Meeting The BIC

The first public meeting of the Bermuda Independence Commission was held at the Warwick Workman’s Club on Thursday evening.

The Commission’s choice of venues - all bastions of black, working-class Bermudians - has come in for some criticism. I too will admit to a certain degree of trepidation before arriving at Thursday’s meeting. But as it turned out, there was nothing remotely intimidating about the hall or the people who spoke, and there was a good mix of white and black faces.

Overall, I found the meeting pretty dull. It was not intended to be a debate on independence, but an opportunity for members of the public to address their thoughts to the Commission. It started with some unintended irony when Bishop Vernon Lambe asked the audience to be quiet when anyone was speaking into the microphone as “distortion will be a negative in our process”.

The format made it considerably less interesting that the debate I attended at the BIU last year. All of the arguments for or against independence had been heard before. The BIC offered little new information. Some members of the Commission looked a little bored too. Rolfe Commissioning had his arms folded for much of the evening, while Michael Winfield sat with his head resting on his hand.

Some of the submissions reinforced my belief that some blacks view independence as a black project concerned with righting the unfinished legacy of slavery. All of the arguments in favour of independence were unashamedly emotional. Some came across as foolish. Do people say that they’re not going to have children because they can’t afford it? one person asked. No – it’s a natural instinct, just like independence, he said. Hmm. Perhaps Bermuda would have fewer social problems if those who can’t afford to have kids chose to restrain that “natural instinct”, I thought.

One black man, pointing to an elderly white woman who had spoken against independence earlier in the evening, admitted that he should be able to listen to her dispassionately, but that he threw up barriers when he saw her colour. He said that he wanted to be able to stand side-by-side with this lady as a fellow Bermudian at national sporting events and hold her hand. The old lady must have been as puzzled as I was as to why he couldn’t do this now: she held out her hand to him. The man, perhaps not seeing it, just sat down. What a tragedy, I thought, that anyone should feel that the political status of the Island needs to change before they can make such a personal connection.

In the gaps between the submissions from members of the public, the members of the BIC repeatedly stressed the extensive nature of their consultations, the quality of their work, the praise they had received for it and their determination not to allow independence to become a political football. While I understand why they would do this given the criticism that has been levelled at them, having to listen to such self-congratulation did get a little tiring.

Moreover, Bishop Lambe said a couple of peculiar things that appeared to be at odds with the Commission’s professed even-handedness. “We’re not just going to present the positives,” he said. “We also have to present the negatives.” And his closing prayer sought God’s support “even” for the Opposition and its Leader. Nonetheless, I think Bermudians should give them the benefit of the doubt – at least until their final report is published in June.

The members of the BIC who came across best at Thursday’s meeting were Michael Winfield, Diane Kempe and Marc Bean.

Mr. Winfield was notable for the straightforward way in which he tried to answer the questions that were addressed to the Commission. Others (notably Rolfe Commissiong) just waffled.

Ms. Kempe stressed the importance of trusting each other. “You have to drop how you feel and think about how other people feel,” she emphasised. She pointed out that despite their disparate personal views on independence, the Commission members were managing to discuss the issue with each other openly but with respect. What has happened within our group can happen in Bermuda, she said.

Mr. Bean discussed the Commission's investigations into how race relations will be affected by independence, and how Bermuda might mitigate the risk of becoming more divided. He said that this will require individuals to become more introspective, and that this must be done regardless of any decision on independence. Mr. Bean stressed the importance of all Bermudians relating to each other with mutual respect and love, regardless of whether they go to the Yacht Club or a workman’s club, and understanding the commonalities between black, white and Portuguese cultures.

Saturday’s Royal Gazette has a decent summary of what was said. However I take issue with the Gazette’s estimate of the numbers present (they said 150, I counted around 70); moreover, there was at least one UBP MP present: Shadow Minister for Youth and Sport, Jon Brunson. Premier Alex Scott arrived late, at 7.25pm.

I encourage every Bermudian to attend one of the Commission’s meetings, if only to see first-hand the genuine passion of those with opposing views to your own. Although you may not agree with them, although you may not understand them, meetings such as those on Thursday night will compel you to acknowledge their existence in a way that reading accounts such as this cannot.

