Who foot the bill for PM Davis’ flight to Bermuda?

PM Philip Brave Davis

Update 10/20/22: Prime Minister Davis and members of Cabinet met with Premier David Burt and members of his Cabinet as part of the delegation’s visit to Bermuda. (See photos below.)

Earlier: Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis traveled to Bermuda Oct. 19, to deliver a political speech at the Progressive Labour Party’s (PLP) 57th Annual Delegates Conference. Davis led a large delegation of government officials, including several cabinet ministers and a permanent secretary.

The Nassauvian understands a Western Air plane was chartered for the 900-mile flight between LPIA (NAS) and Bermuda International Airport (BDA). There are reports the plane was grounded upon landing in Bermuda, as New York Air Route Traffic Control Center could see the flight but had no way to communicate with the aircraft for over an hour.

Departure and arrival control for Bermuda is provided by New York Air Route Traffic Control Center located on Long Island, New York. The facility uses radar, radio transmitters and receivers installed in Bermuda.

News of the airplane’s temporary grounding raises questions around why the flight was out of communication for over an hour. Also, who arranged travel for the country’s Prime Minister? And was the trip taxpayer-funded, or did either ’PLP’ organization foot the bill?

The Nassauvian interviewed aviation insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to speak freely.

Here’s what we know so far:

  • It’s unclear whether the trip was for official government business – paid for by taxpayers- or whether either ‘PLP’ organization funded the excursion.
  • Western Air plane chartered for trip. Flight number WU1700 landed in Bermuda at 5:02pm ADT on Oct. 19.
  • On landing at BDA, plane was reportedly grounded by Bermuda Civil Aviation because they were unable to communicate with the aircraft for almost an hour as the delegation flew in.
  • New York Air Route Traffic Control Center, which is responsible for North Atlantic operations, was reportedly unable to communicate with the Western Air plane as other aircraft flew around them at almost Mach 1 speeds.
  • Two high frequency (HF) radios are required for travel over open water. It’s unclear why the embraer erj-145 jet was outside of communication for almost an hour during flight.
  • A handheld sateliite phone -borrowed in Bermuda- used for flight back to Nassau.
  • Airplane reportedly changed status to ”State aircraft” before departing Bermuda.
  • Western Air is a private company operating under a Bahamas AOC (aircraft operator’s certificate).
  • Former Prime Minister Perry Christie also attended the political conference.
  • During his speech in Bermuda, Davis talked about the ties, similarities, and “shared values” of both ‘PLP’ organizations.
  • Davis: “We must stay true to our respective mandates, and not be tempted to adapt or adopt the attitudes of our opponents.”
  • During the political conference, PM Davis announced that The Bahamas will appoint an Honorary Consul to Bermuda “in honor of our close ties.”
  • Davis twice led cheers of ‘PLP…all the way’ during his address.
  • Bermudian Premier Edward David Burt, leader of the Progressive Labour Party (PLP), also spoke last evening.
  • Delegation returned to Nassau Thursday, Oct. 20.

Announcement of Honorary Consul to Bermuda and PLP Convention Invitation:

PM Philip Brave Davis at 57th Annual PLP Delegates Conf. in Bermuda Oct 19, 2022. (YouTube.com)

Government Officials Who Traveled To Bermuda:

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis
Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell
Housing and Labour Minister JoBeth Coleby Davis
Minister of State for Disaster Recovery Myles LaRoda
Parliamentary Secretary Leon Lundy
Senator Barry Griffin
Senator Quentin Lightbourne
Senior Policy Advisor in OPM Kevin Simmons
Director of Communications Latrae Rahming
Permanent Secretary Russell Stirrup
Several Aides and Protocol Officers

Also in delegation:
Former Prime Minister Perry Christie
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Secretary General Barbara Cartwright


Davis leading cheer at end of speech:


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