Barrister Nadia Hamza was this afternoon unveiled as the One Bermuda Alliance general election candidate for Sandys North Central.At a press conference she said: “As a child, I grew up in the neighbourhoods of Laurel Lane and West Side Road. It is for this reason that I am particularly delighted to be able to come back home and give back to the very community who were responsible for nurturing me in my younger years.“I have very fond memories of growing up in Sandys, of using the Gladys Morrell Nature Reserve, at the back of my grandmother’s home, as a playground; of visiting my grandmother at Somerset Primary when she was the principal there, and of going to what used to be Springfield library to get my weekly ration of books to read.“Up until recently, I have always regarded myself as largely apolitical. However, at this point in Bermuda’s history, I feel I can no longer stand on the sidelines. I cannot, in good conscience, stand by and do nothing: doing nothing is not an option when Bermuda is in such real crisis on every level.“In my quest to see what I can do to help Bermuda move forward, I have chosen to support the one team that is committed to restoring the public’s faith in good governance; the one team that is truly committed to the key principles of opportunity, responsibility, integrity, transparency, fairness, inclusiveness and service. That team is the One Bermuda Alliance.“As your representative, I will understand, listen, connect and clearly speak on your behalf. I am committed not only to raising awareness of the issues that Sandys is experiencing, but also to start working with you now, before the election, to get the ball rolling on much-needed change.“Recently, I attended the Economic Forum held at Sandys 360 and heard your concerns from crime to small business challenges, and the hopes for an economic revival in the west end.“Further, when I visited Lefroy House with my fellow candidate Ray Charlton, I became painfully aware of how many good people are trying to do their best to care for the residents but who are hobbled by a system that is not serving them.“The least we can do for our seniors is to accord them respect and dignity they merit and the care they deserve. They have paid their whole lives into a system which is now failing them. It is not acceptable to allocate funds to them only to take them back, without explanation, without apology, and to leave those who are trying to do their best to help them woefully under supported.“It is a lie for this government to say that it cares about its seniors when it shows them so little respect or compassion. George Orwell said ‘In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act’.“It is time now for all of us to get in touch with our inner revolutionary. Let us be truthful firstly with ourselves. Let us be truthful and openly acknowledge that what has been done to date has not worked and has truly put Bermuda in the hole, both socially and economically. Most importantly, let us be truthful about how much we are personally willing to commit to get Bermuda back to where our island needs to be.“I am committed to working with the people of Sandys North Central. I understand only too well how overwhelming daily life has become for so many of us. It is time for us to say to each other that you are not alone, you are being listened to, you are understood and we can do this. There might be a long road ahead of us, but there is absolutely no need for it to be a lonely one. Let us work together to get the Bermuda we know and love back on track. “