“All politics is local” — Tip O’Neal

Christopher Famous

Over the past few months, there have been a number of events that have fostered social and political interaction. Whether it be via fish fry events, open mics, town hall meetings, the annual Progressive Labour Party banquet or good old-fashioned, door-to-door canvassing, we have been listening to and speaking with our fellow Bermudians.

These gatherings have allowed Bermudians to get together and discuss a wide range of issues. What we have found is a potpourri of hopes, concerns and wishes.

Many Bermudians are deeply concerned about the direction in which our island home is heading at present. Our seniors, in particular, are facing a myriad of issues, with many wondering how they will be able to manage the burden of ballooning expenses versus shrinking buying power of their pensions. They speak of struggling to pay for the increasing cost of health insurance and, as a result, some are faced with having to choose between paying rent and buying groceries.

Other seniors have voiced their concerns that, under the present government, it appears that Bermuda is regressing to the social climate of the 1950s. Many have shared stories of the challenges that they and/or their parents had faced in regards to:

• Lack of decent job benefits for Bermudians

• Biased immigration policies against Bermudians

• Fear of mortgages being pulled

According to many, based on what they have seen thus far, “the writing is on the wall”.

Many residents that we have spoken to have expressed concerns concerning the lack of job opportunities for qualified Bermudians.

At one home, we met a father who introduced his 23-year-old daughter to us. This young lady has a master’s degree in her field, however, has yet to find any employment in her island home. Unfortunately, this family were not alone; we met another young man at our banquet who had a business degree but could find only work doing landscaping.

For everyone that we have spoken to, there are many out there that share the same or similar predicaments.

Other folks have voiced their sorrow regarding members of their family having to emigrate to Britain to have a decent standard of living for themselves and their children. One mother was in tears, stating she never thought that she would see the day that Bermudians would have to leave Bermuda just to survive.

It is moments such as these that one can do nothing but offer a hug.

There is something humbling and sacred when persons invite you into their kitchens and living rooms, offer you food or drinks and then proceed to share their family history, life experiences and pour their hearts out to you.

For them, they did not invite us to speak about politics. For them, it was taking a few moments to speak with their fellow Bermudians, who also share their hopes, dreams and concerns.

To those who have shared their stories with us, we say thank you for inviting us into not just your homes but into your lives. We will continue to work towards a Bermuda that works for Bermudians.