It was both a light-hearted and solemn occasion this afternoon as the official portrait of former Premier Dr Ewart Brown was formally unveiled in the Senate chamber.

“There is little that will ever prepare one for what comes once you sit behind that desk,” said Premier Michael Dunkley of the office that Dr Brown held from 2006 to 2010, observing that the job of Premier always merited respect.

Drawing laughter from the gathering of friends, family and political figures from both parties, Mr Dunkley added: “Doc, let me remind you in closing — once this portrait is hung, there’s no coming back.”

Finding space for the painting, created by 24-year-old Bermudian artist Ché Caines, required a reshuffle of the traditional line-up of portraits lining the walls of the Cabinet Office.

Mr Caines thanked Dr Brown, saying he felt encouraged at being given the assignment. “I feel we have talent on the Island to do things like this,” he said. “That doesn’t just cover painting; that could cover numerous fields.”

Dr Brown then rose to thank his colleagues through the 17 years that he served, “including the five in the ‘Siberia’ that is the Opposition”.

Recalling that he had been told about two years ago to get his official portrait in order, Dr Brown provoked more laughter when he added: “I didn’t like what I saw in the Cabinet Office. I saw pictures of people who were not yet dead ... look dead.”

An artist recommended in Jamaica turned out to have failing eyesight, he continued — and then he received an e-mail from Mr Caines offering to paint it.

“When he pulled the drape off that thing, I was amazed,” Dr Brown said. “That wasn’t this one — it was too big.”

Mr Caines had to create a new one according to official dimensions, from his studio in Britain.

Calling it “a masterful job”, Dr Brown added: “Maybe other premiers will turn to him for their portraits.”

The painting was unveiled to standing applause.

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