Changing Bermuda

As a young Bermudian, I've grown very tired of watching the issue of racism take centre stage in dictating my future. It's an issue that is clearly tied to a past in which I had no part. It is truly disheartening to watch as many Bermudians seem more focused on dividing our people rather than attempting to unite. Too many are more interested in pointing out the differences between us and the color of skin then on focusing on the most relevant thing, that we're all Bermudian. Together we should be working to get ahead, not against each other and never achieving change.

As a young Bermudian of mixed racial descent, I don't feel like my issues are being addressed and I don't doubt that other youth feel the same way. Where is our representation? Where is our voice? It appears that for many of us the only way we're ever going to see change is to wait for our elders to die. Our only alternative appears to be to save our money and move away. A sad realisation for those who wish they could stay and build a future here. I wonder what ever happened to the adage of with age comes wisdom? Many just seem stuck in their ways. Can't you see that I don't consider myself black or white? I only consider myself Bermudian. Shouldn't that be all that is required?

I’ve wondered how we can ever achieve change, to address the real issues not those of yesterday. The best way I can think of is to unite us, through contributing what I can of my knowledge of technology. In sitting down with many people, asking how we can achieve a better future, I’ve realised that regardless of race, beliefs or political affiliations, we Bermudians have a lot of great ideas. You'd be surprised how talented we are as a people in thinking of ways to solve our own problems, if we could only get past our history that plagues us like a disease.

Our government functions today in a format where our leaders come up with a list of objectives they hope to achieve, they call it a platform and then run in an election hoping acquire the electorate's support. Should it not be possible for us to form a new kind of political system? One formed of the ideas of the people, where we develop our own platform that will guide our leadership in knowing what we want to see happen rather then what they want?

I've made it my goal to figure out how to collect our ideas together so that we as a people can decide our own fate. We shouldn't remain trapped under the guise of racism any longer. As such, I’ve used the best of my knowledge to put together a website, bermudawiki.com, that allows all Bermudians to contribute constructive ideas regardless of political affiliation so we can collect the best ideas of how we can make our island great.

The website is dedicated to the collaborative building of a platform of the people. The core of the this site consists of an online collaboration section that anyone can edit. It's based upon technology referred to as a Wiki, a type of website that allows users to easily add, edit, track and manage its content. To support the wiki, I have created an open discussion forum where people can post their ideas and solutions up for discussion, and open them up to be voted upon in polls so we can get a consensus on what the people want.

It would be of tremendous benefit if each of our politicians chose to keep us up to date on what they’re doing using online journals, often referred to as blogs. As such I am offering to host blogs for any minister who would like to share with the people a live journal of what they’re doing. I also extend this offer to any Bermudian who feels they too have a voice to contribute and can help us keep on top of what’s going on.

The technologies I have put together on this site should allow for Bermudians to contribute their own thoughts and ideas regardless of race, religion or political affiliation. The only requirement is that you are interested in making Bermuda a better place and you are willing to be constructive in what you have to say. Destructive criticism isn’t helpful as it won’t help us get ahead. Ideas are what matters and Bermudians are smart, so we should be able to contribute a lot of them.

So I’d like to ask that you please take a moment to visit the site I’ve put together. More then anything, I would appreciate if you'd take the time to share your ideas. Without your contribution, we’ll never know what great ideas you have that could help Bermuda change.

Comments

[Shark on 06.02.06 at 09:26]

As a young Bermudian i agree completly.

(Sorry if this part gose off topic a little but its something I as a young bermudian am concernd about) Our elders could care less what we want. All they want (the PLP at least) is to get Bermuda Independent to fulfill some stupid outdated concept that they missed when all the other former colonies went independent in the 60's-70's. Im not sorry to say to all those that advocate independence on the basis of fulfuling a pre aranged resolution to past events that you missed your time, its gone so deal with the reality of living in the 21st centurey.

My concerns as a young bermudian is will there be a place for me to live in bermuda when or increasingly if I return? or a place to work?
Will there still be the Bermuda i rember growing up or will get torn apart by race?

[Denis Pitcher on 06.02.06 at 11:02]

Shark,

It should not only be your concern of that independance may not leave you with a reasonable future here, but it will also remove the sweetest deal young Bermudians could ever have - the ability to live, work, and even gain unemployment insurance in the EU, yet no EU citizen has the same deal here.

We don't need independence from the UK, we need independence from the colonial system of government - there is a difference. This being the ability to petition for referendums and votes of no confidence to be able to recall of our government to an election. These are just some of the topics my site is dedicating to discussing and I'd welcome your opinion on it there rather then going off-topic here.

