Video: Cabinet Shuffle: Cannonier, Scott, Pamplin
[Updated with video + statements]
At a ceremony this afternoon [Jan 15] at Government House, Wayne Scott was sworn-in as the new Minister of Education; Patricia Gordon Pamplin was moved to the Ministry of Community, Culture and Sports; while former Premier Craig Cannonier will assume the role of Minister of Public Works.
In December 2013, Mr. Cannonier — who was then the Premier – reduced the size of Cabinet, with Nalton Brangman [who held the Education portfolio] Sylvan Richards [Environment & Planning] and Leah Scott [Minister Without Portfolio] all being eliminated.
Update: Full 23-minute video of today’s swearing-in ceremony
The 2013 Cabinet reduction — which followed after the suggestion by the SAGE Commission to reduce the size of Cabinet — resulted in Education and Economic Development being combined under Dr Grant Gibbons.
This marks a return to Cabinet for Mr Cannonier, who resigned in May 2014, following the “JetGate” scandal, as while Mr. Cannonier did not hold a portfolio, as Premier he was a member of Cabinet.
The ceremony is still underway as of this writing, however we will update with additional information and video as able.
Update 1.08pm: The ceremony has concluded, and we will post video later on today. Mr. Cannonier is pictured below being sworn-in.
Update 1.13pm: Premier Dunkley with the newly sworn-in Ministers: Minister of Education Wayne Scott; Minister of Community, Culture & Sports Patricia Gordon Pamplin and Minister of Public Works Craig Cannonier.
Update 1.48pm: A chart [which will enlarge if clicked] showing a quick look at the differences in the old and new Cabinets is below. Two Ministers were shuffled and one person was brought into Cabinet, increasing the size from 9 to 10.
Update 2.59pm: The full press statement, as well as the statements from Minister Scott and Minister Cannonier follow below.
The Premier said, “The preparations for the America’s Cup will be massive, involving hundreds of individuals working in a variety of disciplines in a variety of jurisdictions around the globe.
“The need for the Government to maintain centralized direction, control and coordination for this critically important national project is essential.
“Dr. Gibbons, as Minister of Economic Development, is perfectly positioned to provide the kind of dedicated leadership and attention to detail this project will demand. He has proven his ability to take on complex challenges, as evidenced by his management of Bermuda’s America’s Cup bid and in Bermuda’s takeover of the American, British and Canadian military bases in the 1990s.”
The Premier continued, “This change in Cabinet responsibilities could not be avoided given the demands the America’s Cup will create and the huge benefits it can generate for the Bermudian people in the years ahead.
“My colleagues and I are highly sensitive to the fact that it amounts to another change at the top of Education, which has been the history of that portfolio for far too long.
“As Premier, I want to assure Bermuda that this Government will continue its good work to provide students with the education they need to reach their full potential.
“There are many issues that occupy our attention, but there is nothing more important to the long-term health of Bermuda than the preparation of our young people to live and flourish in the world they inherit.”
The full press statement from the Government follows below:
Today the Premier and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael H. Dunkley, JP, MP, announced a series of Ministerial changes in his Cabinet.
In order to devote his energies and attention to the upcoming America’s Cup events, Dr. the Hon. Grant Gibbons stepped down as Minister of Education, however he will continue his responsibilities as Minister for Economic Development.
Consequently, the Hon. R. Wayne Scott, JP, MP, will assume the role as Minister of Education, the Hon. Patricia Gordon-Pamplin JP, MP, will take over the Ministry of Community, Culture and Sport Portfolio and former Premier Craig Cannonier, JP, MP rejoins the Cabinet as the Minister of Public Works.
The Premier said today, “The preparations for the America’s Cup will be massive, involving hundreds of individuals working in a variety of disciplines in a variety of jurisdictions around the globe.
“The need for the Government to maintain centralized direction, control and coordination for this critically important national project is essential.
“Dr. Gibbons, as Minister of Economic Development, is perfectly positioned to provide the kind of dedicated leadership and attention to detail this project will demand. He has proven his ability to take on complex challenges, as evidenced by his management of Bermuda’s America’s Cup bid and in Bermuda’s takeover of the American, British and Canadian military bases in the 1990s.”
The Premier continued, “This change in Cabinet responsibilities could not be avoided given the demands the America’s Cup will create and the huge benefits it can generate for the Bermudian people in the years ahead.
