The PLP leadership contest

With all the talk of possible challengers for the leadership of the PLP, there’s one topic of conversation that’s conspicuous by its absence. It’s the same discussion that’s missing in most political debate in Bermuda:

What would the candidates do if elected?

Admittedly, any discussion of policy is difficult at this point, since no-one has officially thrown their hat into the leadership ring. Moreover, thanks to the PLP’s rules for changing its leader, there’s no guarantee this will happen until the night of the vote.

However, it seems to me that those who will be voting for the PLP’s leader deserve to hear what the vision of each candidate is for the future of their party. They need to understand what policies they would pursue. Otherwise, ballots can only be cast based on tribal loyalties, personalities and past actions.

Moreover, it would be healthy for much of this discussion to be conducted in public – as were the recent contests for the leadership of the UK Liberal Democrat and Conservative parties. This would help the voters understand where the candidates stand on the issues too, even though most will have no say in the choice of leader. The UBP’s recent leadership selection process suffered from similar flaws.

In the absence of such public statements of intent, however, it’s my hope that Paula Cox emerges as the PLP’s new leader at the delegates’ conference. Ewart Brown is effective and charismatic, but autocratic and untrustworthy. Alex Scott is avuncular, but has a tendency to say things that make him look foolish. Moreover, there is some truth to Renee Webb’s accusations of flip-floppery: although he deserves credit for being willing to reverse ill-advised positions, a more astute leader would not take so many of those positions in the first place.

A Paula Cox Premiership remains an unknown quantity. Her unwillingness to investigate the pay-to-play scandal was disappointing, her racial tirade in response to this year’s UBP budget reply was baffling, and her speaking style can grate. Nevertheless, her integrity is greater than Dr. Brown's and she is likely to make a more effective Premier than Mr. Scott. But can she be persuaded to run?

Comments

[jake on 11.10.06 at 19:20]

One thing I want is a leader who will do the best job. I think that having seen Alex Scott now since the last election it is clear that if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, he wants to call it independence.

It is embarrassing.

Time for him to step down and let the contest begin. If Paula would be leader, let her declare and let Dr. Brown cast his hand in. Either would be preferable to the current leader.

On the issue of human rights I think Ewart has the stance in support of an extension, although he did not make that clear before for obvious reasons.

Paula is a star in her role as Finance Minsiter and serves the Country well. I do think she would make an excellent person as Leader as well because she is a thinker and has the support of the international community. They may not vote, but they do matter.

[murmur on 11.10.06 at 19:53]

I have dealt with Minister Cox and her ministry extensively. She is a person of integrity and good common sense. Perhaps not as flashy as some, still an intellectual rather than showman.

Minister Brown is worthy of great respect as a hard working and very effective minister but he has shown he has an unpleasant side to him. His ambition may perhaps overwhelm his natural abilities as well. In terms of integrity, I would put him behind Cox.

They are both for black empowerment. I'm white and I like that about both of them. In fact, if any leader was not for black empowerment, I don't know how they could lead a country like Bermuda. Cox is quiet and constructive about it but Brown tries to stir things up with idle rhetoric.

Cox has respect for all and is a diplomat. She's the kind of person who would make a good premier.

[abc on 12.10.06 at 08:49]

I think we might be putting the cart before the horse, in so much as throwing Paula Cox into the equation. Ms Cox has a very good job at ACE and if chosen as Premier would have to resign from that post. I am not so sure at this juncture of her life that she would do so. She has not expressed any intent to challenge, whether rumored or substantiated.

I think leadership intentions keep a party healthy, and I for one will be kept busy over the next few weeks enjoying the press. However we must also remember that Dr Brown has not confirmed this to be true. The piece in the RG was mostly attributed to Ms Webb who seems to have an axe to grind against both 'contenders'.

Personally, I think both men have their pros and cons. And if we are in search of a perfect leader, then we will be looking forever. We must look for him or her that represents our best interests the most. We are not going to agree on each issue or on every decision that is made.

It is my belief that the delegates at the PLP conference select the leader if it is to come down to a vote. At that time each challenger makes a speech to the delegates asking for their support. The electorate doesnt play a part in selecting the Premier, short of voting for the person in their constituency. Hence, the reason the public doesn't need to see this public pan out.

We also have to remember that Bermuda's governmental system is not one where there is a leader that rules absolutely. So in that regard, Premier Scott and Dr Brown, while I am sure each has a vision for Bermuda, they do not have the ability to take this vision and implement on their whim. There is a still a Parliamentary process that needs to be undertaken.

