5 July 2007

Premier Ewart F. Brown has announced a plan to expand his Thursday Open Door Policy at the Cabinet Office. Beginning on Thursday, July 26, 2007, members of the public will be invited to join the Premier for a brown bag lunch on the Cabinet lawn.

Each week, as the Premier's schedule allows, members of a specific group will be invited to join him for an outdoor picnic style lunch. The inaugural week, for example, might consist of small business owners. The second week might consist of recent high school graduates. About two dozen people will be invited for each lunch and a different group of people will be asked to join Premier Brown each time.

Members of the group will be asked to bring their own brown bag lunch and the Cabinet Office will provide lemonade and ice cream. Guests will also be afforded the opportunity to bend the ear of the Premier on an issue important to them.

The Premier said: "The best way for people to understand each other is through a conversation - it's that simple. These lunches are all about conversations. If someone has a question for me, I hope to have the answer. And if I don't, I can make plans to get back to them. I want people to know they have direct access to the Premier's Office."

Since taking office late last year, the Premier has consistently afforded time on Thursdays to members of the public. Occasionally, the meetings are with people who publicly oppose the Premier on key issues. This morning for example Premier Brown met with Larry Marshall, Sr. of Bermudians Against the Draft. Mr. Marshall's position on conscription differs from the Premier's position.

Premier Brown said: "Mr. Marshall said he wanted some time to explain why he has taken an anti-conscription stance. I agreed to listen. Although his views are different than mine I think he deserves the same access to the Premier's Office as a citizen who agrees with me. If the conversation can be intelligent and mutually respectful, I will listen. My time today with Mr. Marshall was very constructive."

Mr. Marshall got help arranging the appointment with the Premier from his MP in Smith's North, Patrice Minors.

Over the past few months the Premier has met in his Cabinet Office with a wide array of people including a local filmmaker, workers in the hospitality industry, and this afternoon he met with a team of athletes.

Three members of the Bermuda Gymnastics National Team told the Premier about their recent multi-medal performance at an American gymnastics meet in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The three young women took seven medals between them. Their names are Kaisey Griffith, Caitlyn Mello, and Riann Ming. Next week the entire team leaves for the Isle of Man to compete in the Island Games. The Premier wished them well.

Miss Griffith said after the meeting: "Gymnastics doesn't get a lot of attention in Bermuda so I'm glad the Premier took the time to meet with us."

Premier Brown said: "After I was told how well the team had performed overseas I was surprised I hadn't already seen or heard their story. I wanted them here so I could get the details firsthand. It sounds to me like they are a talented bunch who deserves our support as the represent Bermuda overseas."

The Premier's Chief of Staff Sen. Wayne Caines is responsible for Dr. Brown's meeting calendar at the Cabinet Office. Obviously not every request can be granted because of time constraints, but Sen. Caines ensures the Premier hears from a wide variety of voices on a wide variety of issues.