Bermuda premier resigns in face of political scandal
(CNS): The premier of Bermuda, Craig Cannonier, resigned from office Monday night following a political scandal over his allegeddealings with US businessman and top Democratic fundraiser, Nathan Landow. Cannonier’s resignation came after days of speculation over his future as the islands’ leader after Landow admitted that he and a group of real estate developers, builders and businessmen from Washington DC contributed some $300,000 to Cannonier’s party, the One Bermuda Alliance, during the 2012 election campaign via a group called the Bermuda Political Action Club. Although Landow has denied any quid pro quo in his dealings with Cannonier, the Bermuda premier said there was a failure to be transparent.
Cannonier (51) was sworn in as the country’s premier in December 2012. Having served as leader for just 17 months, this is the shortest term in Bermuda’s history, according to local and international media reports .
In a statement Cannonier said, “Nothing illegal was done, but I accept there was a failure over time to be completely transparent. This is a fundamental component of good governance and a core principle upon which the One Bermuda Alliance was founded."
Accepting responsibility, he added that he was “very disappointed with the ways things have turned out” but was quick to ensure his political colleagues were blameless. "In saying that, I want to make one thing completely clear: No Cabinet colleagues have done anything wrong in this or any other matter. As the leader, I accept responsibility."
Governor George Fergusson said he had accepted Cannonier’s resignation Monday and that Deputy Premier Michael H Dunkley would carry out the role of acting premier on an interim basis. Cannonier has not resigned his seat and well remain in the country's parliament.
Category: World News
This is the difference between the Atlantic and the Caribbean, a Mazda and a Mercedes need I say more?
It is that air of arrogance that has got Bermuda in the trouble it is now. You seem to forget one of your previous premiers who is also connected to Misick.
What gives you the impression that Bermuda is in trouble? last time I checked more people were fighting to stay there as residents than those who leave even when it is almost impossible for them to gain citizenship, purchase land or even a car (subject only to strict conditions) being aware of all those restrictions people are beating down their doors daily to gain entry. Any country that governs with such authority deserves to have an air of arrogance.
You live in fantasy land. Bermuda is suffering under a load of unmanageable public debt and economic stagnation. It's GDP contracted by 2.5% last year, following a contraction of 4.9% the previous year. It's credit rating has been downgraded by S&P, Moody and Fitch. Its projected budget deficit is $267m and a net debt of $2.185 billion. Its population is also declining. Got the picture? But you can enjoy your ride of arrogance on the way to the bottom.
Glad you got the order right – Atlantic = Mazda, Caribbean = Mercedes.
Time longer than rope……let's see what our current leaders do next here in cayman? Any current developments on the table?
Regional leaders are condemned for the slightest hint of monetary corruption.
However, U.S. Presidents and UK Prime Ministers are excused, rewarded and defended as they contravene international conventions, commit war crimes and kill hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women and children.
But hey, 2 wrongs don't make a right, right?
At least he had the decency to do the right thing and not have to be forced out of office kicking and screaming by his colleagues
This is the same thing happening here with our leaders.
For the last 21 years we have seen our politicians amend laws an dpolicies, only to screw their people.
They get in bed with these big developers and give them what they want in the terms of, bringing in their own people to take the jobs that should be created for the locals that pay taxes.
Let the bashing begin. These comments will be a good read today after the long weekend……
But yet our hearts our pure and our hands are clean: Casino trips and cell phone shopping in Spain on the peoples purse without any repercussions ?
Don't forget voters, the UDP went around the world first class while we ate rice & peas. Demand better politicians: this new group too is not immune! We are watching.
You ate carrots and milk. Not rice and peas.