All in all, the next two weeks may be interesting indeed, and could bring about change. However, we also could be falling prey to the unsubstantiated surmising of a few.

[Tiger Bay on 12.10.06 at 11:16]

Most locals remember the radical activities of some of the PLP leadership, because they happened here in Bermuda. Not the same case with Doc Brown who was overseas for so long.

And Smiling Doc was in the midst of the 60's turbulence in the US as a student leader at Howard, speaking alongside Black Panther leaders such as Stokely Carmichael during the Washington riots after the murder of Martin Luther King.

He also may be the only Bermudian leader to be interviewed by Playboy magazine. Yes, these quotes are from long ago, but they echo solidly with his current activities.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/9766/student.htm

"BROWN: I'm sure it would do white students good to sit in on such courses, but that's not the basic issue, The main thing is the need for black students to determine the validity of black-studies programs; no white instructor, no white administrator can be allowed to determine or evaluate any black-studies curriculum. For many years, we have submitted to what we were told was a progressive curriculum, but we found that it excluded us. So now we're going to set up our own curriculum, and if we want a course called James Brown 101, we'll have it."

"BROWN: Revolutionaries are born, not trained. They are born out of the situation that oppresses them and they develop internally. But people who have a revolutionary spirit don't necessarily have guns on their shoulders. With the black-studies program, we intend to intensify our exposure of the contradictions between whites and blacks, and most likely we'll produce more angry people; but this anger will give us momentum and solidarity. And from there we can move toward a common ideology and a united revolutionary struggle."

[abc on 12.10.06 at 11:41]

Tiger Bay

I really dont seen anything wrong with the quotes. I think you have to realize the context and the era that these quotes were taken from. This was an era of high oppression of blacks and without those that stuck their necks out, we wouldn't even be close to having what we do have today.

[Pompous G Windbag III jnr. on 12.10.06 at 11:55]

abc - maybe you're right about Paula, why should she give up her job as VP of work permits at ACE to be Mayor of Bermudaville.

The dodgy doc on the other hand has a lot more to gain as once he is in the hot seat he can remove all those pesky checks on his kleptocratic tendancies and once the spin machine runs dry he can blame his successor in tourism.

Forgive my ignorance but is there any barrier to a Senator assuming the "highest office"?

BTW - it was IMG that have been hawking around the golf grand slam for a while - as per usual Browns involvement was minimal until the photo op came round...

[Tiger Bay on 12.10.06 at 11:58]

I agree, the Doc is impressive. In comparison to many of his PLP peers, he casts the aura of the reasonable and successful businessman. My point in these quotes is that inside, he's get the 60's radicalism still afire.

I don't call that good or bad. However I believe that it is not what Bermuda needs for future leadership.

[abc on 12.10.06 at 12:13]

Pompous Windbag,

I think the leader has to be from the elected group of MPs...I don't think a Senator can be voted in as Premier. Party leader and Premier are not necessarily one in the same, however in most cases are.

[loki on 12.10.06 at 13:18]

This just in - The Bda Sun is reporting that Ewart Brown has officially announced his candidacy - full story to follow.

[Guilden M. Gilbert, Jr. on 12.10.06 at 13:20]

Tiger,

So its ok to judge Dr. Brown on his past comments, even though they were extremely valid but we have to forget the racial practices of Bermuda's past?

You and many others may not agree with some of the comments that Dr. Brown makes regarding race in Bermuda, I would not necessarily express my thoughts on race in the same manner as Dr. Brown does, but his experiences are much different from mine and we are all products of our environment. However, that does not make his comments invalid.

Bermuda is a country still struggling with race and it is a subject that will not just disappear because many in the white community want it to disappear.

Say what you will, no matter how it was broached, the fact is at least the PLP has broached the subject of race, whereas the UBP wanted to pretend and still do pretend that it is not an issue. Why does the UBP have a Shadow Minister of Race Relations who never makes any comment of the racial issues affecting Bermuda?

[WTF on 12.10.06 at 13:39]

"So its ok to judge Dr. Brown on his past comments, even though they
were extremely valid but we have to forget the racial practices of
Bermuda's past?"

Guilden, while I personally agree with you, isn't this the way things work in Bermuda? "White people" frequently get called on very unfortunate things that happened due to people who look like us, but happened long before many of us got here or were even born!