I'd also like to take a moment to thank Limey for allowing me to advertise my site through his, I greatly appreciate it.

[Scott P on 06.02.06 at 11:05]

Denis,

I find it interesting that you classify yourself as a "young Bermudian of mixed racial descent". Aren't we all? Bermuda is the ultimate melting pot. We are all of mixed racial descent. I defy anyone to search their lineage and they will find people of all colours in their ancestry. We are Bermudian! Plain and simple.

I agree wholeheartedly with your post. The folks considered not black enough and not white enough are usually the ones left out in Bermuda. The "Old Bermuda" and the so-called "New Bermuda".

I'm just sick and tired of the whole thing. We should see each other as we are. Bermudians! A society of mixed ethnic heritage.

Scott.

[Stephen Notman on 06.02.06 at 13:16]

Denis,
You have my full support for your website and I congratulate you for making the effort. I too am a young Bermudian, well relatively, (nearly 27) and I am about to return home to Bermuda also. What I see happening on our island often fills me with dismay but with young persons like yourself getting involved and actively seeking ways to improve our way of life in Bermuda, perhaps there may be hope yet for all Bermudians.

[Denis Pitcher on 06.02.06 at 14:22]

Stephen,

Thanks for your support, I appreciate any help people are willing to put forth.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with anyone who hopes to make a difference here in Bermuda, especially the youth.

We need to see change and it's time we stood up for ourselves to take the reigns and show our people that it is now time for our generation to lead this island towards our own future. If we do not, we will not have one here.

We need our own voice, if you want to be a part of it, feel free to email me.

[thisgrassman on 06.02.06 at 14:40]

My concerns as a young bermudian is will there be a place for me to live in bermuda when or increasingly if I return? or a place to work?

Posted by Shark on 06.02.06 at 09:26

Shark, I think all young Bermudians need to confront those dinosaurs preaching the shiny vision of independence and pointed make them explain what is the value to the Bermudian youth of a New Nation they can't afford to live in?

[youngbermudian on 06.02.06 at 14:51]

I couldn't agree with you more. It makes me want to scream in frustration that the "adults" in the community are wasting away the amazing opportunity youths have. They use their baggage to taint the younger generations and make politics a purely racial issue.

On that note when you hear people go on and on about the divided races I take a look around me and realize it’s not my generation they are talking about (I am 22). I think it's the older population that is divided. I look at my 14-year-old brother who attends school in Bermuda and most of his friends are black. My 12-year-old brother has black, white, expat and local friends. The same can be said for a lot of people in their young 20s.

The problem is that by the time my generation gains enough experience to run this Island there will be nothing left. We will have driven away international business and tourists. These companies and hotels are providing amazing experiences for young Bermudians willing to work hard. I look at what my North American college class mates are doing right now and laugh because while they are working nothing jobs my friends and I have been offered amazing entry jobs that actually teach us things.

And what about all the summer jobs available to students? Young Bermudians have an abundance of options that allows them to figure out what thy want to do as an adult. I have worked on tour boats, as a waitress, at an investment firm, in a media relations department and a convention planning company. Where else would I be provided with such an array of choices that pay, when compared to foreign summer jobs, an astronomical wage to students?

And what will happen to our ability to work abroad? When my North American friends hear that I can go to the E.U. to gain life and work experience that is not available on this Island they die with envy. The fact that an elder generation wants to take this away from me because they feel they are not complete with out a new flag and anthem is unfair.

And once the older generation gets their wish what will change? The school system will still be graduating just over 50% of its students. We will still have homeless families. Males will still be held unaccountable for their actions, as society will continue to require single mothers to do everything. Pedophiles will still only get 16 months for molesting young girls for 3 years. Politicians will still be allowed call people names with no retaliation. They still won’t be required to answer simple questioned posed by the press. Homosexuals still won’t be treated equally and xenophobia will continue to escalate. Surely fixing all this is more important than the ability to pat yourselves on the back and say: ‘Yea we did it. We really stuck it to the Queen.”

But I guess I am stilly to be angry and vent after all the adults know what they are doing. They want their anthem and they want their flag and to bad if they’re pissing away my future. It’s nice to know that their parents worked hard to give them a better Bermuda but they can’t be bothered to ensure the same courtesy is provided to my generation. Let’s hear it for the boomer generation, thanks a lot!

[Shark on 06.02.06 at 15:00]

True but seeing as the ruling goverment is set on independence nothing will sway them. There must be a reforendum (off topic again slithly) and i will vote here in the UK against any measure that leads to independence. Given a reforendum Independence will be deafeated (mayby we should start to contact every young bermudian of voting age and get them to register to vote)and when that force is shown the goverment will take notice of us. Im glad that the PLP cant chose how to go independent the Uk has the last word and they will chose a reforendum (as its the most demacratic) and hopefuly the UK can see that the PLP is determind to drag Bermuda Independent against the majority. Id like to see the reguler poster's who advocate independence to post if they care abut the youth of Bermuda.

