Dunkley: Govt Has Shown “Lack Of Leadership”

January 11, 2022

“Government has shown a glaring lack of leadership through this period,” MP Michael Dunkley said, citing the “sudden resignation of Dr. Weldon, the botched school openings and significant testing delays” and “Cabinet Ministers, including the Premier” being off.

Mr. Dunkley — who is the Shadow Minister of National Security, Health and Seniors — said, “A New Year traditionally signals renewed hope, intentions to seek opportunity and better days.

“Sadly 2022 has gotten off to a poor start as the island is once again in the midst of a Covid surge; the fifth with the highly contagious Omicron variant.

“Unfortunately, Government has shown a glaring lack of leadership through this period witnessed by the sudden resignation of Dr. Weldon, the botched school openings and significant testing delays for school children, arriving passengers and the general public.

“In addition, seven Cabinet Ministers, including the Premier, were all off at the same time at some point over the Christmas holiday. Unacceptable!

“Let me be very clear that leave is a well earned entitlement but for a Premier to allow this, in the middle of a Covid surge without adequate planning, is totally unacceptable.

“In early December it was evident that Omicron would have a significant impact on the island yet the government failed to plan, failed to prepare, imposed a curfew and then went on holiday. No wonder we are in a very poor position now!

“Yesterday the Premier finally surfaced and in an interview laced with many ‘uhs’. He said very little of worth. He did say he and Dr. Weldon had a difference of opinion. What is it? I thought the government followed the science and as the Government Science Advisor, why all of a sudden are they not listening to her advice?

“The Premier said antigen testing would be done as a pilot programme when the US has used it for entry into the country. Why are we not testing less using PCR tests and more with antigen tests during this surge to obtain results in a timely fashion and get our children back to school ?

“While the airport is open the inability to obtain test results soon after arrival is a major impediment to us now and into the future.

“2022 has started badly, it is time show leadership and tackle the significant issues we face. The Opposition is ready and willing to help weather this storm,” Mr Dunkley added.

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You can find more information on the links below from our dedicated website BermudaCovid.com, which is the most comprehensive resource and historic record available of Bermuda’s handling of the pandemic.

  • All Charts: Vaccine, testing & more here
  • Timelines: Dates of major developments here
  • Test results: Chart of testing stats here
  • Vaccine: Data covering vaccinations here
  • Dedicated website: BermudaCovid.com

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Comments (8)

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  1. Steve says:

    I couldn’t agree more but unfortunately the government is not listening.

  2. Sick of it All says:

    Question: If PLP is not listening to science like they did originally, did they really have a fallout with Dr. Weldon, rather than just ignore her suggestions and shut her down? I SMELL A BIG , FAT, RAT! Happy people don’t just up and leave. There is a lot more to this story that most don’t know. I don’t trust this government. I Don’t like them. They are bent on trouble. To get respect back they would have to work a lot harder, something I feel they won’t do. Sorry, that is from my heart. Wish it wasn’t. I am very upset with current Bermuda Events lately.
    I’m sure the busses will be next to go off the road. Get ready people! The schools will hang in the balance. Then trash collection. And the saga continues…

  3. watching says:

    “Yesterday the Premier finally surfaced and in an interview laced with many ‘uhs’. He said very little of worth. He did say he and Dr. Weldon had a difference of opinion. What is it? I thought the government followed the science and as the Government Science Advisor, why all of a sudden are they not listening to her advice?”

    What a petty comment from a former leader. There was much said that was worthy but unfortunately Mr Dunkley latches on to whatever the hot topic is in the comments section.

    Secondly, yes Dr Weldon was the science advisor but the Premier stated that the government has to listen to all the advice not just science.

    • Ronda says:

      The advice was to close schools to in persons learning.

      • watching says:

        Yes it was, and the government stated that other advice says that in person learning is better and more beneficial for the students. Additionally, many families don’t have the ability to easily facilitate remote learning or to work from home while the students are at home, so there is much to consider, not simply one view.

  4. puzzled says:

    Like Rand Paul and Dr. Fauci today.

    Cover your ass and keep the party alive.
    F… the rest of us.

  5. dunn juice says:

    I REMEMBER our master, burt said he was going to make banks lower there rates, hows that going. The price of groceries and insurance amongst other things where going to come down, hows that going.
    The only thing open here is international business, all the little mom and pops etc or dying.
    keep the masters in a little longer