• The following statement was released for publication by former Premier Dr Ewart Brown hard on the heels of his virtual Magistrates’ Court appearance from Florida on indictable charges of corruption…
Today’s announcement is the culmination of a ten year, ten million dollar witch-hunt.
It is a serious and regrettable day. I have been charged with corruption, related to my highly public 20+ year contractual relationship with Lahey Clinic; and my legitimate fund-raising activities on behalf of the Progressive Labour Party and the Bermuda Health Foundation. I am innocent.
Nonetheless, some of you will understand how this day is, ironically, one of partial vindication. Surely, many had been led to believe that I stole millions of dollars, took kickbacks, and misused the public purse in various and sundry ways. I am not happy to be charged with anything, because I know — and God knows — that I do not deserve to be charged with anything. But, after “10 + 10”, I find it sort of redemptive that all even my enemies charge me with has to do with the legal conduct of my business affairs, and raising money for mybeloved Progressive Labour Party and the Bermuda Health Foundation (a family charity for the education of Bermudian students in health fields).
I am neither surprised nor intimidated by these specious charges. I know — and many others know — that my true crime is that I stood up to colonialism, and did not seek permission to allow the Uighurs into Bermuda. In the words of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, “There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he must take it because his
conscience tells him it is right.”
The objective of my enemies is to emasculate me and ruin me financially, and to show young Black men and women that to resist colonialism and tocombat white supremacy are dangerous exercises with severe consequences. Yes, they are — without a doubt! But, Dr King also taught us: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands inmoments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” I choose to stand and fight!