Another CoHA report in the offing

The Council on Hemispheric Affairs is preparing to release another memorandum on Bermuda's independence debate.

Having seen a draft, I think it's safe to say that the Government isn't going to like it any more than the last one.

Comments

[Zoom on 20.02.06 at 21:54]

These reports reflect the growing worry amongst those who advise international business: "If this is how Bermuda's government ignores the rights of its people, how will they treat us?"

Bermuda is like an open book. Unfortunately the title is "How to misgovern, for dummies".

[J Starling on 20.02.06 at 23:00]

Just to play devil's advocate here, is one to assume then that we must sacrifice democracy o the altar of international business? Must we cower before the might of capital flight? Is this democracy then, or do we merely pay lip service to the ideals of democracy? Are the people sovereign or is capital? And yes, I know polls show must oppose independence, but the majority cite their concerns about capital flight, a possibility under independence for sure, but not guarunteed any more than other political and economic crises threaten capital flight today. How many would favour independence should international business and their lackeys not threaten us for exercising our democratic rights? Ignorance is bliss I suppose - at least then one could live in the illsuion of democracy rather than this plutocracy of lost illusions.

[Uncle Elvis on 20.02.06 at 23:45]

I personaly think it is a democratic right to make my country as prosperous as possible, both for myself and for future generations. If that's sacrificing to the altar of Big Business, so be it. I'd rather live in a First World Country.

I'm not sure many of us want to lose IB. But speak up if you do...

[Tiger Bay on 21.02.06 at 08:33]

It's telling that COHA - which is characterised as left of center in Washington DC - sees through the PLP charade. They are not progressive; while they deflect about the forty thieves of yore, they have become them.

[Rossini on 21.02.06 at 10:12]

Tiger, I refer you to Animal Farm..and the line about pigs and men at the dinner table and neither being able to tel the difference.....

[J Starling on 21.02.06 at 12:53]

Again, I'm playing devils advocate. Uncle Elvis, would you then prefer to live in a totalitarian state which is prosperous but without democracy, or in a sovereign democratic state that maight be poor? At what point does one recognise that our democracy is only superficial, how many pieces of silver are we willing to sell ourselves for? Personally I take the line that one can't be politically independent unless one is economically independent, and quite frankly we don't have those resources. We could certainly increase our self-reliance, but we will always be dependent on imports of certain commodities. I don't want to lose IB, but I don't want to be held hostage ot it either.

[SarahT on 21.02.06 at 13:34]

How is it that you've seen a draft already, Phil?

[no use for a name on 21.02.06 at 14:01]

Polls show that most people don't want independence, which also happens to be the stance of international business. Keeping ties with Britian means that corruption can only go so far. Believe me the PLP are biting at the bit for independence so they can totally suck this island dry, and they'll disguise their eargerness for it in some form of black power, "we've finally thrown off the white yoke" you know something like that. The truth is the Brits leave Bermuda pretty much to itself so that has no argument. Bermuda should keep its status as a Crown Colony under this government or under the UBP.

[Phil on 21.02.06 at 14:12]

Sarah

They asked me to look at it for "gaffes, flaws or factual errors or misinterpretations", presumably because of feedback I gave them about their first memo (after they released it). I think they're trying to make sure that this one is factually accurate before it's released.

[J Starling on 21.02.06 at 17:03]

No use for a name,
Which came first, the majority in the polls opposing independence, or the threat of international business capital flight? Naturally no one wants to risk a catastrophic economic collapse and lose IB just like that. However, our history has essentially been one of boom and bust (ambergris, ship-building, salt raking, privateering, onions and liliies, etc.). Surely we can work on our self-reliance in areas of energy, fresh water and food production to make us less dependent on external economic factors, and less likely to sell our democracy for pieces of silver. That being said, I personally don't support independence at this time, but the issue does raise some worthwhile questions.

[Lost in Flatts on 22.02.06 at 11:25]

I think its good that external bodies produce reports on our current debate, it can only serve to add another perspective. As long as its well informed, factually accurate and objective, I welcome it with open arms.

