Bermuda Police Service has yet to conclude its investigation into the JetGate affair. In July, just days after Thad Hollis then Chairman of Bermuda’s governing party One Bermuda Alliance concluded an internal investigation, police announced the start of an investigation by its Financial Crimes Unit to determine whether any criminal wrongdoing had taken place […]
‘Stealing’ Bermuda – Bank financed unlawful land transfer
Transaction remains in Clarien Bank's mortgage portfolio years after court judgements
In the wake of the Bermuda Governor’s rejection of parliament’s request that he set up a Commission of inquiry into historic thefts of land, we at Politica launched our own inquiry into irregular land transfers in contemporary times. This is the first of a series of articles. Gibbons Deposit Company, now known as Clarien Bank, financed an unlawful […]
Police Chief defends court recordings probe
Pressure group alleges major police fail
A police investigation into the handling of recordings of Bermuda Court of Appeal proceedings was flawed and has ended with more questions than answers according to pressure group Civil Justice Advocacy Group. But Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva is standing by the investigation and its finding of no criminal conduct. Chief among CJAG’s criticism is […]
Brown’s “bamboozled” speech draws stoic reaction from ruling party
Gibbons punches back, Moniz and Atherden speechless, Gordon-Pamplin reflective
Bermuda’s voters were “bamboozled” and deceived into handing power to the One Bermuda Alliance on December 17 2012, Ewart Brown told guests at Friday’s annual Labour Day banquet. Reaction from Government Ministers was somewhat mixed – while Economic Development Minister Grant Gibbons dismissed the former Premier’s speech as reminiscent of Richard Nixon’s “Checkers” speech, Works […]
HRC: Lets prohibit mental health discrimination
Bermuda should plug a “glaring gap” in its anti discrimination law and protect people with mental illnesses from discrimination. This from Michael Hanson, chairman of the island’s Human Rights Commission, who told a media roundtable that he was at a loss to explain why it is not unlawful to discriminate against someone who is mentally […]
Judicial review mulled over Governor’s land grab decision
but opinion divided over whether court action would succeed
Bermuda’s Opposition Progressive Labour Party has been mulling court action to force Governor George Fergusson to reconsider his refusal to set up a Commission of Inquiry into historic land grabs. PLP Leader Marc Bean confirmed that the party is examining the possibility of a judicial review but would not elaborate. Public law expert Nicola Barker told […]
UK’s dodgy track record on Commissions of Inquiry
Historical record shows Whitehall's anti-PLP/racial bias
Governor George Fergusson’s refusal to appoint a Commission of Inquiry to investigate claims of historic losses of citizens’ property through theft and dispossession has highlighted the manner in which unaccountable figures retain important powers under Bermuda’s present constitution. More than 2,000 gathered at Government House to protest the decision – which marked the very first…...
Hollis resigns as chairman of Bermuda’s governing party
quits following his release of report into scandal
Thad Hollis has quit his post as chairman of the One Bermuda Alliance just days after concluding an internal inquiry into the “JetGate” scandal. Reports are also emerging that Cabinet Minister Michael Fahy may be taking legal action against Hollis and members of the party executive. That is yet to be confirmed and a statement…...
More questions than answers
OBA's internal inquiry satisfies no one
Within hours of its release on Friday, Thad Hollis’ statement on the internal investigation into his party’s dealings with Nathan Landow drew criticisms about its methodology and claims of factual inaccuracy. In a video-taped interview, Opposition Leader Marc Bean derided the party’s decision to restrict the investigation by excluding the actions of Ministers from its purview, and denounced…...
Thad Hollis concludes internal inquiry into OBA
Chairman of Bermuda’s ruling One Bermuda Alliance, Thad Hollis has concluded his internal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding a $350,000 donation to his party. See his full press statement by clicking on the link below. PRESS RELEASE on OBA investigation Some points Hollis confirms that Derrick Green and Steven DeCosta were signatories to the account which…...