Marc Bean’s recent comments accusing the Progressive Labour Party of being a “White supremacist” government are not only preposterous but also a blatant attempt to distract the public from his own far-Right beliefs and ideology.

Mr Bean's remarks are especially hypocritical considering his public praise for Florida governor Ron DeSantis and former president Donald Trump, both known for policies and rhetoric that have been at best characterised as marginalising the Black community and at worst have been repeatedly accused of being White supremacists.

Mr Bean’s public admiration for far right-wing commentator Thomas Sowell, whom he describes as one of his “... favourite economic thinkers, without apology” and who is an individual who has often disparaged the African-American community, further underscores his alignment with ideologies that do not serve the interests of Bermudians.

It is laughable for Mr Bean to accuse the PLP of White supremacy when he himself supports figures and philosophies that have consistently undermined the rights and dignity of working people and Black people.

As a prime example of the Free Democratic Movement’s right-wing agenda, Mr Bean and others have stated that they would slash government jobs. Which ideology is at play when working middle-class Bermudians are made unemployed?

Mr Bean’s comments about “neocolonialism” and “White supremacy” are nothing more than political theatre, designed to sow discord and distract from his own out-of-touch beliefs and lack of a coherent policy that mirrors One Bermuda Alliance ideas such as doing away with government jobs, cutting government services and throwing wide open the immigration floodgates. When it comes to its economic policies, the FDM is the ideological soulmate of the OBA.

Compare and contrast

In stark contrast, the PLP has a longstanding commitment to advance the interests of all Bermudians, particularly those in the Black community and those who have been historically marginalised. Some prime examples are:

• Tax cuts for those making less than $96,000

• Elimination of land tax for seniors in primary homesteads

• Elimination of death tax on primary homesteads

• FutureCare for seniors

• Increased scholarships for young Bermudians

• Homestart programme for first-time homeowners

• Increased pension for seniors

• Elimination of duty on staple items

• Increased affordable housing stock

The PLP remains dedicated to building a fair and prosperous Bermuda for all. We will not be deterred by the unfounded accusations of an individual who has chosen to align himself with the OBA and other right-wing ideologies that do not reflect the values or aspirations of Bermudians.

• Walter Roban is the Deputy Premier of Bermuda, the Minister of Home Affairs and the MP for Pembroke East (Constituency 15)