Not a letter from the Premier

Royal Gazette Opinion, Thursday 13 October 2005

The other day, Premier Alex Scott accidentally sent me an email from his Blackberry_i

Dated 30 September 2005, the message appeared to be intended for Beverle Lottimore, director of the Government’s Department of Communication and Information.

“Madame Director,” the email began. “I was concerned to read about the email that I inadvertently sent to Tony Brannon last week in today’s Mid Ocean News.

“It’s important that I correct any negative perceptions generated by this email as soon as possible; to this end, I have had Cedarbridge Principal Mrs. Kalmar Richards help me draft a letter of explanation.

“If you remember, last month Mrs. Richards acknowledged that the graduation rates in our public senior schools were unacceptable and outlined the actions being taken to improve them. The public seemed to appreciate her honesty more than the Education Minister’s bullish defence of the statistics a couple of weeks earlier. As such, I have decided that we should adopt a similar approach.

“Please schedule a press conference as soon as possible. Let the media know that I will be reading this letter and answering any questions about its contents. P.”

The email had a Microsoft Word document attached. I opened it up.

“Fellow Bermudians,” it began. “Today the Mid Ocean News published an email I drafted with the intent that it be sent to the Director of Communication and Information. However, I inadvertently forwarded the transmission to Mr. Tony Brannon, from whom I’d received an unsolicited email.

“I would like to apologise unreservedly to everyone who may have been offended when I said that I was tired of listening to and taking crap from people who look and sound like Tony Brannon. It sometimes seems like the most vocal critics of the PLP government are white, and in the heat of the moment, that did lead me to make what I accept was a racially prejudiced statement.

“My comment was wrong, particularly given Bermuda’s unresolved racial issues and my position as leader of the country. While there can be no excuse for my behaviour, I was under a great deal of stress at the time and Mr. Brannon’s email was rather discourteous. Nevertheless, I have spoken to Mr. Brannon directly to apologise and I have offered to meet him to discuss his concerns and ideas for tourism. I sincerely hope this will demonstrate that there is no ill-will between us, and that this Government is prepared to listen to its critics, regardless of their skin colour.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to apologise to those Bermudians who signed the Bermudians for Referendum (BFR) petition and were offended by my comment that “folks signed this and didn’t know what they were signing”. It was insulting and again, not befitting someone in my position. I regret making it.

“The PLP remains committed to the idea of independence for Bermuda. Nevertheless, we recognise that most of you are unconvinced of the benefits. I want to reassure you that this Government will not take Bermuda independent unless a clear majority of you unambiguously express your desire for us to do so. I also understand that you are concerned that a protracted debate may distract us from addressing the pressing issues in the Social Agenda.

“As such, a referendum on independence will be held on May 29th next year – the week after Bermuda Day. To ensure a close result does not lead to a divided post-independence Bermuda, 60% of the ballots cast must be in favour of independence, with a turnout of at least 70%.

“Yours in Service, Premier Alexander Scott JP, MP.”

As I finished reading the Premier’s email, I felt a pang of sympathy for him. We all have our prejudices, and the Premier’s speedy response and contrite tone clearly indicated that he regretted what he had said to Mr. Brannon. I was glad that the two of them would now be working together to improve tourism.

It was also good to hear the Premier apologise for his comment about those who signed the BFR petition. I admired him for admitting he was wrong.

And what a relief to hear that independence will be decided by a referendum after all! I respected Mr. Scott for having the courage to make the issue a free vote. If he maintains such a principled approach in the subsequent campaign, I thought, he might even be able to turn public opinion around.

I sat back in my chair, smiling. How nice it was to have a Government so fair, so straightforward, so ready to admit their mistakes. Sure, maybe they’ve been finding it tough to deal with the housing problem, improve education and tackle crime, but they sound like decent people. They’re probably doing their best.

Outside, on the road, I heard a fire engine go by. The siren had an odd sound: not a wail, more of a…

Beep, beep, beep went the alarm clock.

I awoke with a start.

Comments

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 13.10.05 at 09:43]

Yes indeed Limey...your vivid dream should be reality.One can only hope that Alex will learn from his mistakes.....at the moment I think pride walks before a fall.Great piece well done! ^..^

[Combat Banker on 13.10.05 at 09:52]

Nice Piece. You'll probably catch heck for it again though mate.

[TJL on 13.10.05 at 10:05]

Phil, this is a fantastic piece of writing. If it was a wine I'd buy a case and recommend it to all my friends. Good job!

