The former National Security Minister wants to focus on health, family, and professional endeavors
Photo: Government of Bermuda
Wayne Caines will not be running in February 18th General Election.
In a statement released today, Mr Caines said:
“As a proud member of the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) and the Member of Parliament for Devonshire North West (Constituency 14), I have been immensely blessed and honored to serve the people of Bermuda for the 8 past years. Representing the remarkable individuals and families of Constituency 14 has been one of the greatest
privileges of my life, and I remain deeply grateful for the trust and support I have received since my journey began on 17 July, 2017.
Throughout my tenure, I have fallen deeply in love with Constituency 14 and its people. The relationships we have built, the challenges we have faced, and the progress we have achieved together have profoundly shaped me, both personally and professionally. Every conversation at a doorstep, every shared celebration, and every moment of community solidarity has been a reminder of the incredible spirit and resilience of our people.
After much thought and prayerful consideration, I have made the decision not to stand as a candidate in the upcoming general election. At this time, I wish to focus on my health, my family, my professional endeavors, and the charitable causes that hold a special place in my heart. This decision was not made lightly, as my love for public service and my commitment to my community and Bermuda remain as strong as ever.
To the constituents of Devonshire North West: I will continue to stand by you, working closely with the PLP’s confirmed candidate to ensure they are fully acquainted with the unique needs and aspirations of our community. I am committed to canvassing with them and supporting their efforts to build on the work we have accomplished together.
I am proud to be a lifelong member of the PLP and remain steadfast in my belief that we can create lasting change for Bermuda. My commitment to being a change agent for our country is unwavering, and I look forward to continuing to serve in ways that uplift and empower our people.
To my colleagues in the PLP and the broader Bermuda community: thank you for your encouragement, your partnership, and your belief in the collective potential of our nation. While I step away from public office, my heart remains fully engaged in the work of building a better Bermuda for all.”
Wayne Caines’s first official foray into the political arena was as Chief of Staff to Premier Dr Ewart Brown from 2006 to 2008.
Following a spell as CEO of Digicel Bermuda, Mr Caines returned to politics and reclaimed Devonshire North West for the PLP in the July 2017 General Election, after the OBA flipped it in 2012.
He immediately took on the role of National Security Minister and set up the Violence Reduction Team, bringing in Pastor Leroy Bean as Gang Violence Reduction Coordinator in October 2017.
Mr Caines came under criticism in 2018 for posting a video on social media, in which he asked two female servers at a London cafe whether they had, quote: “any titty milk”.
He later apologised and said his comments were inappropriate.
Mr Caines oversaw the National Security Ministry during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
In July that year, Mr Caines and then-Tourism Minister Zane DeSilva were seen dancing during a controversial party at Blu restaurant that violated several COVID-19 safety protocols – protocols the Security Minister had himself set up.
Both Mr Caines and Mr DeSilva were asked to resign their posts, but within a few months Mr Caines had already been installed as the new Chair of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, and also became the President of BELCO.
Most recently, Mr Caines’s tenure at the BTA has come under scrutiny following a number of high profile resignations, prompting an independent review into the working culture at the quango.
