Premier Speaks At Economic Forum In London
Premier Craig Cannonier was a panelist at the 9th World Islamic Economic Forum held today in London and spoke on the topic ‘Changing World, New Relationships.
Bermuda attended the Forum on the personal invitation of the Chairman of the WIEF Foundation: Tun Musa Hitam. Minister Hitam stated that this was the first time that the WIEF Forum was hosted in a non-Muslim European Nation.
The Chairman also stated that there were 17 leaders in the opening session – of which Premier Cannonier participated. Making reference to the Leaders Panel, Minister Hitam commented that this was the first time non-western states were represented at the Forum i.e. the United Kingdom and Bermuda.
Premier Cannonier told the 2700 registered attendees and the 128 countries represented at the event, that Bermuda came to the Forum to “continue the talks that were established two years ago, when it was first announced that Bermuda was a Sharia-compliant financial hub.”
He added that the Bermuda government also came to discuss new opportunities to build and strengthen relationships with members of the Islamic Financial community.
He highlighted “Bermuda’s enviable reputation as being a center for excellence for captive insurance and that the country currently occupies 36% of the global reinsurance market, with 1200 international companies with licenses valued at $450 billion dollars and invited the audience to engage with the government to engage with the government in Bermuda.”
Premier Cannonier commented, “We recognize that the world around us changing and that the economy is changing with it. Bermuda is well recognized as the leading offshore financial centre for the insurance and reinsurance industries, with world-class support services such as legal and accounting.
“Coming to this Forum like this to highlight our unique value propositions makes sense. We have a captive audience of key role-players. The extension into the Islamic financial arena is a logical development and one where Bermuda can have a leading global competitive edge.”
A report from the IBTimes on the Premier’s speech can be read here.
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Lord i hope he didn’t pronounce Bermuda as bermuder like he always does
the premier is out of his league on this one
and why is that?
Why…because he does not make any sense in Bermuda!!!!
So who from the PLP camp makes sense?!
Marc Bean… once again he was impressive last evening on ZBM Let’s Talk.
Independent.
Why because he repeats the same BS he’s been saying these past 10 months?! Impressive, he can read off the top and be good at it, better yet a great speech reader. That’s about it. Still doesn’t make him have any sense.
My friend, when has your premier spoken off the cuff ? He can not speak on an issue unless it has been prearranged by his press Secretary, and the questions have been forwarded prior to .
And your point is?! So what if he’s not the best at public speaking or “reading off the cuff.” That doesn’t make him a terrible leader like all you PLP diehards make him out to be. Anything else you’re miserable at?!
Mr.Bean spoke the truth ha ha maybe you can’t handle the truth
maybe when you have some time you go and talk to some old boys from the ubp/oba they will tell you
and by the way he don’t need a speech writer to put a few words togather for him
How do you know that Frank? Are you there when he writes his speeches all the time, or are you just assuming like you lot always do. Come on man give me some real truth.
“impressive” that was just “Bar Talk” if Bean became Premier he would then enter the real world.
Does he make sense when he spreads hate and misinformation?
Where is the evidence Mike hind. As usual you talk bs.
Well, the line about Marriage Equality springs to mind.
I don’t talk BS. I back up what I say.
You should try it some time.
Just because Mr. Bean does not share your views on Marriage Equality it does not equate to a hate speech or spreading hate.
I have heard Marc Bean three times on a public media broadcast. Once on the radio and twice on Let’s Talk with no prewritten script. All three times his “bar talk” was good. He was impressive because he took questions on any topic from the host and public phone calls and never once tried to avoid answering questions. He was a straight shooter and did not comprise on his moral foundation.
The current Premier has turned down numerous invitations to hold a media interview that involves taking questions from the public. This hide and seek game the Premier is playing from the public goes back to before last year’s election. I think it is time he stop acting cowardly and speak to the public unscripted and take some questions from the public.
Remember when Obama did a town hall event not long after he became President to give people the opportunity to ask questions during a pressing economic time. In such a hard time we are facing in Bermuda this Premier needs to speak with the people and not to the people. Give us the opportunity to ask him some questions.
When Mr. Bean says gays are “turning civilization upside down”, that is hate speech.
When he says same-sex marriage is “an attack on civilization itself”, that is hate speech.
It isn’t a case of not sharing the same views. He spreads hate when he uses that kind of language.
“turning civilization upside down” and an attack on civilization itself”, does not qualify as a hate speech lol. I can say the same thing about these gangs without being hateful.
Yes it does constitute hate speech. He wasn’t talking about scum of the earth gang members. He wasn’t talking about criminals or terrorists. He was talking about decent, law abiding citizens. People he is supposed to represent.
