[Updated] An online petition has been launched calling on Premier David Burt “to resign immediately,” with the petition attaining over 650 signatures as of this writing.
The petition — which follows after a video showing people gathering at the opening of the St Regis hotel went viral — notes the Covid regulations and asserts that, “David Burt the Premier of Bermuda was in direct breach of these rules at the St Regis Hotel, St Georges, Bermuda on the date of 24 May 2021. Rules broken: No mask while standing and no physical distancing with other attendees.
“We are calling on David Burt to step down as he has demonstrated that he can not follow his own rules as clearly outlined by him and his government. We feel that this breach makes his position as premier of Bermuda untenable and we are calling for his resignation immediately.”
We asked for a response to the petition, and a Government spokesperson told Bernews, ““In a democracy every individual or group of persons have the right to express themselves and their views as they see fit. Bermuda’s affairs have been diligently and ably managed by the Premier, the Cabinet and all elected representatives, during a period unprecedented in Bermuda modern history.
“That success has been achieved by a union of leadership and dedicated citizens who have collectively brought Bermuda to a place where tourism can be renewed and our economy rebuilt. Saturday’s event is cause for celebration and all media coverage outside of Bermuda has described how extraordinary it is for a luxury property to open on time and on budget in the midst of a global pandemic. Demonstrating the technology that will allow a faster return to normality was an important part of Saturday’s event which enjoyed bipartisan support and attendance.
“With indoor dining now being enjoyed, hundreds of laid-off workers have been able to return to full-time employment. They can provide for their families, pay their bills and hold their heads high again as the weight of restrictions are lifted by the very technology that was used for the St. Regis large group exemption. Economic recovery is the Government’s focus and that work is evident across the Island and it will be the constant effort until we see the recovery needed for our people.”
Extract from the press conference earlier this week with the Premier responding to a question on the matter
Update 7.39pm: PLP Party Chair Dawn Simmons said, “Strong leadership is about making tough decisions.
“The PLP Government has had to make tough decisions in order to bring the coronavirus under control even in the face of intense pressure to do otherwise.
“The Premier spent 14 days isolated from his family, and understands first-hand the mental & emotional stress this pandemic has wrought on Bermuda’s families. The Premier is fully vaccinated & was following the rules. That is not a reason for resignation.
“The Progressive Labour Party Central Committee meets regularly and supports the leadership of this party and the dedicated efforts of our Ministers, MPs and Senators.
“We will continue to support our elected representatives as they execute the Government’s strategy to move our island Beyond the Pandemic.“
