Colleagues say there is a 'bigger picture' to Burch's departure
Feeling undermined by Premier Paula Cox was “the final straw” for Colonel David Burch who is said to have been “slowly running out of steam.”Progressive Labour Party colleagues said they admired the “healthy relationship” the former Senate Leader and National Security Minister had with Ms Cox.Even though the two politicians may have had their differences over the years, senior PLP members have dismissed speculation there was bad blood between them.Instead it is believed Mr Burch's sudden decision to resign was down to a string of political developments that made him “unhappy.”This was described to The Royal Gazette as “a much bigger picture” which had been “bubbling away for quite some time.”Mr Burch made it no secret that he was irritated with the outcome of the Tucker's Point Special Development Order, the continued existence of the Corporations of Hamilton and St George and MPs' refusal to back reform on gambling laws last year.The “challenging circumstances” of his Ministry are also said to have taken their toll as the country struggles to stop gun violence terrorising our streets. Mr Burch had also been suffering serious health problems since 2009.However, it remains the timing of Mr Burch's departure on Saturday just two days before the end of the Senate session that really took colleagues by surprise.They believe it was a “quick reaction” after Ms Cox told him she had discussed the latest gang-related shooting with Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva without consulting him first. Just the day before Mr Burch gave an inspirational speech to middle school students saying he would be there for them as Minister.However, Mr Burch is now said to be enjoying his “new found freedom” as the huge burden of his government responsibilities has been lifted from his shoulders. He has this week been spotted walking around Hamilton “looking more than a little relieved.”One PLP source, who did not want to be named, said: “It had probably been on his mind for a while. He was coming to the end of his era and he reacted like this out of anger. It probably wasn't just one thing, more like a series of things.”National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief said Mr Burch was probably “more compatible” with former Premier Ewart Brown's more aggressive leadership style than Ms Cox's subdued style. But he insisted there was “nothing extraordinary” about their working relationship.Mr Perinchief said: “It may have ended at the weekend with his resignation, but it would have started a while back.“He's been doing a job in really challenging circumstances and he did everything with a certain passion. It was only a matter of time before that passion ran out.“Plenty of Ministers have different styles, that's nothing new, people do things in different ways.”Mr Perinchief said he had a “cordial” relationship with Mr Burch and he hoped to meet him soon to discuss Ministry matters.He said: “He was very effective in his achievements but my view on his resignation remains consistent. There can only be one captain of the ship and you shouldn't challenge that person's wishes especially if that person elected you.”PLP MP Dale Butler said Ms Cox and Mr Burch had always had “a very good relationship.”He said: “I've never seen the current Premier have a poor relationship with any Minister, any former Minister or even any member of the public.“She's not that type of person; she bends over backwards to help people.”Mr Butler added: “No-one really knows what went on behind-the-scenes. It looks like there may have been some battle weariness at the end.”Mr Burch did not respond to requests for comment yesterday.
Famously called a “public relations train wreck in slow motion” former Senator David Burch's exit from Government has split public opinion in the same manner some of his more colourful comments did over the years.
On Monday Premier Paula Cox announced that Mr Burch had resigned after 13 years as a Senator because he felt disrespected by her decision to speak directly with the Police Commissioner after the latest shooting.
Mr Burch has not commented publicly on her statement but the announcement has split Bermuda, with people either lamenting or cheering on his departure.
Across radio stations, blogs and news organisations' websites members of the public have shared their views.
Many have spoken out about his hard working, no nonsense attitude, commenting that he was a politician who would always get the job done and stood firmly behind his principles. But others have welcomed the news, claiming the former Senator implemented flawed immigration policies that have hurt the Island and helped increase the tone of xenophobia in Bermuda.
One thing is certain, Mr Burch's statements in the Senate often produced memorable headlines. The Royal Gazette takes a look at some of his more famous pronouncements.
“Don't talk foolishness to me about foreigners owning their second house,” Mr Burch said in April 2010 while discussing on a new law preventing Bermudians married to foreigners from gaining a second home.
“ There are a lot of Bermudians who don't have a house. Until we solve the problem of ownership of houses in Bermuda, I am not hearing you.”
In July 2010 Mr Burch ripped up a letter Hamilton Mayor Charles Gosling sent him the wake of the Municipalities reform.
“It was a speech he gave on 21 March 2010 when he talked a whole bunch of crap and I was offended. I sent it back because I want that man to know, and the rest of them to know, that if you disrespect people that is what you will get back in return.”
“You are not invited – end of story,” Mr Burch wrote to Bermuda Democratic Alliance politician Michel Fahy when he said he was coming to a Bermudians-only meeting on the term limit immigration policy.
When asked why, he added: “I am not in the habit of justifying my actions to people like you.”
On his former HOTT 107 radio station he called a black supporter of the United Bermuda Party a “house nigger” in 2006.
In June 2006 Mr Burch said the Governor should be recalled.
He made the comments because he believed Permanent Secretary Marc Telemaque had been unfairly overlooked for the top job in the Bermuda Regiment.
“I want the next process not to be abused as it has been in this case. The steps that you do in order to achieve that are to remove the chairman of the defence board and I would go further and say it is time for the Governor to be recalled.
“He is the ultimate one who has made a decision that runs contrary to the recommendations of the board. The person who won every contest they had is not the CO today.”
Mr Burch explained why the public wasn't consulted about bringing the Uighurs to Bermuda in June 2009 to ZBM radio: “You couldn't make a decision of that magnitude and try to get 65,000 opinions.”
“I encourage Bermudians not to send their children to Mickey Mouse universities to get Mickey Mouse degrees because no one will employ them,” he said to much applause at a public meeting in April 2010.
“It is pointless doing that and then coming back and have the expectation that you can take that piece of paper and walk into a CEO job. There is a gap between the two, it is called work and effort.”