And he said they can “all get together and live in one big gay house”. “They’re an attack on civilization itself”.
That’s not a difference of opinion. That’s hate.
I think you have to say good for him for being there, I think JS and haha should be ashamed at their parochial, little Bermuda comments. The truth is we are a major financial hub, and this what is expected of major financial hubs. There is no precedent here, the UK and Bermuda are the first, so why shouldn’t he shine?
Apologies haha, it is maddog who should be ashamed.
@js – qualify the statement please?
firstly the Premier stated that he came to the forum to continue the talks that were established two years ago when it was first announced that Bermuda was a Sharia compliant financial hub
generally Sharia compliant finance prohibits the fixed or floating payments or acceptance of specific interests or fees for loans of money and the prohibition of investing in businesses that provide goods or services considered contrary to Islamic principles
from what I gather the only thing Bermuda has done in relation to the above is to sign a double taxation agreement with Bahrain and Qatar
I therefore surmise that what the Premier is suggesting in a roundabout way is that since we have a double taxation agreement with Bahrain and Qatar who themselves have a Sharia based financial economy our financial sector is now considered Sharia compliant
that to me sounds as ludicrous as a person in Bermuda who marries a person in an Islamic ceremony now turns around and says Bermuda’s matrimonial laws are Sharia law compliant
the ignorance is actually breathtaking
Sharia finance like Sharia laws are historically and religiously embedded within an Islamic jurisdiction and not all Islamic jurisdictions follow the same Sharia precepts
finally the Premier’s comment that Bermuda is well recognized as the leading off shore financial center for the insurance and reinsurance industries with world class support services such as legal and accounting is also baffling
that is like the US saying Wall Street is Sharia compliant because it is the leading money market in the world and we now want your Islamic business
however I’m sure the delegates from the Islamic countries won’t be too offended as what would Bermuda be expected to really know about Sharia finances and laws as clearly we are not an Islamic society
I will however amended my earlier post
I shouldn’t have said the Premier is out of his league on this one
I should have said Bermuda is out of its league on this one
We signed a DTA ??? Thought it was aTIA!
From this report it would appear that Premier Cannonier has pressed all the right buttons, has given due credit to the former Government by stating that the talks were established 2 years ago, and, of course, he is there leading one of only two delegations from western states i.e. the U.K and Bermuda to ever attend this forum.
Mmmm. Not bad for a leader who is said to be “out of his league?”
Well done Mr. Premier. You are in the right place at the right time talking to the right people and truly representing Bermuda’s best interests.
I’m sure the trolls will be out to check every single word our Premier uttered so they can find some fault, ANY fault, with what he had to say. If not they will be reduced to simply saying “he’s out of his league” or “he’s only saying what he’s told to say”. That’s what you call, “whistling in the wind!”
The Premier Mr. Craig Cannonier is well within his league with this one….just as Barack Obama is well within his league with the new economy and the New World Order….open your eyes……and your mind…..Islam is the wave of the Future…!
It’s not in my future pal. T
Lmao, please do not compare legay cannonier to barack Obama. Craig is no where in this mans world. Lol
It is the standard PLP response to anything that the Premier does.
when the PLP did such events none of YOU people had any positive to say…
What exactly do you mean by “you people”?
A hit dog will bark..
Guess dummy !!
Sandy bottom, go dry up. I was going to give you the benefit of the doult, but to hell with it
No straight answer I notice. Typical of you people.
Who is you people, dummy ?!!!
You should lay off the sauce.
you are acting like you name says drunk
you are drunk
drunken ursula, were you part of the PLP drunken sailors?
Premier flying again i wonder if he travels coach to save money!!
I can confirm that he does NOT.
I confirm that he does. I’ve seen it.
pppft! You can’t be serious?! He travels Business Class out of Bermuda – that’s a fact!
No it isn’t. Seen him in economy myself.
You joined to that mans hip dummy ?!!
Is English your first language?
Go f… yourself wanker.
He flies economy on his own money, and splurges on ours.
So glad we now have leaders we can trust!
you can’t be that naive…then again
Stay in Babylon, if you knew what you were say you woukd know Babylon was a nasty place to be
what on earth are you talking about??? we now have leaders we can trust?? Do you believe in Santa Claus as well, do you leave your teeth under the pillow when they fall out?? Will you be going house to house with a bag on Thursday evening??
what next,, smdh
Impressive, are you serious ??!!!!