Two problems remain: Firstly if it doesn't meet those requirements, it will immediately be cast aside, despite its potential value.
Secondly, if its not pro-indepedent I doubt the powers that be will bother even reading it, instead we will see Alex/Burch/Brown condemning it as foreigners sticking their nose in our business, and maybe another 'rag' labelling.

When will it be out, I'm defienitly up for a read.

[Zoom on 22.02.06 at 12:47]

"COHA’s Report on Bermuda: COHA will shortly be issuing an opinion piece on Bermuda’s future status as either a dependent territory or as an independent state, and how will it get there. In its findings, COHA faults Premier Alex Scott for his obsessive commitment to superimpose independence, by one means or another, on Bermuda’s 65,000 population and also some of the contending factors involved in achieving his dream, at what putative cost to the island. The COHA report also faults Scott for not adhering to civic society’s rules of the game whereby public debate is carried out in a respectful manner, and not by savaging your opponents with abusive language which comes close to being a stunning example of anti-democratic behavior."

[JJ on 22.02.06 at 13:10]

"......instead we will see Alex/Burch/Brown condemning it as foreigners sticking their nose in our business, and maybe another 'rag' labelling."

Are we sure that Ewart Brown is pro independence? I realise that as part of the government he has de facto support, but I don't ever recall him speaking about it at all.

[Zoom on 22.02.06 at 15:19]

It is shocking that Bermuda - which has a reputation for quiet good governance - is being labelled as potentially anti-democratic by a well-respected thinktank.

It's not like these folks are right wingers; the guy just wrote a book with a foreword by Noam Chomsky!

[stuart J Hayward on 23.02.06 at 08:43]

LImey writes "They asked me to look at it for "gaffes, flaws or factual errors or misinterpretations", presumably because of feedback I gave them about their first memo (after they released it). I think they're trying to make sure that this one is factually accurate before it's released."

I guess the reason COHA asked Limey, rather than me, to review their upcoming piece is that I made my feedback on the "gaffes, flaws or factual errors or misinterpretations" public in two columns:

http://www.bermudasun.bm/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=23936&SectionID=82&SubSectionID=231&S=1

http://www.bermudasun.bm/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=24741&SectionID=82&SubSectionID=231&S=1

It isn't that COHA is evil or right wing, but rather that a) COHA used the local print media as its primary source, so their research was automatically biased, and b) COHA's self-determined legitimacy is based largely on how much of its output gets into the media, hence COHA's output tends toward sensationalism. Don't take my word for it, check out their own website.

Whatever conflict might exist between COHA's left-leaning philosophical roots and its need to tailor its output for maximum media-friendliness will most likely be resolved in favour of COHA's prime agenda — to get maximum exposure for its output.

Having said all that, I don't believe Premier Scott or the PLP should get a free ride, on Independence or any other issue. I do believe, however, that the debate on independence has been hi-jacked by the dominant print media, which has agendas partisan (UBP vs.PLP) and loyalist (Royal in the name = loyal in the game). Unfortunately, IMHO, COHA merely regurgitated that bias.

COHA could serve as a useful external window into our debate on Independence. However, having heard COHA Director Birns' voice over local radio intimating that the most serious flaw in COHA's original pieces was incorrect spelling, "Bermudan", I am not holding much hope.

[JJ on 23.02.06 at 09:55]

"COHA used the local print media as its primary source, so their research was automatically biased,"

That's because it is impossible to find any plausible, non emotional research as to why an economically sucessful Bermuda, the envy of many countries in the world should risk its children's future by pursuing independence, particularly when clearly very few people are even remotely interested.

[stuart J Hayward on 23.02.06 at 15:48]

JJ may be correct, or maybe not. Still, a responsible researcher either finds multiple sources or qualifies his/her conclusions — COHA did neither. There are, in fact, other readily available sources for information about Bermuda and Independence than the Gazette or the MO News. No matter whare one stands on the issue, the issue itself is poorly served when an organisation claiming independence merely parrots the dominant media's views.

[observor on 23.02.06 at 15:51]

Mr. Hayward, please permit my slight amendments to your earlier comment as they apply quite nicely to BIC:

when an organisation claiming independence merely parrots the [Premier's] views.

