Premier Cannonier: Inauguration trip was 'very successful'

TUESDAY, JANUARY 22: The Premier, the Hon. Craig Cannonier, JP, MP, has described his visit to Washington DC, for President Barack Obama’s Inauguration as “a very successful one”, noting that he was “proud to represent Bermuda” at such an historical occasion.

The public will be aware that the Premier and his wife Mrs. Antoinette Cannonier were in Washington attending the Inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Premier and Mrs. Cannonier were also among the guests at The President’s Ball being held at the Washington Convention Centre.

Premier Cannonier said, “Our trip to Washington for the inauguration of President Barack Obama has been a very successful one, as we want to establish key relationships with the United States of America, as well as specific states on the east coast.”

The Premier said the opportunity to be in Washington DC during this historical time provided him with an invaluable opportunity to meet some key individuals and US lawmakers.

The Premier said, “My wife and I attended the Inaugural Ball for the State of Maryland on Sunday and met the following people:  Governor Martin O'Malley, Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown; who is running for Governor of Maryland next year, Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Congressman Elijah Cummings, Senator Benjamin Cardin, former Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend; the daughter of the late Robert Kennedy, Secretary of State John Mc Donough, County Executive Isiah Leggett, Delegate Tom McMillan and Senator Bryan Frosh to name a few.”

He added, “There is much we Bermudians can learn from our great neighbour and friend, the United States of America.

“President Obama’s Second Inaugural Address is one such opportunity – a speech that proclaimed that the well being of the Country rests with the people, working for the people, powered by optimism and faith in founding principles of equality, justice and freedom.

“The message for me was clear: We progress when we work together, holding to values of responsibility, fairness and respect; embracing one another, leaving no one behind; and understanding that the journey to a better society is never complete.

“Inauguration Day was an uplifting and exciting experience for Antoinette and I, from the incredible wave of goodwill that rose from the hundreds of thousands of well-wishers on The Mall, to the words of the President below the Capitol dome. Quite a spectacle! Quite a day!

“I was thrilled to be a part of it, and proud to represent Bermuda.”