[Somers on 13.10.05 at 10:10]

Nice one.

[Full Fullish on 13.10.05 at 10:31]

Phil -
I couldn't agree more......this is perfect. Hell we all make mistakes, even ones with racial over/undertones. But as you eloquently put, admitting your mistakes and then taking action to rectify them would be a remarkable improvement on what we already have.

Hell if the PLP had acted like this over the last 4 years, I would have probably voted for them too!

I guess the saying needs amendment: "To error is human, to error and then blame others, divert the attention and never fix your mistakes is government.". :)

[andrew on 13.10.05 at 10:35]

I think this is another fine example of irresponsible journalistic crap. It is time someone put a stop to the divisive expression of thoughts like this.

With 35% of voters incapable of understanding a petition, how are they to recognise the sound and look of sarcasm and satire without an appropriate disclaimer preceding the article?

[H Reardon on 13.10.05 at 10:39]

Well done Limey. The question I have is why is this so easy for someone without any political experience (I presume you don't Phil), yet so elusive for someone with years of experience?

[H Reardon on 13.10.05 at 10:42]

"how are they to recognise the sound and look of sarcasm and satire without an appropriate disclaimer preceding the article?"

Posted by andrew on 13.10.05 at 10:35

I think the word "Not" in the title as well as "Beep, beep, beep went the alarm clock.

I awoke with a start. "

was enough for me, but then again I am extremely intelligent ;)

[Full Fullish on 13.10.05 at 10:52]

I think Andrew was being sarcastic as well....

[Slowhand on 13.10.05 at 10:53]

The Bermuda Bard strikes again!

It will be interesting to hear what spin gets generated by this.
I would love to speculate, but I fear that I'd run the risk of stealing the thunder of those that might respond, and ruin the opportunity for a good chuckle.

[Adjustah on 13.10.05 at 11:26]

Well done, Phil! Very good stuff, indeed.

[Fen on 13.10.05 at 11:36]

Not sure if I am happy with you, Phil. Sure, it was a well-written article which I wish Alex Scott would use as the blueprint for his future behaviour. On the other hand, it seems cruel to imagine our Premier behaving like this, as it makes the return to reality that much more painful. Humph. May have to go read some Narnia to recover.

[SmokingGun on 13.10.05 at 11:45]

Limey,
Your letter was spot on.
That, Mr. Scott, is how to handle criticism.

[sleepy on 13.10.05 at 11:57]

I thought the column was shit. ;-)

But seriously, this love-in is creeping me out.

[NoVote on 13.10.05 at 12:06]

I'd love to know what Tony B makes of it....that's both Brannon and Blair!

[Chris Broadhurst on 13.10.05 at 12:11]

I hope Scott & Scott read it all the way to the end before they issue any denials.

Great one Phil !!

[Slowhand on 13.10.05 at 12:11]

Sleepy....
I know what you mean.... where is Bud when you need him?

[Bill Cook on 13.10.05 at 12:34]

Limey,

I suppose I am like the Salmon swimming against flow,but I get a little uncomfortable with an article that preaches to the converted.

There is little doubt that P by now realises that he was stupid and compounded that stupidity with an unrealistic denial of his meaning,both with TBs e mail and that referendum comment.

I agree that when someone screws up they must pay the price but how many slaps on the hand is enough ?

I think we have already made the point without sawing the sawdust we now sound like we are gloating,makes me feel a tad uncomfortable.

[Raptor on 13.10.05 at 13:32]

As Full Fullish said, "Hell if the PLP had acted like this over the last 4 years, I would have probably voted for them too!"

Well written, Limey!

PLP leadership needs to learn how to deal with people (all Bermudians) and the media. They way they've been handling things so far...I feel embarrassed for A.S.

[Tony B on 13.10.05 at 13:37]

Bill...et all

Alex Scott and the PLP (David Allen, Renee Webb) and now Dr. Brown are at fault for NOT turning tourism around.

They have NOT heard business say....give us the power to drive the product, the marketing, the new developments free from a bickering political regime that is more interested in lining their own pockets than turning anything around in Bermuda.

Alex should RESIGN.....plain and simple. I think tomorrows papers may well be the last of the Blackberry affair....BUT Bermudians will not forget how this Government have arrogantly treated us (WHITE & BLACK), and they will be voted out at the next election.

