OBA: ‘Disappointing’ Minister Was Not Present
It was “disappointing” the Minister was “not present to accept the replica of the Bermudian High Seas Legacy Declaration,” OBA MP Vance Campbell said, adding that when an event such as this “cannot attract the presence of the responsible Minister or even a substitute representative, the public is entitled to question whether the Government’s stated concern for Bermudians extends beyond rhetoric.”
OBA MP Vance Campbell criticised the Government’s absence from a planned presentation recognising Bermuda’s environmental legacy, questioning its commitment to local interests.
Vance Campbell, who is the Shadow Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, said, “Actions speak louder than words. After weeks of planning an engagement with Minister Jache Adams’ office, it was disappointing to see that he was not present to accept the replica of the Bermudian High Seas Legacy Declaration, and to add insult to injury was the apparent failure to send another Minister or representative in his place.
“It would have been a travesty had Minister Jason Hayward not walked by and stepped in to save face for his colleague.
“This was not an impromptu event. Organizers worked for weeks to ensure that the presentation could take place and that the Government would have the opportunity to participate in recognising an important part of Bermuda’s environmental legacy.
“The Government’s complete absence is difficult to reconcile with its attendance at other events it considers a priority. Not long ago, Government representatives were present for the signing of the Hamilton Declaration II. The contrast is striking.
“The reality is that this Government often speaks about its commitment to Bermudians and its concern for local interests. Yet, too frequently, those words are not accompanied by actions that demonstrate the same commitment. Showing up matters. Representation matters. Respect matters.
“When an event such as this, which was led by a Bermudian, cannot attract the presence of the responsible Minister or even a substitute representative, the public is entitled to question whether the Government’s stated concern for Bermudians extends beyond rhetoric.
“Bermudians deserve a government whose actions consistently reflect the priorities it professes. On this occasion, that standard was not met.”
