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Premier: More say not a priority

Premier Craig Cannonier has said that seeking more say over key appointments is not a priority for his Government.Opposition MPs yesterday grilled Mr Cannonier on his meeting with heads of Overseas Territories, and last week’s remarks about self determination.He said that the decision to move toward greater autonomy would have to be made by the people of Bermuda.He would not back down from his statement hat Bermuda ought to have more say in the selection of the Governor, the Regiment Commanding Officer and the Police Commissioner, but said that obtaining such power was not a priority.Mr Cannonier was answering questions after delivering a statement on the meetings which took place in Gibraltar last week.He noted that the costs of the meeting were borne by the host territory.“In Gibraltar, we discussed that each Territory is indeed unique and operates under its own Constitution, albeit some Constitutions are more sophisticated than others,” he said.“We reviewed the commitment made in December that work will continue on modernising Constitutions to ensure that they operate effectively. More importantly, we confirmed our beliefs that we will engage in mature dialogue on Constitutional issues and take into account the wishes of our respective peoples.”Asked by Shadow Attorney General Kim Wilson whether the issue of having more say in the appointments of the Police Commissioner, the Governor and the Regiment CO would be on the agenda for the next meeting in November, Mr Cannonier said it was an option.