About B.A.D

Greetings to all who value that most vital human right of all which is of course freedom. I am writing on behalf of an anti-conscription group based in the island of Bermuda known as Bermudians Against The Draft (B.A.D.).

B.A.D. was formed in January 2006 and it's sole objective is to end conscription in our country. For forty two years this corrupt institution, formally known as the Bermuda Regiment, has trampled on the rights of young men's freedom in our so called "Island Paradise".

They have perpetuated an innumerable amount of abuses during that period ranging from filthy language to what could accurately be called crimes against humanity. Young men unfortuate enough to be 'selected' are initially required to attend a two week 'boot camp' which has been described by many as the worst period of their lives and for good reason.

During this time they spend eighteen hour days being constantly cursed, humiliated and abused. They are awakened by filthy mouthed officers spewing out expletives at 5:30am. This abuse continues thoughout the entire day never ceasing for one moment. Even during the times of dining they are shouted at and reminded of the 2 1/2 minutes limit given to finish meals. At 11:00pm they are confined to their sleeping quarters and cannot leave even to use the bathroom. This has resulted in the young men being forced to urinate in plastic bags, soda cans and even out the window. The British M.P. Andrew McKinlay, a staunch supporter of B.A.D., brought this to the attention of the English House of Commons in February of this year. He was eventually muzzled.

After 'boot camp' the conscripts must report one evening per week for parade drills as well as do weekend camps where the abuse continues. To add insult to injury they are paid approximately USD$2.25 an hour in one of the richest countries in the world. Our constitution actually allows forced labour under these conditions which enables the government to viciously expliot these young men. Failure to comply with the law, in particular the 1965 Defence Act, will result in a three or six month prison sentence. Having completed the prison sentence they will then be required to start military training again from square one. If they again fail to comply they will be sentenced to another prison term.

This is just a brief overview of the unique system that presently exists in our country. Although brief it helps to explain what we are fighting against and why it is so important that our group be successful in its endeavour to bring freedom to our country.

Our best chance was through the legal system as any attempt to effect change by way of local politicians could best be described as an exercise in futility. Therefore on December 4, 2006 a writ was filed in our local Supreme Court of Justice questioning the constitutionality of conscription on several grounds. Thirteen of our members were on that writ.

On January 7, 2007 the Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment informed the local media that six of thirteen were subject to arrest and subsequent detainment. This despite the fact that all thirteen were plaintiffs and the case had not even reached court.

This action forced our lawyers to file for an injunction which would have allowed the young men to remain out of jail for the duration of the trial. Unfortunately we lost, although there have been no arrests at the time of this writing.

Another consequence was that our legal fees escalated to put it mildly. The amount of money required for the aforementioned injunction hearing greatly surpassed the original estimate. It is for this reason that I appeal for finanacial support so that our group might continue this fight for freedom. We have not reached the panic stage yet and hopefully with your support we will not. If you choose to give, rest assured that all monies will go toward legal fees as we are a non-profit organization.

In closing, I would also welcome any correspondence whether through e-mail, regular mail or telephone calls. Please make contact as it means a lot to the group. Listed below are the various contacts.

E-mail: rhondamarsh101@hotmail.com

Address: 22 Valley Heights Road
Devonshire DV 05
Bermuda

Phone: 441-292-0155
www.bermysagainstthedraft.com

Larry W. Marshall Sr.
Co-founder of B.A.D.