A petition has been launched to bring an end to 13 corruption charges against former Premier of Bermuda, Mr Ewart F. Brown. Photo: Internet Source

The petition was launched yesterday, January 26, 2022, by Esmee Williams and Randy Scott which called the cases 'Justice denied' for the ex-premier. Photo: Youtube

Dr Brown was Premier of Bermuda from 2006-2010 and, according to a new Change.org petition, the prosecution of Dr Brown began on June 8, 2011, and continues presently having cost Bermuda more than $10 million dollars.

The petition was launched yesterday, January 26, 2022, by Esmee Williams and Randy Scott which called the cases 'Justice delayed' for the ex-premier and hence, justice denied.

“We, The Undersigned, strongly feel that this prosecution is an injustice against Dr Brown!,” the petition addressed to Her Excellency, Rena Lalglie, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Bermuda said.

The petition pointed out that results from a 2018 national poll revealed that the prosecution of Dr Brown was thought to be politically motivated.

“We, The Undersigned, strongly believe that the prosecution of The Honourable Dr Ewart F. Brown has proven to be a useless exercise and therefore an abuse and a misuse of taxpayers’ money. We believe that these monies could have been used more appropriately for the betterment of all Bermudians,” the petition stated.

10-year corruption allegation 

According to the Royal Gazette, the charges against Dr Brown, who was Premier rounds off to 13 counts of corruption, including five related to agreements with the Lahey Clinic, through which he is alleged to have received more than $4 million in monthly payments between 2001 and 2010.

The remaining eight charges related to allegations of corruptly obtaining $350,500 in donations to benefit the Progressive Labour Party and the Bermuda Health Foundation between 2007 and 2010.

The charges were brought in January 2021. A trial date has yet to be announced and Dr Brown has not yet been required to enter a plea to the charges.

As of publication time, the change.org petition had over 180 signatures of its 200 signature target.

It also stated to Governor Lalglie that the people duly understand and recognise that the Governor has limited powers of authority in this matter; however, the purpose of the petition is to reflect and "express to you the will of we the people of Bermuda.

"As you are Her Majesty’s representative for the people of Bermuda, we are appealing to you for your support by forwarding this petition with signatures to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, II and all other appropriate judicial agencies," the petition to Governor Lalgie stated.