Renee Webb To Serve In New Brussels Office

January 25, 2019

[Updated] Premier David Burt officially opened Bermuda’s new Overseas Office in Brussels, and announced that former Cabinet Minister Renee Webb will serve as the Brussels representative.

The Premier welcomed the guests and said: “We are excited to be here in the heart of the European Union to deepen the relationships between the Government of Bermuda, The European Union Institutions, and member states.

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“This new office will allow for us to increase the engagement not only with EU institutions but also with business located in Europe who want to learn more about our unique market, explore the advantages of doing business in Bermuda and more importantly those that want to invest in our economy.

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“Bermuda has a long history of constructive engagement with the European Union, which is crystalized by the fact that we are one of but a handful of jurisdictions that have EU Solvency 2 Equivalence.

“The past year has witnessed constructive engagement on the issue of economic substance, which culminated in Bermuda passing into law the Economic Substance Act 2018.

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“This important piece of legislation addressed economic substance concerns raised by the European Union’s Code of Conduct Group,” Premier Burt added.

“We are confident that this legislation meets the criteria necessary to keep Bermuda off any list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions – and re-affirms the positive relationship between Bermuda and the EU.

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“But what the engagement has also proven is the need to have constant engagement with the EU and not just shuttle diplomacy. I am pleased to announce that the Hon. Renee Webb, Former Minister of the Government of Bermuda will serve as our Brussels representative.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in European Affairs and I am confident she will accomplish the goal of deepening ties. Additionally, through our internship programme a Bermudian young person will have an opportunity to shadow the Ms. Webb here in Brussels, thus gaining invaluable experience on the world stage.

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“As we continue our efforts to protect and strengthen Bermuda’s economy and drive economic growth, I am sure our presence here will do just that. We are looking forward to the added value our Brussels office will provide.”

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The Premier was joined by the Minister of National Security Wayne Caines, Ms. Renee Webb, Roland [Andy] Burrows, Chief Executive Officer of the Bermuda Business Development Agency [BDA], Ms. Kimberley Durrant, Bermuda Government, UK Representative and Ms. Sylvia Millot Head of Development Corporation Unit with responsibility for Overseas Countries and Territories within the European Commission.

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Update Jan 26, 6.20pm: The Government said, “Ms. Webb’s salary is $156,864.00 for her one year contract. The office space is a modern, shared services rental facility,” and they provided this link.

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Comments (52)

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  1. dondererd says:

    I like Renee but what are her qualifications for this? She has been out of Government for years and years (also, what is her salary – and staff?)

    • BermudaRat says:

      Agree dondererd (your name here is the best ever!)

      People WANT to know Webb’s salary, office costs, staff let alone her travel costs.
      Bermudians are getting restless with all the $$$$ being spent. Every day we hear of more and more government spending like drunken sailors. Just wait for next month….the Budget taxes will have such an impact on all of us who are not in Government or the Civil Service. We shall wish we could have a nice flat in Brussels with a foreign bank account,bus services,trash collection and schools that could educate our upcoming generations.Alas!

    • sandgrownan says:

      None. She speaks Italian I think. That’s about it.

      • Miss CC says:

        She speaks French, I beleive. but other than that, what qualifications does she have?

        • Paul says:

          I speak french and spanish,do I qualify for the job ? where was it advertised ?

    • Grizz says:

      So hold on; being out of Government for years makes you unqualified? Please stop with the BS because all you had to do was google her name; doesn’t google tell you everything? Renee Webb is not some dumb bunny; please do your research

      • Miss CC says:

        she certainly is not a dumb bunny which why you need to ask your self why doesn’t she get a job where she lives? in stead, she KEEPS COMING back to the Bermudian tax payer (she doesn’t live in bda so pays no or minminal tax probly just to keep her vote reg’d) to pay HER SALARY!

  2. somuchless says:

    when i grow up i wanna grow some wings like burt and crew. They surly know how to fly around and use up the people’s money.

  3. WSP says:

    Why is Caines there,his ministry has nothing to do with the EU.More money wasted on free trips,this is becoming ridiculous now.

    • eyes wide open says:

      he went looking for more Titty Milk!
      (hope some girl reports him if he does).

      • Rockfish#1and#2 says:

        One wonders what those people are thinking and saying about Minister Titty Milk, not sure why Burt would take him overseas after the embarrassment he caused in the UK.

        • sandgrownan says:

          They aren’t saying anything, because he’s a nobody. They don’t care.

    • I cant says:

      Honestly, Minister Caines was there in his own dime on a family trip. You people make me sick.

  4. Angus says:

    Saw was coming from the day they announced opening an office in Brussels. The role has always been hers from day one.

  5. Trump supporter says:

    Thanks voters.

  6. fFS says:

    Really? This island is beyond broke!! There’s no money! And yet they want to tax us up the ying yang! Bermuda is so done for. Keep spending money you don’t have PLP!! Keep making sure all your Friday’s families are making huge salaries!

  7. Acegurl says:

    Here we go! I missed that ad in the media. Must be on the Job Board. Blatant cronyism there are people in this community who are educated and more qualified for this position. No wonder young professionals are so despondent about lack of opportunities in the job market. Why would the government not set the standards? Well I guess they just did, only not in the best interests of the residents.

  8. Black Panther says:

    Ms. Webb is undoubtedly the best Bermudian to fill that role with her extensive international business experience and deep familiarity with Europe and the current geo political environment.

    An excellent choice.

    • Question says:

      How many European languages does she speak?
      What is her background in cross border trade?

      • Merrick says:

        She does speak French, fairly well… but otherwise wholly incompetent and not fit for purpose. This is ludicrous.