[Bill Cook on 23.02.06 at 16:16]

Stuart,

Given your views on the local media and your not inconsiderable talents why dont you do as Mike Marsh did and organise a group to counter his petition against independence with your groups for independence.

You could also organise meetings and put forward all your well researched advantages for going independent and the same reasons for not going independent.

I feel sur that the editor of the RG would not deny you yet another column to state the above as starters.

[stuart J Hayward on 24.02.06 at 10:38]

Ahhh, Bill,

First, I trust that you are not being sarcastic — sarcism does make friendly dialogue difficult.
Next, I think you are casting me as one of the independence-at-any-cost advocates. I am not. I have been writing about independence since the mid seventies. My activism on the issue was to co-found INDINFO (the Independence Information Organisation) whose purpose was to search for and disseminate information about the issue. My own inclination toward independence doesn't lead me to advocate for it — I see too many variables. For example, I would resist independence if it left us with the same contentious Westminster sysstem, one that I believe fosters a blanket disharmony in our community. I niether view independence as a solution to our ills nor as a monster to be avoided at all costs.

I do find it interesting that your view of the petitioners is that they are petitioning AGAINST independence. They strongly aver that their petition is NOT against independence but rather for a referendum as a way of deciding the issue. You may not be aware that back in the 1970's and 1980's I advocated for referenda as a way to bring the public closer to the decision-making process.

I have, in fact, written columns that put forward reasons for and against independence. Mostly, I have focussed on the decisions we need to make BEFORE having the yes/no of independence put to us. I'd be glad to point you to or send you copies if you like.

You will appreciate, I hope, that my views on the dominant media have been formed over forty-plus years. I admit to being caught in the bind of on one hand being deeply resentful of the role it has played in preserving economic and political dominance by a select few (a role it continues to play, though far less aggressively than previouslyl), and on the other hand recognising and making use of its dominance. I am working my way through this dilemma...

But, back to independence, we deserve an open and informative debate on the issue. That possibility has been all but quashed by zealotry and intransigence on both sides — I wish it was different. In the noise of the hostile and partisan climate now attending the issue, it is not easy for voices of moderation (which I consider myself to be) to be heard.

[Bill Cook on 24.02.06 at 10:53]

Stuart,

No just a little tongue in the cheek as I have a great deal of respect for yours views esp on the environment and what I perceive to be a genuine interest in Bermudas welfare and your strong and often lone stance for matters you held strong opinions on.

Indeed I have many examples of what you have to say on a variety of topics many of which are similar to my own without trying be condecending hopefully.

You are refreshingly honest and I would always respect your opinions even if I had other views.

My own view on the topic is that the timing is wrong for consideration and there is not toh feeling of trust etc required plus the fear of widening the gulf rather than closing it.

I welcome and look forward to your valued input and may comment on it but I hope in a friendly way.

[stuart J Hayward on 24.02.06 at 11:28]

Observer,

"Mr. Hayward, please permit my slight amendments to your earlier comment as they apply quite nicely to BIC:
when an organisation claiming independence merely parrots the [Premier's] views."

What an unfortunate story, that of BIC. The concept of a fact-finding Commission on independence seems to me to be a good one. However, BIC's output was almost destined to be tainted when the UBP declined to sit on the Commission. I am not privvy to Premier Scott's thinking but in hindsight, it might have been better to have had the Governor select Commission members. Of course, that would have generated criticism from the nationalists within the Premier's party — asking the figurehead of colonialism to select a group to seek information on de-colonisation. BIC's creation was, I imagine, a no-win exercise.

I respect Premier Scott's holding his own view on independence, a view that has pervaded the PLP to the best of my knowledge. I would not want to be in his position of trying to separate a personal fervor for an issue from the ideal of a neutral stance as leader of the Island.

BIC did us a service in uncovering and collecting information that we otherwise might not have readily to hand. It is unfortunate that it's legitimate efforts have been obscured by attention to its flaws.

[stuart J Hayward on 24.02.06 at 12:00]

"My own view on the topic is that the timing is wrong for consideration and there is not the feeling of trust etc required plus the fear of widening the gulf rather than closing it."

Timing is everything. If the timing was ever right, it certainly has moved toward being wrong. I have the sense, however, that the Premier is being driven as much by elements within his party as by his own historical desire for independence, thus making it impossible to pull back from the brink.