“My colleagues and I are highly sensitive to the fact that it amounts to another change at the top of Education, which has been the history of that portfolio for far too long.
“As Premier, I want to assure Bermuda that this Government will continue its good work to provide students with the education they need to reach their full potential.
“There are many issues that occupy our attention, but there is nothing more important to the long-term health of Bermuda than the preparation of our young people to live and flourish in the world they inherit.
“To that end, it is my pleasure to announce Mr. R. Wayne Scott as the new Education Minister.
“I have worked with Mr. Scott for a few years now. I have watched him at the Cabinet table make important contributions, and I have been impressed by his energy and his passion for Bermuda.
“I am satisfied that he understands the challenges and the opportunities in education. It is a tough assignment and I am confident Mr. Scott will bring the dedication and focus this portfolio needs, and that his energy, enthusiasm and commitment will carry into the one place such qualities matter most – which is the classroom.”
The Premier noted that as as consequence of Minister Scott’s appointment he has appointed Patricia Gordon-Pamplin to the Ministry of Community, Culture and Sports.
The Premier said, “This is a fitting appointment on several levels. Pat is a sportswoman. She has represented Bermuda in competition and pays close attention to the local scene. She is also compassionate and a fighter, who will stand up for people in need, which is a significant responsibility in her new portfolio.
“Finally, I am pleased to welcome back into the Cabinet Mr. Craig Cannonier as Minister of Public Works.
“I believe – and I believe most Bermudians believe – that people should get the chance to rebuild and rededicate themselves to what’s important; in this case to public service.
“Craig and I have a good working relationship. We have spent time over the past year and I can say that he has paid a price, that he has prepared himself to serve again, and that he has much to contribute.
“This is the foundation on which he will take his place at the Cabinet table.”
The Premier concluded, “I have made these changes in order to strengthen the Government’s ability to meet the challenges facing Bermuda today.
“It is all about getting the job done for the people of this great Island.”
-
Education Minister Wayne Scott’s full statement follows below:
It is with great humility and commitment that I accept this role, which is critical to the future success of our Country.
When the Premier discussed with me the opportunity to be Education Minister, I must admit that I took a deep breath before answering. Let’s be honest, Education has been viewed as one of the most important, yet most challenging portfolios.
However, as a member of Cabinet, I have been privy to the tremendous progress that is taking place in our schools, and I am optimistic that the change we’ve needed for so long is starting to take hold.
I believe in the power of public education to shape our collective future. I also believe in the power of collective action to improve the system, and intend to move forward together with principals, teachers, administrators, parents and our students.Bermuda already has good schools and excellent curriculums with qualified and caring people at the helm. In order for positive change to continue, we must work together, with the welfare of our young people being the clear priority.
As I mentioned, progress is being made and in the weeks to come I will share that information.
I told the Premier in accepting the position that I am committed to communicating with the public and to listening to all stakeholders –Ministry staff, union representatives, teachers and principals, parents and students. And I will make it a priority to visit schools.All of us know that education is vitally important to the individual, to their families and to the overall success of the country. As Minister, I want you to know that I will work to make sure the system works for our children.
More specifically, my goal moving forward is to lead the movement to improve student achievement, to increase parent involvement and to engage the community in helping our students thrive in this ever-competitive world.
Thank you.
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Public Works Minister Craig Cannonier’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Premier,
Thank you for your faith in me and for your support.
Beyond my duties as a Member of Parliament, my experience over the past 10 months has been one of personal reflection and time spent with my family, appreciating what is important in life.
There is clearly no perfect script in one’s life, but there is always a redeeming path nearby, and I am thankful for the opportunity to walk it in the service of the people.
Since taking up the challenge of elected office, it has always been my aim to help this country succeed for the people of this country. We are a great island and a great people, who deserve a government that can help us fulfill our great potential.
I am proud to be part of a government that is working incredibly hard to make this happen, to bringing forward a recovery that enables people to meet their basic needs and bring their dreams within reach.
As Minister for Public Works, I will work with the workers to make sure we do all we can to push this country forward – doing our part to make it work and help it succeed.
That is my pledge. I will not let you down.
Once again, thank you Premier for your faith, for your support and for the opportunity.
