The three ministers sacked from the Cabinet yesterday spoke out in support of new Premier Ewart Brown despite his move.

Patrice Minors was replaced as Health Minister by Nelson Bascome — with Dale Butler also taking over some responsibilities — after a stormy past few months in office.

After sparking a public outcry over her announcement, in tandem with the Bermuda Hospitals Board, to build the new hospital on the Botanical Gardens, Mrs. Minors stuck to her guns over the controversial plan. However, Premier Alex Scott then cast doubt over the decision, announcing it would be reviewed further. Dr. Brown has also called plan into question.

Mrs. Minors admitted yesterday that she was “disappointed” to lose her post. But she added: “More important than that, I’m supportive of the Government and the Premier’s vision and I will be supportive from the back benches.

“I did enjoy serving as Minister of Health and Family Services, and Ministers Bascome and Butler will do a good job in continuing that which has been started in the department.”

Walter Lister was Minister without Portfolio before spending just 17 days in charge of Transport while Dr. Brown took time out from that responsibility to fight for the leadership.

Asked for his reaction to losing his place in the Cabinet, he said: “That’s not news. I think that the Premier selected the people who can make a valuable contribution to Bermuda going forward. Although I’m not a member of Cabinet, that doesn’t diminish my help one bit. You don’t have to be in Cabinet to support the Premier.”

Former Telecommunications Minister Michael Scott said he was not disappointed there was no room for him at the new Cabinet table. He said his successor, Neletha Butterfield, would get his full support and said Dr. Brown’s strong team would be “dynamic”.

Mr. Scott added that he would be a stronger backbencher because of his time in Cabinet.