As the Summer draws to a close, and we enter the autumn season of party political conferences – with the OBA’s party conference in September and the PLP following after in October – here are two questions for you to ponder…
First, are you better off than you were eight years ago? Second, is Bermuda better off than it was in 2017?
2017 was, of course, the year when our current Premier David Burt won his first general election as PLP Leader. Way back in July 2017.
It is true that David Burt had a helping hand in some disastrous decision-making before 2017. Don’t forget that our outgoing Premier was once the Junior Finance Minister under then Premier Paula Cox. That was more than a decade ago in 2013. Yet 2017 was the year when David Burt finally seized the helm of our ship of state by becoming Bermuda’s Premier.
With David Burt’s repeatedly confirming to Parliament that he will step down as Premier in October 2026, how do his past eight years look to you?
Is our Island better off for his leadership? Are you better off?
BEWARE THE VICTORY LAP
It seems slightly odd that Premier Burt keeps telling us he is leaving, but then – in the very same breath – declares he will remain as the Premier until the PLP Party Conference in October 2026? That’s over a year away.
Students of politics may remember British PM Harold Wilson’s quote: “a week is a long time in politics”. If one week is a long time, doesn’t 14 months seem exceedingly long for a victory lap? What a tight grip David Burt must have on his Progressive Labour Party if he – and he alone – can dictate when he steps down.
Sticking with famous quotes, this next one may inform this circumstance. It was a Hall of Fame baseball pitcher (Christy Mathewson of the old New York Giants, since you asked) who once remarked: “You can learn little from victory. You can learn everything from defeat.” Wise words.
Beware the victory lap Premier Burt. Now that people know you are leaving, some may seek to hasten your departure. And others will naturally have cause to reflect, and to judge a departing Premier by his record.
Take Premier Burt’s record on tourism for example. In the red corner, the OBA’s brief stint as the Bermuda Government saw the major development of new Hamilton Princess Marina and Beach Club. And several splendid new hotels opened, including The Loren, St. Regis, and Azura. Bermudians received an award-winning new airport, built without adding to the people’s debt (the PLP’s plan, if you remember, was to tack on yet another $500 Million to our already sky-high debt). And under the OBA, the eyes of the World focused on Bermuda with the massive success of the America’s Cup.
What are the PLP’s tourism wins under Premier Burt?
Flora Duffy’s spectacular triathlon victory is certainly one for the record books, although some may rightly feel Dame Flora deserves the credit for that beauty. The nifty renovation of Aunt Nea’s Inn in St. George’s deserves special mention. Beyond that, well, you be the judge…
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