“There is no place like home.”

— Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz

Forrest Gump once said: “Life is like a box of chocolates ...” A possible interpretation is that one has an opportunity to make choices as to what they wish to taste, consume and subsequently digest.

So, too, is the case with how one chooses to vote.

In any democracy, it is expected that governments will change every so often. So, in that regard, it is fair to expect the electorate to vote for change every so often.

It is also fair to expect that when persons vote for that change, their opinions on how they voted are fully respected.

In the December 2012 General Election, a percentage of Bermudians chose to vote, while another percentage chose not to vote. Of those that voted, depending on the constituency in which they lived, their choices were: an Independent candidate, a Progressive Labour Party candidate or a One Bermuda Alliance candidate.

At the end of the election, 19 OBA candidates were voted in as opposed to 17 PLP candidates — this was the closest election that many can recall.

On February 4, the residents of Devonshire North Central (Constituency 13) have another choice to make between OBA candidate Andrew Simons and PLP candidate Diallo Rabain.

As we have gone about canvassing, we have met untold amounts of Bermudians who have stated that they either chose not to vote at all or voted OBA in the last election.

Many have voiced these specific reasons for their decision:

• Could not bring themselves to vote for either party

• Did not like the particular PLP candidate

• Did not think that their vote counted

• Had not been visited by any candidates

• Just wanted to see what a change would bring about

• Never thought PLP would lose an election

• Thought the OBA would follow through with its promises

• Were improperly registered to vote

• Were swayed by the OBA campaign

The list can go farther than stated, but, needless to say, that so many are now speaking up openly is indicative that those “chocolates” that they picked three years ago are not quite what they expected.

As such, it is heart-warming when persons express either that, yes, they voted OBA or did not vote at all last election, but now have realised the power of that one vote.

Many have spoken of how they have their challenges with any number of PLP decisions, but never in their wildest dreams did they expect to see Bermudians become second-class citizens in their own country in the past three years.

A poll published in The Royal Gazette on December 30, 2015 indicated that 82 per cent of young persons between the ages of 18 and 34 felt that they have little to no confidence in the economy as is. This comes as no shock, with the recent annual labour force survey stating:

“Notable job gains were reported among non-Bermudians in 2015. Non-Bermudian workers posted an increase of 5 per cent or 377 positions for the year. In contrast, there was a 2 per cent decline in the number of Bermudian workers with 413 jobs lost in 2015. — Bernews, January 4, 2016

At least 413 Bermudians lost jobs in 2015, while 377 non-Bermudians were employed in that same time period. This essentially suggests that the OBA's immigration policies are working against the best interests of Bermudians.

To those who have spoken with us, we appreciate you taking the time to explain your past positions. We understand and respect your decisions. Most importantly, we look forward to you joining us and others with your ideas and energy to ensure that Bermuda works best for Bermudians.

“There is no place like home.”