, Butterfield stressed that equity should be the guiding principle in coming up with an immigration regime that is acceptable to all. But he emphasised during the question and answer session that coming to a consensus required a quality of leadership that…...
Doctor’s arrest “politically motivated” – Ewart Brown
Former premier says he is being harassed because he challenged the authority of the Governor and accepted Uighur refugees
Former Premier Ewart Brown has claimed that he is facing a campaign of harassment because of decisions taken while in office such as granting asylum to four former prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. And Bermuda police is to face legal action for the “unwarranted” arrest of physician Mahesh Reddy whose home was searched in an early…...
Slavery has cast a long shadow on the justice system – Chief Justice
In a ceremony laced with humour and sober reflection, Chief Justice Ian Kawaley said that more must be done to combat the legacy of slavery in the justice system. And Dr Kawaley criticised the government for neglecting to upgrade court facilities and enhance judicial independence. If we are seeking to learn lessons from the past…...
Racial and socioeconomic realities a deadly cocktail for black men
Opinion by Rolfe Commissiong
A little more than a year-and-a-half ago, a reporter asked me and other political and community leaders whether the abatement, or lull, in gun violence in Bermuda then signalled that that horrific trend had come to its long overdue end. I essentially said no. Realizing then that one season does not a year make, and […]
Row over national hero selection process rumbles on
Opposition Progressive Labour Party MPs have expressed concerns that John Swan’s selection as national hero was an “executive, unilateral decision” by Premier Michael Dunkley, as questions over the selection process continue to swirl. A PLP spokesman told Politica: The Progressive Labour Party acknowledges the selection of former Premier Sir John Swan as the 2016…...
John Swan named national hero
longest serving Premier the first to be inducted while alive
Former Premier Sir John Swan has been inducted into Bermuda’s pantheon of national heroes – the first to receive such a designation while still living. The announcement was made by Premier Michael Dunkley who told the media on Thursday afternoon that no other nominations had been received and that he had been the sole nominee…...