Dear Sir,

Sir John Swan’s re-entry into the political arena will make it more difficult for the One Bermuda Alliance to make any inroads to gain seats and become a more viable opposition.

In spite of his loss last year in the Smith’s North by-election, he continues to believe his case for independent candidates is still the best hope of offering a meaningful alternative choice to that of the OBA, Free Democratic Movement and Progressive Labour Party candidates.

Sir John’s self-centredness will only split the vote. Why? Because he believes “there’s a chance to shape our destiny” by encouraging individuals to run as independents in order to depart from, as he calls it, “the extremeness of politics”.

What is Sir John really after, and can he be trusted? Is it his final chapter in his biography — the defender of change — or the possibility of a coalition government of the day? I believe his ego is about his contribution to the body politic of Bermuda. The messiah returning to save us.

My fellow Bermudians, the call to change the present system of governance — Bermuda’s Westminster system of government — is an effort to make past Members of Parliament relevant in today’s body politics of our island home. They have failed to unite Bermudians, but still refuse to recognise their own failure in doing so. They had their chance and failed, but their egos want to be seen as the catalyst of change. Can you imagine, “the kettle calling the kettle black”.

I have always been an independent thinker, and while I despise partisan politics, I’m willing to support the need for a stronger opposition — not egos from the past willing to continue to divide our country for self-enrichment!

Fifteen registered individuals offered themselves as an alternative in the 2012 election, and the electoral process rejected everyone who was willing to offer an alternative to partisan politics. Even a respected and tested past parliamentarian, Erwin Adderley, who tried as an independent candidate to win his old seat of Pembroke West.

Now an untested “Swanite”, Suzie Arruda, is offering herself to the voters of Pembroke West in an effort to split the (Portuguese) vote and weaken the OBA’s chances of gaining a seat.

Swanites are not independent thinkers; merely followers of Sir John.

DAVID J. TAVARES

Smith’s