Too often we see in our small society the many examples of why gatekeeping can be counterproductive — from the failing of social institutions, friendly societies, employment opportunities and the lack of organisational infrastructure for the purpose of giving people a chance to become involved with something greater than themselves.

We have seen many examples of overzealous individuals who are so consumed with their ideals and visions that it suffocates and destroys the very essence of the thing which they gatekeep. No matter how well-intentioned these individuals may be, their insecurities are more apparent than their benevolent intentions.

We lose our democratic identity when we allow these persons to reign supreme over institutions that have been in our communities as safe havens, turning them into organisations that not only turn a blind eye to the next generation but aid in their alienation. Some of these leaders and their hubris have cause the erosion of trust for our communities. The stagnation of progress and their leadership have increased polarisation, thus creating a community of disorganisation, fear and hopelessness.

This is an unfortunate consequence for our communities and our country. These are some very difficult times for many of our people, and some of our organisations of old are failing to rise to the occasion of alleviating the many challenges facing our communities today. It is disingenuous to place all the blame on the Government when it should be a collective responsibility of all.

Our community leaders and organisations should be working in cohesion with the Government, and the Government should provide legislative support. If we are not working together, then essentially we are working against each other’s interests. Bermuda once stood before the world known for many great things. As we reposition ourselves, we must remember that history and be taught that history to inspire the generations coming behind us. We have consistently demonstrated our ability to smother our greatest achievements until they were no more.

Our inability to pivot and maintain them have been to our detriment — even to today our most important resource, our people, is slipping away right before our eyes. As it is unrecognisable for this generation to see the importance of the Bermuda onion, the Bermuda sloop, our once-thriving economy and booming tourism industry, so will it be for the generations to come to recognise the Bermuda and Bermudians of today.

We must stop the haemorrhaging before it is too late. It is my fear that we are quickly approaching that reality. This is a call to our people to take action, join organisations, work in cohesion, support our young people and encourage them to become involved in their communities and politics, assist the Government with legislative ideas and initiatives, and speak to your pastors and churches to do more in the community.

No one alone can fix our many issues, but we can collectively solve the problems. We must put an end to gatekeeping today.

• Kellan Lewis was the One Bermuda Alliance candidate for Southampton West (Constituency 32) in the 2025 General Election