Craig Cannonier Elected Leader of the BDA
Craig Cannonier has been elected as the first leader of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance [BDA]. This is the first time one of Bermuda’s political parties is not lead by a sitting Member of Parliament.
The BDA was launched in 2009 becoming the island’s third active political party. Their first party conference was held on February 20th at the Fairmont Southampton, which a reported 300 people attended.
Mr. Cannonier won by an overwhelming vote of 157-38 over his lone opponent Myron Piper.
Mr. Piper, a well known construction entrepreneur and education activist, had apparently previously submitted his name for consideration as a PLP candidate in 2007 but withdrew his name before the selection process got underway.
This is Mr. Cannonier first foray into politics. The East End based businessman presently runs the Esso City Tigermarket and the Collectors Hill service stations.
In his Party Leader acceptance speech Mr. Cannonier stated:
Who is going to rescue our current politicians who underestimate the dangers of flirting with disaster for the sake of their own self-promotion. Wake up folks!!! Bermuda must be saved!!! Not a politician! Not a political party! The time for grand standing is over! The magnitude of the problems must be taken seriously!!!
Dr. Katherine Michelmore was elected un-opposed as deputy leader.
- The former chair of Mr. Pettingill’s UBP branch, Dr. Michelmore is a Warwick Academy graduate, the 1995 Rhodes Scholar, and a practicing physician. The daughter of Mr and Mrs Kenneth Hubbard, she is married to South African born Rod Michelmore, a partner at Marshall Diel and Myers.
Michael Fahy was elected unopposed as party chairman, after would be challenger Granville Gibbons withdrew.
- Mr. Fahy was previously involved with the United Bermuda Party [UBP], serving as Chairman in 2008. A lawyer by trade, he was appointed as a Senator in November 2008, and subsequently become the Shadow Minister for Transportation, Energy and Telecommunications.
In Mr. Fahy’s acceptance speech he stated:
We believe integrity is a better way. And we believe in Government that is not just working for themselves, or for friends, but for the common good of all of us in Bermuda. We believe strong morals, and firm principles, are a better way. The only way.
The Bermuda Democratic Alliance believes Government should manage our money in a better way. That they must be fiscally responsible, spend wisely, and report finances openly and honestly.
The BDA’s three sitting members in the House of Assembly [Shawn Crockwell, Donte Hunt and Mark Pettingill] did not put their names forward to be elected citing political, family and business commitments.
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