I think of the choices, Dr Brown would make the best leader, of anyone either of the main parties have to offer. Still dont' *quite* trust him, but there's no doubt he's very thoughtful and even when he does things that some of us don't like, you can be sure those actions/results have been thought out. Should be interesting!

[Lost in Flatts on 12.10.06 at 13:57]

From the PLP's point of view, if they have any doubts about getting elected in the next election they should try and get Paula Cox in. Say what you will about Doc Brown, he will pretty much polarize the electorate. He has given the public a reason not to trust him, and lets face it, he's pretty much outright said he could care less about the white vote. Which is fair enough, they're the minority. Which means the PLP will need black fence voters, and I just see Ms. Cox as more likely to get those.

As for the above comments about his more radical days, I feel that yes Guilden, you're right, everyone is a product of their environment, but perhaps its time for a leader that is a product moreso of TODAY's environment, rather than one influenced (too?) heavily by the past.

[SmokingGun on 12.10.06 at 14:06]

If Bermuda wants a "transparent" government for the next two years then they had better stay away from Doc Brown and try to get Paula Cox into play. My gut is there are too many players riding the gravy train that they will want to keep their fortunes on track and therefore go with Brown. It's pretty sad how all the capital spending is suddenly coming out as the PLP prepares for their next run at the general elections. I wonder if anyone could come up with the total cost of all the projects coming on line and a list of who exactly are the key beneficiaries.

[abc on 12.10.06 at 14:14]

http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061012/NEWS/110120131

[sandgrownan on 12.10.06 at 15:19]

For the sake of clarity, I wonder if EB will explain the details of the "Club Med" deal, explain how much it has cost the taxpayer in airline guarantees (and if there is any analysis on the returns). I wonder if he will explain why, after "computerising" the taxi despatch service, that the Bermuda Taxi experience is still shit. Will he persue the folly of independence?

I wonder how he will convince us that he is sincere, given that he is a self confessed liar. How will he convince us he is not a racist, given his prior rhetoric. How will he convince us that he will put Bermuda before his own personal ambition and his rampant nepotism.

I won't even mention the (alledged) yacht.

[sandgrownan on 12.10.06 at 15:27]

So for my money, if she runs, Bermuda really needs Paula not the Doc. If not, then I'd rather stick with P, much as I find him embarrassing, I just can't bring myself to trust Ewart Brown.

[SmokingGun on 12.10.06 at 15:39]

sandgrownan - just for the record:

http://www.cbji.com/may_06/CBJI_Jan_Feb_06.pdf

Doc's handling of St. Georges is but one of many areas that he has brought a major negative light to how our current government acts in Bermuda. If he becomes Premier I can just imagine what's going to happen with the hospital and don't be surprised if BoB starts building on Front Street.

Nepotism? Good lord, it's the man's middle name.

[sandgrownan on 12.10.06 at 15:41]

I know he's a man of action, but I feel like I need a shower after everytime I hear him speak!

[Pompous G Windbag III jnr. on 12.10.06 at 15:46]

sandy babes

They sound suspiciously like Plantation questions....

The levies on low income Bermudians that are being burned on artificially propping up tourist figures gives a real insight into his MO - short term spin & bluster with no strategic vision. I imagine should he get his hands on the prize then there will be a lot of exclusive luncheons in DC & NYC attended by those with interests here.

Again excuse my ignorance but how enlightened are Paula's social policies? I can't believe she views the pulpit bigots with anything other than disdain. From my limited contacts with her it seems she very sensibly prioritizes policies that are best for Bermuda rather than just Bermudians. I hope she runs.

[Phil on 12.10.06 at 15:55]

The Gazette has posted a video of Dr. Brown's press conference announcing his resignation here (complete with introductory music ripped off from BBC News!).

[sandgrownan on 12.10.06 at 15:56]

I really don't give a toss what colour he is, I'd ask those questions if her were white, blue, green, yellow, whatever..but I take your point.

I also don't know anything about Paula's social thoughts, but she seems to be thoughtful, clearly intelligent and I'd like to learn more. I hope she runs too.

[sandgrownan on 12.10.06 at 15:59]

I wonder if she runs she announce an investigation into EB's "pay to play" shennanigans!

[Pompous G Windbag III jnr. on 12.10.06 at 16:06]

Sandy - was just jesting - take your point.

I can imagine we'll see two of the many faces of EB coming up. The anachronistic firebrand railing against The Man to fire up the base and then the snake oil salesman reaching across the divide.

