The One Bermuda Alliance can win the next election if voters are willing to embrace change and give the party an opportunity.

That is the view of OBA candidate Robert King, who will be standing in Smith’s North when voters next go to the polls.

Mr King acknowledged that some people were “doing very well” in Bermuda and were resistant to change as a result — but that many others were struggling every day and were being neglected.

In an interview in his constituency yesterday, Mr King said: “We want to empower you to make change and help us bring about change so that we can all prosper, not just the few.

“We are a party that is basically the voice of the underserved.

“If people are willing to get involved and say ‘you know what, we’re tired of the status quo, we believe our voice matters’, they need to ask themselves if they’re satisfied with the way things are, and if they’re not, the OBA is the viable choice.

Mr King has spent the past 30 years working in court services, becoming a senior probation officer helping former criminals to rehabilitate.

He resigned from his job this month to devote his time fully to politics.

Asked why he decided to throw his hat in the ring, Mr King, whose father and grandfather served in the Senate, said: “It’s not something that I necessarily wanted to do but felt compelled to do.

“Working within government systems is one thing, but you can only go so far because of the way departments are operating. I wanted to be in a position where I can make a change to policies that affect everyone.

“It’s one thing to talk about it but talking is basically whining. You need to action those words and you need to take a risk.”

Mr King said that his previous career had inspired him to enter politics.

“Because of my knowledge and experience, I know that, were it not for circumstances and the support of parents, I could easily be in the same predicament as some of my clients. That’s why I felt compelled to do something.”

“The philosophy of the OBA fits my view in terms of responsible government, a government that is responsive to the needs of the community, a government that understands that in order to have good infrastructure, you need to have monies to pay for that infrastructure.

“Right now, I can’t tell the difference between a sidewalk and a park because there’s so much overgrowth.”

Mr King felt that the PLP administration lacked integrity, and had failed to help the plight of young Black males who get sucked into a life of crime.

He said: “What opportunities are there for young Bermudians? Many are leaving this island because they don’t feel their needs are getting addressed by a Black government and a Black Civil Service who you would expect to be well equipped to deal with Black problems.”

Mr King pointed out that the majority of those dropping out of school, getting involved in crime and going to jail were young Black males.

He said: “The current administration accepts this as fact, but what are they meaningfully doing to address the problem?”

Mr King said that the key was to offer younger people a higher standard of education, enabling students to graduate with relevant skills and opportunities.

Questioning the Burt administration’s integrity, Mr King said: “When I look at what integrity stands for, it means that if you say something, you’re going to do it.

“What I’m seeing is that what is being said doesn’t marry up with what is being done.”

Mr King’s nomination came after the resignation of Michael Dunkley, the former premier, who stands down at the end of this month.

Mr King praised the work of his party colleague and mentor, saying: “I recognise the hard work and commitment that Michael put in, and I take that seriously. I imagine how difficult that must have been for him, particularly because of preconceived notions about race and privilege.

“You can see that he’s invested in the community with his commitment, and I’m hoping that the constituency will give me a chance to to prove that I can also be of assistance to them.

“If so, I’m going to do my bit. I expect you to hold me to account, and if I’m doing something right, let me know. If I’m doing something wrong, let me know, and maybe also provide some alternative solutions, because we’re all in this together.”

• This story has been updated to correct an inaccurate quote attributed to Mr King which had read: “Many are leaving this island because they don’t feel their needs are getting addressed by a Black government and a Black Civil Service who you would expect to be well equipped to deal with Black persons.”

Mr King actually said: “Many are leaving this island because they don’t feel their needs are getting addressed by a Black government and a Black Civil Service who you would expect to be well equipped to deal with Black problems.”