Two members of the Progressive Labour Party, with one in the running for the General Election, have defended their records after criticism from a One Bermuda Alliance candidate on the social-media platform X.

John Seymour accused Michael Weeks, the national security minister, of being lazy and called for him to resign — also attacking Jason Wade, a former PLP MP.

Mr Seymour, who has since deleted the post he made on Sunday, said that Mr Weeks, who is contesting the same seat as him in the upcoming General Election — Pembroke East Central (Constituency 16) — was “one of the laziest MP’s [sic] in Bermuda”, second only to Mr Wade.

Speaking of Mr Weeks, Mr Seymour wrote: “I live in my constituency, I know … you know where he lives? St George’s!

“Man hasn’t done a lick in 12 yrs sliding in off the coat-tail of Nelson Bascome. He needs to step down and retire.”

Mr Bascome represented Pembroke East Central for the PLP from 1989 until his death in July 2009.

Both Mr Weeks and Mr Wade have defended their work, with Mr Weeks saying Mr Seymour’s post “lacks both substance and understanding of the hard work that goes into public service”.

Mr Seymour is standing by his comments, saying residents of Constituency 16 still face poor roads, lack of street lighting and drainage problems, among other issues.

Responding to questions from The Royal Gazette about the post after taking it down, Mr Seymour said he lived in the constituency where he hopes to serve.

He wrote: “There is a clear evidential lack of visible progress in C16. Since being elected, what physical improvements have been made in Pembroke East Central? Roads, side walks, parks, public spaces, abandoned houses and buildings? What has actually changed? Absolutely nothing!”

Mr Seymour questioned when Mr Weeks last walked through the area to speak to “everyday people”.

He went on: “As Minister of National Security, crime and violence remain a major issue in many parts of C16 and across the island. There is a clear lack of legislative impact.

“What specific Bills or policies has he introduced or strongly supported that have benefited C16? Absolutely none.”

He said gun and knife violence were still rife, and highlighted that the CCTV expansion is not yet complete.

Mr Seymour said that if elected, he would deliver clear-cut ideas on reducing crime and violence such as improving community policing, working with at-risk youth and providing intervention programmes.

Mr Weeks called it unfortunate that the relative political newcomer was resorting to “unfounded accusations”, and outlined some of his work in the constituency during his time as MP.

He said: “I initiated vital funding for a new lighting system at Victor Scott Primary School field ensuring that community organisations, sports clubs and churches have a well-lit and safe environment for their activities.

“I host monthly constituency clinics at Victor Scott for C16 voters and residents.

“During the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, in collaboration with C11 and C15, I provided 300 meals weekly in partnership with The Supermart and I donate books to Victor Scott Preschool while volunteering to read to the children.

“I actively partner with non-traditional education providers to help young people achieve their GED qualifications.

“In addition to hosting an annual seniors tea to honour and celebrate our esteemed elders, I organise a yearly back-to-school event at Victor Scott that distributes hundreds of backpacks and supplies to children in need.”

As for his ministerial role, Mr Weeks said he was focused on keeping Bermuda safe while addressing the root causes of crime.

The National Violence Reduction Strategy was tabled by Mr Weeks in the House Of Assembly on November 15 and supported by the Opposition.

He added: “Politics is undoubtedly challenging and it is not uncommon for individuals to make sweeping statements in hopes of swaying public opinion.

“However, I urge Mr Seymour and others to take the time to better understand the complexities of governance.”

Mr Wade, the PLP’s former MP for Southampton East Central (Constituency 30), won his seat from the OBA’s Leah Scott in the 2020 snap election.

He confirmed last September that he would not stand in the next election. Instead, Mischa Fubler is to represent the party while the OBA is putting forward Dwayne Robinson.

Mr Wade told The Royal Gazette: “Those that are close to me, they will know the struggles I have gone through over the past two years.

“Dealing with personal issues along with an ailing father is the reason why I have decided to step away from politics at this time.

“Through that, I have always made myself available to my constituency and my country.

“It is very disheartening that while in hospital with my ailing father, I have been inundated with messages regarding a disparaging tweet from an OBA candidate Mr John Seymour.

“Although this is not the first disparaging tweet Mr Seymour has put out, it speaks to the quality of person he truly is.”

In August, Mr Seymour apologised for any offence he may have caused in a post he made saying that members of the LGBTQ+ community were not inclusive, as there is no “H” for heterosexual in the acronym.

Mr Wade added: “I would hope that his mentors in the political realm will sit him down and guide him going forward.”

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