The Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Derrick Burgess is a long-serving MP since 1998 has retired
MP for C5, Hamilton East, Derrick Burgess: Photo supplied
Deputy speaker of the House, Derrick Burgess has retired from politics and will not be up for re-election in constituency 5, Hamilton East, according to the Progressive Labour Party.
In a statement released this afternoon, the party confirmed Mr. Burgess has decided it is the time to step away from frontline politics having served in various Cabinet positions including Deputy Premier.
A party spokesperson said, “His labour roots, which led him to the Presidency of the Bermuda Industrial Union, enabled him to be an ardent voice for the workers of Bermuda, and a dedicated advocate for the principles of the Progressive Labour Party.”
“We thank “Cousin Derrick” for his nearly 27 years of service, and we wish him the best in his retirement.”
He has held his seat in C5 since the PLP’s first general election victory in 1998.
Party Leader David Burt said, “Being a representative is a significant sacrifice, and I pay homage to MP Burgess for his many years of service. Cousin Derrick has been on the front line of fighting for better conditions for workers, and those in our community who need a champion.
“He has served in many roles in our party, and I wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Derrick Burgess cited the historic PLP win in 1998 as a “momentous occasion” for him saluting the contributions of political stalwarts such as Dame Jennifer Smith, Ottiwell Simmons, Dame Lois Browne Evans and many others, who have been part of his political journey.
Mr. Burgess, in a written statement stated, “Serving in Cabinet under three different premiers and being elected deputy premier of Bermuda during my time in parliament was certainly a milestone in my life, and something I will never forget. I could not have accomplished any of this without the trust and confidence of the voters in Hamilton Parish, the ‘ Bible Belt ‘.”
The party stated it will not be making any further comment on the internal selection process.
A number of PLP candidates are due to be rolled out during news conferences this week.
For Derrick Burgess’ full statement released to media, read below:
I, Derrick Burgess, sat in parliament as an opposition member until the PLP triumph to victory in November 1998, a momentous occasion for Bermuda and me. Not only had we won the government for the first in our history, but I was in the company of some great people of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party who remained on the front lines in Parliament and in the streets fighting for a better Bermuda for all despite the struggle and consequences to them and their families; individuals such as Dame Lois Browne Evans, Reggie Burrows, Ottie Simmons, Dr Barbara Ball, Eugene Blakeney, Stanley Lowe, David Allen, Stanley Morton, Authur Hodgson, Premier Dame Jennifer Smith, Premier Alex Scott, Premier Ewart Brown and others too numerous to mention., I salute them all.
The tenacity of the above in their commitment to the people of Bermuda and the PLP has made me a better, dedicated life member of this party, which has nurtured me to remain steadfast in my fight to help our people, particularly our seniors. Serving in Cabinet under three different premiers and being elected deputy premier of Bermuda during my time in parliament was certainly a milestone in my life, and something I will never forget.
I could not have accomplished any of this without the trust and confidence of the voters in Hamilton Parish, the ‘ Bible Belt ‘. I would like to thank my branch for all their hard work, commitment, and dedication over the past 27 years – because without you, not much was possible. Your encouragement made this voyage smooth and enjoyable.
Let me close by saying that I, Derrick Burgess, will remain a loyal and committed member of the PLP, and
willing to serve my party whenever summoned. PLP all the Way, All the way PLP.
