Premier Cox Congratulates Cannonier/Dunkley

September 11, 2011

Premier Paula Cox congratulated the new Leader and Deputy Leader of the One Bermuda Alliance, saying “I extend best wishes to Senator Craig Cannonier on his election last evening as leader of the OBA, and to all successful candidates in the OBA’s executive elections; notably Senator Michael Dunkley on his impressive 75% victory in becoming Deputy Leader of the Opposition party.”

Last night Senator Craig Cannonier was elected the new Opposition Leader receiving 50.44% of the vote, Senator Michael Dunkley won the Deputy position with 74.74% of the vote, and IT expert Michael Branco and former UBP Senator Jeanne Atherden were selected as Deputy Chairs.

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Comments (61)

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  1. Mbaya Avunaye says:

    Yeah congratulations.. Reminds me of the Gladiators. “WE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE, SALUTE YOU.”

  2. Back to Life says:

    If more members of the PLP had 1/2 of the cless and honour of Premier Cox I might consider voting again! Classy woman…great leader…unfortunately weak team behind her.

  3. Vote for Me says:

    @ Back to Life
    When we reflect on the struggle involved to ensure everyone had the right to vote in Bermuda and the fact that we now have virtually one man, one vote and each vote of equal value in Bermuda, I trust that you will exercise your hard fought right to vote. With respect to Premier Cox, for the next election she will shape the tone of the electoral discussion. I therefore hope that you will support her team as you have stated, she is a ‘classy woman.. great leader’.

    • Terry says:

      Follow the money….bawahaaaaaa

    • PEPPER says:

      vote for me …why do you think she is a classy women ? she has messed up big time with our economy ….and you think she is a great leader !!!!
      the great leader allowed the former leader to bleed us blind …to me she is a lousy leader…. the good news is that we have an option !!!!the O.B.A they will get my vote….

      • andre says:

        How?!?! Every industrial western nation is in the grips of a recession BUT somehow you make it ours Paula Co’s fault?? Smart person you are!!!

    • What says:

      it is the current and future struggles that you should be thinking about. All Awere kindly created by the 3 terms of the plp and the blatent mismanagement of our economy.

    • Black Soil says:

      I will not vote for Paula because she is “classy”. That is stupid reason. I will vote for the person who shows the political will to change the way government is run. And I do not see that in Paula. She wants the same ol govt. And she thinks that because nice people have now replaced Dr. Brown’s team that all is well. Well all is not well. I will vote for change. I will vote for the Alliance. Today’s govt still attracts the wrong types of persons to politics.

  4. haha says:

    Very classy comments from Premier Cox. She knows that whether Government or Opposition we need all hands on deck and to carry ourselves respectfully.

  5. Emeka47 says:

    Congratulations to the Opposition Leader, Mr. C. Cannonier…………A word of caution, beware of Michael Dunkley. If you don’t watch out, he will be the leader and speaker on every issue, like he did with Mr. Kim Swan. That’s a known fact! But I know you are a strong and ethical man. US President Barak Obama did it and so can you!! Bermuda needs fresh new faces and ideas. The old/new UBP needs to step way back to give this party a fighting chance. They carry too much UBP political baggage ..um jus sain!

    • Al says:

      In the OBA the membership vote for leader, so one can only become leader with the support of hundreds (and perhaps soon thousands) of individual members.

      Having heard both speeches and knowing both men, the only way Michael will be louder than Craig is if Craig chooses to let him.

  6. Bermudian@heart.. says:

    Premier Cox. you have cless..

  7. Lion says:

    Classy Lady. This is a good way to start a dialogue on how to help all Bermudians. Great Leader.

    • Terry says:

      What did you expect her to say ‘lemmings’…………………….

      • Terry Lambe says:

        Hey Namesake Terry.
        You contiue to show what a classic a$$ you truely are. Im gettint to the point where I dont even wanna read bernews anymore especially the comments section as everytime I come to the nonsense you write makes me sick to my stomach.Surprise me at some point with maybe just one constructive comment and yes My real name is Terry if you wanna Seek me out so I can hook you up along side my grandfathers donkey. Just maybe it can teach you a thing or two even if its only to pull the plow in the garden.