Ah yes and Paula Cox spoke very well and put us in a financial position that we may not recover from…..I could care less if he says Bermuder or Bermuda as long as the PLP never return to Govern….and Marc Bean and his eloquence he who says wiff instead of with….
at least Mr. Bean is willing to put himself before the bermuda public to speak and answer questions, which is more than can be said for Mr Cannonier.
The biggest problem with a PLP return to power will be capital drain both monetary and human that will immediately necessitate both currency controls and devaluation. Net result, high even hyper inflation, severe drop in living standards and mass business bankruptcies and unemployment. Bottom line, nobody in business trusts these guys –
Lie to me once, shame on you; lie to me twice, shame on me.
Meanwhile the story is about the Premier speaking.
I don’t what you people think about.
Wonderful news this morning that Premier Cannonier was invited to speak at the 9th World Islamic Economic Forum where there were 2700 registered attendees and the 128 countries. This is a honour for Bermuda and should be recognized an applauded. Therefore I say well done to the previous government for starting the ball rolling on this government for continuing to move the ball forward.
Bermuda being invited to speak at this economic forums with 2700 attendees and 128 countries shows that our skills and services are being considered. Let us all pull together to keep the dialogue open and establish economic relationships with international investors which can only be good for Bermuda.
Yes Nicky!
In addition, Eastern money is as valuable as Western money. They earned it from our need for oil, now it is a great opportunity to get some back into our island. I hope that the local people will be hired and respected, too. This is important.
Funny that he speaks outside of Bermuda but not in Bermuda. That press conference meltdown before the election really has done a number on him.
That wasn’t a press conference meltdown.
He said what he would do if the question was asked again, and he lived up to his words with action. He then invited press who wanted to aske questions on the matter related to the press conference he would be available in the other roon.
He poved himself to be a strong leader. His standing and delivering infront of ~120 countries and 1200 attendees at this conference further confirms his abilities.
Oh please it sure was a meltdown. And an embarrassment. Did you see Bob Richards face when it was happening?
On another note, then I assume you would characterize former PLP Premier’s Cox and Brown as strong leaders as well as they have routinely delivered in front of large crowds.
Personally, I find it insulting that Mr. Cannonier refuses to engage the local media and electorate in meaningful ways. No town hall meetings, no television interviews, no real talk show interviews unless he is in ‘friendly territory’. It is sickening, but also embarrassing that he doesn’t mind being a figurehead with no substance. It is disappointing to those that supported him and expected more.
I always felt sorry for the poor audiences who had to listen to Cox. Hard to find a more verbose windbag.
at least she knew what self determination was…haha…that slip up by Cannonier showed his lack of readiness. I can’t even imagine what the other heads of state thought.
Other heads of state? You do know that the Premier is not head of state, don’t you?
Sandy bottom ?????!!!!!!!
Oh it’s Robert The Wanker again.
Paul Cox, created all of this mess !!!!!! and to this day she has retired with a full pension and health benifits !!! we should be so lucky….. thank you Paula fot the mess we are in now.. enjoy your benifits lady .
Oh take a break. Paula Cox then must be the most powerful woman in the world to cause a global recession. She caused meltdowns in the US, Portugal, Spain, UK, everywhere! WOW!
Maybe because the only reason you want to see him on these “talk shows” is so he can fail or bumble over a few words (which EVERYONE has done once in their lifetime), and then what, you’ll get some satisfaction out of it?! YOU people are sick. What kind of BS is dat?!
Secondly, the main reason he doesn’t is because he’s actually running the country (which is time consuming), sure he flys around, IT IS REQUIRED of the Premier to do these things. Trying to put the country back on the right track after YOUR party basically sh***ed on the country. I find it insulting that you or anyone else finds faults in the OBA, but can’t even admit or realize that you actually did the country harm.
Besides who REALLY wants to go on the talk show?! Laughable at best….
that is some subjective and emotional bs.. So your trying to justify him not being open to the people of Bermuda, the country which he is premier, I might add, because he is busy running the country?? really,
Really, how many photo ops and the like has the Premier been present for, which have not been that important on the grand-scale of things over the last few months.. So he has time to take photos and go to events and cut ribbons, but he is too busy to go on a talk show or a news show and be asked pertinent questions about his tenure and his government because he is busy running the country?? Do you really believe that, honestly???
Secondly, if the Premier was a more capable speaker, and actually had the intellect to be a leader of a country, he and his supporters wouldn’t have to be concerned about him not conducting himself properly in a “local” public setting, no matter how antagonistic you may feel the environment is.
once again, I am not an OBA supporter, but I do feel that they do have some good ideas, and some capable members, but I don’t see Craig Cannonier as one of those “capable” members, and that is being 100% honest, but of course, that is my opinion.
