Mr Fergusson’s last overseas posting was as the British High Commissioner to New Zealand and Samoa and Governor of Pitcairn, and he also served as Consul-General in Boston. The 56-year-old diplomat recently recuperated from an attack in London last month which resulted in the loss of sight in his left eye.

Several dignitaries were at the airport to greet Mr Fergusson including Deputy Governor David Arkley, Premier Paula Cox, Chief Justice Ian Kawaley, Leader of the Opposition Craig Cannonier, Cabinet Secretary Donald Scott, Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment Lt. Col. Brian Gonsalves, Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva and Airport General Manager Aaron Adderley.

Tomorrow morning Mr. Fergusson will be officially become Bermuda’s Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Bermuda Regiment at a Swearing-in Parade on the grounds of the Cabinet Office beginning at 11:00am.

BIU President Chris Furbert also addressed the issue at a press conference he held over the KFC matter, saying that the bus operators will be voting to ratify the new schedule. The meeting was originally scheduled for this Friday, however Mr Furbert said that upon request from the Minister it was changed to Tuesday.

Minister Burgess & BIU President Chris Furbert speaking on the topic:

“I am happy to confirm that Delta Airlines shall introduce daily, non-stop service to Bermuda from New York’s La Guardia Airport, beginning April 7th, 2013,” said Minister Burgess.

“The introduction of the La Guardia service means that Bermuda will have four daily, non-stop flights from the New York area during the 2013 peak season, up from the three that we have at present, thereby increasing the number of daily available seats from 450 to approximately 600.”

“Concerning the details of the new flight, the service commences April 7, 2013 using a 160-seat Boeing 737 aircraft. It departs LaGuardia at 9:55am arrives in Bermuda at 1:05pm; then departs Bermuda at 2:05pm and arrives back in LaGuardia at 3:40pm.”

There is no revenue guarantee agreement in place for the LaGuardia service the Minister said, however the Department of Tourism will “look at ways to identify the most effective marketing support to ensure the success of the flight.”

The Minister’s full statement follows below:

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“The United States and Bermuda share a long history of partnership built on mutual interest and respect, rooted in the history of our people-to-people ties dating back over four hundred years.

“This is a time to reflect on Bermuda’s rich history and promising future.

“As you celebrate your national day with family, friends, and loved ones, know that the United States stands with you as a committed partner joined by our common bonds of friendship and family.

“I wish all Bermudians a safe and happy holiday and continued peace and prosperity in the coming year,” concluded Mrs Clinton.

The men’s defending champion Chris Estwanik will be in the field, while the defending women’s champion Deon Breary is unable to compete this year due to injury.

Chris Estwanik will wear the number two bib, while Sean Trott will wear number 4, the number 6 will be worn by Jay Donawa, while the number 15 will be worn by Stephen Allen, Gideon Kigotho will wear 17.

In the Ladies Field, Ashley Estwanik will sport the number 24, Jennifer Alen will wear 29, Joanna Shillington’s 2012 number will be 515, Victoria Fiddick will wear 22, while 23 will be worn by Karen Smith.

Others in the field include top junior runner Juma Mouchette, winter.Olympian Tucker.Murphy, boxing champion Teresa Perozzi, Minister Patrice Minors, Tokio Re CEO Tatsuhiko Hoshina and many more.

Arguably the most popular road racing event of the year, the Bermuda Day Half Marathon initially began on in 1909 with a mere 25 participants.

The full list of runners is below, click ‘Fullscreen’ for greater clarity:

“The mission of the Department is to improve individuals’ sense of belonging to the Bermuda community through selected community-based activities, and to foster and develop a greater sense for and value of Bermuda’s culture and traditions so as to enhance our quality of life and to create unity and pride in our identity as a people,” said Minister Minors.

“We believe the Proud to Be Bermudian message fits quite well into our overall awareness objectives. Therefore, starting next month, we will incorporate Proud to Be Bermudian into aspects of our Ministry’s signature events starting with events sponsored by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.”

