Bermuda Bigwigs Deplore Burgers

Months after voters rejected becoming an independent nation, Bermudians are choosing sides in a “meatier” debate: Hamburgers.

Reversing a long-time policy against fast food franchises, the United Bermuda Party government recently granted Sir John Swan, a former premier, permission to open a McDonald’s restaurant.

Critics have accused Swan of influence peddling and damaging Bermuda’s upscale tourist image.

Last week, legislators voted 22-1 to “deplore” the approval.

Despite the vote, Premier David Saul says the approval won’t be revoked. McDonald’s spokesman Ann Connolly says the company is in talks with Swan but has not yet granted him a franchise.

Frederick Wade, leader of the opposition Progressive Labor Party, says cooks in Bermuda make “the best hamburgers in the world” and don’t need McDonald’s.