Premier to attend Obama's Inauguration

SUNDAY, JAN. 20: The Cabinet Office announced this evening (Jan. 20) that the Premier, the Hon. Craig Cannonier, JP, MP and his wife Mrs. Antoinette Cannonier, will attend the Inauguration of President Barack Obama in Washington DC, tomorrow (Jan. 21).

Additionally, Premier and Mrs. Cannonier will be among the guests present at The President’s Ball being held at the Washington Convention Centre tomorrow evening.

Premier Cannonier said, “I am so pleased to have been given the opportunity to participate in one of the biggest events on the US calendar. Undoubtedly everyone is aware of the significance of President Obama as the first African American to be President of the United States, and of the historic relevance of his re-election to a second term. I am also keenly aware of America as our long-time friend and primary trading partner, and the importance of the United States of America to an economically sound Bermuda.

“The atmosphere in Washington is electric and anticipation is building towards the ceremony in front of the Capitol Building tomorrow. My wife and I are humbled by this experience and look forward to an enjoyable time.”

President Obama participated in a small private Swearing-In ceremony before noon today (Jan. 20), as is required by the Constitution of the United States. However, the public Swearing-In ceremony, Inaugural parade and official Inaugural balls will all take place on Monday, 21 January 2013.

Bermuda, as with all overseas territories, will be officially represented at Inaugural events by the British Ambassador to the US, Sir Peter Westmacott.