If there was any apathy towards a Progressive Labour Party vote in the upcoming General Election from within its membership, it was far from evident at the Central Family Reunion Rally on Saturday night.

The well-oiled political machine was at full steam as its centrally located candidates took to the stage to make a case that the governing party stands for a better, more affordable Bermuda.

The Berkeley Institute auditorium packed in approximately 150 attendees, their party-branded flags, attire and horns in hand.

The overriding message delivered on the evening was clear — the PLP is a party for the people, not the elite few.

Earlwin “Bootsie” Wolffe, as master of ceremonies, introduced 15 candidates each of whom approached the stage to a song they chose to represent their message.

Shomari Talbot-Woolridge, of the party’s youth wing, who is standing in Smith’s West (Constituency 9), came bounding on to the stage to the sound of Sly and the Family Stone’s Everyday People.

He said his party’s “bold, progressive platform” had been spearheaded by young people.

Lindsay Simmons, for Smith’s North (Constituency 10), said she stands for “justice, equality and unity for all”, and lauded the PLP for rolling out a record number of women candidates — 13 of 36.

Christopher Famous, standing in Devonshire East (Constituency 11), paid homage to the PLP women who built the Parish of Devonshire, some of whom he is “blessed” to be related to.

He said those standing for the PLP today are not in it for the ministerial salary or ministry, adding: “It’s about you.”

His cousin, André Famous, who is contesting Devonshire South Central (Constituency 12), was next, pledging to stand up for seniors, youth employment and affordable housing.

“I’m in the game,” he said. “Let’s fulfil those dreams.”

Diallo Rabain christened the independents as “Simps”, an acronym for what he called the “Swan Independent Movement Party”. He was referring to the call from Sir John Swan, former premier and National Hero, to move away from party politics.

Mr Rabain, running for Devonshire North Central (Constituency 13), suggested the unprecedented emergence of “so-called” independents ahead of the February 18 election merely reflects the vision of Sir John.

He said: “They are an attempt by John Swan to drag us, kicking and screaming, back to a Bermuda he longs for — a Bermuda where the haves get more and the rest of us just have to stay in our place.”

Alexa Lightbourne, standing in Devonshire North West (Constituency 14), said she believes Bermuda’s best days are ahead and that the party has the opportunity to build on progress in areas such as justice and equality.

Owen Darrell, for Pembroke East (Constituency 15), came on stage to Buju Banton’s Destiny, imploring the electorate to cast a vote.

“Why would you forego your right to vote? A vote materialises a will into a way.” He said not voting is akin to “setting your destiny ablaze”.

Michael Weeks addressed comments made on social media by John Seymour, the OBA candidate contesting the seat he held, Pembroke East Central (Constituency 16), before the dissolution of Parliament. Having been branded “lazy” by the candidate, Mr Weeks defended his dedication to public service.

Describing himself as a “third-generation pond dog”, he said of Mr Seymour: “When do you see him? When I do see him, he is walking around in a suit. In the constituency that I represent, sometimes you’ve got to roll up your sleeves and get down to work.”

He mocked a separate post by Mr Seymour dressed in a suit picking up trash he said was piling up in the Cherry Hill area. Mr Weeks told the audience “it was trash day”, which was met with laughter.

Jason Hayward, running in Pembroke Central (Constituency 17), said he had spoken with many voters who want to know that they are not wasting their “X” in the ballot box.

He added: “They seek assurance … I remind them that the party I represent will never betray them. We will never forsake them; we will never abandon the voters of Bermuda.”

He said the PLP has always stood with the people since its inception in 1963 and stood up for Bermudians when Michael Fahy, a former immigration minister returning to politics for the OBA, tried to “force Pathways to Status down our necks”.

Jaché Adams, for Pembroke West (Constituency 19), introduced as “a rising star”, emphasised the strength of the party, saying of the Opposition: “While they try to divide us, they are watching us right now in the media, upset at how unified we are. While they plot and scheme, we continue to build, strengthen and diversify our economy.”

Iesha Musson, for Pembroke South West (Constituency 20), said she had put forth her policies to another leader but it was David Burt who listened to her concerns about daycare and youth policies. She pledged to deliver “active and consistent representation” to her constituents if elected.

Curtis Dickinson, for Pembroke South East (Constituency 21), said some had expressed concern about there being more than 100 candidates running for 36 seats.

“I see this as a sign of a vibrant democracy,” he said. “It is a reminder that we are all accountable to the people we serve.”

David Burt, the Premier and candidate for Pembroke West Central (Constituency 18), called on voters to “read between the lines” of the OBA’s mandate.

Addressing opposition claims that the PLP has been in power for so many years yet affected little change, he said it was important to consider that the party has been battling against “hundreds of years of an unfair economic system in just a few years of government”.

He said the Opposition had hinted at its true mandate with the appointment of Mr Fahy, “the architect” of Pathways to Status, along with comments made by Douglas De Couto, an OBA candidate, on the high cost of raising pensions.

Dr De Couto recently issued a statement saying while the OBA supports pension increases, “we have to figure out how to pay for it”.

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