Video: 2015 Premier’s Cup Match Message
Premier Michael Dunkley delivered his Cup Match message this evening [July 27] saying that as we enjoy the holiday, we should take a moment to reflect on the meaning of Cup Match, saying “its uniqueness reminds us that we live in a very special place.”
The Premier said, “Your Parliamentarians have just finished a busy session in the Legislature. The work we do – and I include all MPs and Senators in saying this – is to protect Bermuda from a tough and turbulent world while creating opportunities to help families grow and prosper.
“The session saw Bermuda push back hard against a European listing that mistakenly targeted our tax status. Finance Minister Bob Richards worked quickly to correct the situation and we are confident the matter will soon be resolved to the Island’s credit.
“We continued moving Bermuda forward in big ways for a future that is fair and secure.
“Freedom of information finally became a reality with the implementation of PATI regulations, bringing the highest standards of transparency and accountability to Island life. We moved forward with reforms to ensure our energy future is sustainable and affordable; and that our legal system works with speed, efficiency and fairness.
“The session also saw the tabling of legislation that sets the stage for construction of a hotel in St. George’s – a development that will create jobs and career opportunities for years to come, while providing a big boost to the East End economy. We will return for a special meeting of the Legislature on August 17 to move this development forward as quickly as possible for the jobs and opportunities people need.
“The challenge of turning around the economy so that it creates jobs for all is a tough one, but it’s what your Government was elected to do. Urgency drives our work because many families continue to struggle. We’re making progress, but much remains to do be done to extend recovery into each and every household.
“It’s unfortunate that your representatives at times descend into acrimonious debate – something that once was the exception not the rule. Nevertheless, I believe that each MP and Senator, at the end of the day, is committed to building a safe, prosperous and fair Bermuda.
“It is my hope that each of us sees a more positive approach to our life together, and to challenge ourselves to make it happen. There is no better place, no better time to start doing this than our Cup Match holiday.
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“No other event connects us more closely, no other event reflects more clearly who we are and what we stand for. Its uniqueness reminds us that we live in a very special place, as one very distinct people, under the sun.
“The cricket brings us together to celebrate an intense but friendly rivalry that displays the best in our young men – athletic skill, sportsmanship and camaraderie. Somers Day reminds us how important it is to work together and support each other in times of need.
“And Emancipation Day represents the standard of equality, fairness and unity that is our national mission.
“The significance of these Cup Match traditions is that they say as much about the possibilities for our future as they do about the facts of our past, and much more. They reflect the best in what we are and what we can be, and they give meaning to our community, meaning to our identity and direction for the way ahead.
“My friends, as you enjoy the holiday, please take a moment to reflect on the meanings of the Cup Match holiday. I see it as inspiration for a Bermuda we can all work for.
“In closing, before the crowds gather and the first ball is bowled here at the St. George’s Cricket Club, I want to extend thanks and appreciation on behalf of cricket fans everywhere to Club president Neil Paynter and his members. They’ve done a great job preparing the club and grounds for what promises to be two days of first-class cricket.
“So the stage is set. Like thousands of Cup Match fans across the Island, I’m looking forward to seeing a hard-fought contest that produces a clear winner.
“And to everyone, no matter where or how you choose to spend your holiday time, please be safe and enjoy. Thank you and Happy Cup Match Bermuda!”
Freedom of information finally became a reality with the implementation of PATI regulations, bringing the highest standards of transparency and accountability to Island life.
More BS this government will not release everything.
You know what they say. “BS baffles brains”.. And he’s pro at it…
What a waste of F!@#ing film.
“Freedom of information finally became a reality with the implementation of P.A.T.I. regulations, bringing the highest standards of transparency and accountability to Island life.” It’s the only chance that the “average person” has when wanting to find the truth/s.
What a waste of ——— film!!!!!This message clearly was not about Cupmatch but about the agenda of a government!My Party ,we done this and we done that!Remind the people about what Cupmatch really stands for.And to mention somers day before Emancipation day is a kick in the front of the pants to all former Slaves and their generations!
Well, they put in Somers day so the European people wont feel left out, that’s like Mandela and deKlerk sharing the Nobel Peace Prize.
What a F!@#*** JOKE.
I agree he could have left the plugs out of his message.
On the other hand, you’re both coming across like George Somers – unsettled and looking for somewhere to crash.
yes ”wanting to find the truth” but NEVER do….
A sincere speech Mr Premier — thank you ! Happy Cup Match to all — GO SOMERSET !
@I and I. Agreed. Most of his message was shamefully not about Cup Match itself but more like a cheap political campaign. The ‘uniqueness’ of Cup Match, Mr. Premier, is partly about Emancipation Day. I honestly don’t know what you mean when you say “Somers Day reminds us how important it is to work together and support each other in times of need”. ?? You got all that from a man who claimed the island in the name of the British crown after being shipwrecked over 400 years ago? A time when enslavement of Africans by the British crown was shaping up in earnest during that same period? Remarkable.
Also Mr. Premier, Emancipation Day in Bermuda may have represented the intent of “…standard of equality, fairness and unity…” but this was never made a reality or given a fair chance by the powers that be at the time. Instead shameful tactics of disenfranchisement of African Bermudians ruled the day. So called integration only happened legally in the 1950s. However informal segregation has been taking place ever since. Respectfully Mr. Premier, you need to 1) look around and see the current void between the haves and have nots particularly stemming from our history of institutional racism and 2) read up on our history in support of #1. Perhaps this will provide the much needed perspective you need for this ‘national mission’ you claim we are working towards. Because it has been a long time coming since 1609.
Well that’s a first – every single comment got more negative votes than positive ones, even though we had both PLP AND OBA cheerleaders (among others) offering comments.