Craig Cannonier issued the following statement after his resignation this evening:

My fellow Bermudians,

Many of you have been following events for the past few months around the so-called ‘Jet Gate’ affair and consequent allegations regarding my leadership.

This controversy has called into question my integrity and my leadership, the confidence of my colleagues and the support of my party – threatening the good work of the government going forward.

Nothing illegal was done, but I accept there was a failure over time to be completely transparent. This is a fundamental component of good governance and a core principle upon which the One Bermuda Alliance was founded.

As a result, and after days of close counsel with my colleagues and family, I have decided to resign my position as Premier of Bermuda, and have advised the Governor of my decision.

In so doing, I am asking you as a community to agree with me and support my Deputy, the Hon. Michael Dunkley, who will serve as Acting Premier.

I will remain a One Bermuda Alliance Member of Parliament in order to continue the initiatives I have put in place and to serve my constituents and the country in whatever way I can.

This is the best way forward for Bermuda.

I want you to know that everything I have done in my public life was done solely with the intention of moving Bermuda forward as rapidly as possible.

I want success for our country and your government, and I am very disappointed with the way things have turned out.

In saying that, I want to make one thing completely clear: No Cabinet colleagues have done anything wrong in this or any other matter.

As the leader, I accept responsibility.

I have been proud to serve alongside my Cabinet and backbench colleagues and the many hard-working and talented civil servants I have come to know. They are public servants one and all, and like me they want only what is best for the people of this great island.

We have put Bermuda back on the long road to recovery,

* setting the stage for job growth

* restoring business confidence

* stabilizing the country’s finances

* restructuring Bermuda’s approach to tourism

* ensuring care for people in need, and

* advancing human rights.

It is a good, solid record and the work going forward deserves your continuing support.

In closing, I want to say how proud I am to have been your Premier. The support I have received from people all across the Island has been a source of daily inspiration and strength.

I especially want to thank my wife Antoinette and my family for their unwavering support and love.

I believe in Bermuda, and our ability to work together for a better tomorrow – one that is fair and equitable, that leaves no one behind.

I intend to continue that work as the Member of Parliament for Devonshire South Central.

It has been a privilege to be your Premier.

You have my best wishes.

Goodnight and God bless Bermuda, and may we continue to pray for one another.