VANCE CAMPBELL INTERVIEW PT.1
Vance Campbell’s defection from the PLP to the OBA has caused a stir in a pot that was already bubbling since he resigned as a Cabinet Minister, alongside former Attorney General Kathy-Lynn Simmons.
Gary Foster Skelton sat down with him for his very first interview since turning from green to red.
We questioned him about the reasons for crossing the floor, his attempt to move to a safer PLP seat, and some of the reaction to his defection.
As one politician crosses the floor in Constituency 9, are others looking to leap from one constituency to another?
According to our sources, Pembroke West MP Jache Adams and Warwick North East MP Ianthia Simmons-Wade have both been canvassing traditional PLP voters in Sandy’s North to obtain support.
Reporting on political machinations can often be speculative… and especially when parties keep a veil of secrecy over their inner workings.
Gary Foster Skelton has been following the crumbs of information.
*JUST IN: Just before newstime, Premier David Burt responded to our request for comment, and reiterated the PLP’s policy of not discussing internal matters, including the processes related to candidate selection.
He said, “Any comment from anonymous sources that states otherwise should be treated as idle speculation and rumour.”
Another shooting incident, another grim milestone reached this weekend.
The first time police have ever had to fire at another person.
Police Commissioner Darren Simons today provided an update on what happened on Saturday night in the Khyber Pass area of Warwick.
A firearm was discharged at a police officer around midnight on Saturday in the Kyber Pass, Warwick area.
No injuries were reported.
The scene was cordoned off by police who were forensically inspecting the road in the early hours of the morning.
A police spokesperson said, “As the officers approached the junction with Quarry Lane, the officers observed two males riding a motorcycle in a southerly direction along Khyber Pass, when the passenger discharged a firearm at police.
“Officers began pursuit which eventually lead to shots being fired . The suspects made good their escape.”
Witnesses reported hearing at least two gunshots fired.
Meanwhile, Ben Smith, the Shadow National Security Minister describing the incident as “brazen” and “callous” implored residents to come forward with any information they have to assist police with their investigation.
He stated in a release, “Sadly, this reckless behaviour demonstrates a new level of low among these criminals that I didn’t think was possible after the incidences we have endured over the past few weeks.
“But one thing is certain—sooner or later their luck will run out.”
Police have asked witnesses to contact Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns on 2471062 or 7170921.
Horticultural waste disposal fees have been waived by Lt. Col. David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, to encourage residents to do their part in clean up efforts post-Ernesto.
Since Hurricane Ernesto made landfall last weekend, its been all hands on deck to clear the debris left in its wake.
Jasmine Patterson brings us up to speed.
BELCO calling for the public’s patience as crews work tirelessly to repair the damage caused by Hurricane Ernesto.
The number of homes without power fluctuating today across parishes between 1,900 and 2,400 by late afternoon.
The utility company once again is asking residents to bear with them during this time.
Jasmine Patterson has more in this report.
Words matter… even amid the heat and hostility of political debate.
And when serious accusations are flung across the party divide, voters deserve to know if they hold water.
The PLP recently accused the OBA of being “anti-Bermudian”, in the context of the jobs market.
But what does the data tell us?
Gary Foster Skelton reports
He came, he saw… but he definitely failed to conquer.
Hurricane Ernesto gave Bermuda a long, tiresome pummeling but thankfully there was no loss of life, no reported injuries, and no major structural damage.
Thanks to a well-versed hurricane preparedness strategy by the emergency services – and residents taking little chance against the elements – we came through the storm largely unscathed.
Jasmine Patterson takes us through the 40 hour hurricane event.
Bermuda is breathing a collective sigh of relief as we say ‘good riddance’ to Ernesto, a most unwelcome visitor to our shores.
As we extend our gratitude to all those who helped get the island back on its feet in double-quick time, we look back at the sights and sounds of a long and disruptive weekend.
A lingering storm with an unusually long period of calm in the middle.
Gary Foster Skelton gives us the nuts and bolts of Hurricane Ernesto’s noisy visit to Bermuda.
When storms are approaching, we’re always looking for the best sources of information – often on the internet.
Well, there’s a Floridian weather watcher (with a big Bermuda following) who provides easy access to multiple official sources on his website.
Gary Foster Skelton spoke to Mike Boylan of Mike’s Weather Page.
