Video: Premier Announces ‘Bermuda First’ Group
[Updated] Premier and Minister of Finance David Burt held a press conference this afternoon [Oct 26] where he announced the ‘Bermuda First’ advisory group, which has an aim to “develop a long term economic and social plan for Bermuda.”
The Premier said the group will be chaired by former HSBC Bermuda CEO Phil Butterfield, and members will include Sir John Swan, John Wight, Gil Tucker, Dr. Duranda Green, Chris Furbert, Darren Johnston, Patrick Tannock, Gita Blakeney Saltus, Michael Collins, Andy Burrows, Wendy McLeod, Scott Pearman, and Michael Branco.
The Premier also answered questions from the media about the Bermuda First group, as well as the Appleby data leak and the announcement this morning that Aecon will be sold.
The press conference took place this afternoon, and we will have the full list of committee member and additional information later on, and in the meantime the 16-minute video of the full press conference is below.
Update 6.41pm: Premier David Burt said, “As you would have heard me say, prior to the election, and to quote from the Progressive Labour Party Platform, “In order for Bermuda to succeed, we need to return our economy to a path of balanced growth that creates jobs, provides rising incomes and assists our budget challenges.
“It is this government’s belief that a better environment must be created in which Bermudian businesses can thrive, opportunities for Bermudians can be created, and in which capable, qualified Bermudians can earn opportunities to work, train and succeed at every level. We will ensure a fairer Bermuda for all by enacting policies to grow Bermuda’s economy.”
“One of the initiatives we identified to accomplish during the first 100 days of becoming the government was to form a Bermuda First advisory group consisting of local and international business and community leaders to develop a long-term economic and social plan for Bermuda.
“The Bermuda First concept is not a new idea, it was created by the PLP government in 2009 and was co-chaired by the then Premier and the Opposition Leader. The committee was formed as a result of the global financial crisis and economic downturn that started in 2008.
“The creation of a new Bermuda First Think Tank is a promise that has been kept by this Government. No politicians will serve on the committee. The objective for creating this non-political entity is so they can develop an economic and social blueprint that will shape Bermuda for the next 10 – 15 years. For our island to be successful we must have a single vision and we must all move in the same direction.
“As stated in this year’s Speech from the Throne, the Bermuda First think tank will draw on the intellectual capital of local and international business and community leaders. Every section of our community will be involved to ensure that the input is given so that we can move together as a country.
“The committee will look for new opportunities for Bermuda to strengthen its economic base, identify new and emerging industries and technologies for the island to build on, and assist us in developing a balanced long-term economic growth that keeps in mind the key need to develop socially and economically.
“I have asked Mr. Philip Butterfield to chair the Bermuda First Think Tank. Mr. Butterfield served as Chairman of HSBC Bank Bermuda from May 2012 to December 2015. Prior to that, he held the position of CEO of the Bank for eight years.
“He has also served as chairman of the Bermuda Hospitals Charitable Trust, was a member of the steering committee for the original Bermuda First, president of the Bermuda Health Foundation, chairman of the Advisory Committee for the Bermuda Environmental Alliance, chairman of the Victor Scott School Alumni Association, a board member of Johns Hopkins Medicine and the American Classical Orchestra.
“Phil brings to the role a global financial perspective together with a deep understanding of Bermuda’s political, financial and social make up. I am grateful that he has agreed to take on this important position and lead the outstanding team who will create the plan that will shape Bermuda and move us forward.
“In addition to Mr. Butterfield, members of the Bermuda First committee who have agreed to serve, some of whom are here today are: Sir John Swan, John Wight, Gil Tucker, Dr. Duranda Green, Chris Furbert, Darren Johnston, Patrick Tannock, Gita Blakeney Saltus, Michael Collins, Andy Burrows, Wendy McLeod, Scott Pearman, and Michael Branco.
“There are a few other members will be announced in due course.
“I want to thank Phil and those who have offered to serve on the Board of Bermuda First. They are volunteering their time and expertise as we work together to build and better and fairer Bermuda. The committee will begin work immediately, developing their mandate and identifying their methodology. The committee will be given an operating budget together with office space and administrative support.
“I anticipate receiving an initial report of the committee by the middle of next year.
“As I mentioned, the Bermuda First Think Tank is an initiative that was identified in this government’s 100 Day pledge that we made in our platform. Those of you who have been “keeping count you will know that tomorrow – 27 October – is the 100 Day mark that we have been in office.
“On 3 November, when Parliament reconvenes, I will provide Parliament with an update on the success of the 21 initiatives that were identified in the 100 Day pledge. We made a commitment to focus on priorities to create a better and fairer Bermuda. We are doing that. After my report to the House, I will speak directly to the people of Bermuda to whom we are accountable, as we take our show on the road. “
Read More About
Category: All, News, Politics, Videos
Team was looking good until they included brother Chris.
There is no pay or stipend, correct?
Don’t worry about brother Chris. You forgot the OBA is going to lose more MPs soon. The party is in total melt down. The membership is dropping like flies after spraying BAGON. Only the roaches are there.
What’s real funny is you don’t even know it’s coming LOLOL.
I don’t doubt that you are correct. What is real funny though is that YOU have no idea of the storm that is coming with the PLP in charge. An an expat who loves this island, I feel sorry for you given that you voted them in.
Just imagine if Rev Twit was there. All quiet about him right now. Smell a big rat..called PLP/BIU.
