As Bermuda approaches a by-election for Constituency 36 and a General Election within the next two years, the question remains: will we continue to sit and watch, or will we finally take action?

It’s clear that staying on the same path will lead only to the same disappointing outcomes. The Free Democratic Movement offers the change Bermuda urgently needs— a movement dedicated to empowering individuals, revitalising communities, supporting local businesses and driving genuine economic progress.

Some have criticised the FDM’s commitment to capitalism, suggesting it is rooted in White supremacy and colonial exploitation. However, this perspective overlooks its true origins, which stretch back thousands of years, long before the Transatlantic Slave Trade and colonialism. The principles of voluntary exchange, mutual support and individual freedom fundamentally oppose systems of exploitation such as slavery, which was built on the subjugation of human beings, where a few controlled the many through force, denying basic human rights and economic freedom. In fact, capitalism truly thrived in Bermuda after the abolition of slavery, when the former enslaved and their descendants used the free market to build businesses, support their families and strengthen their communities.

Bermuda has a rich history of co-operative economics, particularly through the friendly society movement. This movement, born from the need for mutual aid and support among the newly emancipated, is a powerful example of capitalism in action. People pooled their resources to help one another while participating in the market economy. This co-operative model shows how we can build communities, strengthen families and foster resilience — the very spirit that the FDM seeks to revive in Bermuda. This vision stands in stark contrast to the systems Bermuda has endured, where the government of the day, like the oligarchs of the past, uses its position to serve its own interests.

Recent policies have widened the gap between the wealthy and the poor, and eroded the middle class. The Progressive Labour Party, once a champion for Bermuda’s working class, has struggled to maintain its focus on economic empowerment for all. These policies have failed to support small businesses and local communities, leaving the economy divided and stagnant for the majority.

The FDM emphasises creating an environment where local businesses can thrive by reducing unnecessary regulations and fostering entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs such as David Furbert, owner of the Mr Chicken franchise, and Marico Thomas, who has employed many Bermudians, have consistently faced costly obstacles. Bureaucratic red tape and regulatory challenges have made it difficult for them to expand and create more jobs. These challenges highlight the need for policies that lower barriers and allow local businesses to succeed — central to the FDM’s approach. Instead of hindering these entrepreneurs, we should celebrate them as examples of what is required for success in Bermuda.

Supporting local businesses like those of Mr Furbert and Mr Thomas can have a transformative impact on the country. Real economic empowerment comes from policies that uplift communities and encourage business growth, not from relying on government intervention. This approach aligns with Bermuda’s tradition of co-operative economics — mutual investment, savings, insurance and community solidarity are the foundations of success.

As we approach the next election, it is time to hold our leaders accountable. The PLP has had its chance and has struggled to deliver on its promises. Over the past few decades, everything that has been presented has failed us. We need a new vision that embraces Bermuda’s best traditions while creating opportunities for the future.

The FDM offers that vision — one where the focus is not on enriching the few but on empowering the many. It’s time to reclaim the future for the people and ensure Bermuda’s path forward is one of shared prosperity and opportunity.

• Omar Dill is a regional organiser for the Free Democratic Movement. To learn more about the FDM’s initiatives or to become a member, visit https://fdmbermuda.com