-
Update 3.09pm: The PLP responded, saying Mr.Cannonier’s appointment “represents extremely poor judgment by Premier Dunkley and an endorsement of the dubious conduct that led to Cannonier’s disgraceful exit from the office of Premier.” Their statement can be read here.
Update 6.25pm: OBA Chair Lynne Woolridge responded to the PLP’s criticism, her statement can be read here.
Everything looks good EXCEPT!
I feel that it is the worse thing to have put Wayne Scott in that Position
I don’t see why it is the worst thing, but I hope that the new minister will work a lot harder than the previous minister. Education needs to be a priority – I wonder how many ministers send their kids to public high school?
You mean how many MPs both sides of the House???
Premier my friend I support you all the way. I voted UBP and now OBA….but to place Craig Cannonier back into Cabinet after the disgrace from the JET GATE is the worst mistake this party has ever made. You could have selected Ms. Lea Scott, Mr. Sylvan Richards or Mrs. Nandi Davis.
The swing voters are looking at this. We told Bermuda we would do things different and not stupid! : (
The BIG PAY BACK BY DUNKLEY OBA Sally you call it right…really what a great laugh…..
Dunk? If not this same type of arrogance cost the UBA in 1998 so think about this silly appointment. Cannonier of all people anyone but this joker.
My fellow Bermudians:
Pay attention – Former PCC appointment to the cabinet today is
FUNCTIONAL UNITY
It can equate the deal struck for PMD to take helm.
FUNCTIONAL UNITY
Please take a minute to remember Dr. King on his birthday what he died for we are still experiencing today.
FUNCTIONAL UNITY
Pay attention!
You seem to think “Functional Unity” is a bad thing.
Surely working together in unity is a far better philosophy for a government than having a dysfunctional government ?
I know you are quoting a phrase from Dr Brown’s speech regarding “functional unity” , but I believe was actually a call for the PLP to demonstrate more of it rather than implying that it was a bad thing.
What do you think the strength of labour organisations is ?
What a F!@#ing JOKE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hurry up and get em OUT.
Get ‘em out and replace them with who ?
Let get this stright. Mr Cannonier isn’t good or ethical enough to be the Preimier but he’s good enough to be a cabinet minister. Hmmmm I bet the strategy all along was to get Dunkely in the hot seat. Wayne Scott wasn’t a good minister in his last portfolio nor will he be a good minister in his present portfolio. He says he will enure the system works. Did he do so while he was in charge of his last portfolio? I seriously doubt it. Bad choices all around.
Let me get this straight. Roban wasn’t good or ethical enough to be Minister of Public Works when he was forced to resign in November 2011. But he was good enough to be Transport Minister in June 2012.
Hmmmm. Must have been some of secret hidden conspiracy going on that was being hidden from the voters. Hmmmm. Bad choices all around.
I don’t know if I should Laugh or Cry.
WTF
ALL OF BERMUDA SHOULD BE DEPRESSED AND CRYING OUT LOUD.
FORMER PCC GIVING OUT THE BIG CONTRACTS AFTER BEING DISGRACED AND DE-CROWNED?
PAMPLIN STILL IN CABINET?
AND WORST SCOTT AS EDUCATION MINISTER? PARENTS START HOMESCHOOLING YOUR . CHILDREN – ANYONE REMEMBER HIM IN SCHOOL?
NOT SURE WHY YOU’RE SHOUTING. Was Craig arrested and I missed it? You’re OK with Zane’s $20M overspend on Port Royal?
If you really want to feel the economic pain of the masses, consider reducing costs by cutting your Ministerial salary by 75%. You’re already receiving MP salary plus your ‘day job’ salary.
Did you ask this of your Cog and Dr E?
yes jonna, we voted for a change and we got screwed without grease big time
holding political office doesn’t justify the current salaries. The PLP where wrong, and now the OBA are wrong for keeping these ridiculous salaries in place.
They reduced them. Keep up.
Lol!
A Premier that had to resign only recently is back in the Cabinet fold. A lightweight goes in education. No promotion from the back benches ….. says a lot IMO
This is possibly about keeping a promise to Cannonier that in return for not blowing up the party over his jet gate ouster and keeping his mouth shut; the current Premier would then ensure that the checks would keep coming in.
First the extended stay at the Premier’s residence and now this. Just follow the money.
