Confirmation of TNN reports that Burgess and Caines not running in General Election

Confirmation today of TNN reports that PLP stalwarts Derrick Burgess and Wayne Caines will not be contesting the next general election.

Mr. Burgess who was Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly said in a statement that the time had come for him to step away from public politics.

Word tonight that there may be a battle shaping up over who will represent the ruling Progressive Labour Party in constituency #5, Hamilton East.

A well placed party source telling TNN that the uncumbent, Derrick Burgess has indicated he will not be contesting for the seat in the February 18th national poll.

According to our source, his successor was slated to Pastor Leroy Bean. Pastor Bean you may recall is currently government’s Gang Violence Reduction Coordinator.

However, we’re told some members of the PLP leadership are not in support of the move and have reportedly expressed the view that a younger candidate should be selected. That younger candidate has been identified to us as former national top order batter, Steven Outerbridge.

Our TNN source has indicated that “Steven Outerbridge has not been, currently or i affiliated with the branch in any capacity whatsoever.”

Mr. Burgess was first elected as the parliamentary representative for #5, in a by-election was in February 1998 and has retained that seat for the PLP in every election since.

On September 1, 2006, he was appointed Minister of Labour, Home Affairs, and Public Safety. Then in 2007, the former leader of the Bermuda Industrial Union was appointed Minister of Public Works.

Four years later Mr. Burgess was elected deputy party leader.

Mr. Caines meanwhile indicated, “After much thought and prayerful consideration, I have made the decision not to stand as a candidate in the upcoming general election. At this time, I wish to focus on my health, my family, my professional endeavors, and the charitable causes that hold a special place in my heart. This decision was not made lightly, as my love for public service and my commitment to my community and Bermuda remain as strong as ever.”

Mr. Caines last served as Minister of National Security from 2017 to 2020, when he resigned following the controversy over failure to adhere to social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he and former tourism Minister attended what was described as a fund raising event at a local restaurant.

It is understood there will now have to be primaries held in both Constituency 5, Hamilton East and Constituency #14, Devonshire North, to select a successor for Mr. Burgess and Mr. Caines, respectively.

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