Comments

[big bad wolf on 27.03.05 at 07:43]

Thanks for the report Phil.Only one new big fact...if we chose independence we all lose our EU passports. The rest is just the same rehash of all the same arguments for and against it.When a micro state of 60,000 people think they can go it alone in today's global markets it only underlines our complete stupidity.

[loki on 27.03.05 at 08:02]

"When a micro state of 60,000 people think they can go it alone in today's global markets it only underlines our complete stupidity."

Precisely, Graeme - we'd just be replacing a 'colonial master' with another, less benign master based in global economies.

[jake on 27.03.05 at 11:03]

Although I am not in favour of independence I disagree. We have a stronger economy than many of our peers with double our population.

The number of citizens is not determinative. We have what we have. It is what we do with what we have that makes or breaks us. We could do better than we do, for example, if we took a tough line on our failing education system, and the growing drugs and violence culture.

Fundamentally we may not be at the point of independence today, but I do not think it is impossible.

[big bad wolf on 27.03.05 at 11:46]

Jake our fragile economy which has been booming along is totally predicated on the whims of external factors. If you have read our Bermudian history you will realize that Bermuda has gone from boom to bust many times. We need to be a part of a large global market with protection of certain domestic economic factors just like Ireland has within the EU. I think the future is in the East with the EU unless Bermuda can forge the way of forming a common market with all the large CommonWealth countries like India Jamacia Australia Canada and South Africa and Nigeria ect. Otherwise Independence will be a walk to economic weakness and change that will break the backs of Bermudian tax payers.

[Martin on 27.03.05 at 20:45]

"One black man, pointing to an elderly white woman who had spoken against independence earlier in the evening, admitted that he should be able to listen to her dispassionately, but that he threw up barriers when he saw her colour. He said that he wanted to be able to stand side-by-side with this lady as a fellow Bermudian at national sporting events and hold her hand".

Now - there is a debate worth having! How do we achieve that position? If this guy speaks for even a small minority of Bermudians whether black or white, that discussion could really take the Island forward.

[big bad wolf on 27.03.05 at 21:00]

Since what does colour have to do with an opinion? More important matters developing outside the Independence issue,,,Up in the wild wild WEST they are now burning buses..about a million dollars worth....Who cares about Independence right now...HOW ABOUT BASIC INTERNAL SECURITY !!!

[shipstones on 27.03.05 at 23:42]

I agree with Martin. The rest is "noise".
By the way Guilden, you never called and set up a date to visit me!

I have just read a book, well a 25 page essay called "on Bullshit".

It really makes you examine what bullshit really means and the extent to which it is used today.

[Onion on 28.03.05 at 09:19]

Limey, I am glad that although you were a little intimidated by the BIC meeting venue, the black people did not jump you as you entered the building.

[Tiger Bay on 28.03.05 at 12:15]

Incendiary onion.

[Trish on 28.03.05 at 12:51]

Incendiary Tiger

[shipstones on 28.03.05 at 13:36]

Not good Onion! Sarcasm not called for on this sensitive issue! Unless you are genuinely trying to be funny.

[big bad wolf on 28.03.05 at 14:02]

Ships you should really not waste your time with such topics....plenty to go around for all discussing Independence. Meanwhile Onion your only any good on a hamburger....Limes are great for making lemonade...Warwick Workmans Club home of the Central Pussy cats...everybody is always treated well there....so whats you on about?

[coy on 28.03.05 at 15:03]

I've no doubt you're told often that you are anti-Bermuda, maybe even anti-black and maybe even racist for the way you write, the topics you address and the personalities you "bash". I do not think you are any of those things but from following your website, I can see how someone could walk away with those impressions. As long as you know your intentions are honourable, keep on doing what you're doing Philly
Coy

[Onion on 28.03.05 at 17:00]

Good grief, I have seen the likes of persons on this site use up an entire thread with nothing but sarcasm for the likes of the PLP, Alex Scott, Dr. Brown, Alvin William etc etc. I put in my little 2 cents worth and everyone cries bloody murder. LOL!!!!

All of you were worried and intimidated about the venue. All I am saying is that I am genuinely glad that the black people did not murder all the white people as they entered the building.

Take a break Shipstones!!

[Pitts Bay on 28.03.05 at 17:18]

Onion - I don't know about the rest of the people on this thread, but I thought your comment was quite amusing!

