During the Opposition’s Reply to the Throne Speech, I sat in stunned silence as members of the Progressive Labour Party laughed at the suggestion that St David’s could become a parish under a One Bermuda Alliance government. As someone born and raised in St David’s, I know all too well the struggles and triumphs of our community. What I witnessed in that moment was not just a dismissal of an idea, but an insult to the identity and aspirations of the people of St David’s.

The notion of parish status for St David’s is more than symbolic. It is about recognising the unique culture, history and contributions of this area and its people to Bermuda. For more than 100 years, my family, extended family and many others in St David’s have been pillars of this community, contributing to Bermuda’s economy, culture and resilience. Our families have fished the surrounding waters, cultivated the land, raised strong families, and enriched the island through hard work and dedication. We have done this while navigating immense challenges, including displacement and the loss of our ancestral lands.

The very land we stand on tells a story of sacrifice and loss — lands taken from St David’s families to build the airport and US military base during the Second World War. These lands were once the heart of our community, home to generations of families who were displaced without choice or fair compensation for their loss. Despite these injustices, the people of St David’s have remained steadfast, continuing to contribute to the prosperity of Bermuda.

Even today, the divide remains — both figuratively and literally. A physical fence still stands between St David’s and what is now called Southside, a stark reminder of the separation imposed on our community. Southside is still St David’s, yet the division endures. The disparity between the two areas is glaring: Southside boasts better-kept roads, modern developments and attention from authorities, while the rest of St David’s struggles with crumbling infrastructure, overgrown verges and neglected public spaces. This disparity is not just a matter of convenience — it reflects a deeper inequity in how resources are allocated and how our community is valued.

Among these neglected spaces stands the St David’s Lighthouse, a once-proud emblem of guidance and hope; now a crumbling shadow of its former self. The lighthouse is more than an historic site; it is a beacon for our community and a testament to our resilience. Its present state of disrepair is emblematic of how our community’s needs are consistently overlooked.

What message does it send when one of Bermuda’s iconic landmarks, a symbol of our island’s heritage, is left to decay? This is not just a matter of aesthetics — it is a reflection of how St David’s and its people are valued.

However, this resilience is being tested in ways that are unacceptable. The near closing of St David’s Primary School, for instance, was a clear indication of how undervalued our community has become in the eyes of the Government. A school is more than just a place of learning; it is a cornerstone of the community, a gathering place for families, and a symbol of opportunity for future generations. To even consider shutting its doors shows a lack of understanding of the essential role it plays in the lives of our children and families.

From the abandoned Clearwater Middle School to the neglected Marginal Wharf, our community’s potential is left unrealised. What we need is a government that takes these challenges seriously, that sees St David’s not as an afterthought but as a critical part of Bermuda’s future.

A laugh at our potential is a laugh at our worth, our history and our future.

If parish status is not the right path, then what does the Government propose? What visionary ideas does the Progressive Labour Party have to offer to restore and revitalise St David’s?

The record speaks for itself: empty promises, stalled projects and a lack of meaningful investment. The question remains: how does this government plan to give St David’s the recognition and resources it deserves?

St David’s is more than a name on a map. It is a community with a rich history, a unique identity and immense potential. The PLP may laugh at the thought of us becoming Bermuda’s tenth parish, but the people of St David’s aren’t laughing.

We are waiting — waiting for real leadership, real ideas and real change. And when the time comes, we will not be silent. We will choose the future we deserve.

To my immediate family, extended family and residents of St David’s and Bermuda, change is often uncomfortable, but it is also essential for progress. Together, we must continue to have resilience and determination in navigating challenges and pushing for a better future for Bermuda. Together, we have the unique opportunity to inspire hope, foster unity and drive the changes our country needs. Stay committed to your vision and values, and remember that every step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to meaningful progress. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Bermuda — one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Keep pushing forward; the journey may not be easy, but it will be worth it.

The people of St David’s deserve to be seen, heard and respected. Our contributions to Bermuda’s history and our potential for its future cannot be ignored. The St David’s Lighthouse continues to guide us, not just as a symbol of our past, but as a light towards a brighter future. This is not a laughing matter. This is about justice, equity and giving St David’s the recognition it has long deserved.

• Maurice Foley is the approved One Bermuda Alliance candidate for St David’s (Constituency 3)