It was a night of reflection, unity, and legacy as the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) hosted its 62nd Annual Legacy Gala Banquet at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess last evening. The grand ballroom was filled to capacity, with more than 400 members and supporters in attendance for what was widely seen as Premier David Burt’s final formal address as party leader.
Standing before a packed audience, Premier Burt confirmed what many had anticipated — that his tenure as leader of the PLP is coming to an end.
“In 300 and some days, the Progressive Labour Party will have a new leader,” Burt declared. “It is my expectation — completely, 100% — that there will be a new leader of the party next November.”
The announcement drew a mix of applause and contemplation from attendees, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Bermuda’s longest-serving political party.
A Call for Unity and Party Discipline
In a heartfelt and candid address, Premier Burt urged PLP members to approach the upcoming leadership transition with respect, humility, and loyalty to the party’s founding principles.
“This job is incredibly difficult,” he said. “Before you can be Premier of Bermuda, you must first be leader of the Progressive Labour Party. That requires sacrifice, humility, and an unwavering commitment to putting the party first.”
Burt spoke openly about the personal and political challenges that come with leadership — from managing internal disagreements to reconciling with rivals for the greater good of party unity.
“I cannot tell you how many times I have had to swallow my pride or invite someone into Cabinet who didn’t support me,” he shared. “Because putting the party first means sometimes doing what is hard, not what is easy.”
He cautioned members against division and infighting, warning that internal discord only strengthens the opposition.
“We cannot allow anger, rancor, or division to take root,” Burt said firmly. “If we fracture ourselves, we serve only those who do not wish the Progressive Labour Party to remain in government.”
On Democracy and “Putting the Party First”
Premier Burt emphasized that the PLP’s strength lies in its democratic process, reminding members that internal elections must be respected, even when the outcomes are not what some had hoped for.
“You cannot want to lead a democratic party if you cannot accept the results of democracy,” he said. “When we have free and fair elections internally, let’s unite behind whoever is elected — because we put the party first.”
Addressing ‘Fake News’ and Personal Attacks
In a lighter yet pointed moment, Burt touched on the toll of misinformation and online speculation, referencing persistent rumors about his personal life.
“The only fake news I ever wanted to be true was that I had a house,” he joked. “Because the Burts are still looking for their first home to buy.”
However, his tone turned serious as he condemned those who, in his words, “peddle falsehoods” that hurt families and damage reputations.
“It is incredibly hard to lead in a time when fake news spreads so easily,” Burt said. “People don’t seem to care about the impact it has on our families, our friends, and our children.”
He urged members not to feed into gossip or speculation, describing it as “nothing but a distraction placed by those who do not wish to see the Progressive Labour Party succeed.”
The night concluded with standing applause as members celebrated the Premier’s years of service and leadership. For many, the evening was both a farewell and a reminder of the values that have carried the PLP through more than six decades of political life — solidarity, perseverance, and putting the party first.
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