OBA connects with voters during walkabout

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14: The OBA’s new leaders went walkabout for the first time on Tuesday — and said they got a warm welcome from voters despite heavy rain.

Senator Craig Cannonier, who beat MP Bob Richards by a whisker for the top job on Saturday night, and fellow Senator Michael Dunkley, who cruised to victory over MP Trevor Moniz, made their first public appearance together at Washington Mall in Hamilton.

Mr Cannonier, the shadow Economy, Trade and Industry Minister, said: “The OBA has really showed its membership is engaged and the after-effects of Saturday have been phenomenal.

“Membership has gone through the roof and there’s excitement in the air about politics. People are very positive about us.”

Mr Dunkley, Senate Leader and shadow National Security Minister, added: “The reaction has been very good and very positive.

“I’ve worked with Craig in the Senate, but I haven’t known him that long, but I’ve done business with him for a long time.

“The Senate has been a great opportunity to get to know each other better and we’ll make a good team.

“I like to hear what people have to say and Craig does too. We want to hear people’s opinions, put them on the table and move forward.”

Voter Bernall Richardson, 49, of Smith’s Parish, a skilled mason, said he had just been laid off and was looking for a new job.

He said: “They look viable — we’ll see what they have to say.

“As Craig Cannonier said, there’s no time for talking, it’s time to get busy.

“There are construction workers looking for work and they need to be put to work to support their families.  The basic man in the street is looking to survive.”

Mr Cannonier said: “The entire OBA team gets along well and people are just looking for something different.

“Michael and I, with the likes of Bob Richards, have the experience, vitality and passion to win the next election and change Bermuda for the better.

“Michael is a worker and so am I. With that kind of work ethic, we can’t go wrong. We’re very similar in our approach that way.”