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History and Government
History: Bermuda was first discovered in 1503 by Juan de Bermudez, the Spanish mariner, and was claimed in England’s name by Sir George Somers in July 1609. After colonisation, the islands prospered and have continued to do so almost continuously ever since. The tourist industry, catering particularly for the American market, began in Victorian times. Bermuda is the oldest British colony and there are still elements of British culture and customs in almost every aspect of life on the islands.
In 1968, the island was granted internal self-government – formally a British Dependent Territory – while Britain retained control of defence and foreign policy. Bermudan political life revolves around two main political parties: the Progressive Labour Party (PLP), which has close links with the influential trade union movement, and the United Bermuda Party (UBP), dominated by professional and business interests. The UBP won a long string of elections from the mid-1970s until 1994. In November 1998, however, the PLP, with a substantial majority in the House of Assembly, formed a government under Premier Jennifer Smith.
The Government’s recent agenda has been dominated by three issues. The first of these is the economy, which relies heavily on financial services and has grown steadily despite competition from elsewhere in the region and external pressure to alter some of its offshore financial service practices in order to restrict money laundering. This was a key factor behind the Labour victory in 1998, as party leader Jennifer Smith promised to resist external pressure on the country’s financial sector. The second issue is independence: the most recent plebiscite on the issue took place in August 1995 and, in a low turnout, produced a vote of 74 per cent against independence and in favour of remaining under British rule. The belief that the umbilical link with Britain guarantees stability and encourages foreign investment was sufficient to persuade the majority of the electorate. Third and finally, the failure of successive British governments to grant full citizenship to inhabitants of Britain’s remaining colonies has long been a source of resentment. However, in July 1998, the British Government announced a change of policy: the inhabitants of Bermuda will be granted full British citizenship – in due course.
Government: Bermuda is a British Crown Colony. Its bicameral legislature – the Senate with 11 appointed members and the 40-member House of Assembly, elected by universal adult suffrage for a five-year term – is responsible for most internal affairs, but foreign policy and security matters are decided by the Governor (since 2002, John Vereker) who is appointed by and represents the British monarch. He in turn appoints the majority leader in the House of Assembly as Premier; the latter appoints the Cabinet.
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