As iv said before go independnt pay the price as the youth will leave and bermuda will be left with an aged popolation to enjoy there independence and then they will realise how useless and lonly it is.

[Jiffy on 06.02.06 at 15:21]

"We don't need independence from the UK, we need independence from the colonial system of government - there is a difference."

That difference comes at a cost. Canada no longer has a colonial form of government, but our people have also lost any right to a UK passport and all the goodies that come with them.

[Kristen Sousa on 06.02.06 at 15:25]

BermudaWiki.com doesn't load for me - firefox or internet explorer (latest editions of both, windows xp)

any thoughts? i'd be interested in checking it out :)

[Denis Pitcher on 06.02.06 at 16:15]

Jiffy,

What I'm referring to isn't giving up the right to a UK passport. It's independence in the form of changing the way our parliment and government functions so it places more power in the hands of the people rather then following the old colonial system.

Bermuda has it's own constitution, it is just written under the format of the colonial system of government. We are allowed to change it as long a we don't change the way the UK governs it. To make any changes to the way the UK governs it (having a govenor who has to approve of the changes, having defense responsibilities taken care of by the UK, etc) requires independence.

Ask yourself the real reasons why this government wants to take us independent? It gives them the power to change our constitution in any way they see fit without the approval of the people nor the UK. I'll leave you to your own conclusions of what our leadership will do with this power.

The changes I'm calling for is to ammend our consitution to put the power in the hands of the people. To require our government to hold a referendum if 20% of the people registered to vote petition for one, regardless of the issue. Same goes for recalling our government into election. Any further constitutional changes should require a referendum.

I also believe the youth should be calling for set dates for elections. I DO NOT want to see our government call an election any time but in the summer when our youth are home from school. Our government is crafty enough that they will call a winter election just so they can cut the youth out of the vote because they know the youth are not stupid enough to give up their rights to the EU.

Kristen,

It works for me so I'm not sure of the problem, perhaps try www.bermudawiki.com. There is also a separate forums site at forums.bermudawiki.com you could try.

[wklc on 06.02.06 at 16:55]

Denis,

Just to clarify that it was the PLP that championed the youth vote i.e. lowering the voting age to 18, and the PLP that intentionally called the 2003 election in the summertime so that the youth could in fact vote...

I highly doubt they will call an election intentionally to block out the youth vote. And if in fact it is called at that time, then they will know that they will incur the wrath of the electorate.

I can understand not being a PLP supporter, but sometimes you guys liken them to being kins of the devil.

[Guilden M. Gilbert, Jr. on 06.02.06 at 17:30]

Having read the post on this topic I must say that I am glad that younger Bermudians are speaking out and participating. While I am not old (just turned 40) I can fully understand the concerns addressed by those posting on this topic.

While it is widely known that I support independence for Bermuda, however, based on what is happening in Bermuda today (see other topics, in particular Open mike: House prices and emigration) I can see why the younger generation would be very concerned with losing the ability to live and work outside Bermuda.

To be very honest, the responses to this topic certainly make me think. While it may not be broadly accepted and it could be called extreme, maybe any decision on independence should be left to those who will be directly impacted by the loss of right of abode in the U.K. and the E.U.

[Denis Pitcher on 06.02.06 at 17:41]

Wklc,

Just to clarify, I am neither a PLP nor a UBP supporter. I am a youth supporter and we have no representation at present.

I would also move to quote Julian Hall's recent commentary in the gazette that the PLP of today is quite a bit different then the PLP he belonged to and believed in of yesterday.

The PLP also had the support of the youth because we wanted to see positive change. Have we and do they still have our support?

I will let the gazette article "Premier's Polls" of Feb 3rd speak for me:

"Nor does Mr. Scott seem to have much support among younger voters, in contrast with 2003 and 1998 in particular.
People between the age of 18 and 35 were least likely to approve of the way he was handling his job (27.9 percent) and most likely by a thin margin to disapprove (52.9 percent). The same is true for his favourability ratings."

I can only speculate as to when the PLP will call an election. I can certainly guess that if they are pro-independance and in turn want to hold a referendum at the same time as an election that it would be the smartest strategic move to call an election in the winter.

This has nothing to do with the PLP being 'kins of the devil' and I do not belive they are anything of the sort. It has more to do with simple politics in when you have an objective you want fullfilled, it'd be stupid to not take advantage of every opportunity to do so. Thats politics.

