Wayne Caines: ‘It Has Been An Honor To Serve’
“It has been an honor to serve the people of Bermuda as the Minister of National Security,” Wayne Caines said following his resignation from Cabinet.
In a post late last night on social media, Mr. Caines said, “In 2017 I decided to run for Government Office; I wanted to make a difference in Bermuda. Over the last three years, I have been privileged to serve as the Minister of National Security.
“I was blessed to lead a team that started and nurtured Fintech.
“The country can be proud of the work of the Gang Violence Reduction team led by Pastor Leroy Bean. At one point, our island saw 15 months without any Gang Related deaths. We have implemented programs at the Berkeley Institute, The CedarBridge Academy, Elliot Primary, and the Victor Scott School. Hundreds of students participated in the anti-violence programs led by Police and Customs Officers. There is still much work to be done. I am confident that the team will continue their most excellent and needed work.
“I am most proud of Redemption Farm, a program designed to help at-risk males and teach them how to farm and help them develop life skills. This program was seismic. The Ministry saw significant progress with these young men, and I believe the Redemption Farm is a massive credit to our country.
“Our Ministry created the Disaster Risk Reduction And Mitigation [DRRM] team led by Steve Cosham. This team is prepared and ready to deal with any disaster that our country faces.
“The DRRM proved that they were worth their weight in gold when they spearheaded the hurricane relief for the Bahamas in 2019.
“We collected over $1 million in goods, and people from all over our country from every walk of life helped to prepare to send those goods to our brothers and sisters in the Bahamas. That was a highlight of my ministerial career. I was so blessed to see our country come together to help others in need.
“Shortly after that, our DRRM team was called on to lead our country through Hurricane Humberto. It was a privilege to lead the Emergency Measures Organization [EMO]as we helped our country prepare and recover from Hurricane Humberto.
“It has been a privilege to work with the Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Police Service, the Bermuda Customs Department, the Bermuda Department of Corrections, The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service and the Bermuda Department of Immigration.
“But the last few months have been the most challenging of my professional career.
“Working with the Ministry of Health, the DRRM, and the Cabinet Subcommittee Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has been a life-altering experience.
“I have been working 12 hour days, seven days a week without a single day off, for 18 weeks.
“Press conferences, EMO meetings, Cabinet Meetings, Cabinet Sub Committee meetings, Caucus Meetings, Parliamentary meetings, meetings with community groups/stakeholders, etc.
“I often visited the homeless shelter to check on the welfare of our most vulnerable. Frequently I checked on the men and women of the Bermuda Regiment as they worked at night at the vehicle checkpoints, I also attended police briefings to show support for our officers. I visited the Quarantine Facilities and helped the DRRM manage incoming flights.
“I was humbled to be a part of a team that led Bermuda through some of the most challenging times in our most recent history.
“Which is a perfect segway to the unfortunate viral social media video that cast a shadow over what was a night dedicated to raising funds for Meals on Wheels.
“The MEF group applied to host a sit-down charitable dinner, which took place last weekend. The event’s criteria were thoroughly vetted by the Ministry of National Security’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation [DRRM] Team before approval was granted.
“The event took place per the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines.
“Please note that all attendees at the charity dinner had their temperatures checked. The restaurant staff ensured that face masks were worn when guests entered the restaurant. Additionally, names and contact details of all attendees were collected. Shortly after I arrived, I noted that several servers were not wearing masks, and I immediately approached the restaurant manager and asked him to make the servers put on their masks right away. The manager complied with my order, and all servers put on their masks.
“I can confirm that I was wearing a mask upon arriving at the establishment. While I was seated, I was not wearing a mask. I should point out that the COVID-19 restaurant protocols note that patrons are permitted to remove their masks once they’re seated. Additionally, restaurant patrons are not required to wear a mask while seated and dining.
“Regrettably, during the two occasions when I was away from my table that evening, I did not re-mask. For that, I unreservedly apologize.
“Lastly, it should be noted that as the event concluded, the organizers arranged for a musician to serenade the attendees as they departed. And as I left the event, I only re-masked as I approached the exit when, in fact, I should have worn my face covering as soon as I left the table. As a public servant, I am humbled and aware of the responsibility I hold and the need to lead by example.
“The events surrounding the Charitable Dinner has become a significant distraction for the Government.
“Tonight I tendered my resignation to the Premier. It has been an honor to serve the people of Bermuda as the Minister of National Security.”
Wayne, I am sad to hear this news today. You served our country well above and beyond the call of duty sir. I would like to thank you personally for your commendable service and the countless sacrifices that you made for the role you served. We as people often forget that the those behind the steering wheel of leadership are people too and can and at times will make mistakes just like the rest of us, we are all human. May the next path you choose be richly blessed.