“Our intent is simply to engender pride among our people and cause them to pause if only for a moment to really ask themselves what it is about them that makes them Proud to Be Bermudian,” said the Minister.

Minister Minors full statement follows below:

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“Patrol units assisted by their colleagues from the Bermuda Reserve Police, will be paying particular attention to incidents of public disorder, weapons possession and public drug misuse,” Acting Superintendent Tracy Adams said.

“Certainly, those persons who are not deterred by the presence of the police and commit these offences can expect to be promptly arrested and delivered to the courts.”

In addition full compliment of officers from the Marine Unit — supplemented by the Bermuda Reserve Police and the Bermuda Regiment — will be on patrol in our waters to deal with marine incidents.

Acting Superintendent Tracy Adams full statement follows below:

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Jeff M. Clements, currently Head of U.S. Property and Specialty underwriting at Validus Re has been appointed Chief Underwriting Officer. Paul D. Manders, currently Executive Vice President of Marine Underwriting at Validus Re will also now be Head of Specialty Underwriting.

Chris L. Silvester, currently Senior Vice President of U.S. Property Underwriting at Validus Re has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Head of U.S. Property Underwriting.

Ed Noonan, Chairman and CEO of Validus Holdings, Ltd, commented on the management changes: “We congratulate Kean Driscoll and his colleagues at Validus Re on their new roles.

“Kean, Jeff and Paul were part of the original underwriting team at the time we formed Validus in 2005 and were instrumental in merging cutting edge analytic expertise with underwriting excellence in building our reinsurance business.

“Chris joined us soon afterwards in 2006 and has been instrumental in shaping our North American portfolio and market position. We are fortunate to have such a deep bench of talented executives.”

The promotions of Kean Driscoll, Jeff Clements and Paul Manders are subject to approval by the Bermuda Department of Immigration.

L-R: Senator Toni Daniels, Michael Branco, OBA Leader Craig Cannonier, Mr Simons, Jeanne Atherden:

Mr Simons, the son of former UBP Cabinet Minister Gerald Simons, works in the insurance industry at Arch Reinsurance, as well as serving as an officer in the Bermuda Regiment. He successfully completed courses at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and the Infantry Battle School at Brecon, in Wales

He went to school locally at West Pembroke Primary and Berkeley Institute, and spent three months in Zimbabwe as a volunteer with Mashambanzou Care Trust after finishing secondary school.

The 30-year-old attended Stanford University in California as a Bermuda Government scholar and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in chemical engineering.

OBA Leader Craig Cannonier is pictured below with Mr Simons:

Mr Simons said, “I am running in this election because the current Progressive Labour Party government has failed the very Bermudians who struggle the most. The government has not been careful with our money; their priorities have been misguided.

“I am impatient for change. However, I am not yet cynical about government, because I still believe in the transformative power of good policies, which can only come about through the democratic process. I am stepping up to offer voters a different choice.”

The seat is presently held by the PLP’s Wayne Perenchief who won 56.5% of the vote vs the UBP ‘s Austin Warner [39.64%] and Independent candidate Harold Darrell [3.09%] in 2007.

The OBA has rolled out 27 candidates thus far, with 9 remaining. The areas that the OBA has not yet announced candidates for are: C#34 Sandys South Central, C#32 Southampton West, C#29 Southampton East, C#20 Pembroke South West, C#18 Pembroke West Central, C#16 Pembroke East Central, C#14 Devonshire North West, C#8 Smith’s South and C#1 St. George’s North.

Mr Simons full statement follows below:

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Connor Astwood (Hotchkiss School), Mackenzie Cooper (Tabor Academy) and Alistair Hutchings (Milton Academy), all former Bermuda Optimist sailors [pictured below], battled each other on the Thames River in FJ dinghies.

