The UBP's new leader

With the elevation of Wayne Furbert to the leadership of the UBP, the party has an opportunity to reinvent itself. However it's going to require strong, decisive leadership from Mr. Furbert and if mishandled may actually lend credence to the allegations that the party is more concerned with style than substance.

Despite his intelligence and integrity, it was Grant Gibbons' failure to capitalise on the PLP's difficulties that led to his downfall. His lack of charisma contributed to this. The fact that some black Bermudians still regard him as a personification of the white business oligarchy that once ran Bermuda probably didn't help either. Mr. Furbert is regarded as more personable and does not have the same associations. Because of that, there are reasons to hope that the UBP may become more effective under his leadership.

However, his election is unlikely to silence those who criticise the UBP for being a white party. Although only one of the party's three leadership positions is now held by a white person, it won't stop these critics reminding us of Jim Woolridge's comment that the UBP don't mind a black man being in charge as long as they can tell him what to do. If Mr. Furbert wants to defang such accusations, he must make it clear that he is now the one setting the agenda.

Will he do so? I don't know. Today's editorial in the Royal Gazette suggested that "he is not seen as being a natural speaker", which isn't a good sign. He showed a deference to outgoing leader Grant Gibbons bordering on the obsequious, referring to him as "my good friend Grant" on three separate occasions.

Mr. Furbert also said he wanted to be judged by the content of his character, not the colour of his skin. Yet as a leader Mr. Furbert will be judged on his ability to provide leadership and give the UBP direction, not on whether he's a nice guy. Dr. Gibbons is a nice guy too, but that did little to boost his approval rating or get the UBP elected.

The other danger is that if he does impose his authority on the party, he does so behind closed doors. Today's announcement took me by surprise because I was unaware of the internal "facilitated meetings" discussing the leadership that have apparently been going on since October. Because the public have not been privy to these discussions the party has left itself open to the accusation that the only reason for the change of leadership is "to put a black face on a white party".

The contrast with the recent contest for the leadership of the UK's Conservative Party is stark. There, the election of David Cameron was preceeded by months of public discussion. It resulted in a healthy debate on the party's direction and gave the public an insight into the merits of the candidates. Since being elected, Mr. Cameron has announced a wholesale review of the party's policies, which has already led them to discard promises made at the last general election, just eight months ago.

Mr. Furbert should announce a similar review of the UBP's manifesto. Policies that are no longer appropriate should be discarded and innovative new ideas put in their place. Where the party has no policy (such as on the addition of sexual orientation to the Human Rights Act), it should formulate one. Once these policies have been developed, the UBP must drum them into the electorate. No politician would disagree with bland promises such as "a better deal for seniors", "making sure that everyone has a part of Bermuda's economic success", or "our young people must be the best".

If the UBP are to win the next election, Mr. Furbert has to do better than that.

» The initial reaction of readers of this blog to the change of leadership can be found here.

Comments

[Simon on 16.01.06 at 19:28]

Unless we see Furbert and the UBP now coming out with views on those issues that matter rather than continuing to on keep quiet and trying to score the odd political point against the government, nothing will have changed. It's time Bermuda had a vocal and effective opposition party and now is their chance to re-invent themselves and make a difference.

[Slowhand on 16.01.06 at 20:05]

There is an opportunity there for the UBP to show a different face, and the hope is that they take advantage of it. There was also an opportunity for the PLP to shine here by commenting in a positive way how they hoped perhaps that the change would benefit all Bermudians or something along the same line.... but alas that opportunity has been squandered already! Our friendly neighborhood Party spokesman had the temerity.... (please note I did not use the infamous 'T... F...') to point out that it is due to the success(??!!) of all of the PLPs accomplishments (ouch.... I fell off my chair, sorry) that the UBP has had to change its leadership 3 times of late because of this.

[Bill Cook on 16.01.06 at 20:45]

In point of fact Wayne and GG are well known as very good friends,so no real problem there.

[NoVote on 16.01.06 at 22:30]

It's hard to see how a nice guy like Wayne Furbert could have the ooomph to put the boot into the government that is so desperately needed.

He does, however, represent a more electable face than Grant Gibbons, who despite the intellectual horsepower that he brings (and hopefully will continue to bring) both to his party and the political scene in Bermuda generally will always be tarnished by his family connections and the white oligarchs of old that many people would on principle refuse to put into power again.

