Legal Costs Will Not Be Covered By Public Funds
Premier Craig Cannonier said today [Feb 20] that the costs of his lawsuit will not be covered by public funds, which is an amendment to the statement last night which said it would be a “Government lawsuit.”
The Premier said, “After taking further legal advice, I have determined that the costs associated with my legal action against the Opposition Leader, the Hon. Marc Bean and the Shadow Minister of Finance, the Hon. David Burt will not be covered by public funds.”
When asked last night who will be paying for the legal action, a Government spokesperson had said, “As the accusations were made to the Premier in his official capacity, it will be a government lawsuit.”
The Premier’s press briefing yesterday announcing the legal action:
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- Are we paying for this slander action? Updated | Bermuda Blue | February 21, 2014
using the public funds we are paying for your dis-service?
What are you talking about?? Can you not read?
Public funds will not be used.
who pays him?
So when he receives his pay it is still public funds? Do you have a job? Because when I get paid it is no longer my employers money, it is mine to do with what I will. You don’t comprehend very much do you?
he’s already gleaned $160,000 plus spent hundreds of thousands jetting all over the place. all in a year. not to mention; housing, transportation,regiment soldiers etc..
do you really think he, or anyone for that matter, deserves that sort of pay, for f@&#$@g up?
i would like to believe if you did the same you would no longer have that job.
if the legal fees amount to $30,000 he can easily cover that with just over 2 months pay.
He’s paying the legal costs himself, moron.
Unlike Ewart and Derrick, who made taxpayers pay for their lawsuits.
Ewart and Derrick paid for their own lawsuits after there was a public outcry…..just like Craig is paying for his own now, after a public outcry. Get your facts straight, especially if you’re going to call someone else names in the process of your own folly.
Was the $31,000 reimbursed?
Now now you *bottoms*… Watch-out for the reefs!!
Sandy bottom, stay on the bottom !!
So he should just stay in Bermuda instead of jetting around (I don’t even think CC has passed the time zones I have on the tax payers dime, unlike someone we all know) and we can just do business with ourselves…because that would be great in an ever evolving world. Also regiment soldiers are already paid and have been for many many years. You don’t comprehend much do you?
I don’t even agree with anything that more than enough said. As a matter of fact, I’m ashamed to say that I actually voted for the OBA in this last election. However, for you to insinuate that there is ” so much greed” in the plp as if there isn’t the same level (if not more) in the OBA is ludicrous and smacks of someone who has also been dipping in the kool-aid. The only difference is that one of you may be drinking cherry and the other grape but regardless of the flavor, it has obviously left a BITTER taste in both of your mouths!
Exactly, thats how I see it also, for some of them to be as biased as they are, shows me that there is a great deal of hate in them, No one can be that biased without their being a deep passion behind them. The Premier has been caught in a lie, has backtracked on promises, failed to ever address the electorate without a prepared statement, and still this and more is perfectly okay with many OBA supporters, unbelievable.
@more than enough……….Stop while your ahead. Ones he is paid his salary, it IS NOT public funds.
Ones= once
But…. It was originally “public funds”!! Kind of like “splitting hairs” over nothing really!!!
all these yo yo decisions – we will create jobs – oops slash, you will pay my bill – oops I will,
Either way it is a waste of time and taxpayers dollars, directly and indirectly.
To take this approach, only makes you look bad. You come across weak and lack the strength to be our leader
Hypocrite.
How am I a hypocrite? This is a ‘Mitch Move’.
Feel free to listen to this http://youtu.be/2Xrv3_raUPI.
I will continue to remind you how this row started.
To defend or back the person that started this mess, in anyway is being a hypocrite
Your fave phrase again?
So yesterday he should have been paying for the lawsuit himself, and today when he does that he’s “weak and lacks strength”.
You’re a hypocrite.
There should not be a lawsuit, has been my point all this time
So why does suing making Bean and Burt, making them prove their allegations, make him “look bad” and ” weak”?
When Bean and Burt do their Mitch Moves, others have the right to call them out. Not everyone has to take their s***.
If they can prove they were right, good for them. I don’t want a crook as Premier. We had quite enough of that.
But if they can’t prove it, they will lose.
You are such an a#$, Craig doesn’t need anyone to make him look bad, he does so well on his own.
Well obviously Bean and Burt don’t agree with you.
They feel the need to allegedly slander him because they are scared that he and his party are gaining ground. Look at the Reinsurance publication as one example. If these allegations were true they would have played along and got the police involved to catch him red-handed.
Marc should sue Craig, the minister(s) and Nandi as well then?
But Marc won’t, because he does not do ‘Mitch Moves’
If what they said is false, then yes, he absolutely should.
I am pretty sure he would if it was false. His mentor did, and did so with public funds. However, he obviously doesn’t feel that they are lying despite what he may say.
