Breezeblog

So what will an emboldened and empowered Dr. Brown do next?

Independence is the big fear for many people but maybe there’s another option up his sleeve. I’m not normally in the business of publishing rumours but I have now heard this one from  credible non-UBP sources so I’ll put it up here and see who salutes. I’m genuinely interested to hear what people think, not stir up anything.

I understand that the PLP has been exploring the option of Bermuda becoming a US territory like Puerto Rico as an alternative to independence from Britain. I don’t know if this is something that is on the agenda now or something that has been looked at and discarded.

But if – and I stress “if” – it is true, it might explain many of the unashamedly pro-American Dr. Brown’s recent actions and with his special relationship with President Obama, it might be something he feels he could push forward. It might also explain the increasing number of references I see in recent published pieces by PLP supporters like Alvin Williams and Walton Brown about how Bermuda has a closer and more dependent relationship with the US than Britain.

There’s no denying that – Bermuda looks to the US for business, and much of its education and healthcare, for example – but what would be the pros and cons of being a US territory? We might lose the offshore tax haven stigma and benefit from more investment from the US government than Britain provides. But Bermudians would lose their British passports and the EU benefits they bring.

I’m interested to know if this is a serious consideration of the Brown Government and what people think about it.

So if there was a referendum where the question was posed: do you want Bermuda to be, a) independent, or b) a US territory, what would you choose?

As expected, the motion of no confidence in Premier Dr. Ewart Brown was defeated 22-11 last night after a 14-hour debate that ended at 5 a.m. this morning. Only Dale Butler had the guts to resign as minister after criticising the Premier and calling for an apology, which Dr. Brown gave. The UBP’s Darius Tucker amazingly was not in the House when the vote was called and Mark Pettingill abstained.

See the Gazette and the Sun for full reports. Great comment piece by PLP supporter Larry Burchall too:

The PLP has, in this instance, determined that the rule of law is secondary to the retention of political power; and that ignoring Cabinet is acceptable. Their decision represents political growth – in the wrong direction. As in all things, there will be consequences.

I’m disappointed and depressed but not surprised at the spinelessness of those who blindly follow Dr. Brown. Maybe there’ll be a leadershp challenge at the PLP conference in the Fall but I doubt it. I suspect Dr. Brown will emerge stronger than ever from this.

The UBP, though, are finished as a credible Opposition. I think this week’s rallies and comments across the papers, airwaves and blogs indicate there may finally be support for a new political party with maybe Dale Butler or Janice Battersbee as leader? Up to you, Bermuda …

In the meantime, expect the recriminations to start. Dr. Brown didn’t get where he is by not remembering a grudge.

Here’s another perspective on today’s protest against the Premier. As on Tuesday, Pastor Seaman again opened the rally with a powerful call to prayer. Just thought I’d post this as it is unlikely to get on any newscasts and it might just help balance some of the unpleasant racist attacks from Dr. Brown’s supporters.