Video: Michael Dunkley Sworn In As Premier
Michael Dunkley was officially sworn in as Premier of Bermuda this morning [May 20], following directly on the heels of Craig Cannonier’s resignation from the same position last night.
Mr. Cannonier’s resignation came after a long drawn out political battle over the “JetGate” scandal, which saw questions raised about what happened to a $300,000 donation from American real estate tycoon Nathan Landow.
Speaking after he was sworn-in this morning, Premier Dunkley said, “The last few weeks have been testing at times and it may have seemed to the people of Bermuda that their elected leaders had lost some of their focus. Politics can do that sometimes.
“However, I want to assure the people of this country that their Government is unwavering in the commitment to improving this economy and restoring prosperity and success as part of the Bermuda story.”
Premier Dunkley’s full statement follows below:
Good morning everyone and thank you for coming.
Your Excellency, Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen; I am humbled by the responsibility I have now been given. Let me first however, thank former Premier Craig Cannonier.
We worked together first in Opposition and as his deputy I was grateful for the opportunity he gave to me to serve in Cabinet. I always enjoyed his support as a Minister and it cannot be forgotten that he led our Party to a significant election victory. I wish to thank him and his wife Antoinette for all that they
have done for Bermuda and I look forward to working with him.The foundation for Bermuda’s recovery has been set in these last 17 months by a team of men and women who work every day to do what is best for Bermuda. Now, I have the honor to lead that team and our mission remains the same: we must renew the promise of this country; we must create jobs for our people; we must educate our children and we must keep Bermuda safe.
These are the expectations of the people and we must meet and exceed those expectations each and every day. I am committed to working hard on finding solutions to our problems and delivering on the promises we made to the people of this country. We are the government of all of Bermuda and that means we must always put country first.
My family has always supported my public service and I remain grateful to them for supporting me now as I assume the office of Premier.
I also wish to thank my parliamentary colleagues for their vote of confidence and I look forward to meeting individually with them and with our wider membership in the coming weeks to continue our work on behalf of Bermuda.
The last few weeks have been testing at times and it may have seemed to the people of Bermuda that their elected leaders had lost some of their focus. Politics can do that sometimes. However, I want to assure the people of this country that their Government is unwavering in the commitment to improving this economy and restoring prosperity and success as part of the Bermuda story.
Thank you again for your prayers and well wishes and let’s get to work.
Thank you.
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PREMIER BY DEFAULT ??? AND I BET HE IS HAPPY ABOUT THAT
We were being run by tainted gas now were running on sour milk !!!!!!!!!!
We all want Bermuda Fish
and Bermuda experts
and Bermuda food
Why can’t we give a NEW Bermuda premier a chance? Lord help us. He only just got in.
This is no surprise at all. Now the show really begins. Cannonier was the pre show this is the main event.
Glad to know someone else sees the writing on the wall.
As long as our dollar doesn’t get devalued – I’m up for anything!
Bittersweet my a**, he wanted that spot all along.
Ewart Brown had to deceive us to get what he wanted all along. Where were you then? Do you have any comment regarding that? I bet you don’t.
And my how much more deception is going on now…
Well one thing you have to give de Dr. he told you what he done, unlike someone deceiving you and keeping quiet.
@Smh I so agree with you.
Michael congratulations is in order regardless of opinions, my only concern as you are now the Premier of these Islands of Bermuda, we the public will hold you doubly responsible for moving the Island forward.
Mr. Dunkley you made many serious accusations and comments when you were in the opposition, and when you became the minister of national security and safety, we the public did not and have not seen any real improvement on the safety of our shores, you also made a comment regarding that you were not the premier and you was still subject to answer to him, now that you are him and have more leverage, we are watching to see what you do with it.
I hope and pray that you can prove us the nay Sayers wrong and that you can produce what is needed for all Bermudians regardless of race or creed, but remember if you don’t you shall be replace by default, the same way that you gain the position you now hold,In my neck of the woods the old grandma’s and grandpa’s would always say, you reap what you sow and you will get your bath when the water gets hot.