Perhaps the combination of acceptable face at the helm supported the intellect of a good friend in the wings will make the UBP electable again.....or at very least an effective opposition.

[Guilden M. Gilbert, Jr. on 16.01.06 at 22:52]

No Vote,

I don't think the UBP needs to "put the boot into the government", the PLP is doing that themselves. I think what the UBP needs to do is to clearly and willingly state its views and positions on matters that are important to the Bermuda electorate and population.

For too long now the UBP as sat in the wings hoping the PLP would trip over itself, which in many ways it has, however, the UBP has not been able to capitalise on these trips because it has been extremely weak and has had no idea what direction it should take, therefore, it did nothing.

For too long the UBP has been the party with no opinion until it could ascertain what the electorate wanted. I think its time for the party to gain a backbone and be prepared to stand for something. As you said even if this only causes it to be a strong opposition, which is so desperately needed.

It is well known that I am not a UBP supporter but party politics aside, I want what is going to be best for my country and its residents. Wayne has always been dedicated to Bermuda. As I said on another post, there are very few politicians, who, after losing their seat, would continue to work diligently in a constituency that showed, via the polls, that it did not want you anymore. That is dedication to public service.

If Wayne can continue in his dedication and implement some of the ideas that he has discussed with me, which I believe will improve Bermuda, then, for what its worth, he will have my support.

[Lost in Flatts on 17.01.06 at 04:44]

I think it's a very smart move by the UBP, probably one that should have been made a year or so ago, possibly even before the last election. Grant is a good guy, very smart and I sincerley hope (anyone confirm) that he will remain as an important memeber of the UBP. However, the electorate have made it very clear that they will not vote for him, and thus he is not a good figure head. I'd love to think that Bermudians would vote based solely on the issues, but until that's the case we must still move in the right direction.

Here's to Wayne providing a much-needed shot in the arm for the UBP, let's see them actually tackle some issues, and help move us forward instead of our rather steepening slide backwards...

[Silencio on 17.01.06 at 09:30]

Today's RG makes specific mention about Furbert's ability to win the next election by attracting the black middle class. I find it very interesting that we are openly acknowleding the race politics of leadership in the UBP, because so much anger comes out when window dressing is discussed. Relatively this blog is without significant comment on Wayne Furbert's election. So few people have declared support or frustration with the leadership change. Is everyone in shock, mum on the race politics of the move or is this a non-event? Where is the support for the move? Why so much indifference, especially in this forum?

[Backs on 17.01.06 at 13:53]

Winning an election is certainly a curious business and one that defies logic for sure. Just ask the average American what they think of George Bush; then ask them if they vote Republican or Democrat. Listen carefully to what they say and the thing that may stand out the most is the certainty by which party they vote for. We are in the age of party politics and I am afraid that is how people are going to vote. Therefore, in order to move my party into first place I have to capture the majority of voter's approval. I am going to draw people who voted for the other team and I will want to attract those who voted for neither team. Here is the trick....how does one do this? In my line of work the best way to get people to change the way they make decisions is to move them into their emotional body and motivate them from there...an angry person is much easier to work with than someone who is apathetic. People not experiencing a high degree of emotion are unlikely to change...period! There won't be much intellectual movement or change about the new UBP head but my guess is that Wayne Furbert is going to inspire some emotional movement, particularly amongst the groups of people identified above (the so-called swing vote)....good move if you are on the UBP team! The more I listen and the more I assess the so-called big picture the more I see how we are literally bound by the extreme limitations of party politics - all of us!! The "Bermuda Incorporated" or "Board of Directors" approaches are beginning to look like a viable discussion...the question has to be whether or not the leaders of this country are willing to step up to the plate and admit "I am powerless over party politics (coerced into maintaining the emotional status quo) and my life is unmanageable (can't bring about major changes to the way we do things)"? Until one identifies the exact nature and extent of the problem one will never generate solutions that get close to the mark - unless of course one is extremely lucky or the Universe does indeed override and create...for the record Wayne Furbert inspires a positive emotion within me (for now)...

[ace-girl on 17.01.06 at 14:08]

Wouldn't they need to go to rehab first for abusing party politics, Backs?

