Cannonier returns to cabinet

Cannonier - flanked by Dunkley and Fergusson

Former Premier Craig Cannonier, now Public Works Minister, is flanked by Premier Michael Dunkley and Governor George Fergusson at a swearing in ceremony at Government House.

Craig Cannonier has returned to Bermuda’s Cabinet – ten months after being forced to resign as the island’s Premier following the “JetGate” scandal.

“There is clearly no perfect script in one’s life, but there is always a redeeming path nearby, and I am thankful for the opportunity to walk it in the service of the people,” Cannonier said in prepared remarks at a swearing in ceremony at Government House today.

Cannonier was appointed Public Works Minister in a mini shuffle which also saw Grant Gibbons relinquish responsibility for the Education Ministry, and Patricia Gordon-Pamplin take over the Community and Cultural Affairs Ministry from Wayne Scott who was appointed the island’s third Education Minister.

“I think everyone is well aware of some of the challenges over the past year, but I firmly believe all of us at times need to rebuild and to rededicate,” Dunkley said in announcing the change.

“Its clear to me that Craig has the passion to serve the people of Bermuda. I have every confidence that he will do a great job as Minister of Public Works.”

The Premier explained that Gibbons retains responsibility for the Economic Development Ministry but ditching Education allows him to focus more on preparations for the America’s Cup events to be hosted by Bermuda in 2017.

“I will not let you down”: Craig Cannonier reads his acceptance speech at Government House swearing in ceremony

Cannonier’s appointment sparked harsh criticism from the Opposition Progressive Labour Party.

“Craig Cannonier’s appointment to the Ministry of Works & Engineering represents extremely poor judgment by Premier Dunkley and an endorsement of the dubious conduct that led to Cannonier’s disgraceful exit from the office of Premier,” the PLP said in a statement.

“Premier Dunkley’s decision to place an individual with unresolved criminal investigations relating to corruption at the head of one of the most important Government Ministries, involving millions of dollars in contract is foolhardy and reckless and brings into question his own judgement.”

Cannonier’s re-entry into Cabinet has disappointed some of his own party’s supporters with one telling Politica that the development was “ridiculous”.

Party insiders told us that the Premier had been strongly lobbied to return the former Premier to Cabinet after he revealed that he would be seeking a new Education Minister.

Cannonier’s resignation last year followed our story Selling Bermuda and a subsequent internal party investigation into his dealings with US based developer Nathan Landow who had an interest in establishing a casino business in Bermuda.‬

Bermuda Police Service launched its own inquiry which is yet to conclude. Central to their inquiry is a $350,000 donation made by Landow and a small group of US businessmen to a secret slush fund for the OBA’s election campaign.

Politica raised the issue of the ongoing police investigation at the swearing in ceremony but Dunkley would not say whether the Bermuda Police Service had briefed him on its progress.

But the Premier said that he had been reassured by Cannonier that the public had seen the last of the “JetGate” scandal.

Asked what he would do differently on his second round as a Cabinet Minister, Cannonier told Politica he would make better use of the Civil Service.

“We already have enough expertise within the civil service. And I don’t think that we’ve paid enough attention to that expertise.”

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