Eight 3 boat teams were invited by virtue of regional qualifiers to sail for the NESSA title and the Fritz Mark Trophy. Wind was NE at 10 Knots, switching to SW at 10-12 knots for most of Saturday.

Tabor finished on top after Saturday’s double round robin with a record of 13 -1 with St. Georges School in a close second at 11 – 3. Next was Hotchkiss at 10 – 4 and Milton at 7 – 7. The top four teams earned the right to return for the Medal Round on Sunday, which included all the Bermudians.

Lighter winds prevailed on the second day but there were no major upsets on the water resulting in Tabor clinching the title (15 – 2), followed by St. Georges (14 – 3), Hotchkiss (11 – 6) and Milton (11 – 6).

Tabor and St George’s performance in the regatta earned them each a berth at the U.S. High School National Championships next weekend which will be sailed at MIT on the Charles River in Boston. The Tabor Academy “Seawolves” are currently the defending U.S. National Team Race Champions.

Mackenzie Cooper will have a chance to help defend Tabor’s NESSA title during his final year at Tabor next year. Connor Astwood is preparing to attend Boston University while Alistair Hutchings will be attending Sewanee, University of the South.

Since the origination of the Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association (BODA), Bermuda sailors have gone on to play key roles on U.S. high school and collegiate teams, helping their institutions win numerous regional and U.S. national titles.

Recent Olympic qualifiers Jesse and Zander Kirkland are also products of the BODA organization and were both team captains for Tabor Academy and later St. Mary’s College (Jesse) and Tufts University (Zander).

Minister Minors, who is the substantive Minister responsible for work permit matters, said, “I want to assure both the local and international business sectors that we are seeking to strike the right balance in these tough times between ensuring that companies are afforded the resources that they need, and ensuring that Bermudians that are available for employment obtain a job for which they are suitably qualified.

“I announced some weeks back that we are sensitive to the needs of our business organizations and in that respect, I did confirm that an internal Work Permit Policy review is underway – this would include the reorganisation of our work permit section.

“As a result of the review, there are number of initiatives that we are considering that we will share directly with relevant stakeholders. The recommendations, once approved by Cabinet will be included in the existing work permit policies.

“I think it’s also important to point out that we are taking steps to ensure that our business partners are supported. The public will be aware that the Incentives for Job Creators Act came into effect January 2012.

“Companies that have invested in Bermuda and Bermudians have been encouraged to apply for the benefits, which extends to concessions including having up to five senior executives exempt from work permit control.

“These executives can apply for a Permanent Resident’s Certificate once they meet the eligibility requirements. With regard to our 10-year Work Permit Policy, we can confirm that to date five ten-year work permit applications have been submitted.”

The Minister pointed out that eligibility criteria for the 10-year Work Permit has been revised and extended to include those working at the Head of the Department level within the international business sector.

Minister Minors concluded, “Overall while our first priority is to ensure that Bermudians are afforded employment, we are keen to create a climate that will help keep companies in Bermuda as partners in our Country’s long-term future.”

“Mix and mingle while we crack the bubbly for an exclusive make-up event, featuring an international Black|Up make-up artist, skilled in the dynamics of ethnic skin,” said the event promo.

“Learn which products best suit your skin type, how to disguise your flaws and the steps to put your best ‘Black|Up’ face forward. Call 441-295-0022 now to book your appointment for Tuesday, 22 May, 2012 and have the chance to win a raffle for up to $100.00 worth of Black|Up products.”

“The fact that employment in the International Business sector has been in decline since 2007 is borne out by the Chamber’s own research, and by job statistics kept by Government,” said Chamber President Ronnie Viera.

“There is no question that the growth of the local economy, and the number of jobs available to Bermudians, is directly correlated to the success of international business,” he added.

“The Chamber, which represents both the local and international business community, is clearly on record as supporting any measures which promote growth in this sector.”