  8. I met this girl when I was 18 years old
    And what I loved most was she had grit and soul
    She was working class when I was a kid
    She had marched for human rights, that’s what she did
    She was not about the money, her love was free
    I always thought she would be there for me

    Then in ’98′ she graduated to the big tyme
    We celebrated, overjoyed with dreams of freedom in our mind
    I might have failed to mention that this chick was creative
    But once the man got hold of her, he altered her native
    He deceived her, said change ya image and get a gimmick
    Let’s make tons of money and she did it like a dummy

    She used to only swing with the grassroots crew
    But off to the West Coast she flew
    Now she was in Hollyweird, suited down and dressing clean
    Talkin bout poppin bottles, livin large on the celebrity scene
    Stressin how Platinum and real she is
    She was the realest before she got into showbiz

    Soon the platinum period hit da skids
    She knew her multitude of sins couldn’t be hid
    The lights came up and with the quickness, she became like a dove
    No more glitz, glamor, festivals, or feel the love

    I wanted to be committed, but so many gangstas had did it
    That she’s just not the same, lettin all these ballers hit it
    I can’t take her back, there’s nothing more to see
    Cause who I’m talkin bout ya’ll is the PLP.

  9. watta joke says:

    Class ? This woman ?

    I know 10 year olds with better character judgement than you lot .

    Ever seen her walking the streets ,meeting and greeting like some ex premiers , interacting with the ‘real public’ , people rich , poor and otherwise ,even those who are known non-supporters ?

    If by chance , and that’s a massive chance , you happen to catch her in person and acknowledge her she looks the other way … Class ? Never in a hundred years .

    • Mbaya Avunaye says:

      Watta Joke.. you misquote the poster he/she said “CLESS” not Class.
      Cless must be some new dish, drink or something contagious.

    • What says:

      That happened to my wife!

    • Curious says:

      You OBA Bloggers kill me. You’d malign the woman at any cost. Keep it up, you’ll see what it gets you.

      Attack a strong black woman and see what you’ll get in return. You all disgust me.

      • ppl have small brains says:

        shut the hell up. plp do it all the effing time you dipsh!t

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      With the exception of Alex Scott school has been out for every PLP Premier. NO CLASS at all. The last one was a snake oil salesman, which he did well. Day after day he suckered a bunch of people with the impossible to deliver promises & claims. Premier Cox is no better. She really has no clue as to what to do with the mess she played such a great part in creating under The Great One. The over the top fake educated accent does not cut it.

      If you want to see class & style in a polititian try following Sir John Swan or Jim Woolridge down a Hamilton street. See how long travelling a block takes them by the time they chat with everyone, known by name or not.

  10. Say Say Say says:

    I know lotsa Bermoojans wiff cless. ‘Cless’ is how a Bermoojan says ‘class’.

    • Ruserious says:

      @ say say say. You are a 1st CLASS A*S! If you disdain Bermudians so much then why don’t you move to Siberia or any place other than here…& I do realize that you are Bermudian.

      • Say Say Say says:

        As a Bermudian, I am very proud of how we speak. I was just stating a fact thats all. Cless is how locals say class. What the F is wrong wiff you???

        • Say Say Say says:

          Similarly, a ‘Burr’ is something you might drink. A ‘Bird’ is hair that hangs from a mans face. All beautiful Bermudian language that I as a Bermudian am very proud of.

          You in a ‘Mice’ or sumpin?

        • Truth (Original) says:

          I’ve never heard any Bermudian prounounce “class” as “cless”. Never. And yes, I was born and raised here.

          • Say Say Say says:

            Well you’ve obviously never paid attention then. What you gonna tell me next – that you never heard UM UM?

            • Say Say Say says:

              @ Troof: To give you an example of usage of the word ‘cless’.

              …”Umum dat gurls got cless u no. She talks to all hurr chilren’s Deddys”.

              More of our beautiful Bermudian lingo. Our heritage.

  11. Cancer says:

    I loved the poem @vot!!!
    Now… Because I congratulate someone that means I have class? That’s called giving respect because you have to know your enemy. Ms Paula has not demonstrated class – no paycuts – too many unneeded consultants (do I need to name them?) too much money missing under her watch – never seen walking down Reid street – and can’t understand wat she’s saying half the time when she speaks – someone show me her class.. CC premier in waiting!!

