“I’m not voting.”

“I have never voted.”

“All politicians are the same.”

Statements made frequently. At first listen, I wonder why anyone would even have this rationale? Then I remember that many in my generation had this very same attitude at one point in time.

For various reasons, many used to say, “Why vote?”, “I’m not voting” or “All politicians are the same.” In the December 2012 election, combined with other factors, lack of voting cost the Progressive Labour Party to lose in Constituency 2 by four votes and in Constituency 27 by ten votes. The end result was two seats have now gone to the One Bermuda Alliance.

Many do not fully understand politics; even some “wannabe” politicians. Many tire of the back-and-forth bickering of UBP/OBA versus PLP. Many don’t give a damn about actions in the Senate or the House. Most do not keep up with the weekly “ignorance”.

So, for many, politics is an alien language spoken by aliens.

Many of us may not understand the cut and thrust of politics, but we fully understand what concerns us.

We are worried about continued cuts to further education awards.

We are worried about potential massive cuts to the Civil Service.

We are worried about decent standards of public education for our children.

We are worried about jobs being given away to non-Bermudians while we are unemployed.

We are worried about our airport being signed away to Canadians.

We are worried about our relatives who have had to move to Britain to survive.

We worry about affordable medication for our parents.

Basically, what we are concerned about is this: we as Bermudians must, not should, have an equal opportunity in our own Island.

As of December 2015, many Bermudians now openly voice regret at either not voting or voting for OBA in the last election. We now have to ask ourselves this question: if we as Bermudians do not exercise our right to vote, where will we be in five to ten years’ time?

We see what lack of voting has done to Bermudians over the past three years. Bermudians not voting benefits only those who do not have our best interests at heart. Please make sure you are properly registered to vote.

If you need help in properly registering to vote, feel free to give me a call or WhatsApp at 599-0901.

Love you all.