As reported in the ABIR report – the seventh produced on the economic impact of large insurance and reinsurance companies with Bermuda operations – the five firms with historically the largest number of employees on the island have reduced their employment over the past four years by an average of 23%.

This trend translates into fewer jobs in Bermuda; lower tax revenues; less compounding economic activity from highly compensated executives; and fewer business travellers arriving on the island to use local hotels and restaurants.

In conclusion Mr. Viera noted; “The Chamber’s Economics Advisory Committee has conducted several presentations to its membership outlining the current economic situation and suggesting solutions. Key among these is immigration reform and the need to make the island more welcoming and attractive to international business and foreign investment overall.”

A statement released on behalf on the two groups said; “On 16 May 2012, both the T N Tatem Middle School Parent Teacher Association [TNT PTA] and the Victor Scott Primary School Parent Teacher Association [VS PTA] commenced joint legal proceedings for judicial review, in the Supreme Court, to challenge the recent decisions of the Commissioner of Education to change the respective principals at their schools.

“TNT PTA and VS PTA both hope that these legal proceedings will serve as a catalyst for the increased role of parents in the educational welfare of their children, and will serve to foster an improved relationship between those in the Ministry of Education and those who have the everyday responsibility of protecting the well-being of the younger members of their families.

TNT and Victor Scott students marching on Cabinet last month to protest the changes:

“At 11:00am on 22 May 2012, the first hearing in this matter will be held where the court will be asked to determine whether TNT PTA and VS PTA have leave to pursue the matter further.

“Furthermore, the court will be asked to suspend the Commissioner of Education’s decisions until a final, legal resolution is reached. Essentially, this would mean that the principals in question would not be moved unless, and until, it was determined by the court that TNT PTA’s and VS PTA’s combined stance was improperly held.

“At this preliminary hearing, TNT PTA and VS PTA will argue that the Commissioner of Education’s decisions are unlawful because they were made in circumstances not justified by the Education Act 1996.

“It will also be contended that the decisions are, in many respects, unreasonable. In addition, and of extreme importance, TNT PTA and VS PTA will say that the Ministry of Education had an obligation to consult with parents before making a decision of such wide-ranging potential consequence.”

The incident was alleged to have happened on May 18. Both defendants were given $1,000 bail with one surety and ordered to wear an Electronic Monitoring Device. They will re-appear next month.

The earthquake struck about 22 miles north of the city of Bologna in the northern Italian region of Emilia–Romagna on 20 May 2012 at 4:03am local time.

The death toll has risen to six, ABC reports, and the earthquake has left thousands of people homeless and reduced historic buildings in cities including Bologna and Verona to rubble.

EQECAT said that the “approximate insured losses from this earthquake at around €100 million ($127 million USD). Insured losses are unlikely to exceed the €200 million experienced in the M6.3 L’Aquila earthquake in 2009, owing to a lower magnitude and a smaller affected population.

“However, due to greater commercial activity in the vicinity of Sunday’s event, the magnitude of losses from the L’Aquila event represents a credible upper bound.”

“EQECAT estimates that losses from this event will have mostly affected older, more vulnerable unreinforced brick masonry buildings. Limited classes of more modern structures may also have experienced damage, as seen in the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake,” said a statement from EQECAT.

“The application of earthquake design codes to more modern structures, together with relatively modest earthquake insurance penetration, are expected to mitigate insured losses to around €100 million.”

“EQECAT’s current loss estimate contains a high degree of uncertainty and is subject to revision as more detailed information becomes available.

“Losses are based on a rough comparison to the 2009 M6.3 quake, which resulted in approximately €10 billion economic damage and €200 million insured losses. EQECAT has not currently estimated economic losses.”

Minister Glenn Blakeney attended the event and said, “We acknowledge and recognize that foster parents play a vital role in the community as they take-in children into their homes and nurture them during various types of difficult family challenges.”

“Foster Parents are the unsung heroes in this country. They get called by social workers during the midst of a crisis; they respond with enthusiasm and openness to the children that they are asked to take care of, Minister Blakeney continued.

