October 28, 2011 

After a few years at the forefront of Bermudian politics, Sen. Kathy Michelmore is to move with her family to New South Wales, Australia.

Sen. Michelmore, who has practiced medicine at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, will continue her medical work as a General Practitioner/family doctor in a group practice.

The move, which will take place in late November, will allow her husband, who is Australian, to spend more time with family in that part of the world and enable their children to experience their Australian heritage.  

Though she is moving, Sen. Michelmore remains energized about the need for change in Bermudian politics and she is confident that things are now in a much better place than when she first became involved.

“I believe that the tide of history is with the One Bermuda Alliance,” she said. “The birth of the OBA has generated widespread interest and support and has made people believe that change can happen. It is clear that people are looking for change, and that they are looking to the OBA to help get the Island back on track and working again.

“I became involved in politics because I believe Bermudians want and deserve more from our government and political system than they are getting. Bermuda’s style of politics has historically been very divisive and has made consensus-building and decision-making more difficult than need be, and this has damaged our community spirit.”

Sen. Michelmore is proud of her contribution to the political dynamic in Bermuda because she believes it shows how individuals who may lack political experience, but who have solid ideas and vision, can contribute meaningfully to the level of debate. She hopes her involvement will inspire others to step forward and to have a real say in what happens to the island.

“There is a growing understanding that the challenges we face cannot be met without accepting the need to change and reinvigorate the political system,” she said. “We cannot afford to be disconnected. We cannot cling to divisiveness and historical score-settling. We can no longer shelter under the cover of blind loyalties.

“I still believe that our system will function better if it becomes less adversarial, more cooperative, more efficient, more accessible and more connected with the people it serves. The OBA is committed to a broad programme of reform that will make government more transparent, more accountable, and more responsive. The goal is to use reform to provide Bermudians going forward with government they can trust. We need a government that demonstrates leadership by example. This is something everyone can relate to.”

Sen. Michelmore said “international relationships” such as hers with her husband create an additional dimension to choices for families.

“I recognize that many people may ask ‘Why leave now?’ when the political landscape is becoming more and more exciting. Timing is never perfect, and a move at any time would probably disappoint. However our family has a new adventure ahead, and our circumstances mean that now is the time for us.”

One Bermuda Alliance Leader Craig Cannonier said: “Kathy will be missed. She has been a voice for reason and consensus-building. She never spoke without first carefully developing her understanding of the issues, always with a view to finding solutions. She is a positive spirit and, much as I regret to say it, Bermuda’s loss will be Australia’s gain. We wish her and her family all the best in their new life Down Under.

“The silver lining in this development is that she will continue to stay in touch and contribute her views. That’s the beauty of the internet age. The planet’s the same size but the world is brought closer.”    

Sen. Michelmore noted many Bermudians who are not resident on the island continue to play an active role in political discussion and debate and that she will keep in close touch with events.

“I remain committed to the OBA’s vision for Bermuda,” she said.