OBA And Government On Appointments
The OBA expressed “frustration” at what they described as the PLP “rewarding its own candidates and affiliates with roles connected to the machinery of government,” while the Government said they “rejected the Opposition’s latest attempt to create confusion about a well-established process.”
Shadow Minister of Cabinet Office & Digital Innovation Jarion Richardson Statement
Shadow Minister of Cabinet Office & Digital Innovation Jarion Richardson said, “The One Bermuda Alliance expresses deep frustration and disappointment at what appears to be yet another example of the Progressive Labour Party rewarding its own candidates and affiliates with roles connected to the machinery of government.”
“The One Bermuda Alliance expresses deep frustration and disappointment at what appears to be yet another example of the Progressive Labour Party rewarding its own candidates and affiliates with roles connected to the machinery of government.
“The recent communication issued in relation to the Election Day Experience Survey, bearing the name of a former PLP candidate who has since been engaged in a consultancy role connected to government functions, raises serious and legitimate concerns about the continued blurring of lines between party and state.
“This pattern of manipulating the people’s property for political gain has been seen time and again.
“This concern is heightened by the fact that the individual in question is not a politically detached professional, but a deeply embedded figure within the Progressive Labour Party.
“He has served as Chairman of the PLP’s youth wing, Progressive Minds, has publicly advocated on behalf of the Party’s policy agenda, and stood as an official PLP candidate in the last General Election. He is, by any reasonable standard, a political actor within the governing party’s structure. When individuals with that level of political involvement are then engaged in roles connected to government functions, it raises serious and unavoidable questions about whether such appointments are being made on the basis of independence and merit, or political affiliation.
“Bermudians are increasingly concerned that under this Government, access to public roles and opportunities is too often determined not by merit, independence, or transparency, but by political alignment. That perception—whether denied or dismissed by the Government—is corrosive. It undermines confidence in public institutions and reinforces the growing belief that political loyalty is being rewarded at the expense of fairness.
“Good governance demands more.
“It requires that public appointments, formal or informal, are made through transparent, accountable processes that inspire confidence across the entire community, not just within one political party. It requires a clear and visible separation between those who seek elected office and those entrusted with administering public functions.
“When that line is repeatedly crossed, it should concern every Bermudian, regardless of political affiliation.
“The One Bermuda Alliance has consistently advocated for higher standards in public life. Our platform and principles are grounded in integrity, accountability, and the proper stewardship of public resources. We believe that government must serve the country, not the party.
“This latest development only reinforces why so many Bermudians feel disillusioned with politics. Trust is not lost in a single moment, it is eroded through repeated actions that suggest the system is not operating on a level playing field.
“We therefore call on the Government to:
- Clarify the process by which such appointments are made
- Disclose the scope, terms, and remuneration of consultancy roles connected to public functions; and
- Commit to clear, published standards that prevent the politicisation of government work.
“Bermuda deserves a system that is fair, transparent, and worthy of public trust.
“The One Bermuda Alliance will continue to hold the Government to account and advocate for a higher standard of governance on behalf of all Bermudians.”
Government Statement
A Government spokesperson said, “The Government this evening rejected the Opposition’s latest attempt to create confusion about a well-established process.
“Under the laws of Bermuda and the Ministerial Code of Conduct, Ministers are allowed, with the written approval of the Premier, to appoint advisers or consultants to assist them in their work.
“The law is also clear that these appointments may be political or expert in nature. There is nothing improper, unusual, or new about that.
“In this case, the appropriate process was followed and the necessary approval was given.
“What makes the Opposition’s criticism even more perplexing is that the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation is working to deliver on an election promise to modernise Bermuda’s electoral system, including the introduction of absentee voting, a reform the Opposition itself has long said it supports.
“If the Opposition supports absentee voting and electoral reform, why is it complaining about the work being done to advance it?
“For clarity, the appointment was made properly. And the work being carried out is aimed at delivering a reform that has broad public support. There is no misuse of process.
“There is simply a Government doing the work required to deliver on its pledged promises.”
