Since I announced my candidacy for St George’s South (Constituency 4), many have questioned why a blind, 78-year-old man would run for election. My answer is straightforward: “I aim to impact the lives of vision-impaired and disabled individuals in Bermuda by highlighting the significant lack of resources and consideration for our community.”

As a senior citizen with disabilities, I have witnessed first-hand the shortcomings of the Progressive Labour Party government in providing equal voting opportunities. Specifically, during early voting at Mount St Agnes school on February 11, our community faced inadequate parking, poor signage, insufficient wheelchair ramps and a lack of handrails. The Government should have ensured two passenger drop-off areas, accessible ramps and a thorough site survey to address these concerns beforehand.

Moreover, voting by mail is still not an option despite the advanced nature of our island. David Burt, you promised that every eligible Bermudian would vote independently and without barriers. Yet, those in the disabled community feel overlooked, with our visibility coming alive during only election cycles. This is another broken promise to your constituents.

As an advocate for disabled and senior communities, I present the following facts:

• Disabilities encompass a range of health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism and mobility impairments

• Disability rights are civil rights, as outlined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ensuring all persons with disabilities can participate in political life

• Approximately 20 per cent of communities in the United States are disabled, and when considering caregivers and family, nearly one-third of the voting population is affected by disability

• Bermuda lacks comprehensive legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects individuals with disabilities across various public domains

Politicians are public servants. Elected office should transcend personal ambition; it must prioritise service to our underserved population. We need more officials committed to advocating for the marginalised.

As a retired sergeant major who dedicated 45 years to the Royal Bermuda Regiment, I am determined to use my experience to advocate for and serve the disabled and senior communities. One of my favourite quotes, Lalilah Gifty Akita, is “The glory of the elderly is their insight, their knowledge, and their wisdom.”

This election cycle is an opportunity for our disabled, special needs and seniors communities to be heard.

Together, we can shape our future with “Our Voices, Our Votes, Our Future”.

• Clifton Lambert, a retired sergeant major in the Royal Bermuda Regiment, is the One Bermuda Alliance candidate for St George’s South (Constituency 4) in the next General Election

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