Political parties are out of time, out of date and have plunged the island into crisis, according to an independent candidate running in the General Election.

Iman Gibbons, who will be contesting Hamilton South (Constituency 7) on Tuesday, said that Bermuda was on an unsustainable path because of a declining population and mass emigration.

Mr Gibbons, who founded and runs a home school in the constituency, said: “The birth rate is declining and the death rate is increasing. More and more college graduates choose to stay abroad because they don’t have enough experience to get a job at home. Young families are moving to the UK for free healthcare and social assistance.

“More and more locals are having challenges securing a job that covers the high rents and exorbitant living expenses, thus adding to the growing list of hungry and homeless Bermudians. Mental health and the overall morale of the people is waning.

“Male youth continue to kill one another at alarming rates for such a small island. Fatal motor vehicle accidents happen all too often.

“We are in crisis and both parties are out of time or even out of date, expired, obsolete. They are relics of a past era and no longer relevant to current affairs.

“We must be able to do better than this. The commercials would have you believe that everything is going according to plan and that the Government just needs more time.

“But from UBP, to PLP then the OBA and back to PLP, there is still suffering. Something is wrong with this picture.“

Mr Gibbons studied at Howard University and is a qualified physical therapist. His school, the Pauulu Heritage Institute, reflects the values and principles of the National Hero Pauulu Kamarakafego, and offers a Steam-based experiential approach to learning.

He said the island needed an alternative socio-economic agenda and fundamental education reform.

He said: “If elected, my primary focus will be on reform that is centred around lifelong learning, life skills training and inquiry-based learning that is focused on indigenous studies.”

He called them ”crucial for sustainable development as well as mental and physical wellbeing“.

Mr Gibbons decided to stand as a candidate only after the election date was announced last month.

He attributed the decision to “a profound sense of responsibility towards my community and a desire to make a positive impact through local activism”.

He said there was not much financial reward but called the opportunity to serve “invaluable“.

He said he was not driven by political aspirations but inspired by the independent movement, which was validated early in canvassing.

Mr Gibbons said his political passions were the five Hs — heritage, health, homes, hope and hospitality.

He said he would tackle youth antisocial behaviour through his school’s life skills programmes and address road safety by promoting higher standards for drivers’ licences, while introducing “a comprehensive incentive programme for driving safely”.

He suggested an increase in speed limits and for internet access to be considered a basic utility.

He is also calling for an independent inquiry into the Government's Covid-19 pandemic response.

Mr Gibbons acknowledged the importance of fiscal responsibility.

He said: “My approach would be to prioritise localised governance and economic reform.

“I believe in a non-inflationary approach to balancing the budget based on increased efficiency and transparency in all transactions.

“We also need to refocus on tourism and increase the quality of the product by stimulating entrepreneurship and unique experiences.”

Mr Gibbons said that he had not been tempted to join a political party.

He added: “While the PLP and OBA have made contributions, I believe that there is room for improvement. A government of independents can offer a fresh perspective and innovative solutions.

“I understand the concerns about vote dilution among anti-PLP candidates. However, I believe that the desire for change and a new direction in Bermudian politics transcends party affiliation.”

He claimed that the island’s young had been disenfranchised, while seniors were exploited “through what can basically be referred to as weaponisation of the party system”.

Mr Gibbons will be running against Anthony Richardson, of the Progressive Labour Party, and Robin Tucker, of the One Bermuda Alliance.

In the 2020 election, Mr Richardson secured 422 votes to Ms Tucker’s 326. A third candidate, Cheryl Packwood, of the Free Democratic Movement, obtained 89 votes.

Asked about his chances of causing an upset, Mr Gibbons said: “I am hopeful that my campaign of local activism, as exemplified by the ongoing work done through the auspices of the Pauulu Heritage Institute website, will resonate with voters and that I will be successful.

“Regardless of the outcome, I believe that the emergence of independent candidates represents a significant shift in Bermudian politics.

“Sir John Swan's re-entry into the political arena has undoubtedly sparked a conversation about the potential for independent representation.

“I am committed to contributing to this ongoing dialogue and working towards a more inclusive economy and responsive political system.”

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