Premier Craig Cannonier last night insisted that his first Cabinet shuffle will not create a friction within Government from potentially disgruntled former Ministers now booted to the backbenches

And that sentiment was supported by former Environment Minister Sylvan Richards, one of three Ministers demoted during yesterday’s shake-up. Minister without Portfolio Leah Scott and Education Minister Nalton Brangman also lost out, although all three MPs were handed junior Ministerial positions.

The move, which has been expected for several months, means that Cabinet has been reduced from 13 to ten members, saving taxpayers around $240,000.

“I’m absolutely confident of their loyalties and commitment to the Government and moreover to the people of Bermuda,” Mr Cannonier told The Royal Gazette when asked if he could still bank on the support of the three MPs.

“We are all team players. There is no division within the OBA.”

The Premier earlier stated he believed the trio would still provide “continued assistance and representation in their new roles” and that their commitment “remains unwavering and intact”.

Following the announcement of the changes, Mr Richards said the shuffle demonstrated that the Premier and Government was capable of making tough decisions and was committed to streamlining the administration and making it more efficient and effective.

“The OBA is doing what we were elected to do,” he said.

“We were elected to make the tough decisions, we were elected to streamline Government and we’re doing just that. So from where I sit it’s all good, it’s just another part of the journey and I look forward to the future.”

The former Minister took a philosophical approach to the dent in his political career, but said he was looking forward to his new role as junior Minister for Home Affairs.

“The only constant in life is change — I’ve had a lot of changes in my personal life and my professional life, and so I just see this as another change,” he said.

“For me personally, I don’t see this as a negative at all. I came into politics very new — very green. This experience over the last 11 months has seasoned me.

“I serve at the Premier’s discretion, as do all Ministers, so I don’t get attached to any seat.

“Ministers come and Ministers go, so, I’m going to be the Junior Minister for Home Affairs. I’m looking forward to working with Minister Michael Fahy as there’s a lot of work to be done in that Ministry.

“And I’m looking forward to learning, and growing, and ushering legislation for the Ministry of Home Affairs through the House of Assembly. As folks may know the Minister for Home Affairs sits in another place, in the Senate, so, in order for his legislation to get passed in the House I will be the one ushering that legislation through. It’s a challenge and I’m looking forward to that challenge.”

Former Health Minister was also affected by the shuffle, switching seats with Public Works Minister Trevor Moniz.

“It’s a new and different challenge but not one that I am totally unfamiliar with having served as the Shadow Works & Engineering Minister when in Opposition,” the veteran said.

“I haven’t had chance yet to articulate a vision for the Ministry but I am looking forward to the opportunity of seeing what’s been going on and taking a look to see if anything needs revamping.”

Mrs Gordon-Pamplin said she had been inundated with calls from Health Ministry staff telling her that she would be greatly missed at the Department — but added she was confident her successor would be equally capable of handling Government’s biggest Ministry.

“The well-wishers made me feel good about the impact I had made at the Ministry, and I know that the new Minister has the same enthusiasm and commitment that I was able to bring to the job,” she said.