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UBP’s final two MPs remain steadfast

Final two: UBP MPs Kim Swan (left) and Charlie Swan, pictured in February of this year.

Southampton MP Charlie Swan yesterday said he’ll let the people decide whether he continues to fight on with the seemingly doomed United Bermuda Party.Mr Swan and former Opposition leader Kim Swan are the last two MPs standing in the party members voted to disband at the beginning of the month.If they continue to cling to the UBP ship until the next general election, the Swans will come face to face with One Bermuda Alliance candidates in their constituencies of Southampton West Central and St George’s West respectively.Asked if he was still a UBP MP, Mr Swan replied by e-mail to The Royal Gazette: “Am still a UBP MP, and have not resigned.“I have maintained all along that our constitution provides a mechanism by which ALL concerned are canvassed on such an important matter as the dissolution of the UBP and joining a new group, the OBA.“There is much information, especially concerning the proposed OBA constitution, that has not been shared.”Asked whether the UBP would continue, Mr Swan replied: “That is a decision that I would like to see made by as many people as possible, in full transparency and openness.“People, including myself, should be fully satisfied that the UBP can dissolve, and the new group’s constitution and modus operandi is to their liking. Then, and only then, can the best decision for Bermuda be made.”Both Mr Swans were central figures in obtaining a court injunction which delayed the formation of the OBA last week; they claimed colleagues had acted against the UBP’s constitution in failing to consult with party members over merger talks with the Bermuda Democratic Alliance.Since then, seven UBP MPs resigned, paving the way for them to help form the OBA with former BDA members.Charlie Swan said when other politicians quit the UBP in recent years, they faced calls to resign their seats to force by-elections, as they no longer represented the party they were elected for.“I have principled strong feelings in this regard,” he said. “As with those who left some years ago, and the calls then for them to resign their seats, it is incumbent upon the latest to resign to consider the same.“We are not talking about resigning from a book club, or social grouping. The United Bermuda Party has a long history of great service to this Island, performed by principled individuals over many years.“Its demise at the whim of personal survival does not sit kindly with me. Nor does the mindset, displayed by these resignations, that wilfully ignores a constitution.“All the people of Bermuda do not wish that, and I have spent countless hours defending our people from it as displayed by the current Government.“Transferring that mindset to a new group, the OBA, may be a good start for those who wish a unified Opposition. However, I am interested in a good, open and transparent Government, and that mindset is not a good start for that aim.“The demise of the UBP by the will of those who elected us works better, for all Bermudians.”Kim Swan could not be reached yesterday. On the night the UBP voted to disband, chairman Jeanne Atherden greeted the press on behalf of the dying party to announce the vote result and say the OBA will represent a unified Opposition. Ms Atherden, understood to still be in the UBP, could not be reached yesterday.