We hear it every election — it’s time for a change. But change isn’t a slogan; it’s action.

We need to change how we govern, how we educate, how we communicate, and how we address crime and the cost of living. Most importantly, we need to change the way we treat our neighbours because a divided community cannot move forward.

Right now, people have no choice but to rely on Belco, a system that pollutes our air while driving up costs. We must give people the right to disconnect from the grid and generate their own energy through renewable sources. At the same time, we will push for a transition to liquefied natural gas as a cleaner, more affordable alternative to the present system. This approach would lower electricity costs, reduce pollution and provide greater energy security for Bermuda. Expanding energy options isn’t just about saving money; it’s about ensuring long-term sustainability and freedom of choice.

A better future also means preparing young people for success. Too many students leave school unprepared for work. If we want a strong economy, we need real-world training so graduates have hands-on skills and certifications that make them employable immediately. More young people working means more money flowing into pensions and the economy, strengthening Bermuda for everyone.

But what good is a strong workforce if people can’t afford a place to live? Rent prices continue to climb, yet derelict government-owned buildings sit empty while people sleep on the streets. At the same time, non-profits — who step in where the Government has failed — are at risk of losing crucial funding. Many rely on international business, but with plans to tax these companies, how will charities survive? A responsible government must step up, working alongside non-profits to turn empty buildings into homes.

These issues are all connected. When people struggle with housing and employment, crime becomes a natural consequence. But crime doesn’t start in the streets — it starts with a lack of opportunity. Instead of waiting for violence to happen, we should be investing in teachers, social workers, sports clubs and community leaders — the people who can reach young people before the gangs do.

Restoring opportunity is only part of the solution. We must also rebuild our sense of community. Government can create the right conditions for us to reconnect, but we must come together to make it happen. Cup Match at Sleepy Hollow is a tradition we must keep strong, but why stop there? More local events — movie nights, game nights, camps for children, back-to-school drives and Gombeys in the neighbourhoods — can bring us together and strengthen the bonds that make us who we are. A stronger community makes a stronger Bermuda.

It’s time to stop talking and start doing. We have the vision, the solutions, and the leadership to move Bermuda forward. Vote for Desmond Crockwell in Constituency 5, Hamilton East. Let’s make change happen — together.

• Desmond Crockwell is the Free Democratic Movement candidate for Hamilton East (Constituency 5) in the next General Election

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