The erosion of trust is another story. My biggest disappointment in the PLP government is the words/actions of some PLP leaders that have fostered this mistrust. Thus, I would want to see a vehicle for electorate-driven recall of individual MPs in between elections, BEFORE I would vote in favour of independence.

The potential for a widening gulf across race and class is worrisome, I agree.

Thanks for you kind words.

[SmokingGun on 24.02.06 at 12:28]

Mr. Hayward - may I ask, do you have the Premier's ear?

It would serve him well and Bermuda as a whole to have someone with your obvious knowledge, concern and conviction to help him find a way back from the brink.

It's all about trust. He may hear a lot from others in his party but hearing from someone who carries a fair amount of respect accross the divide might be of greater use.

Also, Limey has offered to help set up a blog should any PLP supporters wish to have a seperate forum, which I would imagine would be linked to his. Maybe he'd be willing to help you set up a site that will allow you to put your 40 years of gathered information to good use in similar format. Or do you already have a site?

[stuart J Hayward on 24.02.06 at 18:44]

SmokingGun,

I have no guarantee of the Premier's ear, despite your kind assessment, but your suggestion may be worth a try. I am ambivalent: I am not eager to see the process suspended again; however, I am worried that to press on in the current climate will get more people's backs up with a predictable result (hence, I believe, the calls by opponents to independence to move now quickly to a decision). I am also reluctant to be the bearer of bad news. I will give it some thought.

Your idea of an independence blog, if I understand you correctly, does interest me. I do not have a site. I wonder, however, if the issue has become so polarised as to stymie any rational discussion — I wouldn't want to find myself become not much more than a lightening rod for the accumulated angst on both sides.

[SmokingGun on 24.02.06 at 19:23]

"I wouldn't want to find myself become not much more than a lightening rod for the accumulated angst on both sides."

I wouldn't blame you. I think you just have to ask Limey how that might feel!

All the same I do believe a site that can incorporate the indepth information that you have gathered over the years would be a good starting place for people to have access to. I'm not sure what would be the best format but if one were to address the pros and cons to indpendence in a clear concise manner whereby people can start an open discussion/dialogue it would be valuable.

If it were done with guest appearances (posts) by both people who are in favour and those who are not with a question/answer follow up it might be useful. I feel the BIC report is far to ungainly for most people to bother reading thoroughly, including me, so a blog might very well help get key information out in a more balanced manner.

Obviously this might take a lot of work but maybe Limey would be able to give you a better idea on that. Maybe the government or some public institution would be willing to offer a grant to hire someone on a short term basis to manage it.

The key thing is that both sides of the equation get a fair opportunity to hear all sides and make a decision (if ever the need arises) that is based on solid and factual information and not because they are either just looking for a change or living in fear of change.

For the record, personally I would not choose to go independent at this time. We have not sorted out how the freedoms of our future generations will be protected yet. Once we can honestly say we have a very stable and secure path to follow then we can address going our sperate ways.

[Phil on 26.02.06 at 11:51]

Stuart

I'd be happy to help you set up a blog, whether it was as a place for discussing the issues surrounding independence or as a place to republish and generate a discussion on your columns.

If you're worried about becoming "a lightning rod for the accumulated angst on both sides" you could always turn off comments, or only allow them on selected posts. I do think that blogs with comments are more interesting than blogs without, but equally I appreciate the effort sometimes involved in keeping those comments under control!

Drop me an email if you're interested in taking this further.

[Bill Cook on 26.02.06 at 13:40]

Stuart,

It would be great if you did have a blog.

The timing is important as in my opinion our quality of life is threatened by the uncontrolled growth and the consequent stress on our fragile infrastructure overcrowding and inflation esp regarding affordable housing directly affected by the over growth of IB etc.

We keep growing to get more tax dollars but in so doing those people at the lower end of the earnings scale are most affected

It has become like a dog trying to catch its own tail and is totally counterproductive.

Sorry to break of topic Limey but Stuart is well versed on these issues, if you guys could cooperate that would be terrific.

[stuart J Hayward on 28.02.06 at 09:39]

Thanks Bill,
We're working on it.