This is so transparent as to be laughable.
Truth Teller,
Where do you come up with this stuff? Craig will make a good Minister, of that I have no doubt. You think the likes of Jamahl Simmons being made an MP isn’t laughable, or disgusting?
Your attempts at deflection are obvious, both laughable and disgusting.
How can he make a good minister when he couldn’t even be trusted as the Premier. I voted OBA but I’m not happy with this and I will not sit here on MUTE. This not the change I was voting for this may cause us the next election, the media is lol at us and so is the PLP/BIU.
I bet you voted OBA
This may cost you the next election, this WILL cost you, there’s no redeeming that’s gonna convince the fools that switched over or didn’t vote, unless you pull the 2000 jobs out of the hat.
The OBA should have never promised 2,000 jobs. That’s going to come back to bite them in the a$$ especially when the unemployment rate is at the highest its ever been!
The “Blame the PLP game” won’t work come next election.
lol, guess its both Parties; Mr. Simmons resigns as spokesman from PLP, is rolled out in Safe Seat, already making statements for tourism as Acting Shadow Tourism Minister. Next is making statements related to Economic Planning with Mr. Burt?
I mentioned this earlier with NO response as to the depth of the PLP.
So AC, tell me again about promotions? But please, carry on…..
LMAO
lol, stepped on some corns I see.
SMH
looks like they forgot to mention that Gibbons will be assuming the new Cabinet position of Minister of the America’s Cup
Business and Economic Development actually. And yes, the Americas Cup is surely economic development!
America’s Cup is going to be a “portfolio” per se within Ministry of Economic Development.
So what benefit is the America’s Cup gonna be for “Back of Town”.
There should be new jobs in the tourism industry that folk from “Back of Town” should be eligible for. Well hopefully…
Finance could have been combined with the Economic Development Portfolio…
How can cannonier go back to cabinet. He’s still under investigation.
WTF is going on?!?!!?
A few months ago he had to resign for the good of the party as there was just too bad a smell – now that he is back in Cabinet, Government is basically saying he did nothing wrong ….
Exactly, I just don’t get it. He did wrong, but you bring him right back in?
What was done wrong? Takin a private jet on offer from a possible developer? May be a bit unethical but definitely not illegal.
You just made my point, why put someone who resigned after was you said was “a bit unethical” in charge of the ministry that manages ALL Capital Projects (America’s Cup) and all new construction.
Hopefully Craig will look into the $20M at Port Royal and the upcoming massive overspend on the initial Heritage Wharf project.
I wouldn’t want Craig to do that to be honest. He can’t be trusted!
Didn’t Brown admit to being unethical but not illegal?
He didn’t resign over it, however.
No I think they are referring to the secret bank account that was created, funded with a huge amount of money and not properly disclosed. This is more than mildly concerning!
Were you as concerned as this when Roban resigned for giving secret inside planning approvals to two other PLP cabinet ministers, and then was appointed as a minister 6 months later?
By the way, why should a private bank account be ‘disclosed’?
lies and distortion. there was nothing secret about any of this.
Of course there was. On his last day as Planning Minister he rubber stamped planning applications by Zane and Furbert, despite them having been turned down by the planning dept. It was done in secret, of course.
When it later came to light he was forced to resign over the affair. And then six months later, Cox reappointed him.
Where’s the ‘lies and distortion’ in that? It’s all fact.
What “lies”? That all looks like a factual rundown of what happened.
Jet Gate..yawn
What did he do wrong. There were a lot of accusations made by Marc Bean but we all know now that he’s a person that can’t be trusted and will say anything, absolutely anything to score points, even on the radio and apparently in emails to his ace-boys. SMH
How can JS be an elected official after those tweets ?
Tweets? Cannonier had to step down from being the Premier of this country for his scandal.
And Jamahl Simmons had to resign from his post as PLP Public Relations Officers in May 2014 after the Twittergate scandal, in which he tweeted “what would happen if we stopped shooting each other and started putting bullets in the heads of those who hate us and won’t hire us?”
Good to have Craig back in the Cabinet. He is a presence and an asset.
He’s an Asset to the PLP, as this is a political gift.
Bermudians have short memories, not that short!!
Too early to say if he’s an asset, after all he’s never held a Ministerial portfolio before.
