Log In

Reset Password
BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

OBA wants resignations over Blu affair

Craig Cannonier, Leader of the Opposition (File photograph)

The Leader of the Opposition has questioned whether David Burt, the Premier will call for the resignations of two Cabinet ministers who were filmed flouting physical distancing rules.Craig Cannonier released a statement about Zane DeSilva, tourism minister, and Wayne Caines, national security minister, who were filmed near guests of a party without face masks.Mr Cannonier said: “The Premier cannot stay silent on this issue. If this happened to OBA [One Bermuda Alliance] MPs, I am sure he would be leading the calls for resignations. Is he going to demand the resignations of these ministers for this flagrant abuse?“If he does not, how can we take these ministers seriously knowing that when it suits them, they will defy their own Government’s protocols. They have lost the people’s respect.”Mr Cannonier accused Mr Caines of “hypocrisy” having spent months, along with Mr Burt, instructing the public to adhere to social distancing rules and urging people to wear masks. According to the notice in the Official Gazette which enabled the event to include more than 50 guests: “All persons attending the event must wear a face mask and maintain appropriate physical distancing at all times.”However, the footage shot at the Blu Bar and Grill Restaurant on Belmont Drive, Warwick on Friday showed the ministers without face masks. “It was minister Caines who publicly berated the owner of Mr Chicken for its customers not practicing social distancing. Minister Caines was willing to go as far as shutting down that business,” Mr Cannonier said.“From the videos that are circulating, it is clear that Zane DeSilva and minister Caines were not adhering to their own rules. Mr DeSilva in particular is clearly seen dancing on stage next to the saxophonist with no mask or any apparent attempt to exercise social distancing.“Minister DeSilva has, with the Ministry of Health, set protocols to ensure the safety of Bermudians when tourists enter the country. As Minister of National Security, Mr Caines has been urging us to wear masks and practice social distancing. Their actions set an extremely bad example to the rest of Bermuda. “We are told that the Department of Health is investigating the restaurant, but this is just an attempt to deflect from the behaviour of these ministers.“It also begs the question why an investigation can be held so quickly into something like this, but not into the Department of Child and Family Services.”