Or cause that would force the recording to be played
what is a ‘Mitch Move’?
Read my post below
still don’t get what it is
never mind i get it your call him a witch that is spelled with a B
I have not called anyone a witch that is spelled with a B
This is where he showed his ‘Mitch Ways’ -
Both sides have stated that the Opposition Leader and the Premier spoke on the phone last week about the gambling referendum, and in the House of Assembly on Friday [Dec 13], Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell admitted that he listened to the conversation.
Minister Crockwell said that he, and another Cabinet Minister, were having a meeting with the Premier when Mr Bean called. The Minister said Premier Cannonier originally took the call privately, then put it on speaker phone saying “You guys need to hear this.”
A ‘MITCH’ would engage in such behaviors
You’re still complaining about the fact that someone listened to a conversation?
Grow up, for chrissake.
You want me to Grow Up but your leader can put others on speaker phone during a private conversation and he is Mature?
I am not complaining but you are quick to dismiss how all this started and who started it.
It is not that immature you do realise that right? Rude for not telling him but not that bad on the whole, also what was the conversation about again? Cause if it was to do with gambling or any other issue that is getting discussed in the House guess what, in my book it not a private conversation it is a business call.
Let’s go with ‘rude’ then. So you are fine with a ‘rude’ premier?
No where in the private sector would that sort of behavior be tolerated. The premier has soiled his reputation
Compared to some of the previous Premiers if this level rudeness is where he stays at then yes I am fine with that. And it is debatable on the whole private sector thing, as for soiled reps then what happened to the previous Premiers reps?
They are No Longer premiers due to their soiled reputations
LOL riiight, Dr. Brown I’m sure would have a very differant view then you on that lol
Until it’s you being listened to by many others without your knowledge……
Sometimes while reading comments I secretly wish the media would attribute quotes to the wrong person and then we would really see if people base their opinions on WHAT is said or done or on WHO said or did it.
Please allow me to say I would be highly annoyed to be on a phone call, personal or business and be on speakerphone with an audience unaware.
Just so you know you can’t always tell if you’re on speaker if the person keeps the actual phone set UP to their mouth and talks to you.
Just so you know I have been put on speaker without being told three times only to find out later, and I have had messages that I have left played for others who have had no need to hear them. That is why I said it was rude but not that bad in the grand scheme of things. I would hold this view regardless of who did what.
idiot (alleged)
Alleged?
Thank you.
Still, sue the living pants off both of them, for everything they may be worth, which won’t be much based on their vile attack. They appear to have no ethics.
Guess you should have taken legal advice first, before speaking..>REALLY
Hey did Dr. Brown and Mr Burgess ever pay us back Bettty?
I doubt they did. Talk about integrity.
Yes, they did pay it back. Can you guys at least fact check b4 you make declarations about other ppl? Especially when they’re going to be negative statements…..Bermudians never let the facts get in the way of good gossip! Who cares if it’s not true right?! As long as it feeds into our own supposition!
Proof?
I haven’t seen any articles that stated when the repaid the government so thats why I keep asking and since Bettty seems to know so much about the political scene I figured she could answer, but since you have how about pointing me to the article or where I can see that they have. It would be the first time I was wrong on here.
So why are you working so hard to defend the actions of the Premier, if you deem what Dr. Brown did as wrong…guess it is just your HYPOCRITICAL Behaviours….or I guess you only see wrong if it is done by the PLP…..REALLY….. Stop falling over yourself…..UBPoba promised they would do politics differently… but so far are failing..HYPOCRITICAL…I say yes….
Bettty, first off i’m not working hard at all between the two of us who has more post on Bernews? okay off the rabbit trail.
I don’t deem it wrong the AG said it was wrong and should have never been done and yes it would have been hypocritical if the Premier had gone through with the suit using government funds (had to double check some things but see that now, though still debatable to me).
However this whole article is about the fact that the Premier IS NOT going to be doing what Dr. Brown and Mr. Burgess did. So no hypocrisy has happened and if we are basing politics on this type of action then yes the OBA are doing things differently. Also you haven’t answered my question about have they paid back the funds.
Betty won’t ever answer the question.
Give up already! U wanted change, u got change, which doesn’t appear to be too different now does it! Politics will never be about transparency and honesty on the mere fact lies are told to influence an electorate to vote. Furthermore, lot’s of questions to be asked here. Country is in debt, PLP blamed for it over and over, maybe rightfully so, yet it was OK for all of us taxpayers to pay for this? SMH…amazing!
Sorry but what you mean by ‘pay for this?’.
Originally it was ok for us to pay legal fees? Or were you amongst those that disagreed?
Originally I was fine with it since I started with the view point that if you accuse the premier of taking & making bribes then your attacking the office as well as the man.
