Minister Outerbridge ‘Humbled’ By Appointment
“As the new Minister for Social Development and Sports, I could not be more humbled by the appointment,” Minister Nandi Outerbridge said today, adding that she will do her “utmost to serve the people.”
This follows after Premier Michael Dunkley announced changes to Cabinet earlier today, with Wayne Scott stepping down from Cabinet and being replaced by Cole Simons as Education Minister, while Nandi Outerbridge was appointed the new Minister for Social Development & Sport.
In addition, Sylvan Richards is the new Environment & Planning Minister, while Leah Scott will be the Junior Minister of Education, with all other Ministers remaining the same.
“I first want to thank the Premier for giving me this opportunity to serve in Cabinet,” Minister Outerbridge said.
“Throughout my time as a Member of Parliament in Government, the Premier has provided encouragement, support and wise counsel, and it has been appreciated not just by me, but my family and colleagues.
“I also want to use this occasion to express my appreciation for the support extended to me by all of my colleagues.
“This is a big step for me and I understand the responsibility and expectations to perform for the welfare of others.
“I say this because I have watched my colleagues working hard to live up to the meaning and demands of public service. It is not an easy business. The path to good results is never straight, but time and again I have watched them persevere to achieve them.
“I will also add that I am a part of a generation who are solution-driven and love to see results. In recent years, we have seen young people thrive in the workplace; we have seen younger presidents step forward for community clubs, younger persons move up the corporate ladder and, in a challenging economic climate, we have seen young entrepreneurs thrive and setup successful businesses.
“In terms of service, I bring to the table my life’s experiences and understanding as a young black Bermudian and a former athlete who wants a future with no ceilings, as a mother who wants a safe Bermuda that allows our children to flourish and as the elected member for St. George’s who wants the Old Town to continue to thrive and grow. I intend to apply all that I am to the job.
“As the new Minister for Social Development and Sports, I could not be more humbled by the appointment. Since my appointment as Junior Minister, I have had a close up view of the challenges and opportunities before the Ministry. I stand ready to engage all of Bermuda but particularly our younger generation. Without us there is no future.
“I intend to keep my mission simple, and that is to exercise the mandate of the Ministry to help people wherever we can, as directly as we can, using the resources at our disposal.
“Finally, thank you again, Premier, for having the confidence in me; thank you for giving this young Bermudian a seat at the table. This is an awesome responsibility and I will do my utmost to serve the people and to justify your faith in me.”
Minister Outerbridge was elected in the 2012 General Election, and represents St. George’s West.
You should be and feel humbled. I am too. Is this a cheap pre-Election trick to make the voters fall for the usual optics? Is Donte Hunt qualified to be a Minister? Is Michael Branco? Or Toni Daniels?
I’m sorry these are very disappointing choices. Mandy lacks passion and relevant time to be even considered seriously. I don’t understand why a more mature female lawyer as in Leah Scott was again over looked for a Ministerial role. Mandy should have been given more time as junior minister. Sylvan Richards has simply been far too invisible as my constituency MP (haven’t seen him since pre-election)
She should have had a few minutes to read over her oath prior to going on camera. Or she should have taken public speech classes and reading classes before hand.
This has to be a joke.
What a nice parting gift. Enjoy while it lasts because you only have a few months before your political career is over. Sports minister?? What a joke!!