Premier: “Four Years of Execution and Action”
Saying “While we may disagree on my style of leadership and may disagree on what was accomplished and what remains undone, without a doubt this has been four years of execution and action,” Premier Dr Ewart Brown spoke at the Gala Dinner being held tonight [Sept 11] which is part of the “Premier’s Farewell Gala Weekend.” The Premier thanked various people including previous Premiers, his family and “those who worked against me” and “those who didn’t understand and still don’t.”
[Update: Photo gallery and slideshow of the dinner added here]
The weekend events are in note of the Premier’s anticipated retirement next month, and also included a party last night, as well as a golf tournament and luncheon today. The dinner is still underway at this time [11pm], and we will have a report and photos of the event later on.
The Premier’s full remarks follow below:
Good evening.
A famous music group once sang, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” Tonight surrounded by so many friends, I am doing a lot better than “getting by.”
Tonight, marks another highlight in what has been an exciting journey; a journey that began with a dream…. A dream that one day I might have the opportunity to lead my country and move our people forward. Many have shared this dream but few have had the opportunity to live the dream the way I have.
To the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party……. It is an honor to serve as your leader. I am proud to share in the legacy of those who came before me….. Mr. Arnold Francis, who with a mere six seats in the House, shook the halls of power and transformed Bermuda.
Mr. Walter Robinson, who moved the PLP into Alaska Hall and took the party from six to ten seats in Parliament despite being defeated himself at the polls.
The legendary Dame Lois Browne-Evans, a leader whose name is emblazoned across Bermuda’s history……. and the woman who led our party and our people through the social turmoil of the 70′s and 80′s.
L Frederick Wade….. The man who rebuilt the PLP, taking us from eight seats to the brink of victory.
Dame Jennifer Smith. The woman who led us out of the wilderness, defeated the UBP and gave us one man, one vote, each vote of equal value……
William Alexander Scott. The man who brought us the Social Agenda and who put independence back at the forefront of the PLP’s agenda.
I am proud to walk in the footsteps of those who came before me and I thank you for all your work, your service and your sacrifice for our people.
To my Parliamentary colleagues, Senators, Party Executive and members, thank you. You have challenged me, supported me, worked with me and yes sometimes put up with me! Thank you.
To the people of Constituency 26 Warwick South Central, Thank you. In 1993, in one of the most closely contested general elections in Bermuda’s history, a mere fourteen votes, put me in the House of Assembly and placed in my hands, the opportunity to serve the people of Warwick.
It was your support, your trust and your faith that carried me through the long debates in Parliament and the hours of canvassing.
To the people who have quietly and not so quietly, expressed your love and support to Wanda and me, thank you. Your prayers have protected us, your love has sustained us and your words have comforted us.
To my lovely wife. Wanda you have been my strongest supporter, my closest confidant and my deepest, most sincere friend. As this chapter of our lives draws to a close, new, exciting and certainly more peaceful chapters await us.
To my sons Kevin, Maurice, Trey and Donnie….thanks for understanding why calls had to be returned rather than answered because your Dad was busy doing the People’s business.
Early in my term I pledged, “…to move Bermuda from agendas and ideas to execution and action.” While we may disagree on my style of leadership and may disagree on what was accomplished and what remains undone, without a doubt this has been four years of execution and action.
Yet this has been 4 years of execution and action that wouldn’t have possible without so many of you, too many of you to mention tonight.
So to those who worked with me, thank you.
To those who worked against me, thank you.
To those who helped me to grow as a person and a leader, thank you.
To those who put their lives on hold, who sacrificed, struggled, laughed and cried with me, thank you.
To those who didn’t understand and still don’t, thank you.
To those who think they should have been thanked but weren’t mentioned, thank you and good night!