However I start looking back at the other situation with Dr. Brown and realised that situation was similar if not worse than this one. An see that it was not right then I followed the mantra “what good for the goose is good for the gander” and changed.
But then this article has come out which of course states that after further legal consutation the Premier will be paying for it out of his own pocket. So I see no issue, that being said I have yet to see were Dr. Brown and Mr. Burgess paid back the government for their lawsuit.
Mans gotta do what a mans gotta do.
Never take out a suit unless you own a ‘deshieki’.
In other words, there will be no legal action taken.
Then he should resign. I’m guessing he’s doing it for a reason. Just a guess though. However if there is a suit and the accusers are found guilty, they better do the same, for good, not come back 6 months later like…well you know.
Smart a** LaVerne.
He don’t gutt money?
Prove that the Public Funds aren’t been used! I don’t believe him..
Ooops aren;t going to be used*
Have a third try.
Prove that they are. Where is the evidence? There is none. So it is just your opinion. What is that worth?
I don’t trust anything Premier Puppetier says anymore to be honest, If he says its sunny outside, better believe I will run to get my raincoat.
Lol, nice one
taking Legal advice was the correct approach
Rookies. Hmm.
All I know is someone will have to resign and NEVER play a part in politics ever again!
The Premier is no longer suing?
OMG read please. Don’t just skip to the blog comments.
The court action is still happening but he is not using Govt money to pay for it as previously reported.
Well well well, I hope this shuts the empty vessels up??? The premier feels his integrity is at risk and is willing to pay himself to defend it!!! Unlike a previous premier and deputy who started some nonsense about a cheque in the drawer and felt we should pay for it!!!! By the way, does anyone know if those two ever paid us back??? I would be willing to bet they didn’t?? Why is the flock not asking themselves but have know problem saying the present premier isn’t telling the truth????
I always love when I get Alaska halls attention and they send out the armies of followers to hit the dislike button on all my posts!!!
I a couple of weeks ago had 15 dislike in 10 mins?? But tonight I broke the record, I had 17, thanks plp I feel honored!! Were do I pick up my trophy???
My toilet !!!
To think you have the time to run these stats…narcissistic tendencies? Your posts are indeed sickening!
My a**
Ok, so CC is paying for it. That is fine. Hope he wins, recovers his legal costs & pockets a substantial damages award ontop of that.
If that is the result, lets not hear any whining from the peanut gallery that the winnings should go to Government funds.
Just like to inform you that the premier could win and be awarded just $1.00 (one dollar) by the Court as opposed to substantial damages Why? If the Court determines that he has not suffered any damage to his reputation, or that that damage is inconsequential then s/he may be award nominal damages. And with legal fees and court costs, all parties may have to pay for their own legal fees and share court costs equally.
Arguments by the lawyers during that phase of the trial will be noted by the Court.
But please note, I have absolutely no idea what will happen in Court. However, the Court may hear the public outcry, but do not have to consider it in its deliberations.
London, England
Why are people infatuated when politicians travel….it’s part of their job, I went to new york last april and the Premier was on my flight sitting in coach!!!!
Over the years I have happened to be on a number of flights with Premiers. The only one riding first class was Brown. Must be more headroom up front.
Sorry for the change in topic but has any one heard if there will be a ferry tomorrow?
Not sure?? But I hear there will be a plentiful supply of punts with seagull engines at each dock if they are not running!! I think the fare to rent these is the same as what it costs to ride the ferry!! Good luck
And they’ll operate ontime and friendly.
Hey @Kangoocar, talking about the punts!any idea what ever happened to that water taxi? you would think he would be doing good now, with the ferries out..
This man is confusing me but than again he’s confused himself.
Seriously someone is lying and either side is gonna get caught sooner or later.
Politricks is a dirty game and someone is gonna get burned.
Sorry for the change in the topic but do recall someone say “there will be no job loss” voter
Kangoocar you are obviously thick. Integrity???? This man is yet to address the Bermudian public without a written statement before him. And takes no questions from the media. I have never witnessed anything like this from a leader of ANY country. Integrity!!! LAY DOWN BIE!!
I’m sorry, ya got me Rollin, was that a plantation question????
No sir , but Grant Gibbons sure asked AYO Johnston a plantation question yesterday .
“I am not a crook!” ~ Nixon
“Read my lips. NO new taxes!” ~ George Bush Sr.
“I did NOT have sexual relations with that woman!” ~ Bill Clinton
“It was an attack that took place as a result of a video” ~ Barack Obama
“If you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan” ~ Barack Obama
I could go on and on. The point is, politicians tend to willfully deceive the ppl and for anyone on either side of the political spectrum to blindly trust and believe the words that are coming out of their mouths is ripe to purchase the bridge I gave for sale in Brooklyn, whether they are OBA or PLP supporters!!!