    Oh abt the consultant… She managed to find the money to keep him on for another year!! (can someone tell me what he even does?) Ya that’s class alright.

    • star man says:

      “(can someone tell me what he even does?)”

      Commisong must have some dirt on her/them. Cuz he’s a huge political liability for the PLP. Not gonna help them get re-elected, that’s for sure. I think he still pulls in over $100 Gs too – that WE ultimately pay for.

  12. Spikes says:

    Pepper you unusually cynical.

  13. GreatPics says:

    Some people are really sick, really.

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      Sick…no. Fed up? Yes. Disgusted to see what was the envy of the world destroyed in such a short time for the benefit of so few.

      • GreatPics says:

        Sick..If you blame every issue in Bermuda on one lady or even one government then you are warped.
        The PLP has obviously not done everything right, but they havent done everything wrong either. Neither did the UBP and neither will the OBA if elected.
        Really it comes down to the fact that many white Bermudians, and even some black Bermudians, would prefer to lay the blame at the feet of a black government just to wrestle back power at any cost. It is sad, and shameful.
        I wish Mr Cannonier well, but he will likely go the same route as Kim Swan & Wayne Furbert. It is sad that he sold his soul for a little public flattery. I mean come on, every time he is on the news, the PLP senator David Burt makes him look like a fool.

        • the truth says:

          The financial mismanagement can be DIRECTLY attributed to Paula Cox, as Finance Minister. Despite her comments to the contrary, she was not and is not a cog in the wheel, as Minister of Finance she has one of the most important jobs on the island, and it is her constitutional right and duty in that position to give the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in all matters of spending the public purse. It seems she said ‘yes’ a little too much, and that’s why we’re in the current financial mess.

          Global recession? Yeah it was unavoidable, but the EXTENT to which the recession has affected us has been worsened by piss-poor financial controls. Efforts to warn the Government to save money for a rainy day, were dismissed as scaremongering. And now….we find ourselves in this position. Who’s going to take responsibility? No-one of course, accountability is a foreign word in Bermuda.

          And before I’m labelled such as this seems to be the common trend, I am not a UBP/OBA supporter, in fact I don’t support any parties. I think the whole system is archaic and needs to change.

          • Vote for Me says:

            @ the truth
            ‘it is her constitutional right and duty’… This is not correct. Whilst the Minister of Finance has the responsibility to authorise expenditure, it is not a constitutional right in the sense that it is absolute. The Minister of Finance, like all Ministers, serves at the pleasure of the Premier. Therefore if the Minister of Finance’s decisions are constantly contrary to the Premier, the Minister of Finance can be dismissed.

            In addition, for Cabinet decisions, the Minister of Finance is one of 12 or 13 votes – they do not have a deciding vote or the ability to veto decisions.

            On this basis, Premier Cox only now has the authority to veto financial decisions because she presumably will not dismiss herself as Minister of Finance.

            • Truth says:

              As far as I am aware, the final decision on all financial matters rests with the Finance Minister. Even if the term ‘constitutional right’ is incorrect, she certainly has a duty to the people of Bermuda to serve our best interests in matters of financial management, and that duty should supersede loyalty to the Premier. That is precisely why we’re in the craphole we’re in.

              • Vote for Me says:

                @ Truth
                ‘As far as I am aware..’ Perhaps it is time to increase your awareness? The Finance Minister does not have the final decision. The Cabinet have the final decision and then the Minister (as all other Ministers) act on the decisions of Cabinet. With respect to ‘loyalty to the Premier’ all Ministers serve at the pleasure of the Premier – loyalty or no loyalty, the Premier at his or her sole discretion decides the length of your tenure.

                Premier Cox’s current position (which is not the first for a Premier) is quite constitutional and truly gives her more authority in all government finance matters.

            • LOL (original) says:

              All this points to is that see holds to much power as she can spend the peoples money any way she wants to by you own admission she must step down from one or the other. This is an example of bad checks and balances.

              LOL

  14. Concerned Citizen says:

    why dont you all let your vote speak for it self, But I must say after listening to Michael Faye on walton browns Show last week I dont think many intelligent people would be casting their vote that way. I have yet to see any substance, and I’m a swing voter. I ratther not waste my vote on dunces.