“It is understood that foster parenting is not always an easy job; it is a special kind of parenting – one that transcends the basics of food and shelter.

“On behalf of the Ministry and the Bermuda Government, we want all of our foster families to know that we appreciate them, we salute them, and we have much gratitude for them.

“We hope that you are inspired and motivated to continue on as without you – many of our children will be at a significant loss.”

In conclusion the Minister said, “The Department continues to manage an average of 95 foster children and this would be absolutely impossible without the dedication and love provided by our valuable foster care families. We are here today to express a hearty Thank You to every one of you.”

Ryan and Steven Davidge powered D33 to victory in the Class, while Quincy Dowling finished second. Shane Furbert won the E Class with Henry Talbot and Howard Ascento winning the C Class. Racing in FB16 Mark and David Selley won the FB Class.

Click to enlarge photos:

Kaz Godfrey won the 7.8 Mile Distance with a time of 23:51.8, Matthew Olivera finished second clocking 24:21.2 and Zion Dowling clocked 24:29.1 to finish third.

Dominique Mayho won the 23.3 Miles Open race clocking 55:45.0, Mark Hatherley finished second with a time of 55:58.0 and Darren Glasford finished third with a time of 57:30.2.

Nicole Mitchell was the first Female finisher at the distance with a time of 1:00:02.2, she finished 6th overall, Laurie Orchard was the second Female finisher clocking 1:05:11.3 finishing 18th overall.

Full results below, click ‘Fullscreen’ for greater clarity:

A police spokesperson said, “Around 2am on Sunday May 20th, police on mobile patrol along Pender Road in Sandys noticed a car that was travelling erratically. Officers pursued the vehicle and caused it to stop along Malabar Road near the junction with Heydon Road.

“They approached the driver, a 28 year old Sandys man, who appeared to be intoxicated. He was arrested on suspicion of impaired driving.

“He later failed the alco-analyser test and was detained in police custody as a result. A court appearance is anticipated in due course.

“Around 4am on Saturday May 19th, police were on mobile patrol along Middle Road in Devonshire when they noticed a car travelling erratically. Officers pursued the vehicle and stopped it on Middle Road near the junction with Corkscrew Hill.

“They approached the driver, a 30 year old Smith’s man, who appeared to be intoxicated. He was arrested on suspicion of impaired driving and detained in police custody as a result. A court appearance is anticipated in due course.”

Over the weekend, police officers arrested 15 people for outstanding warrants. Officers also arrested six people on suspicion of impaired driving and conducted liquor license checks at various liquor licensed premises throughout the island.

The United Nations Pacific Regional Seminar on the implementation of the Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism in Quito, Ecuador takes place from 30 May to 1 June, 2012.

And it is anticipated that attending participants will assist the Special Committee to obtain the views of representatives of the Non Self-Governing Territories, in identifying policy approaches and practical ways that can be pursued in the UN decolonization process.

Minister Wilson said, “As the Special Committee attaches great importance to hearing the views of the representatives from each Territory, it is critical for Bermuda to be at the table of such an international event.

“The UN regards national sovereignty as one of the basic and fundamental human rights and it is intended that discussions at this month’s conference will assist the Special Committee in making a realistic analysis and evaluation of each Non-Self-Governing Territory.

“It will also canvass the ways in which the UN and the international community at large may enhance programmes of assistance to the Territories,” continued Minister Wilson.

The Attorney General’s Chambers noted that funding for the trip is being borne by the United Nations.

The tournament favourites did produce some respectable scores with defending champion Dwayne Pearman taking the 18 hole lead with a 71(+1).

Pearman was his always consistent self with a round of 2 birdies and 3 bogies, and managed to avoid the big numbers which plagued many a players’round today.

