Bermuda: Two senior ministers’ step down from their positions  

Bermuda: Premier David Burt of Bermuda has confirmed the resignation of two senior members from the cabinet including the Minister of Cabinet Office, Vince Campbell and Minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Reform, Kathy Lynn Simmons.

Burt in light of the stepping down of ministers stated that “this journey is not easy and takes a toll on not just the individual but on families as well”. He then stated that it’s been seven years he returned to government and four years he is serving in this term and deeply understands the decisions made by individuals for their continued public service.

Burt added that he respects the decisions made by Campbell and Simmons and thanked them for their service, while wishing them best for their future. However, Premier Burt then stated that the changes to the new ministerial responsibilities will be announced later in the week.

The opposition leader, Jarion Richardson in response to the recent step down by the two ministers mentioned that the they may have disagreed on some of the policies or projects but the two have been always professional and clear. He highlighted the departure of the ministers as a setback to the ruling government.

Notably, Simmons became the Attorney-General, Minister of Legal Affairs back in 2017 when the Progressive Labour Party won the elections. During her tenure, Simmons helped bringing child protections services along with Lanzarote Convention to protect the children against sex-based crimes.

Simmons, while her term implemented Child Safeguarding (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2019. The act which was established ensured the safety of Bermudian Children by confirming the offenders face subsequent prosecution.

On the other hand, Campbell was appointed in the senate in 2017 and was then assigned as a MP for Smith’s West in 2020. Later, in 2022, he was appointed as a Minister of Tourism in April 2022 and then took charge of the Cabinet office in October.

Campbell overlooked the department of planning last November, when the ministries were shuffled and he was no longer responsible for tourism.

It is to be noted that several other ministers including Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minster of Public Works, and Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier have recently retired from their positions.