[Pocket Protector (@^@) on 17.01.06 at 14:15]

I think Wayne was a good choice. He has my support.

[Combat Banker on 17.01.06 at 14:24]

Silencio, I think the reason no one has really started slating Wayne or the leadership change on the boards, is that they are likely waiting to see what happens before forming an opinion. All the b*tching that goes on here, at least most posters seem willig enough to give a fella a chance. IMO Scott had it and blew it. Will see what Furbert does/says in next few days though.

[wklc on 17.01.06 at 14:27]

I doubt that the selection of Wayne Furbert will cause any loss of vote by the UBP. But I do not believe that they will gain enough to win an election either. I think that PLP supporters will continue to vote PLP. The swing vote is the key vote, and I don't think that Wayne has the ability to change peoples minds.

On the VSB News last night, he said that there had been ongoing discussions over the past few months regarding the leadership, and "fortunately or unfortunatly, he was the choice". I wonder what he means by "unfortunately"? That doesn't exactly inspire people to be confident in him.

[Full Fullish on 17.01.06 at 14:29]

Combat Banker, exactly right, we were all willing to wait and see what Scott did for the country...Zzzzzzzzzz. Oh still waiting?

Same respect towards Furbert, everyone should get a grace period. I see that the PLP Mouth was already one him...

[wklc on 17.01.06 at 14:29]

I will say that out of all the UBP MPs however, I think he was the better choice, but I don't really see many viable alternatives that could successfully lead them to an election victory.

[Full Fullish on 17.01.06 at 14:31]

Hmmmm I'm not sure, I would have said that Barrit and Furbert would be my two favorites. Furbert has a passion for the Island which is infectious, Barrit is a good speaker and gets his point across. Maybe if we could merge the two? ;)

[wklc on 17.01.06 at 14:34]

Full Fullish,
I will agree that Barritt would also have been near the top. However, the UBP seem to need to separate themselves from seeming to only represent the interests of the Gibbons, Dunkleys, Barritts etc...and in that regard I don't think choosing Barritt would have worked. But I do have a largely favorable opinion of him.

[Raptor on 17.01.06 at 14:40]

Silencio, “attracting the black middle class” doesn’t have to involve “window dressing.” Wayne Furbert may simply have a better talent for getting the UBP’s positions and commitment to equality across, and there is a significant number of people on the fence ambivalent about party affiliation.

People are commenting on what they know of W.F. as an individual, and it’s mostly very positive. I think everyone is waiting to hear more from him, to see if he can open up the UBP and convey strong positions and opinions. I'd liked the words he started out with on his first day.

There are a lot of people, on LiB too, who have lost faith in the UBP. So I suspect there is a certain amount of wait-and-see.

[Full Fullish on 17.01.06 at 14:48]

WKLC - "I will agree that Barritt would also have been near the top. However, the UBP seem to need to separate themselves from seeming to only represent the interests of the Gibbons, Dunkleys, Barritts etc...and in that regard I don't think choosing Barritt would have worked. But I do have a largely favorable opinion of him."

Yeah I know, one day it would be nice to move beyond what's percieved of a person and take him or her for what they have to say and what they stand for.....until then, I fear, Bermuda's political scene will be like a one legged man in an ass kicking contest.

[Bill Cook on 17.01.06 at 14:49]

Policies and the ability to implement them should be our priority moreso than personality.

However Wayne has both the energy and enthusiasm to do the job.

GG stands for Grant Gibbons.

[wklc on 17.01.06 at 14:51]

Full fullish,
It would be nice if and that day comes, but in the present political climate in Bermuda, replacing Grant Gibbons with John Barritt wouldn't have changed much at all in the minds of the electorate.

[Silencio on 17.01.06 at 14:51]

I just hope this isn't another "Pam Gordon" strategy. On the heels of calls for a black leader, I was hoping to see comments on LIB about why Furbert is the best man for the job. I'd like to hear what he brings to the table and how the UBP will be different now that he is the leader. But so far, it's practically dead silent. You could here a pin drop on this announcement, but is it because no one cares, or no one wants to talk about it?

