On the subjects of race and politics in Bermuda, a lifelong friend/Bermuda cousin recently asked me: “Where was the other half of Bermuda in the PLP candidate line-up?”

It is actually a good question and one that has been asked every election since 1963. The reality is just like the AME Church, The Berkeley Institute, workmen’s clubs, the trade unions, etc, anything that was founded by Black Bermudians is deemed “Only for Blacks” for one reason or another.

In reality, this is a statement about the hypocrisy of us as people on a whole. All of the above institutions have helped to uplift the entire Bermudian society. So, too, has the Progressive Labour Party. The reality is that people make up their own minds as to what community organisations they choose to join.

Changing trends

We all know, or should know, our 400-year history and why things are the way they have been — and in some cases still are. There is no one going to deny that. However, over the last four election cycles — 2012, 2017, 2020 and now in 2025 — there has been a shift in the mindsets of a proportion of our population.

Not every person that identifies as Black or mixed is voting PLP. Likewise, not every person that identifies as White or mixed is voting OBA.

For further proof, you can look at how many seats of mixed/equal demographics could go either way politically. This is not based solely on race, but more on the connections/relationships that candidates/MPs have or have not made with the voters. We need to look no farther than recent results in Hamilton South, Smith’s West, Warwick North East, Southampton East Central and Southampton West Central. Seats that were once considered United Bermuda Party/One Bermuda Alliance strongholds are now marginal seats that could go either way based on the canvassing commitment or lack thereof of political candidates and parties.

Relationships and turnouts

Bermudians of all ethnicities are equally and rightfully upset when they hear from candidates only in the lead-up to elections. It remains that most people, no matter their complexion or income levels, simply want someone to be there for them and their families long before and long after an election is called.

What parties do not like to admit is that part and parcel of the reasons for low turnouts is lack of voter engagement island-wide. There are other mitigating factors such as persons living abroad or those who are not mentally capable of voting. However, history has shown when political parties do not consistently canvass, the turnouts will drop.

We as Bermudians and residents still have a long way to go in a lot of things in this country. In my humble opinion, it starts with us being willing to talk honestly and listen to each other as equals. Very rarely do constituents refuse to engage with candidates. If and when we do that, we will see the politics of the island be based on merit versus melanin.

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him on WhatsApp at 599-0901 or e-mail at carib_pro@yahoo.com