We would like to take this time to say thank you to the multitudes of Bermudians who have offered their support and guidance to recently elected Jamahl Simmons MP and the canvassing teams during the Constituency 33 by-election campaign.

The consistent messages that you have imparted to us is that, as a country, we must have a vision. As a country, we must proactively prepare for change.

The change you speak of goes far beyond simple political change. The change you speak of goes far beyond whomever is the leader of any given political party. The changes you seek are the fundamental changes that we must undergo as a nation.

Empowerment

The major concern expressed across the board is the need for economic empowerment of Bermudians. With the potential of massive job losses due to privatisation, there is heightened concern for many within the civil service. What do we do to ensure our survival?

Every rating agency has stated that we must diversify our economy. IB and tourism have their limitations, and we must seek new avenues of revenue. There is no silver bullet. However, every little bit is important. Some potential avenues are:

* Aquaculture

* Online gaming

* App development

* Light manufacturing

* Freeport for light repackaging.

These are but some of the paths that not only could potentially provide employment for Bermudians but also — and more importantly — allow Bermudians to become the masters of their own destiny.

The proposed industries are means to generate the foreign exchange necessary to empower us to be free of dependency on the legislative whims of foreign countries, as is the case with the Financial Services Industries.

As we see with recently proposed immigration policies, Bermudian employees will be displaced by non-Bermudian employees. We must change the mindset that Bermudians are only good enough to be employees. We must become not only politically empowered, but we must become economically empowered.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela

Every Bermudian parent has expressed concerns of the levels of education our children receive. Many have opted to leave the public school system for the private school system. Whilst others have opted to leave the private school system for the public school system.

The common theme for many is that the middle school system has not worked out for Bermuda.

We must seek to move the public school education system forward.

As parents we must ensure that the public school system that our children attend is equipped to instil them with not just the fundamentals but also the inspiration for them to be leaders in their respective fields.

Not only must we press upon our children the importance of education, we must press upon ourselves and our peers, to never stop seeking higher qualification and/or technical certification. Our changing world requires us to be ever evolving, ever retooling.

We cannot seek political empowerment alone. We must seek the most powerful weapon, education.

No place like home

Many of our sisters, brothers, cousins and friends have decided to seek life in the United Kingdom. Bermuda has simply become far too expensive for them to live or job opportunities in our own country have diminished.

The narrative of increasing the residential population has merits. However, others believe that a rise in population must only come via immigration into Bermuda.

They disregard the fact that every Bermudian contributes to:

* Purchasing groceries

* Paying rents or mortgages

* Vehicle purchases

* Payment of taxes

One of the most fundamental changes that must take place is that we will do everything in our power to return our Bermudians back to Bermuda. We make no apologies to anyone in this task. We must seek the return and empowerment of fellow Bermudians.

Over the last two years you have trusted us to evolve. Along the way you have prayed with us and for us. You have held our hands at the doorsteps and while marching in the streets.

The case for change is clear. The power for change lies within us individually and collectively.