You can go on and be in denial about the competency of the leader of the OBA and by extension the leader of Bermuda (God help us), but not everyone is with you, like not everyone is with me in my opinion, but its my opinion.
frankly, I think the entire situation is quite embarrassing to be honest.
For the record, the PLP made a number of errors during their 3 terms, many errors, as does every Government, but you and other know or should know that many of the issues that are facing Bermuda have been brought about by global factors (I can give you a detailed explanation if you would like sometime???)
We can go back and forth all day like this, it won’t get us nowhere. I could say the same thing about the PLP and their photo ops when they were in power. (photo ops are part of the job, whether we like it or not).
Just cut the talkshow BS, its overated and who wants to be belitted on the talk shows, if you really think they’ll just stick to asking “pertinent” questions then you’re sadly mistaken. WHO CARES if he doesn’t go on the talk shows. I guarentee you if you emailed him or called him he would answer some of your questions on a one on one basis, as many of other OBA members do this on a regular.
So he has the intellect to run a business, a big multi store business processing millions of dollars, but he doesn’t have the intellect to run the country?! Come on now….you just regurgitate the same old BS, all of you. WE DON’T get concered because we’re CONFIDENT of his abilities, hence why he was voted in, and HAS NOT been changed by Michael Dunkley, which your supporters say he will or is going too (another lie and gossip).
Well thanks for being honest and having a reasonable conversation unlike some of your other supporters on here. Sure we all have our own opinions and I agree with you on some things, just how your PLP fans repeat things, the OBA bloggers do to, majority tend to be lumped in with the OBA, even when they are probably not, soley because they disagree with your opinion, which is unfair, but who really cares.
Some of the global factors contributed to it, sure, but it still isn’t an excuse why they didn’t do anything to prevent it or do something earlier. Would love a detailed explanation.
And in all fairness, the last term of the PLP government, you couldn’t even find Paula Cox anywhere to be found, unless she was collecting an award or for a photo opportunity, be real. When did she ever answer questions that your calling for Craig to do in fairness?!
Um, i do recall Ms Cox appearing on Gary Moreno show during Budget time and pre election. I also remember her taking questions during press conferences on the economy and other issues. In fact she had press conferences regularly and she took questions from the reporters. Much unlike what has become the status quo for Mr. Cannonier. I will concede that she may not have done enough kissing babies and walking down front street, but let’s not write the narrative incorrectly and make things appear differently than what they were. It is clear that Mr. Cannonier has a fear of engaging certain media in Bermuda and that is unfortunate for him and unfortunate for Bermuda.
Nah they didn’t deliver in front of this size crowd and in this acapacity.
PLP MP’s acted like celebrities…with their supporters meetings, pre submitted questions and radio show appearances. They placated us with fanfare and vitriolic speeches and rants while the country sank to it’s knees. I want our MP’s and Premier to focus on the job in hand….I’ll judge them by their results, not by their stage personality. What do you judge them on ?
watching and all the other diehard plp fanboys judge them by their stage personality…laughable at best
haha it is hilarious reading the defenses as to why Craig can’t appear at any unscripted forum. And it is laughable at best to even hint that he is busy running the country. Everyone knows that the big decisions are made by others, and Craig is the ceremonial figurehead.
What’s laughable is this ridiculous smear campaign.
I have a question:
Why would anyone who is on vacation, relaxing in the sun with Mickey Mouse and the gang in Orlando, have the time to post on this blog? Wouldn’t their time be better served actually relaxing and preparing for their performance at the upcoming festival?
I’m just saying – - that makes more sense to me.
Q
Wow… stalking me on Facebook? That’s not creepy at ALL…
And what I do with my time is my business.
Especially at 1:03am.
Why would anyone think their opinion of how I spend my vacation is valid?
I don’t CARE what makes sense to you when it comes to how you think I should spend my time. It’s none of your business.
Why would you post this and not, you know… something about what I said?
As your friend, I was suggesting that you not worry about this medium of discussion and enjoy yourself while off the island – nothing more.
I was actually shocked to see your post, thus my statement to you; however, I can appreciate your candor towards my post.
Think me malicious if you choose – - there is none on my part – again – Enjoy your holiday and I wish you well with your performance.
Q
There was no suggestion.
You’re doing that thing again, where you make stuff up, even though what you said originally is right there.
Like I have said repeatedly to you:
An ounce of honesty and integrity. Please try it.
Again. Why would you post about that and not about what I said?
They regurgitate all the BS so much they start believing it, funny how you are brainwashed watching….
