The head of the island’s biggest union has given his support to David Burt ahead of tomorrow’s Progressive Labour Party leadership contest.

Chris Furbert, the president of the Bermuda Industrial Union, said he believed Mr Burt was the best person to lead the PLP and the country because of his personal qualities.

He praised Mr Burt for showing fortitude and remaining focused, despite criticism from those both in and outside the party.

He added that the Premier had been courageous in attempting to change the financial direction of the island.

Mr Burt has been challenged by Curtis Dickinson, the former finance minister, for the leadership of the party and the premiership. A vote will be held tomorrow night at the party’s annual delegates conference

In a statement issued today, Mr Furbert said: “As a life member of the Progressive Labour Party there has never been a more important time than this to support the current leader of the party and premier, David Burt.

“His fortitude in carrying out the party’s manifesto and keeping it in the forefront, even in the midst of constant criticism from within and outside of the party, but he has remained focused to carry out the wishes of the previous delegates conference and the members.

“As the current leader of the Bermuda Industrial Union, I have been in his shoes on many occasions when it comes to the personal attacks, but we thrive with the support of our families, friends, supporters and members.”

Mr Furbert welcomed Mr Dickinson’s challenge for the leadership, saying: “I believe a healthy democracy should always welcome a challenge and yes, I have challenged decisions made by the Premier on more than one occasion.”

But he added: “At the same time, I do feel he has the qualities needed and is the best person suited to lead not only the party but the country, as he has done since becoming party leader.

Mr Furbert praised the premier for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. “That was no easy task,” he said.

“I applaud him for being able to give selflessly to the community while at the same time meeting the needs of his family.”

Mr Furbert added: “His courage and approach with the banks, the insurance industry, international business and local businesses in an attempt to change the financial direction of Bermuda and its people, will help to remove some of the hardships they are facing.

“I appreciate his tenacity and his ability to stay focused not only when he is personally attacked but also his family, that is the true measure of his experience, he exemplifies the words of Dr Martin Luther King – ‘the true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience but how he stands at times of controversy and challenges’.

"David Burt along with his team has brought the PLP to this great milestone and he has so much more to offer as party leader, therefore I have no hesitation in supporting him to continue as party leader and premier. I wish him all the best and continued success.“