Given that news leaked of my consideration to run as an independent in the upcoming election, I thought it was imperative to write how I came to this decision, which certainly has not been an easy one and is filled with mix emotions.

I have believed in the One Bermuda Alliance since its start in 2011 and I have been a member ever since. I have supported them through the ups, the downs and everything in between.

On November 15, 2024, we had a Reply to the Throne Speech delivered by the OBA party leader which was one of my final straws.

In that reply, the Opposition leader said that “it’s time for an election”, and he repeated it numerous times. I immediately messaged a prominent OBA front-facing member, asking if they had 36 candidates?

He said, no!

So how and why was is it so irresponsible?

As people who are holding public office or wanting to hold public office, we have a serious and moral duty to protect the individuals whom we serve and want to serve.

How can you call for an election knowing:

1, You don’t have a full slate of candidates

2, You don’t have the individuals who have the calibre to form a government

3, You simply don’t know how to lead a political party

4, You didn’t want the job in the first place, but because you were hand-selected by the powers that be, you dutifully continue to blindly lead.

I found that moment to be morally reprehensible and I can no longer in good conscience be a silent supporter.

David Burt decided to call the OBA’s bluff in the lead-up to the 2020 election when Craig Cannonier dared him to call an election. So, what fool wouldn’t believe he would do it again when given the opportunity to defeat a weak OBA, which was begging to get kicked, bruised and beaten again. Then you add a weakened and tired Bermudian electorate that is apathetic to both parties and you have the “perfect winter storm” of 2025.

Burt put his brilliance on display once again by forcing the outgoing governor to call one of the shortest elections in history because of the Government’s fiscal year ending on March 31 and budget debates having to occur well in advance.

Bravo, the OBA adds another silver platter to David Burt’s growing collection.

I still can’t get over the OBA not having 36 candidates in waiting when Jarion Richardson read that speech — and three months later, he still doesn’t have 36 candidates.

It truly baffles the mind.

The “serious business party” that touts itself at every opportunity for possessing core values, and we can’t find one value to adhere to?

Any political strategist worth their weight would have salivated at the opportunity presented to the OBA after the press conference of January 8 when the Premier announced the election. At 6.30pm, when the cameras cut from Alaska Hall, they should have moved right down the street to OBA headquarters where the Opposition should have announced its 36 candidates, renewed its platform, enhanced its vision for the future, and said we were ready all along and we are ready to form the next government.

But that didn’t happen! Even the tree frogs couldn’t compete with the deafening silence.

Here we are 13 days after the election announcement and Bermuda’s only other serious political party alternative is once again not a viable option. It would rather continue the “life support” agenda of being delayed in responding to the Government, slow to roll out candidates, and giving vague platitudes in the hope that the public’s disdain for the Progressive Labour Party would overshadow its disorganised train wreck of an organisation.

We have had four years and three months of irresponsible inaction, smoke and mirrors trying to pretend to the Bermudian people that change was occurring. When you look at who is still representing the OBA and PLP, it is the same career individuals trying to milk the political system and public purse until the last drop.

I am tired of the wasted time and energy trying to fix an organisation that is fundamentally flawed and is not giving that energy to effect change for Bermudians. The characters of individuals they continue to allow to be a part of OBA and PLP are continuing to drag down the collective — us ordinary citizens.

Simply put, if we had real election laws in this country, I wonder who would still be able to stand as a candidate — on either side.

Enough is enough!

We need to send party politics to the back benches where they deserve to be. Any politicians that truly care about Bermuda and representing her people should consider standing on their own two feet and run on merit. Stop hiding behind the party banner.

I am part of my own movement that is combined of friends, family, former colleagues, constituents and supporters who want to chart a new path. I truly believe that the time is now for independent representation in each constituency, which will provide the best voice for each community and in turn build a collective benefit to the entire nation.

If you are considering a run as an independent and want advice, understand the gravity of serving, or simply want to help, feel free to reach out. You can find me on any of my social-media accounts or by e-mail at independentmathias@gmail.com.

• Justin Mathias, a former chairman of the One Bermuda Alliance, will run as an independent candidate in the next General Election