Bermuda's Phoney War

For eight months after the European Allies declared war on Nazi Germany on September 3rd 1939, neither side launched a significant attack and there was little fighting. All that Europe’s citizens could do was to wait uneasily for the inevitable hostilities to begin. It was a time known as the ‘Phoney War’.

Today, Bermuda is experiencing its own Phoney War. On February 29th this year, at the PLP Founder’s Day luncheon, Premier Alex Scott declared the start of a national debate on independence. Yet nearly eight months later we too are still waiting for battle to be joined. While there has been the occasional skirmish in the letters pages of the newspapers or at the BIU, the side that issued the call to arms has yet to commit its troops.

Back in March, the Government promised that “in the coming weeks, we will release a document outlining the basic issues surrounding Independence in a clear and understandable format.” The document never materialised. In June it was announced that Government-led meetings on independence would start the following month: July came and went without any sign of them. Last week I read the Premier’s latest promise - that they will take place “by the end of the year” - with a sceptical smile.

On Friday the Government blocked another move which could have kick-started the debate when it rejected a request from the UN Decolonisation Committee to visit the Island. Why would a Government committed to independence turn down a visit from a UN body formed to drive countries towards that outcome? The Government said they want Bermuda to have an internal debate free of outside influences. I think it has more to do with the fact that the visit was suggested by the British Government, which is trying to have Bermuda removed from the UN’s list of non-self-governing territories. Had the UN agreed with Britain on this point it would have been a setback for the PLP’s plans. But even some proponents of independence have condemned the Government’s decision, saying the UN’s visit could have provided a catalyst for a more in-depth public discussion.

Europe’s Phoney War ended on May 10th 1940 when Nazi Germany launched its assault on The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. The end of Bermuda’s Phoney War of Independence seems as distant as ever.

Comments

[Tiger Bay on 10.10.04 at 20:09]

Alexi Scottavich doesn't want a public debate - because the PLP full knows that the public does not support independence, even less so with him at the rudder.

He keeps talking about the independence dialogue "coming" in the hope that people will confuse the wait with the deliverable.

If the PLP want to put independence on the table, they better also be open about taxes - because in my humble opinion - one comes with the other.

[Graeme Outerbridge on 10.10.04 at 21:51]

Independence from what?......Maybe Independence from the Bermuda Government! Clench your mind around that one..if you truely want to be FREE! ^..^

[ace on 11.10.04 at 08:09]

"Europe’s Phoney War ended on May 10th 1940 when Nazi Germany launched its assault on The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg."

Doesn't the September 1, 1939 invasion of Poland by Germany constitute the commencement of hostilities? I doubt the members of Poland's military who tried in vain to halt the Nazi occupation of their country considered their actions part of a Phoney War.

[The Limey on 11.10.04 at 14:04]

The invasion of Poland triggered the official start of hostilities by prompting the Allies to declare war on Germany. But the citizens of places like the UK didn't start feeling the effects of that declaration until months later. The term 'Phoney War' reflects their experiences. The Poles certainly didn't feel the same, of course.

[Xando on 11.10.04 at 14:34]

This extended and painful wait for information fuels the mistrust the people have in the "we had to mislead you" PLP.

In any case, how is it a "national debate" if he wants to deny the public a direct vote via referendum on the issue?

[ace on 11.10.04 at 15:12]

Understood Limey, thanks.

Xando...what information are we waiting for?

All I want is an adequate explanation as to WHY the decision should be made by an election rather than a referendum. And not just "Because we always said we would do it that way"...I want a real reason. No lies, no bullshit...just the truth.

I can handle the truth.

[Tiger Bay on 11.10.04 at 15:22]

The PLP leadership wants to make it by election because they know that many people who would normally vote against independence in a referendum would probably never vote against the PLP in a general election.

[ace on 11.10.04 at 16:01]

Tiger, I know that is the real reason and why the PLP "leadership" want it that way.

But what are the arguments they are using to justify this stance? How is this a fair and balanced argument?

[Tiger Bay on 11.10.04 at 17:17]

They do not attempt to justify it. It is a strong arm tactic.

[ace on 11.10.04 at 18:55]

Shhh Tiger, quiet. I'm fishing here for a response from one of the 11 people who read this blog who thougt an election was the best way to decide.

You are like a big snapper that keeps taking my bait. :)

[Milo on 12.10.04 at 09:26]

...and you're throwing back the snapper to bait up a bunch of breams ?

[Tiger Bay on 12.10.04 at 09:44]

That's "tigerfish" to you, chum!