Hughes Retires, Jardine Appointed
[Updated] Independent Senator Dr Walwyn Hughes has retired after serving 15 years in Bermuda’s Upper House, and James Jardine has been appointed as his replacement.
This afternoon [Dec.19] Governor Richard Gozney said, “Senator, and Senate Vice President, Dr Walwyn Hughes, is retiring after many years of devoted and selfless service to the Bermuda Parliament. No-one could have shown a stronger commitment.
“Acting in accordance with Section 27 of the Bermuda Constitution, I have made the following appointment to the Senate: Mr James S Jardine I am confident that Senator-designate Jardine will bring a similar focus and commitment to the Senate’s work.
Mr. Jardine, a Chartered Accountant, is a former Common Councillor and Alderman for the Corporation of Hamilton who recently retired as Partner and CEO of Appleby.
Dr. Hughes said, “I enjoyed my fifteen years as an Independent Senator – thirteen of those as Vice President of the Senate. Having spent forty years as a civil servant, I was happy to have had the opportunity to continue my public service in this way. I am sure I shall miss the Senate sessions but my wife and I are looking forward to doing a bit more traveling without the constraint of a legislative schedule.”
Speaking on the retirement of Dr. Hughes, United Bermuda Party MP Kim Swan said, “Dr. Hughes’ Senate tenure followed a long and distinguished career as a Civil Servant where he served as Director of Agriculture and Fisheries and ended his career by rising to post of Financial Secretary.
“I consider it a blessing to have been both the General Manager of a Government Quango under his financial direction and also to work closely with him as the Opposition Senate Leader for the United Bermuda Party.
“Dr. Walwyn Hughes was a Legislator’s Legislator and I wish him well in his retirement and thank for a great contribution to our country,” concluded Mr. Swan.
A PLP spokesperson said, “The Progressive Labour Party would like to recognize on his retirement the contributions of Senator, and Senate Vice President, Dr. Walwyn Hughes.
“Senator Hughes served our community as Financial Secretary to Dr. David Saul under the UBP Administration, and later as an Independent Senator. We extend our best wishes to Dr. Hughes in his retirement.
“We also wish to extend congratulations and warm wishes to the newly designated Senator, Mr. James Jardine.
“The role of independent senators is key in our democracy as they operate in a non-partisan manner. We look forward to a seamless transition as he begins his term as an Independent Senator. We wish him well.”
Opposition Leader Craig Cannonier said, “Dr. I. W. Walwyn Hughes long and varied service to Bermuda is a matter of deep respect throughout the halls of government and into the street.
“He carries a lifetime of wise observation of human affairs and has always used it to help steer Bermuda to better waters.
|It is my hope the Island will find a way to continue benefiting from Dr. Hughes’ sound advice and presence. He is one of Bermuda’s village elders.
“The One Bermuda Alliance salutes the service of Dr. Walwyn Hughes, a great Bermudian.”
The Senate has 11 members — five appointed by the Governor in consultation with the Premier, three in consultation with the Opposition Leader, and three at the Governor’s discretion.
Last month the Senate saw four changes; former Government Senators Laverne Furbert and Cromwell Shakir replaced by political newcomers Diallo Rabain and A.L. Vince Ingham, and the One Bermuda Alliance appointing Michael Fahy and Toni Daniels to replace party leader Craig Cannonier and Dr. Kathy Michelmore.
Government and the Senate have been well served by Dr Hughes following a long career as a senior civil servant and then by his time in the Senate as an Independent Senator who was not afraid to bring his independent voice to work. Congratulations Dr. Hughes and thank you for the privilege of working with you this year! His last day in the Senate was on Friday and I am sure even he would express surprise at addressing the Senate about such topics as ‘Google’ and ‘Twitter’ and ‘iPads’ – a far cry from the language used when he started 15 years ago. Enjoy your retirement Dr Hughes! You have served Bermuda well.
While I wish Mr. Hughes well on his retirement, and I hope that Mr. Jardine can contribute constructively to our common benefit, this whole issue just exposes the inadequate system of the existing Senate. The Governor himself cannot be held accountable to the people, and nor can the appointed Senators, as they have not been elected by the people.
By what criteria are these ‘independent’ Senators appointed? Why is the Senate appointed in the first place instead of elected (either directly and in the same way as the US, that is, mid-way between the HoAssembly elections, or indirectly through a reflection of the popular vote in the general elections), or why even have the Senate in the first place as opposed to a single chamber of elected representatives?
Why must we ape the English system and not develop a more democratic model, such as the Scottish Holyrood parliamentary system?
Yes. What criteria? ?ho is the new appointee??
well for that matter why should anyone representing 1300 people hold a seat in Parliament and have a say in matters for the other 60,000 thousand of us ….and that person who represents 1300 people may have only received 500 votes…..the whole system is not fitting for a tiny place like Bermuda where the 45 people of the Senate and Parliament Govern when in reality we need far fewer less costly people to do the job particulary when we have 6000 civil servants….we are a small town any where in the world and continue to play the Westminster form of Government because we are obsessed with being a “Country”. Party politics are the worst thing that ever happended to Bermuda other than the reign of Brown.