They have really turned off so many swing voters (black and white) that they will indeed be put in their place unless these desperate individuals think they can pull off a Dictatorship. Cos they ain't gonna survive in a democracy as they have soured so many Bermudians they really have only their performance, behaviour, record to blame and it has nothing to do with what you look or sound like.

Tony B

[Slowhand on 13.10.05 at 14:19]

Bill,

I'm not sure I agree that we should leave it alone just yet. The point has been made.... yes, but has it really been acknowledged in anyway by the offenders? Not in the least. I think that this is where we failed our country in the past.... by NOT making noise when we needed to.
I honestly would not be surprised if they drag Tim Wise's comments into the fray, claiming that as they are all victims of our society structure, they were (and from hence.. are) justified in their reactions and resulting comments.

[m on 13.10.05 at 15:29]

Tony B,

Your rentless blabber and CAPS LOCKS posts make you one of the most annoying people to read on this site. If I were Alex Scott I would have cracked you in the head...and let me tell you...I don't like Alex Scott. This whole email thing has gotten way out of control -- if Scott had just apologized (as Limey has written today) everything would have cleared up. But as for you TONY B, maybe next time you should address someone directly before running to the paper with an "email". You would have some credibility then. Instead you just look like a little cry-baby who is trying to stir a pot that already has more than enough people stirring it. THAT"S JUST MY OPINION

[observor on 13.10.05 at 15:37]

m

"Your rentless blabber and CAPS LOCKS posts make you one of the most annoying people to read on this site"

"THAT"S JUST MY OPINION"

… hypocrisy reigns

[SmokingGun on 13.10.05 at 15:51]

Me thinks you didn't "observe" the sarcasm there.

Hey Limey, I noticed you put the sarcasm note at the end of the first line in your commentary. How'd you do that? I tried turning my keyboard upside down but that didn't work.

[m on 13.10.05 at 16:02]

observor

next time i'll use the "sarcasm point"...when you read limey's first satire piece in the RG, i bet you were one of the few brilliant ones who thought it was real...right?

f-n brilliant

[Phil on 13.10.05 at 18:09]

Reardon

The question I have is why is this so easy for someone without any political experience, yet so elusive for someone with years of experience?

I think politicians are terrified of admitting their errors lest their critics use those admissions as a stick to beat them with. While this may be a valid fear, I think they underestimate the amount of respect they would get for just being honest.

Bill

There is little doubt that P by now realises that he was stupid and compounded that stupidity with an unrealistic denial of his meaning, both with TBs e mail and that referendum comment. I agree that when someone screws up they must pay the price but how many slaps on the hand is enough ?

My aim wasn't to provide another slap on the hand. It was to suggest one way the Premier might be able to get the respect he so clearly craves.

SmokingGun

Got my inspiration from you. ;-)

Instructions for inserting an irony point can be found here.

[Tony B on 13.10.05 at 18:34]

Hello Email world....
Mmmm Crack me in the head eh ? Wow !
You all can watch Bermuda go to hell in a hand basket because until now, hardly any of you have had the balls I have to stand up to the clowns running the country.

You all have a great time here.

I am now done with this.

TB

[SmokingGun on 13.10.05 at 19:19]

Limey: Happy to help.

TB: Are you planning to run off with the circus?

[loki on 13.10.05 at 19:32]

"You all have a great time here.

I am now done with this.

TB"

TB - seriously, as someone who admires your work in the tourism field immensely (while believing that your email to Mr. Scott was not exactly the best way to broach kick government up its arse), I would implore you to continue your dialogue on this site.

[Bill Cook on 13.10.05 at 19:54]

Limey,

My guess is that you will find that P will become even more intransigent, more spin doctoring because ego will prevent honesty.

However lets wait and see if you get your desired result,which I assume is to have him say I was wrong why did I not do as you say,it would have been the smart thing to do.

Hey maybe he will surprise me and take your advise.

Our objective at the end of the day should be to pressure to have Tourism put into the hands of professionals and out of the civil service, who only know how to spend money but are clueless about making money,thats my opinion.

Profit is pragmatic and money is cowardly and emotion is best reserved for making love rather than profit.

[lickinalong on 13.10.05 at 20:11]

Tony,
To get your point across, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE RUDE AND NASTY!! You just don't get it do you? It's ok to complain and be an activist but you need to deal with people with a civility that your communications both to AS and on this website seems lacking. So you are going to "take your dollies and go home." I'm sorry about that. I thought you were a bigger man and could learn from your mistakes. It's clear that our fearless leader isn't going to learn but I expected more from you. It appears to me that you and Alex may actually be cut from the same cloth. Deal with people with civility and honesty and you may be suprised at how much influence you have. I know because I spent a substantial period of my life banging my head against a brick wall in an aggressive way and achieved niothing just like you. If you are rude and aggressive, it never works. It's time for us all to grow up including you, AS and me. here's to a more civil Bermuda.

