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New OBA Senators take their seats

New One Bermuda Alliance Senators Craig Cannonier, Dr Kathy Michelmore and Michael Dunkley outside of the Senate. Photo by Glenn Tucker

Three One Bermuda Alliance Senators were yesterday sworn in as the Upper House resumed for the first time since the party formed.Former United Bermuda Party leader Michael Dunkley retook his position as Opposition Senate leader, with former Bermuda Democratic Alliance leader and deputy Craig Cannonier and Kathy Michelmore completing the OBA Senate line-up.Senator Cannonier delivered his maiden speech in the Motion to Adjourn, stressing the importance of good leadership to help the Island come to terms with a difficult period.“Bermuda is changing all the time. At a blink, we are looking at new issues we have never faced before,” he said.“We must reshape to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. Resistance to change is a dead-end street. We must be in a perpetual state of improvement, always doing better.“And rather than asking ‘How will this affect me?’, we must ask ‘What problems will this solve?’”Referring to advice he received from his father, Mr Cannonier concluded: “My plan is a simple one, to always do the right thing.”After the sitting, Senator Michelmore told The Royal Gazette: “It’s an honour to be appointed and it means that I’m now in a position where I can be actively involved in the passing of legislation. It’s very exciting.”Reflecting on her new duties as Shadow Health Minister, she added: “I will be speaking to healthcare and the future of healthcare in Bermuda, which is a major priority to us as a nation.”She said the major concern currently is making healthcare available to all Bermudians.Senator Kim Wilson is the new Progressive Labour Party leader following the resignation of David Burch in April; PLP Senator Jonathan Smith was sworn in at the final sitting of the last term.l Useful website: www.oba.bm.