Progressive Minds

The Leader-Less Opposition

It has been approximately 4 weeks since the Dec 18th general election which saw the Progressive Labour Party re-elected to power by the Bermudian electorate. It was also this same election that saw the Opposition United Bermuda Party lose its leader Michael Dunkley as he was soundly defeated by Patrice Minors.

Since Dec 18th, The governing PLP have named their Cabinet, Senators, and have gotten down to the business of the people of Bermuda. What is concerning is that the UBP have yet to publicly identify their Shadow Cabinet, their Senators, and most importantly their new leader.

This is concerning because I think all will agree that an effective Opposition is vital in a democracy. The government cannot and should not have free and absolute reign over a country. What is also concerning is that no one in the Opposition ranks seems to want the job of Leader. What does that say about the viability or lack thereof of the organization? Let’s analyze the UBP MPs and see what I consider their strengths and weaknesses.

Constituency 2 – St. George’s West, Kim Swan
Kim Swan’s victory over Dean Foggo was a major one for the UBP as an organization and for Kim Swan as a politician. It took him 25 years to get to the house, but he persevered and is there. I think he has the potential at some point to challenge for the leadership, but he can come across as whiney at times. He is very visible in the St George’s community, which aided in his victory. He is experienced in the Senate, however as a freshman MP I don’t see him ready to be Leader.

Constituency 4 – St. George’s South, Donte Hunt
Donte Hunt is looked at as a wholesome, likeable, intelligent young black Bermudian male, who has a record of Community service and mentoring of young Bermudians. However, this being Donte’s first foray into politics, I don’t think he is ready for the big stage, and the public hasn’t really heard much from Donte on a national scale. He could be a leader in training, but not quite yet.

Constituency 6 – Hamilton West, Wayne Furbert
After being unceremoniously dumped as leader of UBP, to make way for Michael Dunkley, I cannot see Wayne taking back over as leader. However, Wayne seems to forgive and forget, and if he sees opportunity for a rebirth he might take it.

Constituency 7 – Hamilton South, Darius Tucker
Darius is not well known on a national level, and would have to raise his profile to be an effective and respected Opposition Leader. His victory was solid in C7, however, as a freshman MP is not quite ready for that type of position.

Constituency 8 – Smith’s South, Cole Simons
Cole Simons has been an MP since 1998, and has spent his entire political career as Opposition. Theoretically he should be ready to assume more of a leadership role, but he has yet to step up and take this responsibility. I don’t think Cole presents himself well as an orator and therefore that could be a stumbling block for him.

Constituency 9 – Smith’s West, Trevor Moniz
Known as a Maverick MP, Trevor Moniz would generally not be the selection of the UBP faithful to represent them. Historically they haven’t given him much responsibility. As a member of the Portuguese community it would be a good gesture for them to select him, however, he does not come across as likeable or warm. The UBP basically have a large percentage of the Portuguese vote wrapped up, so they don’t have to strategically do anything to appeal to that community.

Constituency 11 – Devonshire East, Bob Richards
Widely thought of as the one most desiring of the position, Bob Richards looks likely to emerge the Leader. Son of the former Premier, E.T. Richards, he has been a candidate in the past 4 elections, yet just emerged victorious in the most recent election. To Richards advantage, he is known as a reputable financial expert and businessman, however to his detriment he is regarded as unlikeable and unelectable. He lost 3 successive elections running in his own neighborhood. He barely won this last election, lessening a 200+ majority for the UBP to only 27 votes this time. For a party that needs to appeal to more people to win the government, it is doubtful he will have that appeal. He comes across as condescending and smug.

Constituency 12 – Devonshire South Central, John Barritt
John Barritt is a bit of an anomaly in this situation. Theoretically he would be the best choice. Whether he wants it bad enough is the question. His name has been mentioned in all the previous leadership changes, but he never emerged victorious. He is regarded as knowledgeable, and as a straight shooter. But will the UBP select another white leader, is the question.

Constituency 19 – Pembroke West, Shawn Crockwell
UBP chairman and freshman MP Shawn Crockwell is thought to be interested in assuming the leadership, however not at this time. It is thought that his background might cancel him out of the running, as some members of the UBP hierarchy are still not comfortable with him. Constituents in Pembroke West, a traditional UBP stronghold were not enthused with his candidacy and this was reflected on election Day, with PLP candidate Walton Brown narrowing the gap by over 100 votes. I don’t see Crockwell factoring into the race at this time.

Constituency 20 – Pembroke South West, Louise Jackson
Perhaps the most visible and most outspoken Opposition MP, Ms. Jackson, however, if a bit younger would be a possible contender. Unfortunately, in her mid 70s, I highly doubt she is a consideration for Opposition Leader. To her credit, she is always on attack, keeping an eye on government business. To her detriment, she can sometimes raise alarm bells unnecessarily and without getting the full details on a situation, which has caused her to be on the wrong side of some issues.

Constituency 22 – Paget East, Grant Gibbons
Former Leader, and regarded as the Premier that never was, Dr. Gibbons might take back over with the hope of leading is Party back to power. He is highly regarded as intelligent and having a great financial and strategic mind. However, he is not considered a people person and thought to have minimal impact on obtaining the black vote. In addition, his refusal to participate in Wayne Furbert’s Shadow Cabinet, showed him not to be a team player.

Constituency 23 – Paget West, Patricia Gordon-Pamplin
Deputy Leader, Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin has stated that due to work commitments she cannot take over as Opposition Leader. In my opinion, she should not be considered viable as the Deputy Leader for those very reasons. The role of a deputy is to take over in the absence of the Leader. Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin is notorious for taking the government to task, however, similar to Mrs. Jackson, sometimes it is done without clear and full thought. She oftentimes is thought of as being petty and personal issues on the front page last year didn't help her public perception.

Constituency 28 – Warwick West, Mark Pettingill
A newly elected MP, and former Senator, Pettingill seems to be the consummate UBP politician. It is easy to see him lining his ducks up for a potential Leadership run in the future. Unfortunately he comes across as arrogant and condescending, and I don’t see him as being the one to appeal to the masses.

Constituency 31 – Southampton West Central, Jon Brunson
In his 2nd term as an MP, former Deputy Leader, Brunson is regarded as a genuinely nice guy. However, he hasn’t shown his metal as an MP or as a Shadow Minister. Pre-election press conferences showed him out of his league in attempting to discredit the government. He didn’t come across as authentic and more so appeared to be trying too hard to be Mr. Tough Guy. He is a former Deputy Leader, but I don’t seem him ascending to the throne of Opposition Leader anytime soon.

Prediction – My prediction is that Bob Richards will be Opposition Leader, and either Mark Pettingill or Patricia Gordon-Pamplin will be Deputy. I already stated that I don’t think Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin should be in that position if she is unable to assume the full responsibility of the duties. I am a little shaky on the Pettingill as Deputy prediction, but I cannot see any other potentials.

Your thoughts??