During the first week of May 2015, this year’s municipal elections will be held in both Hamilton and St George.

After a three year absence, businesses have been given back their right to vote. In order for that vote to count, they need to take the initial step and register their business with the Parliamentary Registrar immediately. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your voice heard.

I have been informed that as of March 5, 2015 approximately 70 submissions had been received from business rate payers in Hamilton.

I have been made to understand that the registration forms are difficult to complete and perhaps contributing to the low submission rate.

The last three years have been extremely challenging for Hamilton. The economic downturn hampered the City’s ability to provide certain services. The Administration at City Hall has been at odds with not only two Governments, but with itself.

I have also heard a number of complaints from the business community over the way the affairs of the City of Hamilton have been handled by the current administration.

Given the present state of affairs, I was shocked to learn that so few businesses have registered to vote.

This inaction seems odd given the serious dissatisfaction by businesses with the current administration.

It is, therefore, imperative at this crucial time that voters exercise their right to vote when you consider how important the next few years are going to be for the City.

Aside from the America’s Cup, there is the essential need for the development of the Hamilton waterfront plus many other infrastructure issues which need to be addressed.

Hamilton is the heartbeat of Bermuda life. It is crucial that those with the right to vote — both the residents and businesses alike — come together to perpetuate the success of the City.

We, Hamilton voters, hold in sacred trust for the rest of Bermuda, the responsibility of choosing those individuals that administer our capital city.

We must uphold the respect and trust that has been placed in us.

May I remind all Bermudians, but in particular those eligible to vote in the City of Hamilton elections, that by not exercising your constitutional right to vote you are derelict in your duty as a citizen.

Your right to criticise is directly linked to your willingness to participate in the electoral process. You cannot expect others to uphold your wants and beliefs if you are unwilling to defend them yourself.

We have a long and distinguished electoral history in Bermuda. Our representative democracy is vibrant.

We must not let this tradition be betrayed by inaction.

So I implore all those businesses in the City of Hamilton to register to vote to ensure your voice is heard in May.

Registration forms are available at Corporation Offices as well as the Parliamentary Registrar, Craig Appin House, Wesley Street, Hamilton.