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Bermuda (British Overseas Territory)

 Flag of Bermuda
Last reviewed: 20 November 2009

Country information

Politics

Constitutional status

Bermuda is Britain's oldest colony and its Parliament, which first met in 1620, is the oldest legislature in the Commonwealth outside the British Isles. Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory and is self-governing with a high degree of control over its own affairs. Appointed by and representing the British monarch, the Governor in turn appoints the majority leader in the House of Assembly as Premier. The Premier has complete responsibility for choosing the Cabinet, which must include at least 6 other members of the legislature, and allocating portfolios, though the Governor retains responsibility for external affairs, defence, internal security and the police.

Recent political developments

The current government, the PLP (Progressive Labour Party), was re-elected for the third time at the recent General Election held on 18 December 2007. When the results were declared, the composition of the House of Assembly remained 22 PLP and 14 UBP (United Bermuda Party) seats each. The current Premier and Leader of the PLP, Dr Ewart Brown, has held the office since 30 October 2006.

One key issue remains: independence, which the current government favours. A referendum on independence was last held in 1995, and of the 58% of the electorate who participated, 25% voted in favour. An opinion poll carried out in July 2007 showed 63% opposed to independence, 25% in favour and 12% undecided.

Elections

Last held on 18 December 2007.

Government

Governor: Sir Richard Gozney KCMG

Deputy Governor's Office

Deputy Governor: David Arkley

Government House
Hamilton
Bermuda
Tel: 001 441 292 3600
Fax: 001 441 295 3823

Government ministers

Premier and Minister of Transport and Tourism: Dr The Hon Ewart Brown
Minister of Finance and Economic Development: The Hon Paula Cox
Minister of Education and Attorney General: The Hon Elvin James
Minister of Health: The Hon Walter Roban
Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing: Senator The Hon David Burch
Minister of Environment and Sports: The Hon Glenn Blakeney
Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation: The Hon Neletha Butterfield
Minister of Works and Engineering: The Hon Derrick Burgess
Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and eCommerce: The Hon Michael Scott
Attorney General:  Senator The Hon Kim Wilson
Minister without Portfolio:  The Hon Zane de Silva

Human rights

Overseas Territories are expected to comply with their obligations under the international human rights instruments which have been extended to them. The following major Conventions apply in Bermuda:

  • European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
  • International Covenant on Economic and Social Rights (ICESCR)
  • International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
  • UN Convention against Torture (UNCAT)
  • UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
  • UN Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD)

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Contacts

Bermuda, Hamilton, Government House

Address:

Government House
11 Langton Hill
Pembroke
Hamilton
 

Telephone:

Deputy Governor's Office: (+1) (441) 292 3600

Fax:

(+1) (441) 295 3823

Office hours:

GMT:
Mon-Fri: 1245-1700 / 1815-2100

Local Time:
Mon-Fri: 0845-1300 / 1415-1700

Website: http://ukinbermuda.fco.gov.uk