  15. Concerned Citizen says:

    and just a side point, if you leave these shores and visit other islands in the caribbean, you will learn quickly that we are not the envy of the world, where did you people get that from, most people when they come here think were the most Americanized/ British confused bunch of folks stuck on an island way out in the middle of no where. WAKE UP

  16. just askin? says:

    I have had a good look at the pictures on Bernews, Facebook and what others have sent.

    The OBA said they have a full slate of 36 to run in the next election.

    What I saw was each of those 36 and then some bringing their family members out to the conference last evening with some of their spouses and family members that can’t even vote in a general election.

    I heard all you had to have was $5.00 – can that be considered buying a vote? just askin

    • So Ignorant says:

      $5 was for the membership fee as you had to be a member to vote, naturally!

      There nearly 1,000 people there. By your analysis each of the 36 candidates would have had to bring 27 family members with each of them for the place to have been filled with family members.

      Every day it shows more and more that the most ignorant people on this island are PLP supporters.

    • Clinton J. A. Paynter OBA Affiliated says:

      LMAO @ all the people being family members… What nonsense. Also, you didn’t have to pay anything to come to the event and be in the room. The $5 is a membership fee as you have to be a member to vote. Simple passa…. SMH….

  17. GPS says:

    Bernews, could you somehow get automatic spell check for our comments…some of these small minded suit wearing OBA type of people only seem interested in errors.

    I’m sure these small minded suit wearers have never spilled milk, tripped on a step or even passed gas while making a speech at a banquet.

    Sounds like OBA to me…..hold up wait!…did I spell OBA right?!?

    • Bermyman says:

      Ewart Brown had some of the nicest suits I have ever seen! Amazing what you can buy with tax payers money!

  18. specialgirl4 says:

    Please do not be disingenuous, Dr Brown and his wife have build their own financial empire, and not of the government’s money.

    Well Done Premier Cox ! Premier Cox is a brilliant intelligent lady, who is capable of leadership and running this country.

    I am not convinced that Mr. Cannioner is of the same, what special skills and experience does he have? Part one of the political Strategy of the OBA/UBP to gain the black middle class swing vote has been done. Why did the OBA/UBP select a leader with no political experience and little knowledge of governmental procedures? Was this the result of the recommendations from the study done on the UBP by the consultant? Of course, because Mr. Dunkley the true choice, will be the “Speaker”, and true leader of the party. Mr. Dunkley received the largest percentage of the votes and this indicated that he actually was the people’s choice for leader, but he carried too much of the UBP baggage at present. However, he will move into that position in all good time, as winning votes at any cause is now the agenda. Mr. Cannioner will serve as a “Figure Head” to the party as it was recommended that a Black man was required to gain black votes. It is unfortunately that the Party had to once again use a “black man” in this way. Mr. Cannioner will wake up and see this in time, as others of the party did; currently he is sleeping now or dancing for power.

  19. Say Say Say says:

    Um um, lorng as dey get de Pee Al Pee out de house. Dat vud be showin real cless!!

  20. Common Sense says:

    I love it. specialgirl4 is already attacking Senator Cannonier on the issue of his race. It’s so strange how over the years so many have been attacked by the PLP for somehow betraying their ‘race’. Amongst those unfortunate victims were former PLP stalwarts and eminent politicians MPs Walter Brangman, Gilbert Darrell, Austin Thomas and Lionel Simmons from the PLP, who were all kicked out of the party for wanting a more moderate political line. Now we look back we consider them to be heroes!

    I admire Premier Cox for congratulating Senator Cannonier on being elected as party leader Shje showed some real class. Now it is up to the two parties to hammer our their agendas and taken their case to the people. Funny though, with all of the PLP political hacks already attacking Craig Cannonier I get the distinct impression that there are more than a few PLP stalwarts who are already running scared instead of supporting the two party system and relying on the old adage – may the best man (or woman) win,

  21. star man says:

    @ Bernews: Just lost my entire post cuz I forgot to fill in my name, etc, before I hit Submit Comment. Was sent to another page informing me of my error, but there’s no way to get back from that page. So I hit my browser’s Back button, but unfortunately my post had disappeared when I returned.

  22. Hudson says:

    Madame Premier – thank you for showing those around you how to be gracious. A few could take a page from your book.