Premier’s Toast: “Not Forever Known As Territories”
Following a long weekend of meetings, discussions and tours around Bermuda, the visiting Overseas Territories Caribbean Heads of Government enjoyed their last night [June 5] in Bermuda with a superb dinner hosted by Premier Dr Ewart Brown and Mrs. Wanda Henton Brown at the Tucker’s Point Club.
Following cocktails, the guests which included Cabinet colleagues, Parliamentarians and senior heads of Government heard Welcome Remarks from the Premier, before joining him in his toast “to the people of the overseas territories – not to be known forever as territories.”
Mr. Edison Baird, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Social Development -Anguilla, responded to the toast, telling the Premier how grateful the group was to be here in Bermuda and how thankful they were for the excellent treatment they had received. “Somewhere along the line, we the people of the Overseas Territories must stand up and be counted,” Mr. Baird said. “Are we going to be Overseas Territories all of our lives, or do we take the view that the time has come that we can be full citizens of our own countries?” Mr. Baird concluded by again thanking the Premier for his warm and kind hospitality and saying that he looked forward to the day when he could repay such kindness.
Prayers were given by the Mckeeva Bush, Premier and Minister of Finance of the Cayman Islands, before the 30 guests dined on a salad of bib fresh lettuce and spinach leaves with mango and baby pear tomato salad, lemongrass and mandarin vinaigrette dressing; sweet corn soup; pan fried Bermuda rock fish with lemon butter sauce and wild rice with locally grown grilled vegetables. For dessert, it was Bermuda rum cake and vanilla ice cream. The meal was prepared by Head Chef, Serge Bottelli.
Photo below, courtesy of DCI, of Premier Dr. Brown, Mrs. Wanda Henton Brown, Charles Kirnon, Minister of Communications and Works and Labour Montserrat, Dr. Vincent Scatliffe, Member, House of Assembly BVI, Edison Baird, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Social Development Anguilla, Mckeeva Bush, Premier and Minister of Finance Cayman Islands.
The full text of the Premier’s remarks follow:
It was Daniel Webster who said: “Man is a special being, and left to himself, in an isolated condition, would be one of the weakest creatures; but associated with his kind, he works wonders.” Such is our relationship as the remaining Overseas Territories of this Region. We met yesterday and have emerged united in our approach to London which is evidence of the strength of our bond.
Caribbean peoples, be they independent or under colonial rule, have a connection that transcends constitutional status. These harsh economic times have made us grow already. I describe it as growth because the more self-reliant we become, the greater the likelihood of ultimate constitutional maturity. Bermuda is a blessed Island. As I hope you witnessed today, my Government has worked hard to improve the lot of our people. I am proud of our accomplishments and of the deliberate strengthening of the relationship between Bermuda and our Caribbean brethren began by Dame Jennifer Smith and continued by my predecessor Alex Scott.
As a matter of fact, Cricket is one of the things that unite us. It united Bermuda and Cayman earlier today. And even the convincing 4 wicket victory of my countrymen cannot shake the friendship of our people!
As Overseas Territories, we share a common administering power and differing views on how to achieve constitutional progress. That is healthy and should be respected.
Our strength has come in our ability to focus more on what unites us and that example is one many independent countries might well follow.
Although I shall not be required to journey to London and make the frigid pilgrimage to King Charles Street in December (Thank God!), I continue to wish only the best for the people of the Territories and I remain a friend, true to the words of one author who said, “When a friend asks, there is no tomorrow.
Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and join me in a toast to the people of the Overseas Territories.