It will be interesting to see how this turns out. Several members are CEOs or exCEOs of companies who shipped hundreds of jobs off Bermuda to cheaper locations. Maybe they should start by bringing those jobs/people back.
And bought houses out of the bonus Cheques to get rid of them!
What’s interesting is that you’re the same fool who did the polls in the local media telling Bermuda the oba=UBP was going to win the 2017 election. The PLP/BIU cleaned out the entire WEST and EAST! That only left you with 12 seats. Lucky for you my cousins didn’t travel back from living in London. It would’ve been less votes. The voters only left you enough seats for musical chairs. Only maybe 5 of your UBP mps are keeping the lights on the others are smart enough to know you can’t bring the experiment OBA/UBP back to life.
I dont know about that allegation and those ex-ceos specifically but i do know of several jobs that have already left the island due to work permits being rejected under this govt. The fundamental problem is that we will always need foreign workers in the higher skilled jobs at least and that must be recognized. However we should be training bermudians as much as we can but in the meantime, dont mess witb our economy otherwise there wont be any jobs!
As of a few days ago the only ones they made progress on were forming committees or spending money. There will be a lot of Burt Math in this progress report.
Also, the first 100 days has been a complete disaster for Bermuda and Bermudians. No increased revenue but lots of increased expenses. Standby for the next round of debt financing, if this can be found. If not get used to many layoffs and cutbacks in Government.
Wow what a joke bra! Same %#*# different day lmfao!
Chris furbert! Are u kidding!?! He is only out for one person, himself
Hmm. What have they done: taken away human rights, nothing for childrens rights in court…what else? Oh yeah, tried to take away independent oversight over gambling and dropped court cases against those from their last time in govt.
Not been a stellar first 100 days has it…..
“No politicians” … lmfao … you think CF isn’t a politician?
Agreed.
Not a very progressive group.
The big president makes more money than all those people
The union president makes more money than the premier.
Look at the Haters ^^ ^^ still seething because your useless one term OBA (UBP) is gone by the way side? Was there any positive thoughts that came to mind with the formation of this group? Oh right, it’s titled Bermuda First and it’s a panel of Bermudians, majority Black ((Born)) Bermudian professionals…And you just hate the sight of that don’t you.. lol Bunch of losers.
Of course. Any critique just has to be because there are “Black Born Bermudians” on the panel. Of course.
What date does the second 100 Day challenge start? Gotta be a second 100 or what was the purpose of the first? When we get the full list, it’ll be interesting how many were “sent” by their organizations and how many were voluntary. And what exactly is non political, because I see card carrying members in this picture alone!
Interesting group of Bermudians. Let’s see if they can make it work and come up with some solutions. If they cannot, it will be very telling about the future of our Country and where we are headed!
For a “non-political entity” it’s stacked with well-known PLP members and supporters.
Friends and family I’m so shocked .
Yeah..creating jobs…see how may positions BNTB have moved out of Bermuda, and then look to see who is in the photo.
Burt math? Burt bs more like. But at least, finally, he’s visible.
Just imagine if Rev Twit was there. All quiet about him right now. Smell a big rat..called PLP/BIU.
“We made a commitment to focus on priorities to create a better and fairer Bermuda. We are doing that.”
Yeah, right. You going to put a muzzle on Walton then? And what about having a failed barrista as Junior Finance Minister? How does that help.
Stay home Burt. Not interested.
Why not more women? Women comprise more the society and lead more households, where is the balance in representation?
Bizarre that there is no representation from the BDA in this group. The BDA have been the best non-partisan group promoting and pushing Bermuda forward we have seen. Weird that they would be left out of this “Bermuda First” group. It is also weird that they kept the same Chairman given the fact that the last time Bermuda First produced a report (2009) it was as bit of a waste of time.
Just MORE PAYCHECKS PLP are handing out and SPENDING LIKE CRAZY STILL to hear what the cost was for BURT on his Euoropean trip TRANSPARANCE RIGHT LOL
I will be intoxicated by the exuberance of their own verbosity.
All they will do is talk ! talk ! & talk !
If they are ever going to get at the root of the problem that plages our country it is dealing with crime, for some its a life style .
The best way to deal with crime is to double the penalty and make the parents pay for the stay in jail, as it all starts from the home.
If you eradicate crime you will put alot of people out of work ! the police / court system is antiquated and mired in paperwork.
#1 Agenda. crime.
#2 Agenda ……… same as #1
Where is Dr,Brown…
Brown waiting to take over
Jeez, it’s a bunch of old men again. How about some under 40s? More women? Some new, dynamic thinkers? Some innovators and entrepreneurs? This old bunch will recycle the same old ideas instead of giving us an inspiring future vision for Bermuda.
Women? This is the PLP remember…no women and no queers.
Actually that was the OBA/UBP! Lets not forget who didn’t pass the Gay Marriage law when they had the chance LOLOLOL. Now go back and change the name. I feel the pain of a 1 term government
My X leader Michael Dunkely didn’t even show up to VOTE LOLOLOLOLOL. I assume he was to busy milking the cows on the farm to worry about voting that evening or what was he’s excuse you UBPERS must know??????
Just words. No action. Usual bulls**t. Jobs & $ for friends. PLP spending money not needed to use. Bankrupting Bermuda again. Those who voted PLP in wake up.
From the look of thing not a single person from international business (not including the banks) apart from Patrick Tannock. Not a good message to send.