In the words of a Bermudian… “Bie don’t make me Holla!!” Slim pickings ehh?!
I was angry when Cannonier resigned because of his actions because I didn’t expect that from him or this new team but to put him back in with capital projects. What’s going on? Is this payback for him keeping his mouth quiet? He’s done nothing to merit a cabinet position.
I too was angry when Craig resigned because I don’t think he should have as he didn’t do anything wrong, naïve maybe, but not wrong. His resigning only ended up making things worse.
Wayne Scott. Perfect choice for continued failure…………………….
We need some new folk to step up and participate in politics in Bermuda. The current crop just isn’t working on both sides of the house.
Same thing is said every year, year after yer, decade after decade.
Get used to it.
This is indeed a farce.. Just when I began to put some belief in this Government they go and do something so ridiculous.. Moving MP Scott was a bad idea, I really liked him in that post as although I am not a supporter of the OBA I applaud his passion and commitment and I think he was doing a great job. I don’t Minister Pamplin is the right personality for that Ministry, but I may be wrong.. Now the big issue,, Graig Cannonier???? Really Dunkley?? I mean really??? This is just crazy.. The guy is not up to scratch, how long are you going to continue to nonsense.. The guy was disgraced as the Premier less then a year ago.. Why not give it to Mrs Scott or Mr. Brangman.. I don’t even know what to say anymore..
Like seriously…. Wayne Scott. He’s in my area and he can’t even stick to putting up a mirror on the roadside. Education NEEDS someone passionate and who is willing to go above and beyond. Not someone looking for a paycheck. Is this some sick joke???
So you have a former premier who resigned under allegations of mishandling finances and other underhanded things reinstated to the cabinet in the portfolio of Works and Engineering? What is really going on Michael Dunkley?
Port Royal, Berkley, Heritage Wharf…those were mishandling of public finances. Wake up people
Are you concerned about spilled milk or milk that is spilling.
Mutual Respect can’t see the forest for the trees.
He’s to worried about the PLP to even begin to fathom about the issues with the OBA.
Thats right MR. Don’t look there. Look over here. All of those millions of taxpayer money that are unaccounted for don’t matter. Like it never happened. That was in the past. Forget the past like it didn’t happen.
Mishandling of what finances? It sure was not the public money. It was private OBA money. For the concern of OBA members & OBA members only.
Were you as concerned as this when Roban resigned for giving secret inside planning approvals to two other PLP cabinet ministers, and then was appointed as a minister 6 months later?
Or weren’t you ‘watching’ then?
I thought the PLP where bad on decisions but wow. Let me sit back and sip my tea.
Maybe they should consider setting up Education like they did the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA). This way it might get the serious dedication and consistent attention that something of utmost importance truly needs. Just a thought… sad it always seems to end up as a low priority….
Dont forget Public Works was finally getting some continuity under Pamplin and now another minister switch? Come on! Was the thought that Cannonier would be able to facilitate AC and airport developments?
Pamplin was cutting the mustard in Public Works
Well at least she got her roof done in time.
This is good news. Craig is an honest, decent and hard working individual or man a mistake. I think the only thing he could ever be accused of, at best, was being naïve. All the accusations from the likes of Marc Bean ended up in nothing but hot air and he has since been proven to be a liar (“I did not say those things” “I was set up”) when he went on the Sherri Simmons show only to then email his ace boys the truth. Craig is a great choice to be Minister of Public Works
Mutual Respect,
You just said the Craig is Honest??
Do you not remember his resignation speech?
“I accept there was a failure over time to be completely transparent.” – Craig Cannonier
Come on now, this looks bad and smells worse!
The worst he can be accused of is naivety
The least you can be accused of is STUPIDITY.
Surrogate scapegoat reparation.
Off the top of my head this is all bull****
New Ministers. What are they going to do-(think about it).
Like Crockwell and his speed cameras.
Can’t wait for the PLP to jump on this.
Gonna be a wild ride with Gibbons sailing to leeward and being a poster bouy instead of doing what his ‘Port/Staboard’ folio is.
Two Premiers. Numerous cabinet shuffles.
Any freeking dedicated oba’s up on the hill?
Burp Burp Burt……………………………………
Can Mr. Cannonier get the trash to be collected? It is disgusting to see it pile up. What is the excuse for W&E not collecting the trash in the Eastern parishes?