[wklc on 17.01.06 at 14:56]

Silencio,

I tend to agree...I thought this forum would be hopping with support for Wayne from UBP supporters. When the forum is a criticism of PLP actions/inaction and basically anti-PLP the comments are fast and furious. But there seems not to be a lot being said in support of Wayne other than that he is a nice guy and approachable...and this is from UBP supporters. These UBP supporters should be listing his positive traits, what he stands for, how he will unite the UBP and reinvigorate them and the qualities he has to lead them into the next election.

[loki on 17.01.06 at 15:00]

It'll be very interesting to see where Wayne Furbert can take the UBP. Despite the rank incompetence that has defined much of the Scott Government's tenure, it is surprising that the UBP has been seemingly unable to capitalize on that. I think that what the UBP needs right now is a moderate but authorative voice, and maybe Wayne Furbert's the man to accomplish this. What we have in power right now is, for the most part, a bunch of 1960's radicalists who changed outwardly just enough to get into power. Now they're in power, we're seeing their true colours. And, no, I'm not talking about all members of the PLP or, indeed, all PLP MPs: I'm talking about those at the top of the PLP hierarchy. I never thought I'd long for the 'good ole days' of the Smith administration, but as Jake pointed out previously, it's clear that Jennifer Smith represented a very moderate wing of the PLP and managed to 'keep the crazies out'. The UBP and, specifically, Wayne Furbert has a real chance right now to show Bermuda that there is a real option aside from the current bunch of lunatics running the asylum. I will be very interested to see if he is able to grab the party by the scruff of its neck and effect real change

[Combat Banker on 17.01.06 at 15:10]

Silencio & wklc: I think it goes to show that most of the posters on this board are not as defult Pro-UBP as some people might have thought (hello Bud). Generally I have found that the anger expressed at the PLP here stems from an overall disatisfaction with local Politians as a whole. Most of us are young, educated, and have no idea what life was like under the 'Golden Years' of the old UBP government. Personally I feel I've come back home to build a new life, and found a bunch of self-absorbed psuedo-intellectuals running my country (past PLP inroads for human rights aside, those days are long gone as well).

In the end if Wayne Furbert & Co prove to be a bunch of political navel-gazers as well, I will be just as full of piss & vinegar about it.

[Bill Cook on 17.01.06 at 15:15]

Speaking for myself I tried many times to post on the selection of Wayne Furbert but was blocked all day from doing so.

Wayne really is a great guy and has the ability to work with others and in my opinion is a work in progress that promises well for the future.

People generally want openess and tranparency with sound forward looking policies.

Jennifer Smith was a moderate but she came over as arrogant that put many people off, Wayne will not do that.

[Ex Limey on 17.01.06 at 15:19]

Interesting that many people saw Barrit, Dunkley & Gibbons as near the top of the heap.

Perhaps in electing Furbert this is a way of distancing themselves from 'old money'.

I mean, the above guys probably can't understand the average white guy's struggle, let alone the average black guy!

[Bill Cook on 17.01.06 at 15:36]

I do not really know G Gibbons but I do know both Barritt and Dunkley and both are very much in touch with all people and very down to earth guys, possibly due to the love of sport etc but anyone who meets either John B or M Dunkley will experience that personally.

Judging people without meeting and speaking to the is neither fair or wise.

[wklc on 17.01.06 at 15:44]

Bill Cook,

It might be unwise to judge people without personally meeting them, however, how many of us really know the candidates in our constituencies? And by knowing, i mean to have detailed conversations with, not just to speak to. Most people that I know don't know their candidates that well unless they themselves are involved in the political process or are related to them. So the perception of them, whether true or false, is what they use.

[Silencio on 17.01.06 at 16:44]

"The UBP and, specifically, Wayne Furbert has a real chance right now to show Bermuda that there is a real option aside from the current bunch of lunatics running the asylum. "

I'm with you, Loki. Just like the PLP had in 1998, this could be the UBP's chance. The key though is that this must not be about marketing. You have to admit that Wayne Furbert is not inexperienced in politics (unlike Pam Gordon). Furbert doesn't represent old money, and for some time his profile has been related to a renaaissance in the UBP. For this change to be effective he will have to offer fundamentally different leadership from Grant Gibbons. He will have to demonstrate in deed that the party is different under his leadership.