      • Ouro Preto says:

        English, French, and…. Arabic (Non-European, but still useful- no?)
        ” She completed Post Graduate studies in Humanitarian Law at the Institute of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, and has a degree in French Language and Civilization from The Sorbonne, in Paris.”

        Having visited Brussels myself, which I found to be mainly Francophone (with Dutch and Flemish also spoken)
        who better a person to have chosen for the role.

        Save me the trouble- use Google yourself next time.

        • Question says:

          So nothing when it comex to cross border trade then.

      • Playstation says:

        English,some French and a whole heap of Rubbish.

      • Agenda says:

        Former MP Webb speaks French, which helps in Brussels. You will recall she also led the PLP Administration’s modernization of telecoms industry which is why you can now choose between more than one provider (cell, internet, international calls)…..oh I forgot, your contemporary history is lacking because you are still pinching yourself silly about leaving London on £45,000 per year (before deductions) + the tube, before tax and now getting USD$150,000 + your housing allowance to be an AVP/underwriter………remember to charge your Oyster Card after BREXIT.

        make your point by being honest, you would prefer an expat from Quebec represent you in Brussels right?

        • Question says:

          So someone asks a couple of legitimate questions, and that triggers some your entitled toxic racist mansplaining. Interesting.

        • question says:

          Interesting that you would respond to two reasonable questions by coming back with aggressive racist toxic mansplaining. Just about the only thing some PLP people believe in is that you hate foreigners. Particularly if they look a certain way.

    • Rockfish#1and#2 says:

      Webb will forever be remembered for giving the Stonington property to a South Shore hotel owner.

      • Toodle-oo says:

        And the ‘Do you know who I am ?’ remark in a cop’s face .

    • Mark says:

      Winnie the Pooh would be a better choice. She’s about as qualified as an old shoe.

    • Black Panther says:

      I also forgot to mention that her educational background also makes her the best choice for this critically important position.

  9. JohnBoy says:

    Can someone explain why Min Caines is there?

    • eyes wide open says:

      European titty milk.

    • He is our best export says:

      Laughable, debasing, childish behavior while traveling on tax payers hard earned money

      Bring de titty milk for all!!

    • legalgal says:

      Doing Davos?!

  10. Exactly this says:

    Such a great move from the Progressive Labor Party! We can now cater to all the Bermudians who live and work in brussels! I know I was looking at a few jobs out there! Now follow through with the plan to implement more taxes on every hard working Bermudian so we can open even more offices where thousands of Bermudian stay! Morocco. Tibet. Japan.

    • eyes wide open says:

      don’t forget Leeds in England where 100′s of Bermudians have been ‘hidden’ at our expense.

  11. kevin says:

    25- 11
    You will pay
    thanks
    another Friends and family programme with no up …just pay …pay …pay
    Stevie wonder could have seen this type of plp waste coming

    love it green machine spending Bermuda future away …they did it for 16 years every year they governed when will you all give up on the racial crap and vote for your life in bermuda

  12. Jane says:

    I’m PLP but this is absurd. I do remember Renee singlehandedly wrecking years of work at tourism – little episodes like the function in NY where she managed to just about insult everybody, then not too much later getting up and calling the musicians at the Dockyard Jazz thing that pulled a lot of visitors C list. This is genuinely stupid Premier and it is going come back and bite you right up the you know where… The lady is a major liability.

  13. Coffee says:

    All down to Brexit… We now have to look after our own affairs in the European Union.

    • Miss CC says:

      what affairs are those? please tell me what intl trade deals we have with the EU? Companies come here to get away from the EU. If a company wants to maintain another office in the EU that is THEIR problem, not Bermuda Inc.

  14. Philip says:

    We should get a good deal on brussel sprouts now

    • Mark says:

      Yep. Clown’s driving the carnival bus. Bet you the office always opens late like true Bermuda time.

  15. Unbelievable says:

    This is a waste of time and money. We already have a representative for anything foreign related. It’s called the British Foreign Office……

    oh wait….oh now I get it. Hahah

  16. Concerned Bermudian says:

    Vote no confidence in PLP!!! Stop wasting our money on luxuries and help your starving, struggling people!!!! Where are the marchers now!!!???? NO CONFIDENCE!!!

    • Mark says:

      They are all queing up for koolaid.

    • Bie you drinking the milk says:

      If you think my bies are going to March on the PLP. Not on our own people!

  17. Concerned Bermudian says:

    Boycott paying taxes

    • Toodle-oo says:

      Regretfully the only two that I can think of that one can outright refuse to pay , but not without repercussions , are payroll tax and land tax . And how many people are in that position ? The way our tax structure is it’s impossible to not pay !

  18. Sister Nancy says:

    Curtis is going to burn each one of us with additional taxes. Now they turn around and open this office…..Come on Tweed and crew you need to march on this nonesense. They are already spending the increased taxes yet they have not started to collect yet. Right on PLP keep burnin you people as long as it’s not OBA doing it to you it’s okay…….. Carry on PLP your doing a fantastic job….

  19. Let them drink says:

    Titty Milk.

    National embarrassment.

  20. Paul says:

    I wonder if Dame Jennifer will be offered a position in Gov..

  21. Fish-Pot says:

    Why we need an office out there? All these new PLP commercials saying they are building a fairer and better Bermuda. Like HELL, this new Government is BROKEN. They aint got clue one, But hang on, the Airport is now a good idea. And Burt is So Smart he thinks Crypto currency is SO Great. No one in their right mind would invest in a glorified Pyramid Scheme.

    WE NEED TO MARCH AND THAT WILL BE SOON!!!!!!!!

    Get out of the way Tweed and Rent a Crowd, We are coming in…!!!!