Nothing to do with Craig.
Government workers are responsible.
Period.
Oh how the tides have changed, and when P.L.P was in it was the Ministers responsibility.
Ya in a glass house and you threw a LOT of stones.
LMFAO
I guess politics will be politics so the personal attacks are no surprise. What I find interesting is that those who are most critical are not prepared to come behind their computers and make the sacrifice to run for elected office and be a leader. Doing this for a paycheck? What a joke!! Do you really know what a Minister’s salary is? Nothing to brag about. What Ministers Scott and Cannonier need is support and encouragement from all of us. These are tough and pressurized ministries and their success will benefit all of Bermuda. That to me is the wise approach but it wouldn’t be politics would it?
And what’s this nonesence about the OBA Ministers just “thinking about stuff”? Really? What about the creation of the Bermuda Tourism Authority; amending the Human Rights Act to protect all residents (PLP thought about that for a long time); passing the Casino Legislation; winning the America’s Cup; reducing our deficit and getting Hotel Developments started? The OBA has done more in 2 years and under difficult circumstances, which was created by the former Government, than that Government did in 14 years! As the Premier says, “come on man”!
PLP screwed up education big time and now you want to ridicule the OBA for trying to correct their screw up. The trouble with the PLP is they dont have anybody with a proper education to be the minister of education, nor finance for that matter. Dame Jennifer!!!!!!Paula Cog Cox!!!!!!
Sadly mistaken, Lizard -
PLP did not screw up education. the education system was clearly screwed up by the UBP who decided on changing the system to the failed middle school concept. Your comment shows that you just don’t know, or understand.
The group who changed to the middle school concept included Jennifer Smith. And if they didn’t agree with it, the PLP had 14 years to change it back, but didn’t. They didn’t even mention it.
@serengeti pls tell me after changing to the mega schools etc. how the PLP were supposed to just change it back…do you really think it could have been that easy?!! smh
In 14 years? Spending billions of dollars? They never even thought about it. Too busy making sure the overseas consultants got paid.
@lizard so sorry mate you got that all wrong. Education got screwed up big time when the UBP decided to change the school system into mega schools. Please note there was nothing wrong with the system as it was! Continue on with your rubbish….
With student bodies of approx 500 students, Berkeley and Cedarbridge are hardly “mega” schools.
I agree that the public education system is not working as it should but the issues do not start at middle school. Many of the primary schools on the island are not functioning well.
“Social” promotion through grades when children are not at their grade level in basic numeracy and literacy is one of the biggest issues. By the time these kids get to 8/9 they cannot keep up and this sparks a whole slew of other issues as they become disengaged from learning. By the time they get to middle school, they have lost interest.
The system needs to be addressed from the bottom up !
So with cabinet increased again, is that an additional 110K to be paid out of the kitty?
He should have gone further with the shuffle and put Jeanne Atherden as Min of Finance, because Bob seems to have no clue what he is doing.
Huh? Completely disagree
Interesting how Burt now wants to get in on the OBA act, now that jobs and investment are returning.
Where was all this noise when the report on Port Royal came out?
Did you forget? You’re the one that made all the noise! Now to be fair, you need to make noise about the ridiculousness of the OBA right now.
God help us!
yeah, the fact that we have had dozens of education ministers is the reason why we have children to single parents, sit them in front of a TV all night, don’t read to them from birth, let them listen to inappropriate music and TV, swear around them, have their other parent visit for three hours on a saturday, only to argue in front of them about how he/she is a deadbeat, abuse drugs and alcohol around them, tell them to be a man (when they are 6) etc. etc.
keep telling yourselves the education minister is the reason public school is how it is…
Totally agree with Starting point.
The problem is they do not learn from their mistakes and end up having more children they can not afford and the cycle continues.
Nail hit on the head!
Did you ever. People are quick to blame Gov, Ministers etc for their children’s lack of education but are they sitting with their children night after night when they do their homework? Are the babby daddy’s even paying to support their own kids? Are the mama’s stopping at one baby if they can’t afford another?
“keep telling yourselves the education minister is the reason public school is how it is…”
It was all the Education Ministers fault under the PLP Gov’t, now its everything else? hmmm. Don’t get me wrong, I actually agree with you 100%, but when did this eppiphany come about? Dec 2012?
