Video: Vic Ball Sworn In As Government Senator
[Updated: Vic Ball has just been sworn in]
Following the resignation of Nalton Brangman, a new Government Senator is set be sworn-in today [Nov 6] replacing Mr. Brangman who resigned earlier this week saying he wished to focus his energies on his responsibilities to Morgan’s Point Ltd..
From December 2012 to December 2013, Mr. Brangman served as the Minister of Education and until last August, he served as the Junior Minister for Tourism & Transport. In August 2014, Mr Brangman resigned as Junior Minister after being appointed as Director of Infrastructure and Development of Morgan’s Point Ltd.
The Senate consists of eleven members appointed by the Governor, with five appointed on the advice of the Premier, three on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition, and the final three are Independent Senators are appointed at the discretion of the Governor.
A present the Senate consists of the three Independent Senators [Carol Anne Bassett, Joan Dillas-Wright & James Jardine], the three Opposition/PLP Senators [Diallo Rabain, Renee Ming & Marc Daniels] and the four Government/OBA Senators [Michael Fahy, Alexis Swan, Lynne Woolridge & Jeff Baron], with the fifth one to be named today.
Update 11.50am: Vic Ball has just been sworn in as the new Senator….video to come
Update 12.18pm: Mr. Ball’s bio, as provided by the Government at today’s ceremony, said, “Mr. Ball is a partner at Strategic Procurement Solutions [SPS] Bermuda. The company, started in 2012, provides consulting advice, procurement expertise, professional development seminars, and in-house expertise on special projects.
“Prior to this, Mr. Ball was the Principal Purchasing and Supply Officer for the Ministry of Public Works for 8 years. In addition, he was seconded to the Office of Project Management and Procurement within the Ministry of Finance to serve as the Procurement Officer until 2012. He also has international experience having worked for Flextronics Global Procurement. His experience in supply chain management spans 20 years.
“While with the Government, he saved in excess of $8 million over various contracts. He continues to offer businesses advice on how to save money within the procurement process, helping companies navigate through these challenging economic times.
“He received his Certified Purchasing Manager designation in 2001 from the Institute for Supply Management. Later, he lectured at the Bermuda College to students studying toward their PMAC Certificate in Purchasing.”
Update 1.04pm: Video of the ceremony below
Update 1.16pm: The full statement from Mr. Ball is below
I am honored to accept the appointment of Senator from the Premier with One Bermuda Alliance.
I have accepted this role with the intention to help Bermudians who are unemployed or underemployed to regain the dignity that having a job offers.
I want to be a part of the politics of hope for all Bermudians, and that is why I am here today.
I believe that the OBA is the right party and best equipped to navigate Bermuda through this difficult and unprecedented economic period.
I have been extremely impressed by the dedication and zeal of the Premier and Ministers in their work to get the country moving in the right direction and to improve the quality of life for the people of Bermuda.
While I am new to politics, I am not new to taking on innovative challenges. I believe that my professional and life history has prepared me for this role, which is to apply my skill-set to the service of my country.
Also, I believe that my appointment will allow me to bring fresh eyes and perspective to discussions on the best way forward for Bermuda.
With God’s help, I pledge to serve the people of Bermuda to the best of my ability and I am looking forward to working with the President of the Senate, Minister Fahy and my other OBA, PLP and Independent colleagues.
I would like to thank my parents and sister for their support here today.
I want to say a special thanks you to my wife Katrina and sons Elijah and Enoch for their blessing by allowing me to embark upon this new chapter in my life. I pledge here today that I will fulfill the role of Senator to the best of my ability for all Bermudians.
Thank you
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Another Surrogate?
Just another Surrogate.
So according to you a black man can never be successful in his own right and will never be anything more than a surrogate. How racist!
Aahhh, I’m just going by de Secret Manifesto that was revealed.
Next.