I guess he's hoping that the smoke that is evident over the St Georges deal doesn't turn to fire over the next month.

[Tiger Bay on 12.10.06 at 16:21]

Or the plumping up of tourism numbers to make him look more effective than he really is.

Really leads you to question the veracity of any data the government provides.

[SmokingGun on 12.10.06 at 16:33]

Thanks Limey. He speaks well but boy does it drive me nuts when people keep questioning why they are here over and over.

I wonder if Randy's chatting up P for Transport & Tourism as we type...

[mark on 12.10.06 at 17:03]

The Bda Sun website has announced that Col Burch is the new Tourism Minister, and that Walter Lister is Transport Minister.

Interesting.

[sandgrownan on 12.10.06 at 17:19]

Mark - you're joking, Burch as tourism minister? Good grief, I just can imagine his welcoming scowl, "if you don't like our island, then you can f**k off"

[Dan Burke on 12.10.06 at 17:27]

I am an outsider here. I have no nor should have an opinion on Bermudian politics. I suggest y'all pay attention to the golden rule. Those with the gold rule. There is only one color in politics. Those in power have been dividing and conquering the little people by turning them against each other a lot longer than the 60's.

Dan

[Phil on 12.10.06 at 17:36]

Has Burch kept Housing too? I find it amazing that the PLP would have an unelected Senator holding two such big portfolios.

[SmokingGun on 12.10.06 at 17:45]

Limey - I agree. Not exactly a smart political move to putting unelected Senator Burch in charge of tourism if he's planning on winning the battle against Ewart. Unless of course he's instructed Burch to dig up some serious dirt on Brown's hidden agendas. Oh and I guess Walter's nice and relaxed now.

[ian on 12.10.06 at 17:47]

Burch running your tourism portfolio! Wow...next thing you know Donald Rumsfeld will be heading up the Peace Corps!

[Phil on 12.10.06 at 17:48]

Credit to Dr. Brown for declaring his candidacy in advance and stating that he will reveal a platform in the coming days. At least that should provoke some discussion on the issues.

I'll still be hoping that he loses though, especially since he has pledged to withdraw from politics if he does. As I have stated before, I think Bermuda would be better off without him.

[Mark on 12.10.06 at 17:51]

I think that the reason Burch has been given the portfolio is because to have named a backbencher to a Ministerial role at this juncture would have honestly been too much confusion. Keeping it this way, it is much more simple. I venture to say that the appointment will only be until the delegates conference, and then when the Party Leader is selected, there will be a shuffle.

[ken on 12.10.06 at 17:57]

Limey,

Why would you want Dr Brown to retire if you think he is so effective, as you have stated before? You may question his ethics etc, but there are many politicians both present and past (that you may not know about) on both sides of the house that have questionable ethics. If they all retired, there would be no governments. I don't see why Dr Brown has to be castigated as the worst of the worst.

Also, just as a point of reference, Dr Brown's statement of "We had to deceive you" was not to the electorate of Bermuda. it was to the PLP members, and notice I said members, not supporters. The electorate didn't vote for Jennifer Smith as Premier, they voted for their individual representatives and to form a PLP Government. It is then the membership (or delegates from the membership) that vote for the Leader. Was it ok to deceive the membership, probably not. But to act as though he pulled the wool over all of YOUR eyes is blowing things out of proportion because your votes would never have been for the PLP anyway, under him or Jennifer as leader, or anyone else for that matter. And those people that believe in the ideologies and principles of the PLP would have voted PLP regardless. So it really pisses me off when people act so upset that he deceived them. It would have made no difference in 99% of the votes cast.

[SmokingGun on 12.10.06 at 18:14]

"So it really pisses me off when people act so upset that he deceived them."

ken - glad to see the wheels are still going round and round. The electorate does not desire to have blatant manipulation and lying and hidden agendas being played out at the very top of our government. We expect both ethical and effective leadership and it really pisses me off when people are willing to forego ethics in order to be effective.

[Phil on 12.10.06 at 18:23]

ken

Why would you want Dr Brown to retire if you think he is so effective

Go back and re-read my post titled "Pathetic".

[ken on 12.10.06 at 18:30]

Limey,

To clarify then, which other politicians do you think should retire also? I am sure they will all come from one side of the house.

