Dear Sir,

The following poem is submitted in recognition of the contributions of Bob Richards as Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier.

Bermuda Stone

Durable, valuable, and increasingly rare material in our society

You protected these shores against the financial storm

That sought to destroy our way of life, our wealth, our reputation

That sought to destroy everything we are and take everything we own.

After squandering our global position, you could have made excuses

You could have fired hundreds of civil servants, but your resolve

To protect the interests of this country and her people has been unwavering

And for that faith you now experience the joy of being a profit in your own town.

You have governed with a brilliance that has baffled your opponents

Created jobs without raising debt, refinanced and refocused the country

Through innovative infrastructure projects that created jobs and opportunity

And have been the constant strength Bermuda could rely on.

Implementing a progressive tax structure to ease the burden on the poor

Standing up to foreign powers and local bullies without flinching

Your value may not have been recognised by your own people, but service

Does not promise appreciation and perception does not translate to truth.

Know this: your work has not been for naught and your legacy

Will continue in us. We love you for who you are, for the example

You have set, and we strive to guide the next generation

To live and lead with honour and integrity that would make Bermuda proud.

ANONYMOUS