So your feeling is that any black politician not aligned with the PLP is a mindless puppet. Gotcha.
the not de
Curious then as to why the PLP goes out of its way to recruit past leaders and M.P.’s of a party that were in office when this “secret” document was written….first Wayne…then Jamahl….finally, Swan!!!
smh, we as black people look down on each other first. We are our own worst enemy and are quick to stab each other in the back…..yet we still blame the white man…as Kunta has just described.
No I’m not blaming anyone, ITS JUST EMBARRASSING that the History of Bermuda’s Politics (AND PRESENT) is, its ok for Blacks to support and endorse O.B.A/ubp, but TABOO for whites to support and endorse P.L.P.
Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome.
Sad, Very Sad.
Stop blaming voters. You should be angry with the party for failing to modify themselves to appeal to more voters. Other parties have done it….as you unwittingly point out. If you really want to expand your support base make changes that will as appeal to a segment of those you want support from….if you truly want that support that is.
You mean modiLIE, just like how O.B.A./ubp Duped and Hoodwinked de voters already.
So every black voter who has voted non-plp in the history of bda politics has been duped and all black non-plp politicians are puppets. At least your transparent Kunta.
the not de
But whites did endorse and vote for the PLP in 1998. Now its Post Traumatic anger.
Kunta, it is unfortunate that you regard anyone, (obviously black), who does not comply with your line of thinking, as a surrogate. Who are you to judge?
Nana P
Kunta you are a venemous fool. Do you even know Vic? Clearly not. Now if you want to have a fact based dialogue, bring it on.
Does anyone believe his resignation came as a shock to the OBA, who are now rushed to find someone to fill this suddenly vacant post…
I applaud the OBA on their gift for.. “functional unity”…
Rhonda, again you don’t know what you are talking about. The Throne Speech is tomorrow. They have to find someone to get the post filled. Of course, they have to rush.
How pathetic.
Why the secrecy OBA?
Huh????
What secrecy? one dude left and within a day or two a new one has been put in place. Or do you now feel the former Senator should be made to provide you with his personal reasons for leaving? Maybe you and he could have lunch, which he pays for of course, so he can answer your critical questions lol.
Seriously, many of you struggle with this because the former administration would never leave a post as they were unemployable in the private sector. The challenge the OBA has is they recruit business people to leadership and as such, politics is a barrier to financial gain.
The worst thing you can say about the former senator is he realized he can make way more money in the private sector and to do so he needed to dedicate his time to Morgans Point, also his role as a senator would prevent him from effectively lobbying government for building concessions, tax breaks etc.
So there former senator put person over country, par for the course if you follow local cricket.
Having trouble reading “tough love ” aka “Alaska hall??? ” it clearly says the new Senator will be named today!!!!
Secrecy? It just hasn’t been announced yet. Take a chill pill
What difference does it make as we already have WAY TO MANY politicians
I totally agree this is nonsense. Why all the secrecy, we are the electorate? We should have a complete bio on a senator before they are sworn in. After all we voted for you to represent US, although many didn’t. Openness and transparency, this is the 21 st century. An explanation is in order here Premier Dunkley.
Oh STFU. Mr. Brangman resigned two days ago.
Jesus, not one newly appointed Senator was announced prior to them being sworn in from either Party. Not even Laverne Furbert, Cromwell Shakir or any other of the numerous PLP appointees that were given a senate seat.
You guys are truly tearing the a&& out of your complaints and you are getting extremely boring now.
So you are saying how it has been is the way it should always be??? Mmmmm what a way forward. Is no one allowed to express an opinion that is different to yours? You need to upgrade your disgusting language, however it does speak volumes about you. I wish so many of you would be objective and look at situations for what they are. I am soooooo sick of what the OBA do, what the PLP did. It’s redundant. Look for ways to improve the current situation. I did vote OBA but I have no idea who Vic Ball is. Oh that’s right, he will be representing me in the Senate but I am supposed to STFU because you said so. Please go and get an education before it’s too late.