It would be smart on the part of the PLP to call a winter election when the youth are abroad at school as I would not doubt you would agree that the majority of youth away at school would likely vote against independance and losing their right to the EU. Those that are still here would likely not and some don't even understand what they'd be giving up.

My overall point is that it would be BEST regardless of either party being in power if our government were held to fixed terms in office that required a vote to be held in the summer.

Would you agree or disagree?

If the PLP are ready to continue championing the youth vote then perhaps they will move to institute this into policy to ensure that the youth always are included.

Anyways, this is getting off-topic, can we stay on the discussion of the merits of the bermudawiki.com site and if you'd like to discuss further off-topic ideas, feel free to visit forums.bermudawiki.com

Thanks

Denis

[Tim Taylor on 06.02.06 at 19:13]

My God. Young Bermudians. Smart young Bermudians. Concerned smart young Bermudians, showing interest in their own future and prepared to do something about it, as opposed to sitting safely on walls.

***POLITICIAN ALERT***

Yes guys, you just set off the red flags in the old, entrenched politician dug-outs on BOTH sides of the fence.

Should be very interesting to see how quickly any of the mainstream parties or their PR people respond on this blog. I KNOW this is going to go for a while, so I'll just shut up and await developments.

By the way, Guilden, sorry mate, but beig forty is like being born in the Triassic to this lot. I should know. Welcome to Fogeyhood.

[Denis Pitcher on 06.02.06 at 19:27]

Tim,

Just wanted to let you know 40 isn't that old. The difference with fogeyhood from a youth perspective is those who act old - set in their ways - rather then being youthful truly are OLD.

Today many people young in spirit, regardless of age, realise that change is a good thing and we're living alot older then we used to.

Not sure if you caught the superbowl, but if Mick Jagger can dance and run around a stage at age 62 nearly as well as he did 30 years ago.

Then there is hope for all of you who think your old yet.

[wklc on 06.02.06 at 19:44]

Denis,

I wasn't accusing you per se of being anti PLP, its just that many posters on this website seem to have only sinister things to think and say about them as a government.

Regarding you yourself, I am impressed with many things you write and say. I too am a young Bermudian that wonders how I can live a comfortable life without having to use every single dollar to put towards a house. I cannot believe that it is supposed to be this way.

I am a PLP supporter. This doesn't mean that I am in agreement with all of their policies, but I do have confidence that they can pull it together and hopefully head towards the next election by getting a handle on many of the issues that face Bermuda. I agree that the honeymoon has been over, and i have no doubt that the Bermudian people will vote them out in the next election, if in fact they do not deliver.

I also am a supporter of their being fixed terms of office, but what I do wonder is why no one (especially on the UBP side) thought this was ever an issue until the PLP got in office. But I do think a fixed 4 year or 5 year term would encourage if not force governments to act on their initiatives and produce and the country itself would benefit.

I would be very disappointed at my own party if they were to call an election when students were off the island. To me it would be a large disservice to a large proportion of the population. If they choose to do so, then they will fall prey to the electorate for the electorate to vote them out. To be honest, and from what I can recall, most candidates in 2003, on both sides, found it incredibly difficult to campaign during the heat of our summer. I don't know what other time of the year would be best, but I am sure something can be arranged. When the legislation regarding absentee ballots is finalized then maybe this will be a moot point, as students would then be able to vote from abroad.

Bermuda is becoming an increasingly difficult place to live from a financial aspect, for all of us, yet we all cannot abandon and leave it. Therefore we must get involved. Whether this involvement is within the PLP, UBP, ABC, NLP or another party, I think its a good thing that young people are getting involved at all. In the long run hopefully we can all benefit. I choose to support the PLP because I believe in the principles that the party was founded on. I don't necessarily agree with every decision that has been made, or every candidate that is chosen to run, or even every Ministerial post that is awarded.

But please do not take my post earlier as a personal attack...It was not meant that way at all. I just tend to get a bit offended because there are some posters on here that are so blatantly biased against the current government that they choose not to see any good. And to me I think that they are not always being objective in their criticisms. But thats just my opinion.

[Tim Taylor on 06.02.06 at 19:53]

Denis - God Bless You, young Sir.
You are, of course, right. There are many people around who act sixty (except of course for Sir Mick), when they're still young, and others, like me, who act thirty when they can't even remember who the top ten bands were in the 90's. It's a bitch.

[Denis Pitcher on 06.02.06 at 20:16]

Wklc,

No worries, I did not take it as a personal attack, I just felt it necessary to explain my position to ensure it was clear.

