Attorney General Speaks At United Nations
Attorney General Kim Wilkerson recently addressed the United Nations Special Political and Decolonisation Committee where she “emphasised Bermuda’s positive and constructive relationship with the United Kingdom, while acknowledging that the island’s journey toward self-determination remains essential and unfinished.”
A spokesperson said, “Bermuda reaffirmed its democratic strength and ongoing commitment to self-determination on the international stage, as Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, addressed the United Nations Special Political and Decolonisation Committee [Fourth Committee] on Tuesday.
“In her remarks, the Attorney General highlighted Bermuda’s longstanding record of democratic governance, strong institutions, and economic resilience. She underscored the island’s ability to govern itself with competence and stability, noting that Bermuda’s parliamentary democracy entrusts elected representatives with responsibility for nearly all aspects of domestic governance.”
“Bermuda is a small island territory of just over 64,000 residents, yet we have built a highly developed economy and stable institutions,” the Minister said.
“Our government functions on the basis of a parliamentary democracy, with elected representatives responsible for nearly all aspects of domestic governance.”
A spokesperson added, “Attorney General Wilkerson emphasised Bermuda’s positive and constructive relationship with the United Kingdom, while acknowledging that the island’s journey toward self-determination remains “essential and unfinished.”
“She noted that while the 2005 Bermuda Independence Commission laid important groundwork, further momentum has slowed in recent years.
“Any future steps, she stressed, must be guided by broad public understanding and consensus, reflecting Bermuda’s commitment to democratic principles and respect for the will of its people.”
“Progress toward self-determination requires broad education, open consultation, and consensus-building within Bermuda itself,” she stated.
“Our responsibility as leaders is to ensure that the people of Bermuda are fully informed of the options available, the implications of each, and the opportunities and responsibilities that self-determination entails.”
Reaffirming Bermuda’s commitment to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, Minister Wilkerson concluded: “Bermuda is a territory that has shown it can govern itself with competence and stability.
“We remain committed to advancing this principle in a way that is inclusive, measured, and respectful of the will of our people.”
A spokesperson added, “The Attorney General’s participation underscores Bermuda’s active engagement with the international community as it continues to chart its future path. The Government of Bermuda will continue to work with the United Nations and international partners in advancing a process that reflects the aspirations and informed choices of its people.”
The Attorney General’s remarks follow below:
Mr. Chair, Distinguished Delegates, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As Attorney General and Minister of Justice, it is an honour to address this seminar on behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda. We are grateful for the work of the Fourth Committee on Decolonisation and for the opportunity to share Bermuda’s experience as a British Overseas Territory with a long record of democratic practice and self-governance.
Bermuda is a small island territory of just over 64,000 residents, yet we have built a highly developed economy and stable institutions. Our gross domestic product reaches nearly $9 billion, giving Bermuda one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.
We maintain a diversified economy led by international business—particularly insurance and reinsurance— as well as tourism and financial services. Employment levels remain strong, and Bermuda continues to invest in the skills and education of its people to ensure shared prosperity and opportunity.
Our government functions on the basis of a parliamentary democracy, with elected representatives responsible for nearly all aspects of domestic governance. We are proud of the maturity and resilience of our political institutions, which operate under a framework of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Successive governments have demonstrated the capacity to legislate and administer effectively on behalf of the people of Bermuda.
Our relationship with the United Kingdom remains positive and constructive, and we enjoy excellent cooperation with the resident Governor, who represents the Crown. Yet, even as these bonds remain strong, Bermuda recognises that the journey toward self-determination is an essential and unfinished one.
The Bermuda Independence Commission issued its report twenty years ago in 2005, yet further momentum towards independence has faltered. We are clear-eyed about the fact that such a path cannot and must not be undertaken without the full participation of our people, who are divided on the issue.
Progress toward self-determination requires broad education, open consultation, and consensus-building within Bermuda itself. Our responsibility as leaders is to ensure that the people of Bermuda are fully informed of the options available, the implications of each, and the opportunities and responsibilities that self-determination entails.
Mr. Chair, Bermuda is a territory that has shown it can govern itself with competence and stability. We recognise that the right of self-determination is a cornerstone of international law and the United Nations Charter. We remain committed to advancing this principle in a way that is inclusive, measured, and respectful of the will of our people.
On behalf of Bermuda, I thank the Committee for its continued commitment to the decolonisation process, and for its support of small territories such as ours as we navigate the path forward. Thank you.
The UN is a useless organization , it should be dissolved and buried.
“…where she “emphasised Bermuda’s positive and constructive relationship with the United Kingdom” and there is so much more we could do in alignment with the UK… things that could benefit us in Bermuda much more.
‘Govern itself with competence and stability’. Is this lady serious? We have record debt, rotting infrastructure, arguably the highest cost of living in the world, rising crime and alleged corruption at the highest levels of government. Let’s not forget the government minister who insisted it’s not stealing if you give the money back!
It is an honor to have the Attorney General speaking on our behalf at the United Nations. However the remarks about self determination are not realistic. First what more self – determination do you want ? UK citizens require work permits to live and work in Bermuda, cannot buy a house, cannot vote; I am not sure what she is referring to.
Bermudians have an option to go to UK, get citizenship and work on jobs to fulfil their dreams. The Attorney General must understand other careers exist other than Tourism, International business ?
What about the ability for students to go to the UK to study at UK taxpayer rates
Is the attorney general stating the self determination = permitting Bermuda to legalize drugs.
The island s recent funding of infrastructure projects; The Elbow, The Hamilton Princess supported and funded by UK business.
The security of the UK oversight makes Bermuda the reputational capital for reinsurance.
….. lets wager on how many self determined ministers have their UK passport s. Let wager how many ministers keep then in the event of “self determination”
I thank and respect the UK for all it has done for Bermuda, permitting self governed island and oversight.
Bermuda let’s focus =
A. Reduce number of members in house of assembly
B. Public works ; clean up the parks, increase life guard safety,roads
C. Bermuda Regiment enrollment – lets give young people incentives and trades – get them off the street gangs
I have been positive of the Governments progress but the “ a b c s” are basic lets get moving
Bermudian independence has been a core plank in the PLP manifesto since 1962.
It does not matter that the majority of Bermudians do not want independence from the U.K. It remains a PLP goal.
That’s an excellent summary of the PLP who do not have a sub-committee ,backbencher or Minister speaking on the subject.It is dead.