Marc Bean’s successor hasn’t been announced yet. Why the secrecy? We are the electorate. We should know who his successor is.
huh? you didnt vote the Senators in
err who? RANDOM
Congrats Mr. Ball…
But be aware that the character assassination and mistruths about you will be spewed in…1…2…3…
Vic who? what has he brought to the country other than football. Is that the best Dunkley can do. Really, can;t find a speech or issue on line. so that is how you get to the top. Stay quiet and non-committed and you can become President of the Senate, say virtually nothing in meetings and you can become a school principal. We need leaders with ideas. what has he said about the major issues facing Bermuda. This is sad for the country. I don’t want to hear give him a chance. The Senate is meant for experienced people to serve not political novices. Probably a nice guy but what has he done.
This what he has done…thus far
“While with the Government, he saved in excess of $8 million over various contracts. He continues to offer businesses advice on how to save money within the procurement process, helping companies navigate through these challenging economic times.
“He received his Certified Purchasing Manager designation in 2001 from the Institute for Supply Management. Later, he lectured at the Bermuda College to students studying toward their PMAC Certificate in Purchasing.”
Perhaps the Senate should be for more experienced persons, although we know in previous years both parties have used the Senate to appoint young and inexperienced members, potentially blooding them for a future MP role. It’s only among the Governor-appointed seats that you seem to find more ‘veteran’ players.
I don’t know of this man myself, although he appears to have a solid record of work experience and success. What will he bring to the Senate? Time will tell.
well for starters….
“While with the Government, he saved in excess of $8 million over various contracts. He continues to offer businesses advice on how to save money within the procurement process, helping companies navigate through these challenging economic times.”
If you go back in time you might get a shock to see who started the trend of placing political newbies in the Senate to give them experience & exposure.
Once upon a time it was a place of elder states people & business people, there to give a second look with experience behind them to legislation passed by the lower house.
These days, with few exceptions, the Senate is like a kindergarden for aspiring politicians.
Triangle Drifter, clearly you are used to making asinine non evidenced based statements. Senator Ball is a business man with a successful business and doesn’t require a role in Government for income. He has an excellent track record, from a career perspective, and has demonstrated his ability to be a strategic thinker and doer. He is not easily swayed and is very measured. Bermuda needs solid leaders and Senator Ball is just that. Now if you would to discuss incompetence and lack of experience….let’s shift the conversation to his counterparts within the opposition. …as the saying goes “show em better than u can tell em Senator Ball”
Would you say the same of Senator Ball if he chose to stand up against racism, elitism and Uncle Tomism?
Would you speak so well of him if he chose to stand for the PLP?
If he fails he will be cast aside, like LaVerne and Cromwell.
Congratulation Senator Vic Ball. Please continue advising the O.B.A. and ultimately saving,”we the people of Bermuda” more money as you’ve proven capable of doing in the time you’d served the Government.
Well apparently he advised the PLP Government Raymond.
Your point?
Terry, did the P.L.P. take his advise? That my friend is the question that needs to be answered
(And if I’d overlooked something then please enlighten me and others…)
My point Raymond is that he did.
Whether the PLP “take his advise” is neither here nor there.
He becomes a Senator now and basically has no say in financial matters.
Bob does.
Shalom.
An after thought Mr. Ray.
Did the PLP take Ewart Browns advice?
My opinion,(and we all what they’re like
)is yes, absolutely they’d taken / are taking his “advice”.
Typo: and we all know what they’re like
If Brangman would have still been in the senate all PLP jitter bugs would b ” conflict of interest crying out foul blah blah! Now he resigned cuz there would have been a good chance there would have somewhere along the line a “conflict of interest”. But the PLP jitter bugs still continue! Its just the PLoP’s reverse phycology plan!
Interesting appointment. Certainly surprised me with this.
