Two Resignations From Cabinet Announced
[Updated] Premier David Burt announced that Vance Campbell and Kathy Lightbourne-Simmons have resigned from Cabinet.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, today announced the resignations of two Ministers from the Cabinet.”
The Premier said, “At the end of last week I reluctantly accepted the resignations of now former Minister Vance Campbell and former Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Kathy Lightbourne-Simmons. Both Vance and Kathy have been valued members of the Cabinet, bringing to bear their thoughtful advice and counsel to the complex issues that confront Bermuda and which we in Government have a responsibility to address.”
Premier Burt continued, “Vance is a community-minded representative who fearlessly advocates for his constituents and has a keen interest in public service. I shall continue to call on his insightful counsel and look forward to working with him from the backbenches.”
Mr. Campbell most recently served as the Minister for the Cabinet Office and had responsibility for Planning.
Premier Burt also observed, “As Bermuda’s longest serving Attorney-General, Kathy led a team that broke new legislative ground as the government guided Bermuda through a once in a century pandemic. With a heart for Bermuda’s young people, I remain grateful to Kathy for the advancement of legislation that has protected the vulnerable and ensured that we have added to the rights of Bermuda’s workers.”
Premier Burt concluded, “Seven years after returning to Government and four years into this term, I fully understand and accept when individuals make decisions regarding their continued public service. This journey is not easy and takes a toll on not just the individual, but on families as well. I respect Vance and Kathy’s decisions at this time and cannot thank them enough for offering themselves for service and wish them both the very best for the future.”
A Government spokesperson confirmed that the Premier will make an announcement later in the week on other changes to ministerial responsibilities.
Update 4:31pm: Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson said, “The sudden resignations of two Cabinet Ministers add to the growing anxiety in the community. We’ve already been told of multiple Government Members of Parliament not returning to run in the next General Election, including the Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Works.
“The sudden loss of an Attorney-General [AG], even one mired in controversy, increases the concerns of instability. The position of Attorney-General is key to combatting the rise in violent crime and abysmal road behavior.
“The Minister of Tourism and Cabinet Office was appointed less than a year ago, and such a short period is not enough time. That said, while we in the Opposition strongly disagreed with some of his policies, he was always professional, considered and clear. His departure from Cabinet will further weaken the already unstable, outgoing Government.”
Update 10.34pm:The Government “notes comments made earlier today by Opposition leader Jarion Richardson and provided clarification.”
A Government spokesperson said, “While it is noted that, the role of the Attorney General (AG) is a significant appointment, it should be clarified that contrary to Mr. Richardson’s assertions, the Attorney General’s responsibilities primarily involve providing legal advice to the government not law enforcement, which is with the police and the Director of Public Prosecutions. Former AG has significant accomplishments over seven (7) years including public disclosures of sex offenders, increased penalties for crimes against children, roadside sobriety testing, and jury reforms.
“Secondly it’s important to note that the former Minister, MP Vance Campbell, has not held the Tourism portfolio since 2023 and this indicates a significant oversight by the Opposition.”
“Former AG Simmons and MP Campbell gave great service to the island during their years in Cabinet with significant accomplishments. The Government is focused on moving forward and addressing the critical issues facing Bermuda, and we remain committed to ensuring that our policies and actions build a better, fairer Bermuda that meets the needs of the people.”
Election anyone?
The pieces are coming together.
“As Bermuda’s longest serving Attorney-General, Kathy led a team that broke new legislative ground as the government guided Bermuda through a once in a century pandemic.” Yeah, suppressing people’s rights, arrests, curfews, lockdowns, use of the Regiment for roadside travel checks, etc. I guess something must be in the works that might come back on her and reflect poorly on Mr. Big.
We all know the roads are bad! Will the OBA make that an election issue?
Who is the OBA?
“Who is the OBA?”
See here https://oba.bm/
You missed out rewarding the faithful who surrounded Sessions House in March 2016 and prevented our MPs from debating the pros and cons of immigration reform.
Nope!
Once again Burt twists reality, some call it telling lies, but that doesn’t exist in Burt’s vocabulary.
Yet again we have a “Government spokesperson” commenting on purely political matters. Confirms how Burt has solidified PLP control over Bermuda.