It’s time for us, as a people, to start makin’ some changes.

Let’s change the way we eat, let’s change the way we live,

and let’s change the way we treat each other.

You see the old way wasn’t working, so it’s on us to do

what we gotta do to survive.

Tupac Shakur

Two decades later, these words still ring true. We have watched changes happen to us, yet we have not put changes in place to enhance ourselves as a community.

Wake up

The list of what others are doing to us as Bermudians is long and scary. However the list of what we are not doing as Bermudians is longer and even scarier. We have sat passively for too long and are now being dictated to by those who do the bidding of select non-Bermudians. Wake up, Bermuda, we must change.

Home Sweet Home

We must preserve traditional Bermudian values whilst grooming ‘Generation Next’ for the world they will inherit. The simplicities of checking on our neighbors and freely offering help have been the foundation for Bermudian unity. We must continue these values.

The world as we know it is changing rapidly, and for our Bermudian children to be able to compete in their own country, they will need to be fully certified and/or qualified in at least one field.

Education or technical training is a goal that is paramount for each child. Parents must forsake that new car or trip to put enough aside for their tuitions.

When they ask for a new phone, give them three new books instead. For our children to lead our island, they must be leadership ready.

Water coolers

We who are currently in the workforce see that we are at risk of being made redundant at any time. Whether it be due to changes in technology or simple corporate greed, Bermudians jobs are under definitive threat.

We must take advantage of every opportunity to enhance our professional or technical qualifications. Bermuda College and online courses are readily available to those who desire development. It is time we retool ourselves for the possibility of a second career.

Most importantly, we must be unionised for protection and collective bargaining leverage. Let no one fool you into thinking that unions are non-productive. Ask any of your co-workers if they feel safe on their own.

United We Stand

The unions, through the Bermuda Trade Union Congress, have solidified themselves as one unit speaking for a large portion of workers in Bermuda.

Unions please continue to listen to the concerns of the workers on the floor whilst promoting increased work ethics, safety procedures, and continued personal development.

Union leaders do not bow down to the wishes of those seeking to displace Bermudians and selling out our country’s assets to the highest bidders is not an option. You were elected to serve your members first and foremost.

What the OBA is proposing under the Public Bodies Reform Act is nothing less than a social and economic ultimatum for thousands of Bermudian civil servants and their families. The red line has been drawn; you no longer have any margin of error to move goal posts. None.

Point of order, Mr Speaker

The political climate in Bermuda has reached a point many had never imagined. Never before have Bermudians become so marginalised in such a short period of time. Members of Parliament will be held accountable by Bermudians to ensure that the wishes and demands of the people come first and foremost.

We, the public, must take it upon ourselves to look them in their eye and let them know that they are our servants, not our masters.

Do for each other

Europeans sailed around the globe and colonised entire continents looking out for European self-interests.

They were deemed as pioneers.

Americans invaded Iraq and captured vast oil fields.

They were deemed as heroes.

Without apologies, Bermudians must work together to protect Bermudian families, Bermudian jobs and Bermudian self-determination. This is functional unity. This is Bermudian Unity. This is survival.