The Ministry of Home Affairs has made the following release regarding a recent release from some council members of the Corporation of Hamilton.

Senator Michael Fahy, the Minister of Home Affairs, said: “This matter is before the Supreme Court of Bermuda, and it would be highly inappropriate to comment on this statement by some of the council in any substantive form since, much of it is sub judice. However, I remind the public that there is a temporary stewardship order in place pursuant to Section 7(B)6 of the Municipalities Act 1923 in respect of the governance of the Corporation of Hamilton (CoH).”

Sen Fahy continued: “In practice this means that the council is unable to pass any resolutions or ordinances, and official council meetings are suspended until further notice. The CoH chief operating officer (COO), Ed Benevides, will continue to exercise his authority in respect of the standing financial instructions with the oversight of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

“It is vital the community understands that all communication relating to the CoH is in the first instance sent to the COO, who will forward as necessary correspondence to me. I shall in due course advise the council of their role moving forward, which shall be in an advisory capacity only. I should be clear that any correspondence purporting to emanate from the CoH is not representative of the corporation unless it has been signed by the COO or me.

“In that regard, I must stress the press release from certain council members was not authorised by me or the COO and, as such, is not an official release by the CoH, despite the official letterhead on the release.

“If council members wish to make releases to the press in their own names, that is their prerogative, but given the numerous allegations by council members made against each other, it is ridiculous indeed for anyone to be speaking to the press about anything to do with internal governance issues. That said, I strongly urge all of the council to refrain from making comments to the press. It does nothing but further damage the reputation of the City and the existing council.”

Within the hour, City Hall reiterated Sen Fahy’s comments, with Graeme Outerbridge, the Mayor of Hamilton, saying: “Unfortunately, this has been an ongoing challenge for this council. While I would like to give my side of the events, this matter is before the courts and I am bound to make no comment out of respect to Chief Justice Ian Kawaley and the legal due process.”