Wow this is a weird move. What’s up with Kenny Bascome doesn’t he deserve something. Public works is the largest ministry, let’s hope he has a good PS. And by the way can we please have the trash picked up twice a week thats what I pay taxes for.
I hope someone fixes the road congestions (Palmetto Road, Tennis Stadium oneway and now starting Blackwatch Pass round about) This is causing major delays in the morning!
Starting Point says:
January 15, 2015
yeah, the fact that we have had dozens of education ministers is the reason why we have children to single parents, sit them in front of a TV all night, don’t read to them from birth, let them listen to inappropriate music and TV, swear around them, have their other parent visit for three hours on a saturday, only to argue in front of them about how he/she is a deadbeat, abuse drugs and alcohol around them, tell them to be a man (when they are 6) etc. etc.
keep telling yourselves the education minister is the reason public school is how it is…
It’s true some do blame the government it deflects from their poor performance as parents and helps them to digest a bad conscience.Your puzzled later on in life when your child makes it out of such a toxic enviorment why they love you but don’t respect you.
SAGE Commission.
Reduce the size of Cabinet.
Damn………………
Now we have Parsley and Thyme.
Can’t wait for Rosemary.
I need a rum.
You’re puzzled …not your
Three education ministers in two years, playing catch-up.
What happen to Dale Jackson and Donte Hunte? No work for them or they gotta wait for the 2,000 now 4,000 jobs?
Can’t wait for Furby to cross the floor again.
Once Americas Cup is up and running in the next year he will slip into the wake and become…….yes….yes….wait for it……..
Minister of Reefs and Wrecks.
There is a very high chance that he will !!!
PLP losers can complain about OBA all they want. But until the OBA does something like flying suspected terrorists in overnight in secret, I’m still going to support them.
Well lookie here! All the OBAers scattering like roaches in the light… Then again there’s always a few dumb roaches that sick to the plan (See Above)
Dumb roaches?
If any PLP supporter was labeled as such you and your ilk would have a seizure.
You guys hatred and double standards are absolutely nauseating and part of our problem.
Hatred?? Works both ways sir,, Look at the posts of Kangocar and Hmmmm and navin johnson and then come back and we can talk about hate..
but I have to say that the comment about roaches was bad taste and distracting to the matter at hand..
The PLP expects so much more of the OBA. So much more. The electorate are supposed to forget all of the shenanagans of the PLP. “That was in the past” is the cry today. “Forget the past”. The PLP would like the electorate to forget what they did & how they did it. Millions upon millions are unaccounted for. Contracts went over budget left, right & center, but that is OK. That was in the past.
The OBA is supposed to be squeaky clean & some sort miracle workers who can instantly fix the 14 year PLP rampage of Bermuda finances.
Well, no, the OBA is not squeaky clean. They are not magical financial miracle workers either. Some of them are very new to politics. CC is one of the newbs. Straight off being placed as Premier was not a great idea.
Lets see what he does as Minister of W&E (Waste & Expense). At least he has experience as a successful businessman. That says much more than some of the previous Ministers who had zero experience in running a business.
I find it most interesting that Wayne Scott was the best that they can do for our children. This must be a joke. What do they owe him other than the fact that he, crock well, and cannonier were among the black UBP defectors who created the OBA. He was all about photo opportunities of himself in the last position. He cannot lead! HE does not engender the respect of those beneath him. Now don’t get me wrong. He unlike many know is a very bright boy. He did well in high school at least. Yet that is not the problem here. He lacks experience as a Minister and he lacks commanding credentials academically and he lacks any track record of leadership in the public or private sector. Ministerial appointments should be made with more care and closer scrutiny. I understand that there are only so many people that could have been chosen from. Yet I feel that Wayne should have been retired to the back bench to observe more instead of brought forward to education our most precious portfolio yet.
Pam who is a fighter with experience and with much to offer should have taken education. She is very intelligent, well educated has leadership experience in the public and private sector and is a no nonsense woman who people respect in our community. We need better for our children and this was absolutely not it!
