The Premier and the Governor — constitutional clashes since Dr. Brown came to power.

October: Dr. Ewart Brown asks Sir John Vereker to alter historic protocol on the arrangements for the Premier and Governor’s weekly meetings.

He wants weekly discussions on the Island’s latest political developments to alter between Government House and the Cabinet Building.

Dr. Brown tellsThe Royal Gazette the symbolism of the change could “reduce the tension that naturally accompanies our constitutional relationship”.

Any other interpretation, he says, is “nothing but mischief”.

The Governor turns down the Premier’s request. Deputy Governor Mark Capes says it is ruled out as “not appropriate”.

November: Dr. Brown threatens to boycott Bermuda from any future Overseas Territories Consultative Council meetings if Governors are still allowed to sit in.

Speaking from London after the close of two-day summit, he also tells The Royal Gazette that Bermuda will no longer submit recommended names for appointments of Governors.

Dr. Brown says the Island would be interested in setting up criteria for its own Governor General “when we become independent but not this. That’s the UK’s call. They should send whoever they want to send”.

Bermuda joins other British territories in calling for an end to having Governors sit in on OTCC meetings. The Governors attend some of the sessions at the invitation of the British Government.

Dr. Brown stresses his threat of non-attendance at next year’s summit is not a solitary action, and that Bermuda joined other territories in backing a communique read by British Virgin Islands Chief Minister Orlando Smith. Dr. Brown says it is a time issue as the British Government has other opportunities to meet Governors.

During the summit, Dr. Brown also says he wants Sir John to take “more of the heat” over the Island’s policing.

Pointing out that Police in Bermuda are the ultimate responsibility of the Governor, Dr. Brown tells The Royal Gazette: “I asked if there was a way to raise the profile of the Governor with respect to some of the issues of the Police, when people are criticising the performance of the Police or suggesting the way things could be changed operationally.

“The Governor has always said he’s been involved. I would like to have him more involved publicly.”

Although the Premier says he would like Sir John to “take more of the heat”, as a means of redirecting criticism, he also says there are times when the Governor has been seen to have been “a little more hands-on — making direct contact with Civil Service”. Dr. Brown says: “We take exception to that but I think we can work that out.”

The Premier adds that chats with the Governor have always been cordial and will remain so. “We are both at work. That’s what we have to do.”