[shipstones on 28.03.05 at 21:33]

All of you were worried and intimidated about the venue.

Not me I played for Warwick a long time ago and spent many an evening there. Timbuck was the only guy that scared me a little.

As I said if you were truly trying to be funny, I apologise.

[big bad wolf on 28.03.05 at 21:36]

Yeah Onion delicious comment! Keep the onion rings out of the fat!

[Onion on 29.03.05 at 00:04]

Shipstones, you a cricketer? Bowler, batsman?

[shipstones on 29.03.05 at 15:23]

I did a bit of both. Left arm spin and middle order bat.

[Born Bermudian on 29.03.05 at 17:48]

For those of you who cannot attend the BIC meeting tonight at St. George's Cricket Club... it will be aired live on vsb 1450 am radio. The remaining meetings will also be broadcast live via 1450 as well. Just thought you'd like to know.

[J Galt on 30.03.05 at 13:24]

Limey,

"All of the arguments in favour of independence were unashamedly emotional. Some came across as foolish."

Do you think that they should be ashamed for thinking emotionally?

The BIC explained they where gathering all the data, pros and cons to submit in a report that will be given to the public, so we can make an informed decision, do you think that the report will be able to influence the emotional thinkers? Or do you think their subjective view of reality, will cause them to ignore any facts presented that are contray to their beliefs?

[The Limey on 30.03.05 at 13:51]

I don't think the BIC's final report will influence anyone on either extreme of the debate - a point I believe was made at last night's meeting at the St. George's Cricket Club. It's that 19% of voters who have yet to make up their minds where it might make a difference.

[sleepy on 30.03.05 at 13:58]

18.9% (undecided) + 15.7% = 34.6%. Yes?

[J Galt on 30.03.05 at 14:32]

"I don't think the BIC's final report will influence anyone on either extreme of the debate "

Are you saying that emotional thinkers tend to be extremist in their views, and reason is wasted on them?

[big bad wolf on 30.03.05 at 20:22]

No emotional thinkers can be spot on.....Its the quality of the thinking that counts. Wolfy howls all the time with passion.....The howls are heart felt and on target!!! Emotion is vital if it is directed in a positive end....The same can be said for careful logical thinking.....less on weapons of mass destruction more for world health and solving poverty.

[The Limey on 31.03.05 at 13:54]

At last night's meeting of the BIC:

Tom Wadson: "We're not broken. So what do we need independence for? We're already there."

Barbara Johnston: "All you have to do in Bermuda is be white and you're there".

Tom Wadson: "I'm there because I work, ma'am."

How many other Bermudians believe that to be successful in Bermuda you only have to be white?

And how exactly is independence supposed to change this?

I can't help but feel that those who remain unsuccessful after independence will just find something else to blame for their failure. "The legacy of colonialism" perhaps?

[Martin on 31.03.05 at 14:28]

Limey,

Perhaps whatever people blame is largely academic?

People of all colours, classes and creeds etc, will always blame someone/something else either when it suits or (usually) because they cannot face their own failures, and inadequacies.

One of the hardest things for us humans to do, is to genuinely look inward and be critical of ourselves, our performance and our shortcomings.

If we could, many prejudices would disappear and we would move forward as people.

[Guilden M. Gilbert, Jr. on 31.03.05 at 15:21]

Limey,

"How many other Bermudians believe that to be successful in Bermuda you only have to be white?"

Rightly or wrongly many black Bermudians do feel this way. From a personal perspective, whether in Bermuda or not, I know what I want to achieve and there is no one or nothing (besides death) that will stop me from doing what I can to reach my goals. Some people, however, are not as driven.

Some people look around Bermuda and see that although many things have changed the economic pie is still not equitably shared. Some people look at te international company sector and still see very few black faces in managerial positions. Some people look at these realities and are angered by them.

I do not know which generation Barbara Johnston grew up in but, as I believe Onion stated in another forum, there are still many people who have experienced racial injustice first hand and are still very angry about it.

My father was one of the Apprentices who was sent to the Portsmouth Dockyard when the Dockyard in Bermuda closed and upon his return home around 1958/9 there were many jobs he could not secure simply because of the colour of his skin, never mind his level of expertise. When you go through things like that you tend to never forget those experiences.

