America’s Cup Strikes Again

Published on July 19th, 2017

Michael Dunkley

Bermuda Premier Michael Dunkley, who orchestrated the 35th America’s Cup being held in Bermuda, now must see not only the event depart, but himself and his political party depart from office too.

The event leaves Bermuda after challenger Emirates Team New Zealand completed their 7-1 defeat of defender Oracle Team USA on June 26, with the kiwi team announcing plans to host the next event in New Zealand.

Now Bermuda’s General Election on July 18 proved to be another defeat for Dunkley as the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) recorded a strong victory over Dunkley’s One Bermuda Alliance (OBA), winning 24 seats to the OBA’s 12, and claiming 20,059 total votes [58.89%] to the OBA’s 13,832 votes [40.61%].

The PLP returns to power after losing to the OBA 19-17 in 2012, and PLP leader David Burt will be the Island’s new Premier, and he is expected to be sworn in on July 19.

At a press conference, defeated former premier Dunkley acknowledged that his party had suffered some “crushing defeats” on a “tough day”.

“Congratulations to Mr Burt and the PLP. My colleagues and I wish them all the best as they try and move Bermuda forward,” he said. “We will take time to reflect on the defeat that we took.”

The 34th America’s Cup in 2013 did not benefit host San Francisco as had been forecasted, and now Bermuda must assess whether their investment in the event will reap the anticipated return. But before the accountants can complete their study, the people of the island have made their decision.