“Not a position filled based on political pressure”

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January 10, 2014

Governor George Ferguson said this morning (January 10) that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office had not asked for mediation in the Attorney General matter, saying “this is not a position that should, and will not, be filled based on political or other pressures.”

The matter has been going on for some time and the current Attorney General, Rory Field, has had his contract extended until the end of 2014. Mr Field is not Bermudian but he beat out Bermudian Cindy Clarke who was said to have been recommended by a panel.

Last year, Premier Craig Cannonier said in the House of Representatives that he had discussed the matter with the Governor General and expressed his concerns.

Ferguson said: “The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not requested mediation over the appointment of the DPP, as has been reported in some media.

“I see no role for mediation in this matter. I have appointed Mr Field in accordance with my constitutional duty and mediation cannot reverse that. I have complete confidence in him. As has been announced, I expect to make the appointment to the DPP position by the end of this year.

“Again, I intend to try to appoint a Bermudian candidate if possible, and to take the advice of the independent panel. However, as with judicial positions, this position should not or will not be filled based on political or other pressures.”

Shadow Treasurer David Burt made this statement Tweet “If the Bermuda Union has forgotten that we were a colony, then the statement from Governor General’s House should refresh their memory.”