When in the mid-1970s a white man can come to the front door of a home you recently purchased and tell you to your face you are not welcome in the neighbourhood because of the colour of your skin you don't forget those experiences.

I cannot tell someone how to feel because I have not walked their shoes but I think I have some understanding how I would feel if I went through those experiences.

I think we have to sit back and realise that things like this did not happen all that long ago and and for some they are still happening although maybe not a blatant. We need to stop telling people who went through these things how they should feel and instead try to have some understanding as to why they feel the way they do.

[Martin on 31.03.05 at 15:35]

Gulden,

We don't want to tell them how to feel, we simply want to get them to stop using it as a reason for not going forward.

Nine years ago in the UK, a very close friend of mine was beaten close to death by a black guy. It could just have easily been a white guy - but it wasn't.

Do you want either myself or my friend to hate blacks because of it? I doubt that you do...and furthermore, neither of us do.

There are only have 2 directions to go in life...forward or backwards; you cannot stand still.

[Guilden M. Gilbert, Jr. on 31.03.05 at 15:45]

Martin,

I do not disagree with you about moving forward and who said they haven't moved forward? All I said was they may not have forgotten what they went through. What my parents went through was probably what other mixed couples of the day went through. They have prevailed but they haven't forgotten.

Your story of your friend is sad and unfortunate. His beating was from one person not a race.

As I said, some people, in Bermuda, are still experiencing the effects of racism today. If you believe that there is no racism in Bermuda today you are in denial. Are these people simply supposed to turn the other cheek and pretend they are not facing what they are facing?

How do we know that Dorothy Johnston is not one of these people?

This is why I have said that in order to move forward the topic needs to be openly discussed and the reality is that many whites in Bermuda do not even want to first acknowedge that racisim did and does occur.

[Martin on 31.03.05 at 16:07]

Guilden,

I accept that racism is very much alive in BDA today, as indeed it is in much of the world.

If you read my comments at the beginning of this thread, you will notice my thoughts on debating this issue.

The key question of course, is given the depth of mistraust and suspicion that exists between the groups, how do you both initiate and then manage the debate process?

It seems unlikely that this - or indeed any other Government - is likely to take ownership of that process.

Debating it here is fine...I have learned a lot by reading the views of others. A different process on a wider and more public stage I think.

[Guilden M. Gilbert, Jr. on 31.03.05 at 16:17]

Martin,

Well, for the most part you and I are on the same page.

To be honest, I have no racial hang-ups, as I said, there is nothing and no one who is going to stop me from persuing my goals.

I truly think it is going to be this current generation that is going to do more to rid the issue of race than any other generation before. This is because while they may see skin colour they do not judge each other on that basis and we can all learn a lot from that.

I feel fortunate to come from a mixed marriage because because I have been able to experience perceptions and realities from both "worlds".

I also agree with you that it is not the Government who can or even should do anything it is up to us a individuals we realise that we are no better than anyone else.

[Martin on 31.03.05 at 16:25]

Guilden

As we go from one generation to another, so the opportunity to change both increases and improves.

The one thing I know for certain, is that 'someone, somewhere' has to get that debate up and running. Given the size of the Island, that should not be beyond the wit of man.

My only concern is that for many, the status quo is indeed comfortable.

[shipstones on 31.03.05 at 18:57]

"I also agree with you that it is not the Government who can or even should do anything it is up to us a individuals we realise that we are no better than anyone else."

This is absolutely true Guilden, but governments can thwart that process by alienating the two sides and setting them off against each other.

[akinola on 14.04.05 at 17:17]

The independence issue hits home today for the young black youth in the struggle, your future is off of Abbot's Cliff. Corruption, political gridlock and landlocked from travelling to America and Europe. Robbery violence and crime the only real future. Voting black for black is wack voting black for Independence.. means Abbott's Cliff. just vote no committee. roger okay out.

[Andrew on 20.04.05 at 21:50]

I hear the BIC has started touring the island's middle and high schools. Do we agree that there should be a media presence to monitor the objectivity of the presentations?

[big bad wolf on 21.04.05 at 07:51]

Were all pretty much now both black and white,total economic slaves to the USA. Its a nice diversion to being deluded into thinking that there are advantages to being an Independent miro dot but I like the counter balance of the EU. Bermudians have always been great double agents...being totally loyal to Bermuda while wearing the cloak of invisibility of the UK. We were great sailors of fortune and always took care of our interests with the protection of larger nations.I think we have to remember the past to take advantage of the future.

