In this wide-ranging interview, Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, is pressed on twopolitical talking points: the PLP leadership transition and the still-simmering Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) controversy.
On PLP leadership, Mr Darrell says the party leader, David Burt, will be missed but stresses the PLP has depth andpublic confidence after recent election wins.
He notes the leader is not stepping down immediately, pushing back on the idea that “he’s going tomorrow”, andacknowledges how early announcements can create a vacuum and speculation.
Asked if he will run, Mr Darrell is clear: he is not putting his name forward. Instead, he frames leadership as dailyservice — running a large ministry, appointing multiple boards, and working his constituency regularly — while keeping his support behind the current leader for the months remaining.
He also reacts to the emerging leadership picture, calling the Hayward/De Silva move “bold” and describing the jockeying and “will you, won’t you” politics that typically surrounds leadership contests. While he avoids endorsing anyone, he confirms the party’s formal process will determine the field and timing.
On the BTA row, Mr Darrell defends why concerns were escalated, saying he acted because he was hearing distressdirectly from people and felt it was his duty to ensure complaints reached the board. He rejects the “threatening” label but admits he was firm, and he reiterates that the BTA board operates independently once appointed.
As the Minister responsible for road safety, he is also put on the spot about what the Government is doing. See if you agree with what he said.