My parting note however is this: Education’s pathetic outcomes are more a reflection of the social dysfunction in the homes of the children and the moral morass in certain segments of the community then it has to do with the teacher, principal or the minister. We need to be honest about it. Bermuda is failing at the kitchen table where we should be doing our homework. It is not so much on the cricket pitch, foot ball field or classroom. After all the first school is the home.
i would greatly appreciate if the the Premier would give the public an overview of why he chose these individuals for the posts. speculation is rife.
why was Ms. Gordon Pamplin moved?…was it a case where the tail is wagging the dog and the W&E folks are working when they feel like it with no regards to schedules ie. uncollected trash? Would a big man be more suitable for the role?
why was Mr Scott moved to Ministry – is it a caretaker’s role so that when the AC35 is all done, Dr. Grant can resume the post?
was Ms. Gordon Pamplin move to the less intensive and problematic ministry so that she can be mobilised readily to shut down the opposition with her tenacity and firm grip of the facts?
some insight of the decision making process would be helpful.
What the hell is Dunkley thinking? A former leader who is still schrouded in contraversey with many unanswered questions and with a police investigation still ongoing. In my view, Cannonier should have not even been considered for any post until this whole Jet Gate SCANDLE was put to bed.
Bermuda wanted change from the PLP, we got it, but its not any better AT ALL. I voted for change with the OBA, guess what? they lost my family vote. Shame on you Dunkley. Stick to selling milk for heavens sake. We all are losing faith in the OBA. I bet if one of your dairy employees was suspected of wrong doing (stealing lets say) your going to give him a job until proven innocent? I very much doubt it. Whats the differance here?
Agree completely
EDUCATION
Bermuda is tinkering with an education system whose roots were created in the days of the enlightenment. We have an US & THEM Education system in Bermuda. Private versus Public. A small country like Bermuda should have ONE SYSTEM for all. All kids should have equal opportunity at school. FINLAND made that leap of faith 40 years ago. It has the best education system in the world. ALL teachers have masters degrees. All teachers are paid like the corporate world. Finland values teachers. The primary schools in the public system in Bermuda are doing quite well, but many kids (85% in some cases) leave public primary schools for the private system when the time comes….. WHY – because public education at the other levels is not what it should be. When teachers in the public system want to send their kids to the private system. HELLO? that says some teachers have little faith in their public schools.
What I find unacceptable is Bermuda has tinkered with education for decades and it seems that is to continue. The bloated administration still exists to this day. I really cannot accept that our kids best interests are at the forefront, when we keep the same structure in place in the 21st Century.
But lets not upset the apple cart right? I mean all those admin folks on tax payer wages would get vexed if the system was changed and jobs were cut in favor of hiring teachers with Masters Degrees that ran their own classrooms (like in Finland) without interference from the bureaucracy. Then again there is the Bermuda Union of Teachers. Would Mike Charles accept that all teachers would have to have a minimum of a masters degree? It is one messy quagmire fraught with the dance between politics and unions. Some say it is a graveyard post in politics.
Wayne Scott – you have been thrown to the wolves. Good luck mate. I hope our kids and Bermuda’s future are put top of mind instead of keeping jobs for the same old same old.
FINLAND made a BOLD decision to make all schools in that country PUBLIC.
If the private system is working so much better in Bermuda versus the public system, do we abolish public education and privatize all the schools?
That is hardly likely. Not when adults come before the kids !!
The Ride the Wave blog offers many views on education, arts & music. We live in a world where the biggest pedagogic changes in the past 1000 years have taken place in the past ten years. Bermuda is getting left behind in a world that is changing and evolving at the speed of digital. Indeed everything Bermuda is doing in education may well be verging on the obsolete, but that is a matter for further enlightenment !
http://ridethewavefoundation.blogspot.ca/
Some good points here, but I don’t think 85% of students leave the public schools for private.
@watching…please don’t get hung up on exact percentages. Those that can afford to send their children to private school after public primary education will normally do so.
the simple thing is this – the Bermuda governmental Ministry of Education needs to study the success fsctors of the Private schools and implement them into the Public school system. i can you assure you, however the one major success factor which separates Private from Public is PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT.
until there is a major improvement in that area within the Public schools, the Public school results will always be dismal compared to the Private schools. When children are coming to school hungry, without breakfast and lunch, with the social challenges that some of them go through, the playing field will not be level in terms of performance.
finally the Ministry of Education needs to be outsourced to an Authority to ensure that the goals, long-term strategies remain in place irrespective of successive governments. our children deserve an education system that does not include a revolving ministerial door.