Violins!
Mr. Caines. I will admit that originally I was not one of your biggest fans nor am I a PLP cheerleader. I have always voted the person not thebparty. However I will also admit that as a result of the way that you and Ms. Wilson handled yourselves during the Covid 19 outbreak you changed my opinion and have earned have my respect.
Only problem is that we are STILL in a Covid 19 crisis and he handled himself poorly….so you might want to rethink that.
I don’t know about you but I’ve made some mistakes and as careful as I am I’ve forgotten to put on my mask, hugged someone, high fives someone. I appreciate that he is a minister and should know better but are we not tired of destroying a person because they said the wrong thing or did the wrong thing, or were with the wrong person even just once. We as a society are sympathetic towards hardened criminals but have developed a sick pleasure on kicking someone when they are down. I know I’m not perfect poster named Wahoo? Are you? Your family and friends? I doubt it.
ditto… I fully agree with your post.
The Tea Party spirit is still in Bermuda, but they still honour their leader who made History as the 1st Premier to resign in Bermuda in disgrace.
And that same Tea Party spirit wanted to crucify Obama but are silent against de idiot in de White House.
LMAO
Well Wayne had better get a Government job as no private firm will hire him with this track record!
If you were so “honored to serve” why did you try to pi$$ it away so many times? Did you not learn from your past “indiscretions?” You were allowed more strikes than most.
And stop calling it a “charitable dinner.” Just stop.
When you find yourself in a hole, STOP DIGGING!
Just dig yourself back like Cannonair did.
And Zane, And Rabain And Burch
They just can’t help themselves can they “charitable dinner” my a$$! Unapologetic to the end he blabs about his accomplishments as if we should thank him. I am guessing this is a time out for these two and soon they will be back collecting fat checks while the real Bermudians go hungry. True to form the defenders can only point to “jet gate” and forgetting (conveniently) that there was more than one jet gate….they original deserves more spotlight than the later. Also it occurred to me that this is very similar behavior to that of President Trump. Perhaps the next plp face masks should accommodate two faces?
Thank you Wayne for all that you’ve done for this island. Before, during and after politics. One thing I can see …crystal clear ….is some humans are never satisfied until they see the demise of another human. They want you to fail…they gossip, they blame, they judge. Those that were calling for your resignation or for you to be fired won’t do half (heck ..some won’t do one quarter) of what you’ve done and what you’ve achieved. Whatever is in store for you … here’s wishing you the best. And knowing you… you will do just great!
Yeah right like people did to the local musician who called then c********es! Go play a violin!
Did i miss the word apologise? Reads more like his CV
Not surprised. Not much of an apology in his comment. As expected from most arrogant people. Just selfish, vain comments about his achievements. No humility.. Smfh…..
It’s been an honor to serves you right.You have had more chances than a person in your capacity was meant to get.As the quote begins ,to whom much is given.
The day you picked up the political baton you assumed responsibility for every waking minute.
It all went wrong with the scraggy beard
Those who conduct themselves with morality, highest of integrity and consistency need not fear the forces of inhumanity and cruelty.
May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.
The greatest glory in living is not in falling, but in rising every time we fall.
After climbing a great hill. One only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
When we decide/called to serve, in whatever capacity, our mindset MUST be always cognizant that both the positive and negative radars will be continuously focused on us. God is our ultimate Judge…
Which god?
Not once in that long speech did I see an apology. This is the same Minister that breathed words of hellfire against those that recklessly breached the covid19 legislation…the teens at Johns Smith Bay…adults and teens at Horseshoe Bay Beach. And the same Minister turns around and recklessly breaches the very same covid19 legislation I’m sure he helped to draft. But what do we get…his CV of accomplishments while in office??!!?? I guess Minister Caines didn’t realize that the same laws he passes into law also applies to him. Minister Wilson and the Premier did a fantastic job in guiding us through this pandemic, all done by gaining our trust in them and the Government to lead us through this frightening chapter. Minister Caines actions (and those of Zane) have only served to erode that trust the people of Bermuda have in the Government. Utterly ridiculous!! Sir, you owe this country a hearty apology! Simply say: ‘to the people of Bermuda, I am sorry’. Its that simple!! No CV required. Then again, the apology may be lost on deaf ears…..every gaff Mr. Caines has made while in office was followed with….”an apology”…. Yes Mr. Caines…. your time to go is now… please go.
dont forget to shut the door guys
cant wait to see the presentation to meals on wheels.
When you catch someone doing something it’s not the first time. It’s just the first time being caught
A well known politician told me something I will never forget. He told me that while in the UBP he was known as a good writer so he was assigned the task of writing letters to the editor of the daily news and magazines