I am simply frustrated with Bermudian politics. The PLP appears to spend more time condemning the UBP then putting forth initatives to bring change. Our two party system just brews constant bickering and fighting back and forth rather then forward movement.

I am stepping up to instigate change despite the many people who have advised me not to. I am not afread for I feel I have nothing to lose. Even if I get driven off this island I figure I'll at least be content to have given it my all because the only alternative seems to be for me to choose to leave because there is no future. The conclusion is real simple - I don't want to leave.

Much of what you described is exactly why I have moved to create what I call "the people's platform". This is so that we the people can show our leadership what it is that we want to see happen and what initatives we consider important.

We need to remember that ultimately it is the people of Bermuda who are the driving force behind our government as it is indeed our government that is the largest employer on this island.

Our elected leadership are nothing more then representatives of the people who are chosen to help give our government direction and work as public liasons for each ministry. Yet it is we the Bermudians who truly run our country.

We the people need to step up and help our leadership. They need to be guided on what we want to see achieved and they need to be helped in determining which direction to take.

They cannot be expected to magically do it all, especially in this increasingly demanding global economy.

I don't believe either party will succeed if they don't move to embrace more of the ideas of the people. This is why I have built this site and this idea. It is up to you to choose to use it.

If either party moves to announce a platform wholly based upon "the people's platform" with the intentions of actually seeing it through then I will vote for them.

If they choose to ignore us, then I myself will run for leadership and promise to invoke the will of our people.

[NoVote on 06.02.06 at 20:50]

All You Young Bermudians,

You're right, and it is very sad that so many of this island's leaders do not share your perspective.

I fear that it may, however, require another generation or two before your values can become ingrained in the culture of Bermuda and race finally becomes the non-issue that it should be.

By your standards I am old. I was once an expat...and now I'm just stuck here: at my spouse's behest and without a vote.

I do, however, have two very young Bermudian children and wonder almost every day whether this is a place where I would want them to grow up.

I myself grew up in a multi-racial family in one of the most cosmopolitan cities on earth, and I can hardly remember a time when race was ever discussed or entered my consciousness.

I'm really not sure that I want my children's spirit to be poluted with racial venom that bubbles around on this Island.

[Shark on 07.02.06 at 08:47]

Young people dont have to be in Bermuda to vote. As long as you have registerd to vote you can vote outside Bermuda a week before the actual vote. Im not sure what the exact details are but a poling both would most likly be at the nearest British Embasey or Consolut

[wig n' gown on 07.02.06 at 18:12]

I suspect that at least some of the people who criticize the PLP when they post messages on this website are voicing more their concern and dislike of this current Cabinet, rather than the concept of a Labour Party in power. That is not to say that I agree or disagree with those submissions, simply that I think the distinction needs to be made.
I am encouraged by some of voices that are speaking up for Bermudians. I don't always agree with their philosophies or their politics, but because they are bringing peoples' attention to matters which are important. I personally have tremendous respect for Rene Webb. She has worked tirelessly to alert Bermudians to the continued practise of discrimination against persons based on their sexual orientation. Yeah, the UBP has never let her forget those comments she made about the need to create jobs for people that 'look like her' but so what? One might object to the language she used to convey her message but the fact is, the message was right. There is a need to create those jobs and whilst she may have lacked the subtlety of the savviest politician in that instance, I applaud her courage. As well, I am glad to hear that Julian Hall is making his voice heard. He feels that the PLP has strayed from his Labour roots. Maybe he is correct and maybe he can provide answers. It is when I hear people speaking up for what they believe in, rather than accepting the status quo and sinking into apathy that I begin to feel there is some hope for this island.

[SmokingGun on 12.04.06 at 15:51]

Denis - Great letter in the RG. Very well presented and shows your passion for moving forward.

Also: If Onionsoupdish is reading this, I too had a Ford Anglia. Actually me and my mates had a couple of them in England at school and we raced them on some local farm land. Took out the glass and strapped ourselves in with rope. The day we hit a wall and flew through the window put an end to that.

I've been enjoying your discussions about the good old days and wish Bermuda still had a little bit of the old charm that you talk about. When the local Mafia try to charge $40 just to get into a nightclub you know that this island has gone to pot. Why bother getting cheap airfares if the locals are only out to ream you once you've landed?

Bermuda's changing and not necessarily for the better.

[Brit on 12.04.06 at 15:54]

"Bermuda's changing and not necessarily for the better."

Unfortunatley, Bermuda didn't realise this until it was 20 years too late.

[SmokingGun on 12.04.06 at 16:11]

Too true. Although I hold out a little hope that young guys like Denis will start making enough waves to stem the tides a little.