Why do we reward failure and punish success? Why do we shoot the messenger instead of addressing the vital issues at hand?

The Progressive Labour Party leadership has an all-consuming appetite for character assassination that consistently overwhelms its ability to engage with the substantive issues of government that need to be addressed. As an electorate, we now have the obligation to invoke wisdom from the words of John the Baptist: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

David Burt’s manufactured controversy surrounding Michael Fahy and the reactionary protest movement from 2016 invites this call for moral clarity perfectly. Let those without sin cast the first stone.

Burt is attempting to demonise Fahy and the One Bermuda Alliance for proposing a Pathways to Status framework, which aims to integrate long-term residents who have contributed to our island. This tactic distracts from his own policies having not only failed to address immigration but contributed to broader home-grown issues, including mass emigration compounded by self-inflicted race and class disparities.

To be fair, the PLP has always claimed that granting status to foreigners threatens Bermudians, but this fear mongering overlooks the economic realities we face.

The recent op-ed by the OBA’s Ben Smith did an admirable job in exposing this reality. With a declining birthrate and an exodus of young, educated Bermudians, the PLP’s refusal to deliver “comprehensive immigration reform” has been a monumental disservice to our community. It has effectively shut the door on potential economic revitalisation since 2016, while demonising those who dared to deliver practical alternatives.

The impact of the PLP’s reactionary approach to leadership has extended far beyond immigration policy. By focusing on attacking outspoken individuals such as Fahy rather than addressing the underlying problems, it epitomises the dominant culture of today, where success is punished and failure is rewarded.

This is reminiscent of the backlash projected against Sir John Swan in the 1990s when he pointed out uncomfortable truths about the challenges facing young Black males in Bermuda. Today, his misgivings have proved to be more than justified, evidenced in the unprecedented “Black on Black” violence of the past two decades. But it is the PLP’s culture of neglect that has worsened the crisis.

Just as Sir John’s concerns were dismissed, so too were Fahy’s proposals, leaving us in a prevailing cycle of leadership stagnation and community collapse.

Burt’s own hypocrisy is glaring: talk about protecting Bermudians while simultaneously denying voting rights to those living abroad and failing to engage the voices of long-term residents. This contradiction not only alienates potential allies but also weakens our collective progress as a society.

It’s time for voters to take a stand and focus on the wisdom of John the Baptist. The kingdom of heaven is here and it’s calling for accountability and responsibility. We shall know the truth and it will set us free.

The PLP must be removed from office until it truly acknowledges the damages caused by its failed policies. This isn’t just about immigration; it’s about the future of our community and the need for leaders who prioritise constructive dialogue over character assassination.

By voting for unity, you can help usher in a new era of leadership that embraces inclusivity, addresses pressing issues and works towards a brighter future for all Bermudians. Don’t let fear and division dictate our path — demand a coalition government from the ranks of the combined opposition that is willing to engage with the hard truths and build a stronger, more harmonious Bermuda.

In conclusion, the PLP's reaction to Fahy is a clear example of a political party more interested in protecting its image than in fostering real solutions. The Premier must be reminded by “we the people” that the true failure of the PLP lies in his refusal to engage with the hard truths of our society.

Bermuda deserves better — leaders who are willing to listen, learn and lead us towards a brighter future, rather than those who shoot the messengers of change. It’s time to repent and be held accountable for your failures while the “combined opposition” takes full responsibility for building a more inclusive and prosperous Bermuda for all — starting with a massive victory at the polls on February 18.

• Eugene Dean is the Emperial Group candidate for Sandys South (Constituency 33) in the next General Election

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