I wish Vic well but I find his statement about saving the government 8 million dollars interesting. He states that he did it…solely…individually…I find that hard to believe.
Very good point. How do you prove a negative? If they did not spend money that they did not have to spend is that a savings? I dont know who wrote his bio but I doubt he singlehandedly saved 8 million!
wow, no questions at all from the media?
nothing about his work background, education, key issues, vision for tourism etc?
@service what had mark bean done before he got sworn in? Just asking!
Another friend if MP Shawn Crockwell…
A no name surrogate. Just what we ought to expect from the OBA. He’ll do as he’s told until Dunkley & co. have no further use for him. I’m sad and embarrassed for my country.
I agree.
Jahmal is a seriously embarrassing choice to represent Bermuda. Shameful even.
The OBA has rolled out two fresh new people twice in less than a month. The story has yet to be written on those two but it’s good to see that the OBA can attract those kinds of people.
GO COLTS… Go!!! I want 1 2 3…….
TWO NEW FACES AND PLP HAS JAMHAL SIMMONS – of the PLP/NLP/UBP/no one/PLP….HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAAHA
Technically Jamahl has a lot of faces depending who he’s talking to.
Now that is funny!
Im not surprised, vic been an apologist for years !!!! Sad day mr. Balllllllllll !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What is he apologizing for?
Vic or Jamal ? OBA or PLP,for the people or opportunist!
Vic…..People
Jamal…Greenbacks
What?
VIC?
I can’t believe how we are selecting people to lead the country. This is not a personal attack on his willingness to come forward. Rather it is a critique on who we select and the prospect for the future of this country and a real question of are we selecting whoever comes or are we genuinely refining and cultivating leaders that represent the community and its cross sectional values not simply color.
More specifically to Vic. He has demonstrated little to nothing in the area of leadership or social insight. Moreover he reinforces the prejudice that OBA simply wants blackfaces to quiet a black populace that demands representation. What is farcical about it is the blacks that are selected have never shown a commitment to the community that they are cosmetically supposed to represent.
On Vic, he does not have a spirit of advocacy, he has never championed the cause of the underdog. I don’t think that he will challenge the status quo or the establishment and will not risk himself for others. Vic is not a leader…We need more than black faces at this crossroad in our political history…WE need minds and character and experience.
When he was in college he was average at best socially and academically. In high school he was an underachiever in the work place he is selfishly self absorbed. I am not surprised that he is willing to play the role that he has been assigned it is consistent with his pattern of previous behavior. Opportunistic, Insecure and Afraid!
Well talk about flipping the script; last week OBA supporters were all over Jamahi Simmons as the PLP candidate for consituency 23? Their party even had their political operative Toni Daniels write a scurrilous political opinion claiming that Mr. Simmons was a faulty political candidate because he had been a member of other political parties. Well as it turns out Mr.Ball was a PLP deputy leader of a PLP branch; the very branch of the the Opposition Leader no less. What are the herd mentality supporters of the OBA got to say now? Well we know all is forgiven now as long as former PLP members and supporters are turn into OBA supporters. I will challenge some statements of Mr. Ball as he was sworn in as the new OBA Senator. HE is hardly new to politics having been involved with the PLP. Really some of these would be OBA politicians should read the script put before them to read? And two the anti-Bermudian OBA government is hardly a beacon of hope for Bermudians given the anti-Bermudian policies is has so far put forward. And how is Mr. Ball and his OBA government going to provide employment for Bermuda’s unemployed when it bound and determine to make even more Bermudians unemployed? Mr. Ball has evoked god in his swearing in; but I say don’t get off your knees Mr. Ball as I am sure you are going to have to explain why your statements are unlikely to come true under this anti-Bermudian OBA government.
Now Judas has the promise of silver and the adoration of complete strangers !What next ?
Judas? You’re just a nasty nasty individual that needs a jackhammer to remove that massive chip on your shoulder.
Well done Vic!