Following on from my previous article, it is clear that Bermuda, like much of the world, is at a political crossroads, with almost all major elections set to take place in the next two years.

The youth are becoming increasingly engaged in politics, but there still seems to be a major disconnect with the powers that be and the general population. In this piece, I seek to explore some ideas that could drive Bermuda into a much needed political renaissance.

First, we need a renaissance of political engagement and education. We must demand more from our educational institutions to provide a comprehensive understanding of Bermuda's political history and the importance of civic participation.

Additionally, there must be a concerted effort to make politics accessible and relevant to young Bermudians, encouraging them to see themselves as stakeholders in our island’s future. The Bermuda National Youth Parliament, the Future Leaders programme, and Bermuda Youth Connect have done a lot of work in this area but there are still gaps to be filled.

The island’s political parties and their respective youth wings should be engaging with the public more frequently, via columns like this, on social media, on the street and in structured public debates. They should also make a concerted internal effort to educate their members and share their history.

Second, there needs to be a genuine commitment to transparency and accountability from our political leaders. The era of politics as usual, where decisions are made behind closed doors and the public is left in the dark, must come to an end.

We deserve a government that is open, responsive and, above all, servant to the needs of its people. If today’s parties want to survive, they must become more transparent about their internal process, especially around the election of their leadership, and they must find ways to be held accountable by all Bermudians, not just some of their members.

In line with transparency, there also needs to be established political debates and/or hustings during the next election cycle to enable voters to directly compare the manifesto, character and experience of those vying for our votes. Our political leaders owe us this at the very least.

Lastly, perhaps the most radical yet potentially transformative solution for Bermuda's political landscape is for the PLP and the OBA to confront a fate like that of the UBP — a dissolution or significant reformation that paves the way for a new era of governance.

The vision that once guided the PLP seems, to some, irreparably fragmented, while the OBA continues its quest for a cohesive identity. In this context, the emergence of serious independent candidates could introduce a much needed dynamism to Bermuda’s political arena. Such candidates, unencumbered by party allegiances and the historical baggage that comes with them, might offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the island’s challenges.

By running with the support of their constituencies, these independents could foster a more direct and accountable relationship with voters, providing an alternative to the traditional party system that has long dominated Bermuda's politics.

Moreover, the prospect of Bermuda becoming a sovereign nation presents an even more profound opportunity for reinvention. Sovereignty could enable Bermudians to craft a government and political system uniquely suited to our needs and aspirations, free from the shadows of colonialism and the influence of Britain.

This bold step would require careful consideration and widespread public support, but it holds the potential to redefine Bermuda’s future, offering a blank slate upon which a new, more inclusive and equitable society could be built.

In light of these possibilities, it becomes increasingly clear that the path forward for Bermuda demands a new wave of political leadership. This new generation of leaders must embody innovation, ethical integrity and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of Bermuda and its people. They should be prepared to challenge the entrenched norms and practices that have stifled progress, bridge the divides that separate Bermudians and place the island’s collective future above personal or partisan interests.

Only through such transformative leadership can Bermuda hope to navigate the complexities of the 21st century and realise its full potential as a vibrant, just and prosperous community.

Yet, it is crucial to recognise that the future of Bermuda’s political landscape and its potential sovereignty isn’t for any single individual or group to dictate — not me, not the government, not even the Premier or Governor. The direction we take must be determined collectively by us, the Bermudian people. Such monumental decisions require a broad consensus, one built through open dialogue, inclusive debate and, ultimately, democratic processes that engage the entire population. It is through this collective decision-making that we can ensure that any path chosen truly reflects the will and the best interests of all Bermudians.

This democratic principle underscores the importance of active civic engagement and informed participation in our community’s future. Whether it involves reconsidering the structure and values of our political parties, embracing the potential of independent candidates or contemplating the profound step towards sovereignty, each of these decisions carries the weight of our collective hopes and dreams for Bermuda. It emphasises that the power to shape our future lies not in the hands of a few but in the hands of the many.

As Bermuda stands at a pivotal crossroads, it is crucial that the essence of democracy guides us, ensuring that every voice is heard, every perspective considered and every vote counts. This democratic foundation is vital as we, especially the youth, approach the next election with the understanding that our choices will shape our island’s future significantly.

It is a moment when we can be informed, engaged and steadfast in demanding a political system that mirrors our collective values and aspirations. The decisions we make now will not only determine the composition of the House of Assembly but will also carve out the path that defines Bermuda for generations.

Facing these challenges head-on requires us to interrogate our leaders, our peers and ourselves with tough, actionable questions. It is through this rigorous, shared dialogue that we can transcend the status quo, steering Bermuda towards a future that reflects our unique identity, needs and aspirations — a future we’ve all played a part in moulding.

It is in this spirit of inquiry and hope that I close by posing the following questions to you, as we consider the role each of us plays in shaping the island we call home.

To Bermuda’s political leaders and parties:

• How will you reconcile and bridge the gap between your party’s respective historical contexts, current agendas, the broader sociopolitical climate and the real needs of the Bermudian people?

• What measures are you willing to take to ensure that politics in Bermuda becomes more inclusive, engaging young people and the Bermudian diaspora in meaningful ways that go beyond mere rhetoric?

To the whole of Bermuda:

• In what ways can we, as a community, foster a more informed and active citizenry, capable of holding our leaders accountable and making decisions that benefit Bermuda as a whole?

• How can we encourage a political environment where new ideas and innovative leaders and parties can emerge and flourish, free from the constraints of traditional party lines and historical divisions?

• What are the core values and principles that we want to see guiding Bermuda’s future, and how can we collectively work towards a political system that embodies these ideals, ensuring a prosperous and equitable Bermuda for generations to come?

And lastly, but perhaps most importantly, to my fellow young Bermudians, both home and abroad:

• What role do you see for yourself in shaping Bermuda’s political future, and how can you contribute to creating a more vibrant, transparent and effective political landscape?

• Taj Donville-Outerbridge is an award-winning Bermudian human rights activist, writer and student studying at Kings College London. He also has a decade of involvement in Bermuda’s political system under his belt. He can be reached via Instagram @_king.taj_ and e-mail at tdonvilleouterbridge@yahoo.com