[lb on 13.10.05 at 20:56]

Good writing. Sharply pointed, clear, and the twist to tell you what it was right at the end. Well done.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 13.10.05 at 21:15]

I have had enough of the micro dot world of Bermuda and the new board game race you to Somerset.I'nt nothing to do with running to be very clear....think I'll take a trip out into World chaos at Pondblog....I'm off follow my paw prints if you like ^..^

[ENIGMA on 13.10.05 at 22:35]

Phil,

Congratulations on a first class post. It is one of the most 'appropriate' pieces of journalism I have seen in Bermuda in a very long time.

In two short years you have made the most significant impact on the quest for freedom of speech in Bermuda and have allowed many of us to give voice to feelings in an environment that is safe and without fear of recrimination from those who resent 'free speech.'

I applaud your work, and while I am sure you are frequently discouraged I encourage you to keep pushing the boundaries well beyond their limits. You are the the most vital voice of Democracy in Bermuda at this time and we need you!

[sal monilla on 14.10.05 at 05:29]

Anyone with any brains and a touch of vision can see what is going to happen to BDA. Get out now....while you still can....with what you can...the end is nigh

Nigh thirty in Newfoundland.

[Lost in Flatts on 14.10.05 at 06:41]

Erm, it was well written and amusing and all that, but given that you have a keen understanding of the mentality of those in power, do you really think its helping at all? It seems to me that in a sense you're diluting the efficacy of your message when you resort to the satire pieces. From the point of view of a PLP supporter, your piece completely alienates them, rather than drawing them in and then illustrating the flaws of the premier's actions. Your previous work on ending racial politics was fantastic, and may have actually helped the island, but I do fear that pieces like this just serve as more ammunition for some to use to discredit your usually spot on commentary. Just my opinion...

[Bud on 14.10.05 at 07:25]

"From the point of view of a PLP supporter, your piece completely alienates them, rather than drawing them in and then illustrating the flaws of the premier's actions."

Actually, the alienation and distrust in Limey's pieces comes about because he continues to print one-sided pictures of the situation. He had a chance to discuss the nuances of Brannon's email while at the same time proposing a means for the P to respond to his perception of racial harrasment. He had a chance to explore the lack of respect for the office, and the P's perception of growing disrecpect from white quarters. Instead it was another puff piece making it look like the P is all to blame.

[Phil on 14.10.05 at 08:12]

Bud

Those columns, and this site, offer my opinion. Opinion, by its nature, is partial. You criticise me for not discussing the nuances of Tony's email and exploring the lack of respect for the office, yet I have not heard you do that either. Why do you expect me to do something that you will not do yourself?

Instead of criticising me for what I didn't write, why not address what I did? You may think that the Premier should not or could not apologise for his comment about those who signed the BFR petition, should not or could not work with Tony Brannon, should not or could not call a referendum on independence. Let's talk about the issues.

Lost in Flatts

It seems to me that in a sense you're diluting the efficacy of your message when you resort to the satire pieces.

Why do you think satire dilutes the message?

[Tiger Bay on 14.10.05 at 08:13]

"he continues to print one-sided pictures of the situation"

Many would argue that Limey goes out of his way to present a balanced perspective. Perhaps, Bud, the perspective from Alaska Hall is a bit skewed by the need to prop up the P.

[Full Fullish on 14.10.05 at 08:13]

Bud and Lost in Flatts -
I disagree with both of you. Even taking the racial undertones of Alex Scotts email out of it, which is just a point of semantics and perspective, I think we all agree that Alex and the rest of the PLP have a servere accountability disfunction. I say again that if the PLP or just Alex responded like this whenever they screwed up (and believe me they have seriously screwed up quite a few times), it would at least show that they understand that they have done wrong, admit it and try to take the appropriate steps to right it. Alex's responses as of late, including his reply to Tony B (intended for public eyes or not, it's in the public and should be a lesson learned about email etiquet), (and Bud, while I agree that Tony B should have been more courtious in his email, two wrongs don't make a right, something the PLP should learn, as their version of accountablility is pretty much "Well the UBP have been doing it for years".) have been moronic and disrespectful to the electorate in general. Tony B is NOT accountable towards the electorate, "P" is, it's that simple. Tony B is just another poor schlub like you and I, who has a voice and decided to use it. "P" didn't even bother to respond to him, instead he choose to insult him (back), behind his back. As a result of his blackberry blunder, his hand was forced to write something in response, due to the general outcry. His response was diverting from the main issue, and I believe that you guys yourselves said it was along the lines on inadequate. Philip's peice struck the mark right on. It would have done the same if it were Grant Gibbons and the UBP making comments to the likes of what Alex Scott has been as of late as well. The PLP are in power now, if they can't take the heat or critism that goes along with the job, then they should stop crying at get out of the kitchen. Point blank and period!

