Season’s greetings, happy Kwanzaa and happy new year to all. Yet another year has passed by. No doubt, some are reflecting on events passed and/or planning for things to come.

Less is more

In reflection, there is something that I would like to share. For the past 12 years local and regional media outlets have been generous in allowing expression on topics and opinions inclusive of history, current events, tributes to those who have passed and, yes, political viewpoints. My deepest gratitude for the opportunities presented.

In order to provide factual information, a columnist has to first educate themselves on various subject matters, historical facts, cite credible sources, speak with various individuals, and read other columns and news reports. All this before they even touch a keyboard.

They then have to present their case in fluid and succinct form so that anyone reading it can understand what is being presented.

Inevitably, depending on the subject matter, some will readily agree and others may very well reject what was presented. As long as one can present a case and show sufficient evidence to back their facts, the predictable remarks of faceless and nameless commenters will never be the ultimate litmus test.

The Mancurian Candidate?

Over the past few months, there has been the emergence of some political columnists who have made quite a few statements that speak to their particular viewpoints.

One that stands out is claiming that what is going on in Gaza to the Palestinian people is not apartheid. Perhaps, just perhaps, those who have never experienced outright discrimination and mistreatment cannot fully grasp what are clear signs of racial and religious discrimination.

Before anyone starts with false equivalence, let us be crystal clear: all life is important.

No one should be kidnapped or slaughtered simply for being of a different ethnicity or religion. Recent history has seen it happen in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Rwanda.

Many of us are old enough to remember the plight of the native peoples of South Africa, Kenya and the former Rhodesia. When one set of people is occupied, blatantly denied basic human rights such as food, shelter and water, and in far too many cases is the victim of murder, it is apartheid.

“I plead for an end to the military operations with their appalling harvest of innocent civilian victims...”

— Pope Francis

While the majority of nations in the world are now finally calling for a ceasefire to get hostages back home and to stop the continued, senseless slaughter of tens of thousands of women and children, we still have certain persons defending the indefensible.

Always stand with the people

This year has seen Bermuda lose four icons of the civil rights and labour movements of Bermuda — Arthur Hodgson, Ottiwell Simmons, Sheila Burrows and Walter Roberts. Despite the countless remarks by nameless and faceless commenters, they collectively stood their ground and laid the foundation for the progress of all Bermudians. No doubt, they would take a stand against modern-day apartheid.

Their lifework ingrained in my generation, no matter the cost: if you always stand with the people, the people will stand with you.

Happy new year and love you all

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him on WhatsApp at 599-0901 or e-mail at carib_pro@yahoo.com