Credit where credit is due – I believe this is a continuation forward of the Cog’s earlier work and contacts… Hopefully the PLP friends and family who have taken over the BMA will not mess this one up out of spite (not to mention incompetence…).
When we as Bermudians stop acting like crabs in a barrell and start supporting our leadership in encouraging their attempts to represent our community in International Events of importance …whether it be an O.B.A Premier or a P.L.P Premier then the rest of the world will never respect us as adults instead of Political Infantile Midgets which is what we look like in this Politically childish mindset in which we seem to be stuck…..no respect for any Bermudian Authority Period…..unless he looks like Santa Claus…..!At least your image of Santa Claus…..!
Get your Burkha’s ready ladies.
Takbir – Thanks for getting to the nub of the issue and telling it like it is. We have far too many small minded people (I love your phrase “Political Infantile Midgets”) who do nothing other than trying to knock others down in order to make themselves look bigger or smarter.
I agree with you 100%
I can’t even fathom why I read all these comments.
Same s*** different day.
Where the hell is Victor Newman………………….
A great speech!
Bermuda will be a third world,broke and crime ridden country if the OBA lose the next general Election.
So we are cutting edge, rich and crime free right now. Reality must have struck you in your head. As Mike Hind would say EVIDENCE.
To quote my good friend Mike Hind:
Evidence?
Or is this just another smear campaign?
Q
Funny, YOU asking for evidence…
Exactly Mike:
It funny when I do it, but not when you . . .hmmmmmm, interesting?
Please see my post below to Sandy – - that’s my point, sir.
Q
Funny because you never back up your claims. You just hide behind excuses and goalpost moving and evasions and rewriting of reality, then get faux outraged when someone calls you on it.
Then you disappear after leaving false accusations and misinformation.
It’s happened time and again.
So… yeah. It’s funny that YOU’D ask for evidence.
You must be talking about Betty T, cause I do not such thing – again, this is your own feelings being reflected back towards me.
Again – enjoy your holiday, sir. You deserve it – relax and stay off the blogs – they will survive without you for a few days, trust me.
Q
Nope. I’m talking about you. And the evidence? Just scroll up or down the page.
You did EXACTLY what I said. Twice.
And the accusation of projection? THAT is hilarious and for the same reason.
To quote you, it’s just an opinion.
FINALLY SANDY BOTTOM – YOU GET IT!
Wow – - I am impressed – truly!
Q
Yeah. But you still suggest “facts” which you do not back up. And then you try to suggest they’re just opinions. You’re a charlatan.
You are mistaken, as usual; however, you are entitled to believe what you choose. . . my “facts” as you put them have never been presented as fact – - the mere fact that they are posted through this medium suggests that they are, quite indeed, matters of opinion – - which others can choose to accept or reject. The benchmark of any democratic society – or don’t you agree? Trying to misrepresent my content, context or intent will never deter the purpose of my post – to enlighten, to heighten awareness and to educate – plain and simple.
Q
No, you present “facts” and then don’t back them up, and pretend they’re opinions.
All you OBA supporters said x last week.
Can you back that up?
No. Can’t back it up at all. But it’s my opinion you must have said it. Even though there is no evidence at all anywhere that anyone said anything of the kind.
See?
Everything you have ever stated on this blog has been opinion so how are you going to stand in judgement of anything I had stated or written?
That is laughable – seriously.
My post evoke thought and discussion – - sometimes I agree with people, sometimes I don’t – - that’s life.
You and Mike deciding to have issues with what I post is on the both of you – not me. I have no issues with what anyone posts on this blog – - I may give some form of commentary – providing a 2nd look at a topic/situation – - but I don’t demand or tell people that they need to think anything – - that’s called free will.
But as you both like the last word, I will end this post and allow you to do what you do best.
Q
No. You present statements which you purport to be facts, and then when you can’t back them up you pretend they were “just opinions”.
You have no idea how to debate a point. You can’t keep track of what the point actually is, as a matter of fact.
Case in point…
See above your post my post to that post, Sandy B.
No Case to answer.
Q
No, you made my point for me, VERY well.
And this whole “You’re only posting this because you have a problem with me” thing is yet another ridiculous evasion.
You keep posting these ad hominems, ignoring the content of what people are saying.
It’s getting really obvious.
You made my point for me – thanks.
Q
http://www.cnsbusiness.com/content/tieas-now-question
This came to my attention today. Also a notice that Dan Reeves of the IRS would speak at Offshore alert’s London conference. anybody got any input on this development in Cayman? There is apparently a similar case in court here. Cayman has also rejected a request or money laundering information saying it breeches privacy laws there. any comments?