SmokingGun,

"ken - glad to see the wheels are still going round and round. The electorate does not desire to have blatant manipulation and lying and hidden agendas being played out at the very top of our government. We expect both ethical and effective leadership and it really pisses me off when people are willing to forego ethics in order to be effective."

While this might be true, I don't understand why you all think that dishonesty and perceived deceit is only problematic of this government. I agree that it isn't a trait that we should exemplify and look highly upon, but no government or political party for that matter shows all of its cards to the electorate.

[Phil on 12.10.06 at 18:37]

ken

I have more doubts about Dr. Brown's honesty and accountability than I do of any other politician in the House, UBP or PLP. Just my opinion, though.

Also, this topic is about the PLP leadership election, which has nothing to do with the UBP. Keep your comments on topic please.

[Phil on 12.10.06 at 18:50]

ken

Also, just as a point of reference, Dr Brown's statement of "We had to deceive you" was not to the electorate of Bermuda. it was to the PLP members

It does not matter who his comments were aimed at. Dr. Brown's actions shed light on his character, just as any man's actions do.

[Grass roots on 12.10.06 at 18:58]

This is going to be a battle royal, perfect time for a no confidence call by the UBP and demand a referendum on Independence and election. Maybe the Ubp needs a leader who drinks blood. the Government is bleeding.

[sandgrownan on 12.10.06 at 19:25]

Ken,

"Also, just as a point of reference, Dr Brown's statement of "We had to deceive you" was not to the electorate of Bermuda. it was to the PLP members"

True as far as it goes, but the leader defines the party, and the electorate of Bermuda were looking at Smith as a basis on which to make their decision. Manipulative in the extreme.

[SmokingGun on 12.10.06 at 19:33]

ken - it's all about transparency. This goes for all governments. Past, present or future. If we want to participate effectively in the real world then we need to show we are bright, ethical and concerned for "all" our people, not just the chosen few. We need leaders who are colour blind and cannot tell the difference between black, white or green.

[Canuck in Bermuda on 12.10.06 at 19:48]

"While this might be true, I don't understand why you all think that dishonesty and perceived deceit is only problematic of this government"

Ken,

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

In the context of discussing PLP leadership all other governments are irrelevant. Once we get into an election situation and somebody puts forth "The UBP are the bestest ever and have never done wrong", then you have a point

[ken on 12.10.06 at 20:01]

I dont think the government is bleeding at all. I think this is all positive for both the party and the island on a whole. At least our leadership contest is public and in the open, not like the behind the scenes ousting of Grant Gibbons in the UBP.

[Slowhand on 12.10.06 at 20:02]

And the manipulation has already begun, with the premature announcement of the PGA Tournament coming to Bermuda, how convenient it is that, with the assistance of the RG (no doubt unknowingly so) plastering the front page with Pictures of Tiger Woods... the good Dr makes his announcement to oppose the P. I'll expect more of that and then some. Hurricane season is not over yet!

The good Dr has it made.... He can lay claim to seemingly having a hand in just about all of what the PLP might be able to refer to as "successes", what little there may be, against a backdrop of a morbidly inactive and unsuccessful PLP tenure.

[sandgrownan on 12.10.06 at 20:18]

Ken, that's laughable, it's about the ONLY thing this government does in the open.

[NoVote on 12.10.06 at 21:30]

Unf#$%&ing believeable!

David Birch, Minister of Tourism (?).

God help that industry!!

What a double whammy: Birch in charge of Tourism and Burgess in charge of Immigration.

Sorry - off topic........but kind of a consequence of what's being debated.

[The Right Reverend Uncle Elvis on 12.10.06 at 23:35]

BURCH AS TOURISM MINISTER? You're kidding, right?

I can see it now.

"Waiter, there's a fly in my soup."
"Oh, get over it."

"Excuse me, why can't we get any service?"
"Don't you get it? We don't care!"

THIS is the best choice? Have they lost their frickin' minds?

Yeesh.

[Turtle on 13.10.06 at 08:36]

Dr. Brown has certainly got what it takes to be the leader of this country in terms of ability, brains, energy, and desire to do the job. But what do we know about where he stands on recent issues such as affordable housing, independence, the environment, and gay rights? I'd like to know where Dr. Brown stands on these and many other issues, which undoubtedly will form the core of the debate at the party conference.

[Sandgrownan on 13.10.06 at 08:44]

He can't be trusted. We know nothing of the details of any of "his deals" supposedly made on Bermuda's behalf. Did he ever come clean about that over inflated hotel bill? He's a shady character.