Only a One Bermuda Alliance government can raise living standards and halt mass emigration, a party election candidate has declared.

Malachi Symonds was unveiled as the Opposition contender for Pembroke East (Constituency 15) last week.

The political novice, whose upbringing was grounded in the Progressive Labour Party, initially had no intention to run for Parliament when he returned to the island in 2020.

He said: “It held no allure for me. In my perception, the political arena appeared to be rife with deceit, dishonesty and misconduct.

“Instead, my desire was to return home and effect positive change in Bermuda by introducing sustainable practices.”

He quickly found that a change in direction for the country was needed — and that “the only way for me to be a part of change was to put myself in the room where change is being made”.

Mr Symonds, an agricultural engineer who runs the Just A Farmer farm in Devonshire, said: “I pursued a 5½-year study in Costa Rica with the ultimate goal of catalysing holistic transformation across the island.

“Upon my return to Bermuda in 2020, I was resolute in my mission to enhance the island through the promotion of sustainable practices and healthy lifestyles.

“I aspired to drive down the cost of living, elevate the standard of nutrition and foster greater sustainability in the island's energy resources.”

He added that “after encountering 2½ years of arduous struggles against bureaucratic impediments” and a pivotal meeting with more than 100 environmental activists at COP28 in Dubai, it became apparent to him that to effect meaningful change, a step into the political arena was necessary.

Mr Symonds said: “Frankly, I was apprehensive about entering politics, fearing potential repercussions such as losing the lease to my farm on Orange Valley Road.

“Despite being cognisant of the forthcoming smear campaigns and the increased workload, I am unwavering in my commitment to this cause.

“My decision to step into the realm of politics is driven by a profound passion to elevate Bermuda for the betterment of its citizens and the prosperity of future generations.”

My Symonds did consider approaching the PLP to launch his political career. His father, Troy Symonds, helped to set up the youth wing of the party, and, growing up, he had the “privilege” of meeting influential figures such as Roosevelt Brown.

Ultimately, he concluded: “Joining the PLP seemed to carry the risk of being sidelined until the older, status-quo-driven members phased out, thus impeding the progress Bermuda urgently requires.”

Asked about the PLP’s track record, having held office for 20 out of the past 25 years, Mr Symonds, who launched Just A Farmer in 2021, questioned what the party had achieved in recent years.

He said: “I returned home in 2020 and it doesn't seem to be much from what I've observed.

“When I left in 2015, there were far fewer derelict homes, and the streets were much better maintained — and I'm not just talking about the potholes.

“Bermuda is now facing new challenges as climate change brings about shifts in weather patterns, and due to the ongoing efforts to address past issues, we lack the capital needed to tackle present-day problems.

“It appears to me that policies have remained unchanged and unchallenged.

“The fact that, as a farmer, I find myself contending with regulations and policies that have persisted for over 50 years highlights the urgent need for numerous changes, particularly in the realms of environment and agriculture.”

Mr Symonds is considering downsizing his Orange Valley Road business after run-ins with the Department of Planning over a proposed chicken coop.

“I’m not going to try and continue to do anything extravagant or sustainable or cutting-edge any more because it’s frowned upon by the powers that be,” he told The Royal Gazette last month.

Mr Symonds was also concerned by the use of public funds for “extravagant” international travel.

He added: “There seems to be a reliance on external sources to address our problems, despite our history of developing infrastructure through innovation and resourcefulness.

“This trend, coupled with unfulfilled promises and a culture of ‘wait your turn’, is driving the youth of Bermuda away.

“I could go on about the myriad unresolved issues, but the fundamental problem lies in the Government's failure to listen to the people.”

Mr Symonds expressed frustration with a political system that often rewards allegiance to a party rather than the concerns of the country.

He said: “I firmly believe that a political party is ultimately defined by the individuals within it.

“It should serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, yet too often, the focus on party politics obscures the true objectives we aspire to achieve.”

Mr Symonds also claimed that the PLP took advantage of this instinct.

He said: “The only way the PLP can win is by pitting Bermudians against each other, typically along racial lines, which is a significant issue for the country.

“The PLP's narrative always seems to require a villain, and if they can persuade their supporters, primarily those who became involved in the late 1990s and early 2000s, to continue to believe in this narrative, they will keep winning.

“However, the problem for the PLP is that the people who continue to adhere to this narrative are gradually ageing out.

“This raises the question of whether the PLP will be able to maintain its influence when the younger generation no longer buys into the idea of a villain.

“What I find particularly challenging to comprehend is that, despite the straightforward presentation of facts to PLP followers, they tend to overlook them and remain loyal to the party.

“The OBA is not the UBP — it’s that simple. The repetitive false narrative now sounds like a broken record.”

The Royal Gazette contacted the PLP for comment on the remarks but none was received by the time of publication.

Mr Symonds acknowledged that he had an uphill battle to win Pembroke East at the next election. The incumbent, Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs, secured a whopping majority in 2020.

Despite that, Mr Symonds selected the constituency to make his political debut.

He said: “I believe that the constituency of Pembroke East is in need of improved representation.

“Prior to Walter Roban, Pembroke East was represented by the esteemed Ottiwell Simmons, who was instrumental in shaping the legacy of the PLP.

“Ministers like Mr Roban are essentially benefiting from the goodwill established by hard-working Bermudians who fought for progress.

"Do I aspire to win my seat? Yes, I do. I specifically chose Constituency 15 because I believe that if I can resonate with and influence the mindsets of the residents in an area where the PLP holds significant sway, it signifies a readiness for change among those who seek it.

“I don't view politics as a career, and I believe that perceiving it as such is a prevailing issue in Bermuda.

“When politics becomes a career, it often leads to individuals occupying positions without effecting meaningful change.

“My objective, both in the short and long term, is to address the root causes of issues on the island, thereby sparing future generations from grappling with present and future challenges.”

Mr Symonds was equally upbeat about the OBA’s chances of overturning a 24-seat majority at the next election — and emphasised that it had to for the betterment of the country.

He said: “I believe that given Bermuda's current trajectory, it is imperative for the OBA to secure victory in order for Bermuda to embark on a path towards a more prosperous future.

“The PLP's prolonged tenure of approximately 20 years has contributed to the significant issue of 8,000 missing workers in our labour force, along with a concerning trend of young people migrating from Bermuda to other locations across the globe.

“I am confident that the OBA has the potential to achieve victory, and more importantly, I firmly believe that the people of Bermuda deserve better than the state of affairs under the PLP's governance.”