[SmokingGun on 17.01.06 at 16:44]

Anybody expecting people to be seeing positive or insightful comments about how Wayne Furbert is going to re-invigorate the UBP and how he is going to do it is going to be sorely disappointed for the near future. First it took 3 months behind closed doors to get the word out they've changed party leaders. We havn't heard boo for donkey's ages as to what their stance is on a whole lot of things. If they are getting themselves ready to fight for the new election I think the only thing we are going to hear in the near future is Wayne standing up against Burch, Scott, Brown et. al and demanding they explain themselves as to why they insist on making politics in Bermuda such racially divisive.

Outside of that I would not be surprised if they kept their cards close to the chest until the run up to the election.

[Silencio on 17.01.06 at 16:56]

Under GG the UBP has not gained support, despite the PLP increasing the divisive language. If all Wayne does is do what GG did,then that would amount to window dressing, and that would be very disappointing. I'm expecting to see a new UBP under Wayne. Anything short of that is unacceptable and infuriating. I'd be extremely angry if he doesn't do anything different.

[Backs on 17.01.06 at 17:01]

ace-girl...no need for rehab if you get the first step :-)

[Bill Cook on 17.01.06 at 18:05]

I would think it unwise to vote for someone that I did not know.

If one does not make it his or her business to get to know their candidate whose fault is that ?

It would be counterproductive in my opinion to start going into policy intentions and strategy planning or making radical changes too soon but expect to see change in line with winning trust with integrity for starters.

[Uncle Elvis on 17.01.06 at 18:16]

"The key though is that this must not be about marketing"

Ok, first off, the reason that I haven't said anything is that I don't know Mr. Furbert, nor do I know his policies or politics. I'm in the "Wait and see" boat.
Second... not about marketing? That's ALL it's about. Honestly. It sucks, but that's what it's about. Marketing yourself as the best candidate in the best party.

[lickinalong on 17.01.06 at 18:32]

With Grant Gibbons leading the UBP their chances of getting elected were about 1%. I am givinghim 1% in the offchance that the PLP totally self-destructed. Let's face it no matter what he or his party did, he was still labelled as old Front Street UBP. He was too easy a target for the racially divisive PLP. By appointing Wayne as leader, I would estimate the UBP's chances of getting elected at 33%. They have moved out of the range of being unelectable to being potentially electable. We can still expect racially divisive politics from the PLP with the old "house n---s" focus but that will not go down as easily with someone as well connected in the community as Wayne.

In my view the change of leadership was smart and necessary if the UBP wanted to get elected. Yes it is a surface thing but politics will always be a mixture of bs and substance.

[SmokingGun on 17.01.06 at 18:57]

Personally I would rather have seen Grant Gibbons stay in the leadership position for the time being and brought Wayne Furbert up to join him in helping create an image that the UBP is working together. Let Wayne be the charm and Grant be the wise practical one. They could have started breaking up their work and played off of each other and at the same time shown that the UBP was all about unity. After all what Bermuda really needs is a leadership that is made up of not just blacks and whites but people who show they can truly be friends sharing the same vision and ideals without concern for colour, class or creed.

[lickinalong on 17.01.06 at 19:25]

Smoking,
Sounds good in theory but the UBP would still be unelectable well maybe 5% electable.

You do not seem to realise the degree of distrust in the black electorate towards the white UBP. Sharing the leadership would be seen asa black junior partner with a white senior partner in the black community. Get real.

[SmokingGun on 17.01.06 at 20:12]

I'm not so sure about that. There certainly is a lot of distrust in Bermuda but it swings both ways. I think there are enough clear headed black Bermudians who are willing to take a chance with a party that has a very clear and sound agenda for the future and is willing to show it's teeth in deriding racial divison. In effect the UBP could easily have said they were grooming Wayne to become the outright leader. It would have been just as well received. Heck, even Guilden's ready to throw his support behing the UBP if Wayne's ideas are implemented. The fact of the matter is they are not just Wayne's ideas, he certainly cannot operate in a vacuum.

Bermudian's are getting fed up with our current situation and it's time someone came out with the game plan that will secure our future. I do not think the UBP or anyone should keep quiet about their ideas or concepts on how to do it but I wouldn't be surprised if they do. Heck give the PLP a few great ideas and watch them choke as they try to implement them. They can't get out of their own way and they know it.

[jake on 17.01.06 at 20:15]

Jim Woolridge's comment that the UBP don't mind a black boy being in charge as long as they can tell him what to do. - Limey

I thought the quote was that 'these white boys don't mind a black man being in charge as long as they can tell him what to do'. The (w)oice of summer never called himself a boy.

