Premier Michael Dunkley has spoken about the importance of Cup Match traditions, which he said reflect the best of Bermuda and the best it can be.

As people come together to celebrate, Mr Dunkley called on them to reflect on the meanings of the holiday in a televised speech.

“The cricket brings us together to celebrate an intense but friendly rivalry that displays the best in our young men — athletic skill, sportsmanship and camaraderie,” Mr Dunkley said.

“Somers Day reminds us how important it is to work together and support each other in times of need. Emancipation Day represents the standard of equality, fairness and unity that is our national mission.”

For Mr Dunkley, these meanings are an inspiration for “a Bermuda we can all work for”.

The Premier also reflected on the accomplishments of the recent Parliamentary session, which he said continued to move Bermuda “forward in big ways for a future that is fair and secure”.

He said the work they do is “to protect Bermuda from a tough and turbulent world while creating opportunities to help families grow and prosper”.

Mr Dunkley spoke about Bermuda pushing back hard against a European listing that targeted the Island’s tax status, the implementation of PATI regulations and the reforms to ensure Bermuda’s energy “future is sustainable and affordable”.

The tabling “legislation that sets the stage for construction of a hotel in St George’s”, was also mentioned.

Below is his speech in full:

“Your Parliamentarians have just finished a busy session in the Legislature. The work we do — and I include all MPs and Senators in saying this — is to protect Bermuda from a tough and turbulent world while creating opportunities to help families grow and prosper.

“The session saw Bermuda push back hard against a European listing that mistakenly targeted our tax status. Finance Minister Bob Richards worked quickly to correct the situation and we are confident the matter will soon be resolved to the Island’s credit.

“We continued moving Bermuda forward in big ways for a future that is fair and secure.

“Freedom of information finally became a reality with the implementation of PATI regulations, bringing the highest standards of transparency and accountability to Island life. We moved forward with reforms to ensure our energy future is sustainable and affordable; and that our legal system works with speed, efficiency and fairness.

“The session also saw the tabling of legislation that sets the stage for construction of a hotel in St George’s — a development that will create jobs and career opportunities for years to come, while providing a big boost to the East End economy. We will return for a special meeting of the Legislature on August 17 to move this development forward as quickly as possible for the jobs and opportunities people need.

“The challenge of turning around the economy so that it creates jobs for all is a tough one, but it’s what your Government was elected to do. Urgency drives our work because many families continue to struggle. We’re making progress, but much remains to do be done to extend recovery into each and every household. It’s unfortunate that your representatives at times descend into acrimonious debate — something that once was the exception not the rule. Nevertheless, I believe that each MP and senator, at the end of the day, is committed to building a safe, prosperous and fair Bermuda.

“It is my hope that each of us sees a more positive approach to our life together, and to challenge ourselves to make it happen. There is no better place, no better time to start doing this than our Cup Match holiday. No other event connects us more closely, no other event reflects more clearly who we are and what we stand for. Its uniqueness reminds us that we live in a very special place, as one very distinct people, under the sun.

“The cricket brings us together to celebrate an intense but friendly rivalry that displays the best in our young men — athletic skill, sportsmanship and camaraderie. Somers Day reminds us how important it is to work together and support each other in times of need. And Emancipation Day represents the standard of equality, fairness and unity that is our national mission.

“The significance of these Cup Match traditions is that they say as much about the possibilities for our future as they do about the facts of our past, and much more. They reflect the best in what we are and what we can be, and they give meaning to our community, meaning to our identity and direction for the way ahead.

“My friends, as you enjoy the holiday, please take a moment to reflect on the meanings of the Cup Match holiday. I see it as inspiration for a Bermuda we can all work for.

“In closing, before the crowds gather and the first ball is bowled here at the St George’s Cricket Club, I want to extend thanks and appreciation on behalf of cricket fans everywhere to Club president Neil Paynter and his members. They’ve done a great job preparing the club and grounds for what promises to be two days of first-class cricket. So the stage is set. Like thousands of Cup Match fans across the Island, I’m looking forward to seeing a hard-fought contest that produces a clear winner.

“And to everyone, no matter where or how you choose to spend your holiday time, please be safe and enjoy.

“Thank you and Happy Cup Match Bermuda!”