Opposition Leader Cole Simons, reflects on Premier Burt’s comments regarding independence

I’ve heard many comments about the remarks Premier Burt made to a reporter on the British Broadcasting Corporation station last night during the funeral coverage of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

Undoubtedly, it was a funeral of one of the most famous and well-respected global leaders.  With an unprecedented level of 4.5 billion people watching from around the world, I cannot for the life of me understand why Premier Burt would make a statement about Bermuda’s sovereignty. Despite circumventing the process of a referendum in Bermuda, to hear the sentiments of Bermudians, his comments were not only untimely, but they were also inappropriate.

Quite frankly, that interview achieved nothing positive for Bermuda.  To take advantage of a global stage and push his own agenda shows that he is clearly lacks sensitivity, protocol, statesmanship and and foreign diplomacy.

If I were in his shoes, and given Bermuda’s economy, and the state of our domestic affairs, I would have embarked upon a path of international diplomacy in London.  I would have sought ideas and recommendations from other Commonwealth or Overseas Territory leaders to seek their ideas on how they address their flailing economy, the increased cost of living, the high-cost of healthcare and increased crime.  That would have been more productive for Bermuda than talking about the PLP’s aspirations for independence.

Given the state of Bermuda’s economy, and domestic affairs, I would have used the opportunity to highlight common challenges and solutions to the issues that countries around the world all face.  But to talk about sovereignty is crazy.  It was a lost opportunity.

Now on the topic of sovereignty and independence, let’s think about these questions:

  • How is independence going to address Bermuda’s cost of living crisis?
  • How is independence addressing our healthcare costs?
  • How is independence going to stimulate our economy?
  • How is independence going to reduce our $4 billion dollar debt?
  • How is independence going to address Bermuda’s housing crisis?
  • How does independence address crime and stabbing incidents amongst our young people?

Independence does not improve race relations in Bermuda;

Independence will not put money in the pockets of the many hard-working men and women of this country.

Independence does not help our senior population who face tough times daily by having to choose between food, or healthcare.

Premier Burt, your presentation last night was a lost opportunity.

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