Makai Dickerson will be the ruling party's candidate for district 12, against Craig Cannonier, Opposition leader, in the general election, it was announced this afternoon.At a press conference today Mr Dickerson made this statement:I made up my mind long time ago that my role in life was to serve the people in a way that ensures that all people would benefit from the fruits of labour of this great island. My works thus far have afforded me many opportunities to do just that, and now have brought me before you to seek your approval to move a step further in my service to you. Life as I know it has drawn me to stand under an umbrella of unity with like-minded individuals, and that umbrella has the title of The Progressive Labour Party. I stand strong in that because our commitment to you has been clearly shown in decisions made under a PLP government.There have been many accomplishments as well as some mistakes made and it is through both that we must learn in order to move forward. I stand before you a knowledgeable young man whose vision and knowledge may differ from yours but should not be against yours.We have many things to work on as the people of Bermuda but the work can only come when we are truly ready to work together. I have had the opportunity to stand under the Progressive Labour Party umbrella and assist in determining ways to best assist my fellow Bermudians.I have seen work carried out in which my own friends, family and community have benefited from by being put in a position to better themselves and those they care for:Initiatives, such as Child Daycare assistance, in which mothers and fathers have been able to afford daycare for their children and consequently have time to seek employment, further their education or perform their duties at their place of employment without the worries of child care for their children.Programs, such as Mirrors, where at-risk youth, as well as youth living a positive lifestyle, are able to obtain the tools necessary to make the best possible decisions and commitments to continually advance to the next level in their lives.Affordable Housing projects such as Loughlands, Harbourview and Perimeter Lane provided to ensure that all Bermudians have the opportunity to live comfortably without fear of being pushed into the streets simply due to lack of income.Services, such as financial assistance for higher education, where one is able to advance his or her skill level and attain a better position to be employed in lucrative careers.Free public transportation for students, where the burden is lifted for parents as far as getting their children to the class room to receive their education which is of great importance.Perhaps you may have heard of our Future Care program, which assists our valued seniors in receiving the medical care they need and medication required at an affordable cost.And our services also include training programs that lead to employment upon completion to get Bermudians working again and connect them with entrepreneur opportunities. Bermudians need these services so they can have a chance to branch out on their own and start new businesses.These are but a few examples of the work that has been carried out on behalf of the people and I have seen first-hand the benefits of all these things among them. There is still more to be done and I am confident in the ability of the PLP Government to leave no stone unturned, and am grateful for the opportunity to do all that I can to assist as we move forward.some would consider my candidacy in C12 as a case of a lamb in the slaughter house. However, I view it as an opportunity to speak further with fellow Bermudians about all that I wish for Bermuda to become and the contributions I will make to those dreams. I ask for your ear so that I can gain your trust.Trust is something I cherish and would never abuse. That is why even if you know for sure that you would not give me your vote, I ask that you allow me to engage with you about your vision and mine so that at the least we can find common ground on how we truly wish to move forward.Regardless of our sides we must make the effort to push forward together with a common agenda. A vote for me is a vote for progress. Because that is the point of the role I hope to play. Progress for all of Bermuda and her people is the only thing that matters to me.And I prove myself with actions. There is pain coming from the streets of Bermuda and this pain must be healed. I stand before you confident in my ability to sit on a wall in Bermuda’s neighbourhoods as well as sit in a board room and feel just as comfortable in the discussion taking place and just as able to engage. I have the ability to relate to many things and the wisdom to accept what I can not relate to.I can reach the streets, and I can reach the college class rooms. I can and will continue to show that there are more sides to every story. And I will work to ensure that more options become available. I will continue to ensure that prevention methods are utilized so that our young people are able to enjoy all that life has to offer. I know too well the trap of the streets and how easy it is for my fellow young people to get caught in it. Something has to change and that change can only come from a collective will to change.Those engaged in violent and all criminal acts as well as those with degrees and those making an honest living must be willing to make that change as well, but they will only be willing to do so when they clearly see that all are willing to ensure that they do, no matter what it takes.It takes a true village. I stand with the Progressive Labour Party and I Stand Strong with them. I am proud to, because when I look to my left or right and all around me in all that I do to help better Bermuda; there are always PLP members and or supporters standing all around me.I will also stand strong for the people of C12 regardless of any differences some of us may have and most importantly, I have stood and will always stand strong for all of the people of Bermuda. We must continue to focus on stepping forward and making progress, together, because you can never move forward by standing still.I ask that you stand strong with us!