David Gibbons

Sir David Gibbons KBE, JP (15 June 1927 – 30 March 2014) was a Bermudian politician and businessman. He served as Minister of Health from 1974 to 1975, Minister of Finance from 1975 to 1985 and ultimately as Premier between 1977 and 1982 for the United Bermuda Party. Gibbons was also a member of the House of Assembly of Bermuda. During his term as Premier he had to deal with large-scale riots in 1977 and a general strike in 1981. He is recognized as one of the architects of modern Bermuda, laying the foundations for the offshore financial industry and reinsurance sector.

Early life and career Gibbons was born on 15 June 1927. He had an elder brother, Graham, who also became a politician and businessman, as well as a sister. He attended The Hotchkiss School where he met William Clay Ford Sr., whom he later contacted to become agents for Ford in Bermuda. He ran the family business with his brother Graham, which he inherited from his father Edmund. In the mid-1970s he helped with insurance law that made the country more attractive to US business. And in 1977 he was one the mayor proponents of the Insurance Act. He served for the United Bermuda Party. As Premier he dealt with the riots in 1977 after the hanging of two men convicted of the assassination of Governor Richard Sharples. As Premier Gibbons also had to deal with a general strike in 1981.

Gibbons' term as premier ended on 15 January 1982. Swan stated that under the guidance of Gibbons the legal framework for Bermuda's reinsurance and international business sector was laid.

Gibbons died at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital after a short illness on 30 March 2014, aged 86. His memorial took place at Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Bermuda and was presided over by bishop Nick Dill with a eulogy given by Gibbons's two sons and his successor as Premier and friend, John Swan.