It’s about to get hot Michael hope you up for the challenge, if not leave the kitchen and let the real Devonshire cooks finish the meal.
Duane Santucci, I like what you said. I too, wish him the best, and I wish he follows thru on his oppositional accusations.
ps… he’s more “Devonshire” than any other Devonshire!
leader wayne furbert Xd – dunkley replaced him
leader kim swan Xd – dunkley replaced him
leader craig cannonaire Xd – dunkley replaced him
all by default – the brave take the lead
while dunkley steps over the dead bodies to take leadership
without even a real vote
do we see a pattern here?
In Sept 2008, I called into Taayo Dill’s HOTT 107.5 show. His Topic, the fall/split of UBP. Here is what I said” It’s all a plot, to rid the ‘old dog’ UBP, so start a split within their party, separate and include disgruntle PLP and UBP to start a new Party (ABC???whatever the he@* the name was then, but it happened! then that group were disgruntle, split and here comes the OBA! THIS was the PLOT by the UBP all along, they will oust the OBA ‘team’ and the OLD DOG UPB will regain the power they had planned all along , by dictating the ABC and the OBA” Taayo said, ‘Do you think that will happen” M. Dunkley is right where the UBP wants him to be. The scape goat lacky is out!
I can safely say after 5.5 years……..I told you so!
Dunkley as Premier. God help us.
Bermuda back in the hands of old bermuda, colonial money !! Well done Craig, you sold us out in more than one way.
The sight of Pettingil and Crockwell walking in company with the new OBA premier Dunkley just after the deed was done in replacing now disgrace former OBA premier Cannonier; this thought entered my mind; ‘What in the aftermath of world war two the American general Eisenhower was seen emerging from a meeting with two German generals in which it was discuss what was going to happen to Europe now that the war was over? Or how about this Hitler had not killed himself and had instead been capture and place on trial for war crimes; while his generals and members of his government were allowed to walk free?
It seems to me that now disgrace former OBA premier Cannonier has been made to face the full punishment in being force to resign while those who know more than they are telling have been allowed to walk free instead of facing the same punishment for their role in the scandal and acts of corruption. The OBA government may consider that it has dodge a bullet; but the people of Bermuda knows the real deal and are sure to make the OBA face the full political consequences come the next elections,
Michael Dunkley I hope you are not a effing waste of time SMDH
Your piece is badly written. So it is best you stick to your editors. Embarrassing.
Duane P. Santucci…..hv a seat wayyyy in the back somewhere….better yet……just go disappear!!! Sit your a** dwn. All you do is write ” ESSAYS” on Bernews. You’re nothing but a “WANNA BE”!!!!!!! *yawning*
Congrats to the new Premier. If he can get this country back on track to the wealth and prosperity it once had under the ‘old Bermuda money’ era then he will always have my vote. If those with blinders on refuse to admit that Bermuda was sinking under the leadership or lack of under the former Government than there are no other words than ‘ u can’t fix stupid’.
Now go get the F@*%*&$ 800mil Dunkley! Bermudian people need that answer!
When Bob Richards looked under the hood , he clearly saw , realized and came to a qualified conclusion that $800ml was spent on the Sally Bassett statue on the Cabinet Grounds . And to his equal dismay and delight he figured out that he needs to find at least $1billion more to compensate the offspring of the slaves brought to this island against their will , and he may benefit . $800ml for that masterpiece was a bargain to the people of Bermuda ,it could have been more .
So every time you see that statue you know .. Money well spent .
Give the man a chance for 1 he has always had the best interest of the island and it’s people. You can’t say he doesn’t. He steps in with good positive thinking. He is down to earth but firm in his beliefs in politics. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mr. Dunkley he’s trully an awesome person. I’m sure we cant say the as same to cannonier. I think Bermuda needs him. His quick thinking is a must. Bow down with all the hatred and accept what it is BERMUDA….. Welcome DUNK