Ministry, Mayor Responds To Council Members
Both the Minister of Home Affairs Michael Fahy and Mayor Graeme Outerbridge responded to the release from the CoH members, with the Minister saying “the press release from certain Council members was not authorized by me or the COO and as such is not an official release by the CoH, despite the official letter head on the release.”
Minister Fahy said, “This matter is before the Supreme Court of Bermuda, and it would be highly inappropriate to comment on this statement by some of the Council in any substantive form since, much of it is Sub judice.
“However, I remind the public that currently there is a temporary Stewardship Order in place pursuant to Section 7[B]6 of the Municipalities Act 1923 in respect of the governance of the Corporation of Hamilton [CoH].”
The Minister continued, “In practice this means that the current Council is unable to pass any resolutions or Ordinances and official Council meetings are suspended until further notice.
“The CoH Chief Operation Officer [COO], Mr. Ed Benevides will continue to exercise his authority in respect of the standing Financial Instructions with the oversight of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“It is vital the community understands that all communication relating to the CoH is in the first instance sent to the COO who will forward as necessary correspondence to me. I shall in due course advise the Council of their role moving forward, which shall be in an advisory capacity only.
“I should be clear, that any correspondence purporting to emanate from the CoH is not representative of the Corporation unless it has been signed by the COO or me.
“In that regard, I must stress the press release from certain Council members was not authorized by me or the COO and as such is not an official release by the CoH, despite the official letter head on the release.”
“If Council members wish to make releases to the press in their own names, that is their prerogative, but given the numerous allegations by Council members made against each other, it is ridiculous indeed for anyone to be speaking to the press about anything to do with internal governance issues.
“That said, I strongly urge all of the Council to refrain from making comments to the press. It does nothing but further damage the reputation of the City and the existing Council,” added Minister Fahy.
In addition, the CoH also issued a response, with a spokesperson saying: “The Deputy Mayor has made a statement purported to be on behalf of the Corporation of Hamilton. This statement is made without any authority to speak on behalf of the Corporation of Hamilton, with a number of serious inaccuracies and is in breach of the code of ethics and conduct.”
Mayor Graeme Outerbridge stated, “Unfortunately this has been an ongoing challenge for this Council. While I would like to give my side of the events, this matter is before the courts and I am bound to make no comment out of respect to the Chief Justice Kawaley and the legal due process.”
I think that kinda clarifies things. The phrase ‘pissing in the breeze…’ comes to mind when I think of the dissenters. The one shock in this is Gwyneth Rawlins….despite watching her drama queen exit from UBP headquarters on that fateful night, I always had a high regard for her intellect and her decision making prowess.I am challenged in both regards these days.
Why has her intellect diminished, because she no longer involved with the ubp\oba ?
I strongly believe the following says it all.
“If Council members wish to make releases to the press in their own names, that is their prerogative, but given the numerous allegations by Council members made against each other, it is ridiculous indeed for anyone to be speaking to the press about anything to do with internal governance issues.
“That said, I strongly urge all of the Council to refrain from making comments to the press. It does nothing but further damage the reputation of the City and the existing Council,” added Minister Fahy.
In addition, the C.o.H. also issued a response, with a spokesperson saying: “The Deputy Mayor has made a statement purported to be on behalf of the Corporation of Hamilton. This statement is made without any authority to speak on behalf of the Corporation of Hamilton, with a number of serious inaccuracies and is in breach of the code of ethics and conduct.”
MWHAaahahah…C of H…GAME OVER!
The circus is shut down for retooling but some of the acts still want to perform, even headline. May 2015 cannot come soon enough, although I will miss the entertainment. The Not the Um-Um Show or Pantomime should do a show dedicate to this administrations last 3 years in office.
Whenever I see a COH story I get this vision in my head of a kindergarden class with Minister Fahy as reacher. Can’t shake it.
The Minister should refrain from making comments as well as it is obvious that he believes that temporary stewardship gives him certain rights but given that this whole stewardship issues is not quite clear and is unprecedenteed it makes sense to have a neutral party (the Court) sort it out. This is the best course in my opinion because the change in law will potentialy be permanent and therfore have an affect on corporation operations that goes beyond the present administration.
He is making sure the public know that individuals using letterhead are no longer allowed to do so. That’s looking after the public. that’s what we want. i’m sure no statement would have been made had it not been for the individuals release in the media.
The Minister should take over the reigns to the C OF H until May and clear the place out once and for all . Start with a group of trustworthy officials elected who do not have there own personal agenda !!!!
Elected. The Minister was elected by who.
Well said….an appointed person telling democratically elected people what to do.
Did you feel that way about Col. Burch?
Well speaking for myself only, Yes I do.. Its called being objective.. I don’t change my position based on who the victim or offender is.. Try it someday,, might bring about a bit more clarity,,
He’s talking about the COH, and future COH elections….Please keep up with what the article is about.
Keep up with the article and neglect the valid point the poster is making.. You are asking for a group of trustworthy elected persons, but yet you see no problem with the Minister who is taking over the stewardship to not be an elected Member of Parliament.. Either way, the reality to which we speak is well within the laws of the Bermudian Political System, however, you must at least have a bit of rationale to see the irony in your statement, even for a couple of seconds
Who you have in mind, Charles and the oba…old boys association ?!!!
Where would you find a group of trustworthy people in Bermuda. Do you think that minister fahy doesn’t have an agenda please. You people are funny as hell SMDH hahahahaha
Trustworthy people is subliminal for a certain segment of society.
The C of H has been turned into a free for all , and this is ok by you lot? NN you are laughable !!!! SMH !