Tributes Paid: Former Premier Sir David Gibbons
[Updating] “All Bermudians will mourn the loss of Sir David Gibbons, one of Bermuda’s great men in politics and finance,” OBA Chairman Thad Hollis said following the passing of the former Premier earlier today [Mar 30] at age 85.
Mr. Hollis said, “He will be remembered as our Premier during the late 1970s, which was a time of great social unrest. He became Premier in 1977, and held that office until very early in 1982.
“But his greatest contribution to Bermuda was probably as Finance Minister earlier during his career.
“He introduced the concept of a balanced budget in Bermuda, substantially reducing the debt we had incurred as a result of undertaking needed capital projects.
“He created the sound financial base from which Bermuda was able to enjoy a period of extraordinary financial success during the 1980s.
“The One Bermuda Alliance offers its sympathy and prayers to his family in their bereavement,” added Mr. Hollis.
Update 10.00pm: A spokesperson for the Gibbons family confirmed that Sir David Gibbons “died peacefully Sunday, 30 March 2014 with members of his family by his side.”
Update 10.02pm: Governor George Fergusson said: “I am very sad to learn of the death of Sir David Gibbons.
“He made an astonishing contribution across a broad sweep of Bermuda’s political and business life, and in both helped set the foundations for much of Bermuda’s prosperity. I send my condolences to Lady Gibbons and his wider family.”
Update 10.47pm: Premier Craig Cannonier said, “On behalf of the Government of Bermuda and all Bermudians, I offer our sincere condolences and prayers to the family of former Premier, Sir David Gibbons who died this afternoon.
“Sir David was a man of great accomplishment – a political leader during a time of turbulence and change, a renowned businessman who succeeded both here at home and abroad and a philanthropist whose generosity benefited many.
“His life’s work made Bermuda stronger and more prosperous. May he rest in peace.”
Update 12.09pm: As a tribute to Sir David Gibbons, the Cabinet Office has advised that all flags on all Government buildings will be flown at Half-Mast today, as well as the day of Sir David’s funeral.
Update 1.47pm: A PLP spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party today acknowledges the passing of former Premier Sir David Gibbons. On behalf of our members and supporters, we extend condolences to the family of Sir David.”
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Thank you for your contributions to Bermuda Sir David – may you rest in peace.
Condolence to the family an historic figure in Bermuda
One of the last Oligarchy icons.
Wow , heart goes tthe family and friends , David Jr, James and Dr Gibbons plus the grand children’s I have know over the years. Thank you for sharing him with all of us and appreciate his priceless contribution to the 21sq miles island we call Bermuda and the world. We all aspire we could work hard and lead search a life .Thank you Sir David Gibbons
Condolences to the Gibbons family – a life to celebrate.
Legendary man. Will be missed
The legacy is one all Bermudians should try and achieve. RIP Sir David my condolences to the Gibbons family.
A great economist,politician and humanitarian..well done to you Sir David Gibbon..
This news has saddened me greatly. Growing up , he was a great friend of my family and offered me great advice.. my sincee condolences.
As our path has darkened in Bermuda, one of our leading lights has flickered out.
It is time for Men of Bermuda consider how they will help to charter our future course, and no better example could be found than in the lamp that Sir David used during his life.
My condolences to the Lady Gibbons and the Gibbons Clan.
Sir David contributed brilliantly to Bermuda. Condolences to the Gibbons Family. Loss is always bittersweet but the wonderful memories will never die.
Well done Sir David Gibbons your legacy will surely be of greatness a true Bermuda hero. LIFE WELL DONE RIP
Condolences to the Gibbons family and may God bless them during this most difficult time.
Condolences to the Gibbons family.
Today is a sad day as a Bermuda hero has passed. Sir David Gibbons was a truly brilliant man in so many ways. He was very disciplined, extremely smart, accurately decisive, a dedicated family man, a thoughtful humanitarian, a successful business man, a knowledgable economist and a great statesman. He was a true Bermuda hero. Above all he was an optimist whose legacy shall live on in Bermuda’s history books and his own writings. I was privileged to have met him and shall dearly miss his presence. My condolences to his family and in particular his beloved wife Lady Gibbons.
On behalf of my entire family, I take this opportunity to extend our condolence to Sir David Gibbons family and close friends…
The difference between the contribution of a true statesmen and the pigs at a trough
that have led Bermuda into its present predicament could not be clearer.
Every Bermudian of every colour and creed benefited from the insight and vision of Sir David.
You will not see his like again.
Can we please avoid putting others down when paying tribute to Sir David Gibbons. It is demeaning to do so and Sir David’s legacy is much too big for that. Sincere condolences to the Gibbons family. My lasting memory of Sir David is that he was one of those rare people who always spoke rather quickly, but ALWAYS made sense!
No matter your political persuasion, you cannot deny the greatness of Sir. David. On his walks through the city he always greeted Everybody with a dignified greeting.
He will be a miss to the landscape of Bermuda.
Lets not forget that he while he was a man of big Business he was a man who boosted small Business also.
My Father benifited from his policys as he was allowed to let his small business grow.
One thing you couldn’t knock him for – he always spoke or smiled, no matter who,or what you looked like.
A miss to Bermuda.
All the best to the family!
Such a great man.
A great gentleman who cared enough to share his strengths with Bermuda, you shall never be forgotten….Our deepest condolences to Lady Gibbons and family…May the passing of time help to dull the pain of your loss…..
My deepest condolences to Lady Gibbons also to Tom, James, David Jr., Ede and their families, Mr. Graham and Patsy Phillips, Dr. Grant and family. May God give you the strength to carry on.