The Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, today expressed his sincere condolences to the family of former Premier, the late Sir. John Swan.
“Sir John dominated Bermuda’s politics for a generation and for over a decade served as Premier of Bermuda. His tenure was historic and those of us who have followed him in this office still feel the shadow of his larger-than-life presence,” the Premier said.
Premier Burt continued, “Our politics often saw us on opposing sides, but we were united in a love of this Island, and her people. Sir John’s “common touch” remains a hallmark of his life and legacy. Whether in the White House or at Cup Match, he was the same man...true to his beliefs and ideals and always ready to greet people with his characteristic warmth. He certainly “walked with kings but never lost the common touch.
“On behalf of the Government and People of Bermuda I express our heartfelt prayers for the comfort of his children and his family. The legacy of this patriarch is a story of humble beginnings, dogged determination, business and political skill and success, founded in a genuine heart for service.”
The Cabinet Office confirmed that flags on Government buildings will be flown at half mast starting tomorrow, Friday, 5th June.
The Hon. Sir John W. Swan, KBE, JP Biography
As a child, Sir John was visually impaired and had dyslexia. His parents instilled in him the importance of discipline and sacrifice, which he embraced fully. He learned to overcome obstacles through determination and a belief in his ability to succeed, principles that have guided his life’s work.
In 1962, he founded the John W. Swan Agency, a real estate development and savings and loan company offering services in architecture, construction, land development, rentals, and property management. Between 1968 and 1978, the company developed 40% of Bermuda’s residential homes. His mission was to help ordinary Bermudians achieve home ownership and provide them with the financial tools to do so. The company also employed over 20 young Bermudian contractors, many of whom went on to launch successful businesses of their own. The firm celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012.
Sir John helped modernize the City of Hamilton through numerous building projects, including Bermuda’s first condominium complex and the island’s first 10-storey development at 141 Front Street, an environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient landmark.
Before entering politics, he played a key role in national development as a founding member of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, a Director of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, and a Director of the Bermuda Employers Council.
He was elected to Parliament in 1972 and simultaneously became Chairman of the Bermuda Hospitals Board. Over his 25-year political career, he held several important Cabinet posts, including Minister of Marine and Air Services, and Minister of Immigration and Labour, where he introduced progressive policies that supported Bermuda’s economic and social growth. In 1982, Sir John became Premier of Bermuda, a position he held for 13½ years until 1995.
His most lasting political achievement was leading the negotiations for the 1985 USA - Bermuda Tax Convention. These high-level discussions included meetings with the President, Vice-President, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, and members of Congress. The resulting agreement helped establish Bermuda’s reinsurance and insurance sectors and secured the island’s reputation as a major offshore financial centre, laying the groundwork for the strong, regulated economy Bermuda has today.
Sir John has been honoured numerous times for his service. In 1990, he was knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) and appointed a Justice of the Peace. He has received awards from the Bermuda Jaycees, the International Association of Lions Clubs, the Poor Richard Club of Philadelphia, and St. Paul’s AME Church. He was also admitted to the Freedom of the City of London, made an Honorary Member of the Hamilton Rotary Club, appointed a Senator of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and inducted into the Company of Honorary Fellows of Bermuda College. In 2010, he was one of the first four inductees into the Bermuda Business Hall of Fame.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia Wesleyan College, which also awarded him an Honorary Doctorate. He received additional honorary doctorates from Atlantic Union College, the University of Tampa, and Morris Brown College.
Sir John served as Chairman of the Swan Group of Companies and remained actively involved in international business, public policy, and real estate development, including his long-time advocacy for the revitalization of the Hamilton Waterfront. He passionately supported local charitable causes and was a patron of Bermudian theatre for more than three decades.
