Barritt resigns from Parliament

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15: Veteran MP and interim leader of the new OBA John Barritt has quit Parliament, it was announced today.

As predicted in Wednesday’s Bermuda Sun, Mr Barritt submitted his letters of resignation to the Government as an MP and to Governor Sir Richard Gozney as leader of the Opposition.

The move leaves the way clear for new party leader Craig Cannonier, a Senator, to contest a by-election in Mr Barritt’s Devonshire South Central constituency and take over as Leader of the Opposition.

Mr Barritt said: “If we believe in the need for change in politics in Bermuda – and I do – then we have to accept that we ourselves must sometimes become the agents for change. That has been the case for me.”

He added: “I believe we are on the right track to providing Bermuda with a stronger, more viable alternative to the current PLP Government. Now our number one objective is to get our new leader into the House of Assembly.”

Mr Barritt said: “I’m encouraged by the excitement and the hope which the One Bermuda Alliance has generated since its formation and particularly so at our first convention in which Senator Cannonier was elected leader.”

Sen. Cannonier paid tribute to Mr Barritt’s role in the formation of the new party – and said he would not be taking the contest for Devonshire South Central, Constituency 12, lightly.

Sen. Cannonier added: “What John has done is extraordinary. I will do my best to justify his exemplary and gracious act. He is a great Bermudian, a man of principle and integrity, who is stepping aside to give the country a new opportunity for change.

“Mr Barritt embodies the ‘Bermuda First’ commitment that underlines the OBA and I see his actions as the measure of the man.

“An opportunity has been created, but I take nothing for granted. I still must earn the trust and support of the people of Devonshire South Central.

“That is my mission and I will give it my best effort. There are big shoes to fill. They have had a great representative in Mr Barritt.”

Sen. Cannonier added: “My mission in the weeks to come is to meet with all the people of the constituency and assure them I will be there for them, just as John has been. I’m really pleased he will be working with me in this undertaking.”

Mr Barritt’s swansong speech at the OBA’s first party conference last Saturday, which saw Sen. Cannonier elected leader and fellow Senator Michael Dunkley deputy leader, attracted a standing ovation from the crowd of around 1000 people.

Sen. Cannonier added that Mr Barritt, although no longer an MP, would continue to play a major role behind the scenes in OBA plans for Government reform.

He said: “John has worked tirelessly for the better part of two decades to develop reforms that can provide Bermuda with more open, more transparent more responsive and more accountable Government.

“My colleagues and I will continue working with John on this essential programme.”

Mr Barritt, lawyer and former journalist, was elected to the House of Assembly in 1993 and has held a number of Ministerial and shadow Ministerial posts.

The by-election must be held with two months of the resignation and within 28 days of writ being issued. Parliament resumes sitting on November 4, so Sen. Cannonier could be an MP before then.

At 2007’s General Election, Mr Barritt won the seat with 723 votes to 122 for the PLP’s Linda Merritt – more than 85 per cent of the votes cast.

The OBA has set up phone and email contacts for Devonshire South Central voters. As of Monday, 294-3212 will be operational and the email address is [email protected].