I am pleased to welcome Minister Vance Campbell and to welcome back Minister Michael Weeks to the Cabinet. These are challenging times in which to serve, so I thank them for agreeing to take up this challenge, firstly in their devoted work from the backbench and now for their willingness to enter a new chapter of public service as Ministers of the Government.
Both of them speak to the depth of talent available within the ranks of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party.
I look forward to working with them as we build on the people-centred economic recovery and social renewal that is critical to Bermuda’s success.
Minister Vance Campbell is a Certified Public Account and has a wealth of experience in the private and public sectors and has had a long record of public and community service. Minister Campbell’s experience will serve the Government well in his new role as the Minister of Tourism as we rebuild Bermuda’s tourism for the benefit of our people.
No stranger to the demands of Cabinet, Minister Michael Weeks is a strong, grassroots community leader with over 20 years’ experience in residential treatment services. One of the major challenges that we face in Bermuda is the increasing violence in our community, and Minister Weeks’ work and life experiences will equip him well in this role as he dedicates full- time attention as Minister of National Security in this new chapter of his public service.
As I said in my statement on Wednesday, I do wish to thank the former Minister of National Security, MP Renee Ming for her service. She has been a powerful voice for St. George’s and I look forward to her continued effective representation of her constituents and her contribution to the Government’s work from the backbench.
On Saturday I held an open-door clinic in my constituency. After a week of such sensational headlines, I prepared myself to address questions about leadership, “turmoil” and “instability”.
I should not have been bothered. Like people all across Bermuda, my constituents had questions about fuel prices, the state of the roads, when the Fairmont Southampton will open, the economy, social issues and other matters that affect the lives of Bermudians every day.
I mention this because it is very easy to get distracted by rumours, innuendo, and speculation.
That may be what sells papers and increases viewership, but it does not in any way help the people we were elected to serve.
Saturday’s interaction with my constituents reminded me that the people want us to create a climate of social harmony; to grow this economy and address the cost of living for themselves, their children, and grandchildren. It reinvigorated my commitment and my focus.
I am focused on the work that we promised to do on behalf of the electorate. The Cabinet is focused on that work. The Caucus and the wider Parliamentary Group are focused on that work. People are depending on us to deliver on what we promised and our commitment as their representatives and my commitment as Leader of the Government is to deliver and continue delivering for them.
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