David Burt has rebuked Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, for stating he does not need the votes of people who think he is not engaging with them or doing a good job.

In pointed remarks after Mr Hayward provoked uproar by insisting the Government would never work with the Opposition, the Premier moved to affirm that the Progressive Labour Party did not exclude people.

Mr Burt insisted the minister’s views were “uncharacteristic”, could have been “worded better” and had been expressed after “a long day” in the House of Assembly.

In a statement issued late night, Mr Burt said: “The Progressive Labour Party has a history of working to secure every vote and representing every citizen no matter who they voted for. That will not change.”

The Premier’s intervention came after the One Bermuda Alliance branded Mr Hayward’s remarks as “delusional arrogance”.

Mr Burt added: “Minister Hayward is a passionate and energetic representative of his constituents and Bermuda who has committed himself to growing this economy while always being available locally or overseas to further Bermuda’s interests; but he is human.

“In this case, after a long day in the House of Assembly, I believe the minister expressed frustration of the Government's continuing attempts to try to work with the Opposition, for the betterment of Bermuda, to no positive avail.

“While I accept the minister could have worded his statement better, the lack of humanity experienced while canvassing when members of the public may put out dogs will naturally invoke anger and disappointment and the minister's uncharacteristic comments were a reflection of that.

“PLP MPs and candidates canvass regularly; and this provides an opportunity to better connect with the people we represent.

“We will continue to explain our positions directly and make the case that the Progressive Labour Party is a party that cares for all people and is committed to growing Bermuda’s economy to the benefit of those same people we are privileged to represent….whether they vote for us or not.”

Aguinaldo Medeiros, the One Bermuda Alliance executive chairman, insisted the minister had “slapped voters in the face” with his comments and jeopardised overseas investment in the island.

The rebuke came in the wake of the minister telling MPs in a Budget speech: “I will stand at the polls and the person will say I haven’t seen you, so you will not get my vote.

“I don’t want your vote. For what? So, you feel like you have some kind of control or say over what I do in the future?”

Mr Medeiros said the remarks could damage the Bermudian economy and adversely impact on drives to attract foreign companies.

He said: “It’s hard to believe that these words were so boldly spoken on the floor of the House of Assembly.

“But, then again, this is typical behaviour from a member of a political party who thinks he is doing so much for the people of Bermuda that accountability does not apply to him.

“I thought one of Mr Hayward’s roles was to attract foreign investment to the island, not cause alienation? What was he thinking?

“Our government ministers must not forget the entire premise of public service is just that – service to the public.

“To say you don’t need anyone’s vote is arrogant and a slap in the face of the electorate.

“I hope that no one took Mr Hayward’s comments to heart. In order to progress and return to the Bermuda it once was, diversity and inclusion is imperative. Anything short of that would only set our community back in time.

“The island cannot sustain further divisiveness. To think otherwise is simply delusional to say the least.”

Mr Medeiros said it begged the question of whether the PLP, “and especially Mr Hayward“, could be trusted with looking out for all Bermudians.

He asked: “Does the party sincerely and fully intend to represent all the people of Bermuda, irrespective of their sex, colour, creed, race, or whichever label they choose to identify with?

“Is it the PLP’s modus operandi to just pander to its base in its efforts to simply garner only enough votes in constituencies to form a government by the people but not for the people?”

Michael Dunkley, of the OBA, said the minister had “trashed” the Premier’s call for togetherness to deal with Bermuda’s problems.

Mr Hayward insisted the Government did not need to work with the OBA. He told MPs: “Leaders before us have learnt the hard way when they have attempted to work together with individuals who have no interest in working in their best interests. Who want to leverage that relationship, to advantage their own interest.

“Ask Robert Mugabe – some called him a tyrant. But before he was a tyrant he was a national hero.

“He got into power and he did not kick out the entire government. He thought it best that they collectively work together. He quickly found out that that was impossible.”

Mr Hayward claimed South African president Nelson Mandela’s efforts to bring his country together “were undermined by one group of individuals”.

“And we sit here in Bermuda and think our reality is going to be different?”