Statements: US Attorney General & Premier

US Attorney General Eric Holder, who arrived in Bermuda for a brief visit yesterday, spoke briefly this morning along with Premier Dr Ewart Brown. Mr Holder, the first African American to serve as in the position, previously met with Dr Brown in Washington last year.

During a packed day of events, the US Attorney General started today with a courtesy call on Government House. There he met with Acting Governor, David Arkley, before moving on to the Cabinet Office to meet with the Premier Dr Ewart Brown and the Attorney General Senator Kim Wilson.

Following the press conference, Mr. Holder attended a luncheon at Fairmont Hamilton’s Gazebo Room, which saw both private and public sector representatives in attendance.

And later in the afternoon, the Attorney General took part in a round table discussion with the newly created government body – the National Task Force to discuss front burner issues affecting the Island such as crime, gun and gang violence.

The meeting, which took place in the Senate Chamber, was chaired by the Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, Sen. the Hon. Lt. Col. David Burch. It also included, Dr. Derrick Binns, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor, Home Affairs and Housing, the Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva, Chief Immigration Officer Rozy Azhar, Director of Court Services Gina Hurst Maybury, Director of Child & Family Services Alfred Maybury, Assistant Commissioner of Corrections Keeva-Mae Joel Benjamin, Collector of Customs Winifred Fostine-DeSilva, Director of Public Prosecutions Rory Field, Randy Rochester Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation and Kathy Lightbourne-Simmons, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice.

Mr. Holder, who arrived on the Island yesterday, departed Bermuda this afternoon.

Remarks from US Attorney General Eric Holder:

Thank you, Premier Brown, for both your hospitality during my trip and for that kind introduction.

Although I’m sorry I can’t stay longer, this visit has provided an important opportunity – to discuss our mutual concerns and goals; and to build on the progress we’ve made in advancing our common interests and overcoming our common challenges.

Our two nations share many priorities – securing our borders, eliminating gang- and gun-related violence, curbing drug trafficking, reducing prisoner recidivism, and fighting terrorism. There’s no question that our nations’ security interests are currently, and permanently, intertwined. Effective and lasting security for our nations, and our entire region, now depends on our ability to work together.

I want the people of this nation to know that the American people are committed to advancing our joint interests and security. It’s a special honor to work together to improve current conditions, and future prospects, for the Bermudian people and for our partners around the world.

Once again, I want to thank my partners here for welcoming me this beautiful island, for working with me in these productive meetings today and for the leadership and commitment they’re bringing to the work we share. I’m grateful for your partnership, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish, together, in the critical days ahead.

Thank you.

Remarks from Premier Dr Ewart Brown

Good afternoon

On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I am honored to welcome Attorney General Eric Holder to our beautiful island home.

A trailblazer, a role model for young people throughout the world and a deeply talented lawyer; A man who has broken down barriers and who continues to skillfully articulate the complex issues of justice, opportunity and equality that challenge both his country and our own. A man who I am pleased to have had the opportunity to work with on issues of importance to both our people.

The relationship between Bermuda and the United States of America is one with deep historical, cultural, familial and economic ties.

Forged in the fires of the American War for Independence, strengthened through President Roosevelt’s Land-Lease Deal during World War II and solidified through the tax treaties signed during the 80’s that strengthened our economy; the partnership between Bermuda and America continues to flourish.

The conversations Attorney General Holder and I have shared have been productive and we are encouraged that Bermuda and the United States of America will continue to work closely together on issues of mutual benefit.

Later, answering questions posed by the media, Mr Holder expressed his appreciation to the Premier and Bermuda for accepting the four Uighurs in 2009, calling it “a critical step in the closure of Guantanamo.”

[Photos courtesy of DCI]

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