Point of order aside, I think Wayne will bring a positive face to politics generally. I like him and what he as to offer.

[Phil on 17.01.06 at 21:43]

jake

I'm prepared to be corrected on what he actually said. I searched for a direct quote but couldn't find one so had to rely on the words I have heard others attribute to him.

[Bill Zuill on 17.01.06 at 22:18]

Jake is right, Limey, and has a fairly spectacular memory for something that happened about 15 years ago.

[SmokingGun on 17.01.06 at 22:41]

The other fairly spectacular memory that I know is owned by none other than one.... Jim Woolridge.

[O'Brien on 17.01.06 at 22:49]

Worth pointing out Zuill was the reporter who wrote the story in the early ninties - if memory serves.

You can read an account of the affair in Woolwridge's 'memoir'. He was, in fact, quite honest about the whole thing.

[Phil on 17.01.06 at 22:59]

Thanks for confirming jake's version, Bill. I've amended the original post accordingly.

[Roll Eyes on 18.01.06 at 07:54]

But it's the 90's, racism didn't exist in the 90's so Woolridge was obviously talking a lot of rubbish.

[Bill Cook on 18.01.06 at 09:06]

To the best of my knowledge the use of the word BOY in addressing one, was never commonly used in Bermuda at least in my 48 yrs of experience of living here.

It would seem to be the influence of American culture where the term was a derogatory way of addressing non whites specifically black males.

This sometimes caused misunderstanding as in Ireland that was a common way of addressing males and in Wales it was BOYO, so I was a bit amused when one of my black friends, a co worker rebuked me for using the term until I explained it was normal for us and no offense intended.

This may be why in the Carribean the term MAN was commonplace as BOY was perhaps offensive.

[Silencio on 18.01.06 at 09:11]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today's Bermuda Sun interview with Wayne Furbert.

I might not agree with all his views, but for ONCE a UBP politician tells us what they think of controversial subjects like gambling and independence. Let's hope that more MPs disclose what they think so that we can get an idea of what the party as a whole thinks on these issues. I think the UBP still needs move towards leading the public instead of simply being led by the electorate, but hot damn this is an improvement! Why couldn't Grant Gibbons do the same? This isn't simply about being a people person - it IS better leadership. Well done!

[$1.50 on 18.01.06 at 13:11]

Having a black man as leader of the UBP can't hurt the party. But I think the UBP winning the next election depends on the black middle class voting for them again as they did in elections previous to 1998. Let's face it almost the whole white population votes UBP and almost all blue collar blacks vote PLP. It's the white collar blacks who were tired of the UBP representing the interests of the rich white families like the Gibbons and Barrits. The UBP has not come up with any inspiring polices, but I think the white collar blacks have given the PLP two elections and are now tired of them. They see that the PLP endangers their very livihood with the direction they want to take Bermuda.

[Phil on 18.01.06 at 13:27]

SmokingGun

I would not be surprised if they kept their cards close to the chest until the run up to the election.

I don't disagree, but could this be part of the reason why so much of Bermudian politics focuses on either PLP cock-ups, race or fluff?

Politics should be about the clash of ideas. Unless the Opposition (and the Government) tells us what their ideas are, such debate is impossible.

Instead of not revealing their policies for fear the PLP will steal them, the UBP must come up with a better strategy for dealing with that theft when it happens. Seems to me that the best way for them to do that is to shout it from the rooftops and to keep shouting about it at every opportunity they get. If the opportunities aren't there, they need to make them (e.g. by starting their own blogs).

To do this, they need to get better at using the media. Because most of their policy discussions are conducted behind closed doors, the UBP sometimes only seem to appear in the paper when they're criticising the PLP for something. Start having those discussions in public and the coverage would make them seem more constructive (Silencio's point).

The transparency of the UBP could be further enhanced if some of their MPs were to start blogging too. OK, so those blogs may not be read by too many members of the public, but the media would, and would be likely to report on some of the things they say.

[Phil on 18.01.06 at 13:31]

Speaking for myself I tried many times to post on the selection of Wayne Furbert but was blocked all day from doing so. - Bill Cook

Just wanted to make it clear that this had nothing to do with me.