[ace-girl on 21.04.05 at 09:17]

Andrew
If they are indeed touring the schools it's not going to change anything as none of the students can vote, nor are they likely to be able to influence their parents...at least most of the BIC members when at the schools will be lecturing individuals of equal intelligence and the questions asked of them should be easier to answer!

[Bill Cook on 21.04.05 at 10:27]

Ace-Girl,
According to Berkley Institute Principle,Michel Grant-Gabisi, she claims that many of her students are 18 and can vote.
See page 9 of to-days Royal Gazette.
Mrs Grant-Gabisi felt it was important for those students in particular as they can vote that they should be well informed.
Seems to make sense.
What would be most interesting is if the teachers in schools have an influence in this and other socialogic matters outside of scholaristic educational matters.

[ace-girl on 21.04.05 at 11:59]

Bill
I didn't know 18 year olds were still in school... in my day that was first year of university/freshman year. Thanks for the info - it's a shame the article doesn't report any of the answers to the students' questions.

[Bill Cook on 21.04.05 at 12:25]

Ace-Girl,
Yes I agree with you that the answers would be interesting as the questions were pertinent,and I thought well thought out.
Generally with the younger Bermudians there is not a great deal of enthusiasm, as you recall it is a difficult time with trying to determine ones future,etc.
For me I left school at age 14 to work in a bakery 8 to 6 both now illegal!!

[Tiger Bay on 17.06.05 at 09:03]

http://i-newswire.com/pr25694.html

Turning to the question of Bermuda, for which the Special Committee had before it another working paper by the Secretariat ( document A/AC.109/2005/5 ), DIANNA KEMPE, Bermuda Independence Commission, noted that Bermuda had enjoyed a parliamentary form of government for nearly 400 years. The responsibility for Bermuda’s internal affairs was in the hands of the Premier and the Cabinet through the legislature. The discussion of Bermuda’s independence had been sporadic over the last 37 years; there had been “green and white papers” on the topic, and in 1996, the then government had proposed the holding of a referendum. At that time, the opposition party, which had always had Bermuda’s independence on its political platform, had refused to participate. It had urged its supporters not to vote in the referendum. The result had been a poor turnout and a strong negative vote.

She said that that opposition came into power for the first time in 1998 and was now in its second term. Its Premier announced in December 2004 that he was forming the Bermuda Independence Commission. In January 2005, it began its work. Highlighting the main points the Commission had learned from its work thus far, she recalled that Bermuda was an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, and that that country had granted British nationality to all born Bermudans and people possessing Bermuda status in 2002. British nationality allowed Bermudans not only the right to reside in the United Kingdom and the European Union countries, but also the right to work without a work permit in the United Kingdom and throughout the Union countries. That grant was extremely important to Bermudans, as that provided Bermudans with an alternative place to live and work, in the event Bermuda’s fragile economy deteriorates.

After touching on constitutional alternatives for Bermuda, as well as the social problems afflicting its population, she said that, unlike past colonial jurisdictions, there was no financial imperative for Bermuda to change, nor was there any substantial impasse with the governing authority. Because many saw little or no British influence and because the standard of living in Bermuda generally was extremely high, Bermudans did not see a need for change. Others saw independence as the needed last step to “shake off slavery, colonialism and segregation”. Both groups’ views were held strongly, and the strongest advocates on both sides failed to listen to each other. There was also a great deal of institutional thinking on both sides, which led to further misunderstanding and a failure to communicate. The Commission’s education process might not have changed too many entrenched views, but there was now a much better understanding in the country of what independence would mean to Bermuda and Bermudans.

She added that the Commission’s report would be delivered to the cabinet at the end of the month, and the Premier had advised that, within 30 days of its delivery, the document would be made public. The Special Committee would also receive a copy.

[Tiger Bay on 20.06.05 at 13:30]

Some things about Bermuda are just so ... fckin cute.

In their desperation to have someone speak positively on independence, BIC has posted the following "public submission" on their website.

Yes, it does appear to be a bar coaster.

http://tinyurl.com/alubc

[Two Cent Charlie on 20.06.05 at 14:14]

It's all about the beer.

A couple of those and we're all talking independence.