Chaka Desilva, the player picked to upset Pearman and Augustus, fired a 72(+2) to finish in second place. Had it not been for an unfortunate triple bogey on 18 could have been the well deserved leader. With an eagle and 3 birdies, Desilva was looking comfortable like breaking par until the lack of concentration cost him in the end.

Daniel Augustus fell behind early with bogeys on the first and second holes and scrambled well enough to finish with a 74(+4) for third place. Fourth place was senior Bobby Macronald followed by Paul Adams and Dwayne Gibson on 77(+7). The Championship continues tomorrow with the Champion being crowned on Wednesday after 54 holes.

The debate will be held in the Church Hall at the Heritage Worship Center, on Dundonald Street and is expected to last one hour. It will feature leading student debaters from the island’s schools discussing the motion, “This house believes that FutureCare is good enough”.

The aim of the debate is to increase public awareness of the FutureCare Plan. The event is free for the general public and light refreshments will be served.

A spokesperson said, “The event will be both educational and entertaining. Please join us for The FutureCare Debate – a vital dialogue on wide-reaching issues of national and strategic importance.”

Should you have any questions about the debate, or would like to confirm your attendance, please feel free to call the Department at: 278-8205 or: 295-9210.

The ratings reflect the substantial amount of support Top Layer receives from its co-owners, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (State Farm) (currently with an FSR of A++ [Superior] and an ICR of “aa+”) and Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. (RenRe) (currently with an FSR of A+ [Superior] and an ICR of “aa-”).

A statement said: “Since Top Layer’s inception in 1999, the company has generated outstanding operating results, which are due to the property catastrophe underwriting expertise of RenRe, combined with very few catastrophes significant enough to impact the programs written in Top Layer’s core markets.

“Top Layer’s business scope is limited to the assumption of high excess layers of non-U.S. property catastrophe risks underwritten on a global basis. The company experienced its first and second loss years in its history in 2010 and 2011, and it has performed in line with how it was designed.

“Top Layer maintains a modest amount of on-balance sheet capital relative to the high excess layers of property catastrophe risks it assumes. The company’s capital profile is rather unique from a qualitative and quantitative perspective, but fundamentally Top Layer offers clients credit security in the layers of a reinsurance program where credit security is paramount.

“Top Layer’s capitalization is enhanced through various contractual obligations, resulting in substantial capital support and reinsurance protection from State Farm and, to a much lesser degree, RenRe. The occurrence of losses will trigger capital calls for State Farm and RenRe to replenish Top Layer’s capital.

“Moreover, State Farm provides Top Layer with $3.9 billion excess of $100 million stop-loss reinsurance protection. This coverage is significantly larger than the aggregate exposures Top Layer undertakes in each of its geographic zones.

“A.M. Best acknowledges that Top Layer’s ratings are largely dependent upon the support it receives from State Farm and RenRe. A.M. Best monitors these companies on an ongoing basis and continues to assess how any developments may impact Top Layer’s ratings.”

Alberto is approximately 544 nautical miles west of Bermuda, and its closest point of approach to Bermuda within 72 hrs is forecast to be 350 nautical miles to the north-west at 11am tomorrow [May 23].

The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, and Alberto is the first pre-season tropical storm in the Atlantic to be named since Tropical Storm Ana in April 2003.

This is the first year on record that a tropical storm has formed in both the Atlantic and Pacific before the official start of their respective seasons, as the Pacific also experienced a pre-season storm with Tropical Storm Aletta forming in the East Pacific a day before the season’s May 15 start date.

Update 12.39pm: Alberto has dissipated further to a post-tropical cyclone, and the Bermuda Weather Service said that it is no longer a threat.

They found a two storey house on fire, and two firefighters in breathing apparatus went into the building and brought the fire under control. A bedroom sustained fire damage while the rest of the building suffered smoke, heat and structural damage.

No injuries were reported as no one appeared to be in the home at the time of the blaze. The cause of the fire is being investigated and arson has not been ruled out.

Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Lt. Wenda Roberts said, “In the early hours of Sunday morning [May 20th] at approximately 2:40am, Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service received a 911 call reporting a structural fire on Border Lane North, Pembroke.

“Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service responded with 3 appliances and 9 personnel. The first vehicle arrived on scene at 2:47am to find a two storey dwelling fully involved in fire.

“Two firefighters in breathing apparatus made entry to the upper level of the dwelling and quickly brought the fire under control. Although the fire was confined to a bedroom, the house suffered significant structural damage as well as heat and smoke damage to the upper level.

“No one was at home at the time of the fire, and thankfully there were no injuries. The matter is being thoroughly investigated at this time and arson has not been ruled out at this point.”

Island Hi Eatery said there will be no prices on the menu that night, and people are welcome to pay what amount they can. The offer is open on Wednesday [May 23] between 5pm – 9pm at Island Hi Eatery located on Parliament Street in Hamilton.

The parade will begin at 1.30pm at Bernard’s Park, and will move along Dutton Avenue, on to Marsh Folly Road and continue right through to the top of Cedar Avenue. The route will then follow a turn left on Church Street, followed by a right turn on to Court Street. The parade will then move along Front Street, up Queen Street and conclude at City Hall Car Park with final performances.

Groups in the parade include Bermuda Longriders, Bermuda Regiment, Somerset Brigade Band, H & H Gombeys, Ex-Artillery Elite Majorettes, Roots Gombeys, Bermuda Squad, No Limit Star Crew, Vasco Da Gama Club, T. N. Tatem Steelpan, Split Personality Dance Group, Sandys Middle School Showtime Drumline, Richardson Gombeys, Graffitti Dance Crew, Krazed Ego Dance Group, PCC Majorettes, Dragon Girl Dancers, PHC Majorettes and Drum Corp, Chewstick, St. George’s Original Dancerettes,  Places New Generation Gombeys, various floats and much more.

“It is important to remember that the unique legacy of our heritage has helped shape Bermuda into the successful Country it is today, and we want everyone to embrace it and be a part of this upcoming Bermuda Day holiday, because it’s a celebration of us as a people,” said Minister Minors.

Minister Minors full statement follows below:

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Mr. Higgins, who is American,  has been a Director, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of two large U.S. energy companies including: Sierra Pacific Resources (now NVEnergy) which serves most of Nevada and parts of California; AGL Resources, the parent company of Atlanta Gas Light; as well as President and Chief Operating Officer of Louisville Gas & Electric, in Kentucky.

Mr. Higgins has held a number of senior positions within the industry, including at Portland General Electric, in Oregon where Mr. Higgins was Senior Vice President, Generation and Transmission, and Vice President, Distribution. In the mid-1970’s Mr. Higgins served as a technical assistant at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Mr. Higgins is a Nuclear Engineer, having trained at the U.S. Naval Academy. He also attended Stanford University, Executive Programme at the Graduate School of Business, the Public Utility Executive Course at the University of Idaho and some business studies at George Washington University, Graduate School of Business.

In making the announcement, Ascendant Group Chairman, J. Michael Collier said, “We are very pleased to be welcoming an energy professional of Mr. Higgins calibre to our organisation. His 37-year career has primarily revolved around the utility industry, initially working in utility services, regulation and later in top management positions. Among his successes, Mr. Higgins has led companies through deregulation, mergers, acquisitions, repositioning and succession planning.

“At the end of 2010, the Ascendant Group Board of Directors initiated a long-range leadership and succession planning strategy. The Board of Directors also adopted a number of strategic initiatives developed under the leadership of now Senator A.L.Vincent Ingham.

“Mr. Higgins will be working with the executive and senior management teams to deliver the Group’s strategic initiatives, the focus of which is primarily to grow and diversify business units, manage policy and regulatory risks and ensure adequate financial and human resource organisational capacity, with emphasis on succession planning,” Mr. Collier said