TRANSPARENT OR TRANSLUCENT

Fellow Bermudians,

A Google search reveals the following: 

transparent and translucent are two terms that describe the ability of an object to allow light to pass through. The difference between them is that transparent objects allow all light to pass through and create a clear image of the other side, while translucent objects allow only some light to pass through and create a blurry or distorted image of the other side.

Perhaps a strange introduction for a politician but the thought originated from a visit to Dowling’s Gas Station in St. Georges – one of Bermuda’s premier customer service locations. The question? How many independents are running?  My response?  None. 

Here is my rationale. Independent politicians should lack connectivity to other politicians if they are to be true to themselves.  Perhaps they will have some similar thoughts and ideas, but they should be largely separate – that would be transparent.  

In the Bermudian context, we have most of the self labelled independent candidates, being rolled out in the shadow of former Premier Sir John Swan.  How many Bermudians believe there is a clear separation between the candidates and Sir John and the candidates collectively?  

Does translucent ring a bell?  

Do we have a blurry or distorted image?

And let’s not mention the apparent Stockholm Syndrome - two former PLP Ministers

prepared to associate with and serve their former nemesis.

Stay tuned for next week’s articles, where I will focus on Bermuda’s finances.

ANTHONY RICHARDSON, JP, MP

MP, CONSTITUENCY C7, HAMILTON SOUTH