Now as far as racial overtones goes, I think we've hashed this out, we will have to agree to disagree. I, like many other white people found his little comment to be racist. You're not going to change my mind on this. Much the same as white people overlook institutionalised racism, I think a lot of black people tend to overlook personal racism, or not put much stock into it when it happens to a white person. We all have work to do in this regard.

[Tiger Bay on 14.10.05 at 08:14]

Momentary wham off subject: Hey Bud, why is Alaska Hall called that?

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 14.10.05 at 10:03]

Full Fullish are you trying to say Racism is a multi highway running through humanity both ways?

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 14.10.05 at 10:05]

Its called Alaska Hall ,because we have plans to invade it and make it part of Bermuda!

[Full Fullish on 14.10.05 at 10:13]

Full Fullish are you trying to say Racism is a multi highway running through humanity both ways?

Posted by Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 14.10.05 at 10:03

BBW -
While I can only comment on the society that I live in (Bermuda), in today's world, this is exactly what I'm saying. Today, no one race, cultrure or nationality can take all the credit (tongue in cheek) for racism, from my own walk of life, I've seen it and heard it against every facit of culture, race, religion and nationality.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 14.10.05 at 10:17]

Then we better keep trying to make the UN work for all concerned!

[Bill Cook on 14.10.05 at 11:40]

I think it would be better to view human behaviour in its entirety embracing the whole human spectrum.

The problem as I see it is that when you select one facet such as race you then treat or punish collectively rather than individually which is unfair.

It is not the race that determines good or evil it is behaviour.

That is a broad statement but as no one has a choice as to being brought into this world it seems absurd to lay blame based on the accident of birth re location genetics etc.

I would be willing to attend a meeting based on human problems more readily than one aspect of human problems because of the complexity of human problems we have to deal with.

[SmokingGun on 14.10.05 at 12:26]

"Momentary wham off subject: Hey Bud, why is Alaska Hall called that?"
Posted by Tiger Bay on 14.10.05 at 08:14

- Because Julian Hall was already taken.

- Beacuse there's so much hot air inside they have to keep the A/C cranked to the maximum.

- It's the best place in Bermuda to get a snow job.

- It was the first word they found in the dictionary that sounded "cool".

- Because the Royal Gazette mis-printed "I'll ask her" when Lois Brown-Evan's assistant responded to their enquiry.

[Onion on 14.10.05 at 12:32]

Limey, whilst others clearly see you has Bermuda's new white hero, I find the predicability of the tone of ALL your opinions is becoming nauseating. Whilst I do not disagree with the point you are making, typically the style in which it is done achieves two things:-

1. it appeals to most white Bermudians who already want to find fault with the PLP or any black lead organisation:

2. it annoys blacks who are tired of taking "crap" from people who look and sound like you but who DO want to see positive change in this country.

I have to make a confession. I am prejudiced. I am very prejudiced. I am prejudiced because I prejudged Limey as an open-minded intellect that would not fall prey to the myopia that affects so many in this small island. Clearly my prejudgements were without merit.

Anyway, congratulations on a great piece. No doubt many people who look like you love it!

[Tiger Bay on 14.10.05 at 12:46]

Thank you Bud and Onion for the perfect demonstration of the Chewbacca Defense.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewbacca_defense

[Phil on 14.10.05 at 12:57]

Onion

If my points appeal to whites who want to find fault with the PLP or any black-led organisation for political or racial reasons, there is little I can do about that. I say the things I do because that's honestly how I feel. Please don't assume that just because I am white my motivation is the same.

You also imply that I don't want to see positive change in this country. I'm not quite sure where you get that idea from.

If you agree with the point I'm making, even if you would have said it in a different way, why not just agree and leave it at that?