Premier: We will stop the bleeding

Premier Craig Cannonier said Government will do all it can to help business “thrive” as a way to add jobs to the economy.

The Premier was speaking at the opening of the Butterfield & Vallis Trade Show at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess on Wednesday morning.

He said: “The Government will continue to do those things that will help businesses thrive. Because we recognize that if you thrive, then jobs are created. And the number one goal for us is social and economic equity for everyone.

“We have got to create jobs and we will do what it takes to ensure that we stop the bleeding and the likes of the Butterfields & Vallis’ and other organizations will continue to thrive in this market because it is important to our survival that we do this.”

Open door policy

The Premier then pledged that his “door is open, please come by”

He added Government will do its part to better the relationship between it and the private sector.

“That’s where we are today. It has to be about building relationships.

“We recognize that this whole gathering today is really and truly about building relationships. We are bringing international flavours together.”

The Premier praised Butterfield & Vallis for what it has contributed to Bermuda.

He said the Trade Show illustrates how businesses and government can work together.

He also took his address as another opportunity to praise the Green family, which, on Monday, had purchased the former Sonesta hotel property, renaming it the Southampton Beach Resort.

Premier Cannonier said: “We know the Greens are not only going to renovate here and do some wonderful things with the restaurants, but they have also purchased the property at Sonesta so we know some building is going to go on.”

Jim Butterfield, owner of Butterfield & Vallis, said also took the opportunity to praise the Green family.

“We’re thrilled in this industry at the new ownership of this hotel, the Fairmont Hamilton Princess. The owners intend to make a big investment in this hotel property and that will benefit the suppliers, the distributors and you the offshore suppliers.”

As happy as he was with the Greens’ investment, he was more so with the One Bermuda Alliance winning the elction.

Mr Butterfield said: “Something that we’re really excited about — over the moon — is the new Government that we’re now dealing with.

“Headed by Premier Craig Cannonier, he brings a whole new team. He brings what we hope will be a development tourism board with positive ideas of change and benefit to the industry, to Bermudians, to guest workers and to overseas suppliers.

“We have a lot to look forward to in the months and years ahead.”

Mr Butterfield started his welcome speech by thanking the time, interest and enthusiasm of the suppliers who were attending the trade show.