Agree wholeheartedly! That’s why PLP makes such a good opposition. If you chose to be a politician you need to take the heat or get out of the kitchen.
I’m glad he’s paying for it himself.
This effectively means that he can do as he pleases, so whether I agree with the suit or not is now a moot point.
Still wish if Bean and Butler had proof they’d offer it up, however, since that’s not happening, I consider it a non-issue. Same as I consider accusations from the other side without proof.
Talk is cheap, unless there are lawyers involved.
Correction : Mr. Butler is not involved but Mr. Burt is. So things are on course.
You’re quite correct. My error, as I do know the difference.
So he (craig) says….. how will we ever kno? Even if he pays now he’ll get it back somewhere in the upcoming budget or fatten d bonus
Oh really, or is that simply an irresponsible statement with no proof to back it up?
Lets us in on your inside information. Where is this bonus information?
Cannonier has class and integrity
Something the plp will never have.
What a gem…
Well this quote says it all:
“….After taking further legal advice, I have determined that the costs associated with my legal action against the Opposition Leader, the Hon. Marc Bean and the Shadow Minister of Finance, the Hon. David Burt will not be covered by public funds…”
He has determined that all by himself did he? Nothing to do with Financial Instructions? Auditor General?
Who is he supreme leader Cannonier?
If you had properly read and digested Cannonier’s statement, you’d realize that he did not come to his decision “all by himself” but instead sought legal advice on the issue. That is what legal counsel is for…to interpret the relevant laws and advise on the fine points which are often very confusing to someone outside the legal profession. Since Cannonier is not a lawyer, he did the smart thing in engaging them.
We all digested “there will be no job loss… a guy bummed a ride…- where was security? and all this after the fact stuff. Crockwell questioning who, what when with this guy- no teamwork. Crockwell that is RISKY
Well done, premier Cannonier. provided that you do NOT reverse and/or rescind your decision on this matter, when some-one has made a bold and courageous move it deserves to be acknowledged.
Now forego the pending gaming legislation and allow it to go to a referendum and fulfil that general election promise made by the OBA.
London, England
Can’t wait for this to be over and done with cause this PLP witch-hunt has long since gotten old. If Marc Bean exercised this newly found moral compass when the PLP was in power during the Dr. Brown dictator ship, we would most likely be in a better position now, and still have a PLP government.
Since that’s not the case, he should get his story straight, cause as i recall the premier was a black surrogate, now his is the wicket leader of the OBA. I guess it’s progress, he now acknowledges the Premier Cannonair is the leader of the OBA, now just got to wait for the fact that the people had enough of crap the PLP put us ALL through during their time in power (Hell only reason he is even opposition leader is because Paula Cox paid the ultimate political price for her incompetent running of the islands finances), so please, just do the job your suppose to do and help get the island back on track.
I just viewed the video of the media statement made by the premier.
Well, it’s the body language and facial expressions of those in view that tell the behind the scenes story.
I sincerely hope that you have been told what the fallout of this case will be. Yes protect your reputation, but it is your reputation, not the country’s reputation and not the OBA’s reputation that is at stake here.
Whomever looses this legal case should step down for the good of this country.
Again, I commend you for your decision NOT have this legal case funded from the public purse.
London, England
Bob Richards the finance minister actually sat there and allowed The Colt to make a complete fool of himself , knowing that no checks would be cut from the taxpayers money to cover his legal cost . shame on BOB .
“sacred values” produce “devoted actors, who are willing to resort to extremes with little regard to risks and rewards or costs and consequences.”
This Premier has continually gotten HIMSELF into a mess since the beginning of his tenure. He usually follows up with a statement that “lessons were learned” and then moves along to the next mess. Why did he not get legal advice before announcing that the public would have to pay? Why did Mr. Crockwell confirm that the Premier intentionally mislead the public on the jetgate issue. How come his cabinet has not come out in full support of their leader? Why would the party let him fan the flames of this mess just before the budget is released? How come Mr Gibbons confirmed that cabinet did not know in advance about that business trip? Why would the AG think it would be acceptable for a private citizen to accompany the Premier but no civil servant? Who benefits from the distraction that this mess has caused?
I do not know the answers to these questions but would welcome some answers.
How could you two distinguished gentlemen dangle my very existence and the future of this country by :-
“THE SWORD OF DAMOCLES”
In order to satisfy The court of public opinion where we have two opposing leaders of the Bermuda Government who unfortunately are unable to settle their differences.
I have two recommendations.
ONE
Both parties must put up a substantial bond to cover all expenses , 50 % of each held in FOUR trust accounts in TWO separate local banks.
TWO
The matter should be heard by the British Government Supreme Court behind closed doors in that country.
Glossary.
In mythology the “Sword of Damocles” represents a situation where Damocles had sword suspended over his head supported by a single human hair.
So glad OBA will only be the Govt. for 1 term!!!