A union representing civil servants has condemned comments made by an opposition candidate as “deeply divisive”.

Government MP Derrick Burgess has also criticised remarks made by Robert King, who this week was named as the One Bermuda Alliance candidate selected to run in the Smith’s North constituency.

In an interview with The Royal Gazette, Mr King suggested that Black Bermudians were suffering more from economic hardship and lack of opportunity than others.

He added that young Bermudians were leaving the 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”.

Before becoming the OBA’s candidate, Mr King worked for more than 20 years in the Civil Service as a probation officer and counsellor, rehabilitating former criminals. He had also been active in the union movement.

In a message to members, Armell Thomas, the president of the Bermuda Public Services Union, said: “I am compelled to address this divisive rhetoric and reaffirm the resolute support of your union.

“Let us be unequivocal. Attributing the decision to leave our island solely to the racial composition of our Civil Service is not only misguided but deeply divisive. It undermines the integrity and dedication of every member of our diverse Civil Service who works tirelessly to serve Bermuda with unwavering commitment, regardless of race.”

Mr Thomas said an individual’s decision to leave Bermuda was influenced by many factors, including economic challenges, limited job opportunities and the high cost of living.

Mr Thomas said: “Such factors have a far-reaching impact on individuals' decisions and cannot be reduced to simplistic narratives based on race.

“As your union, we categorically reject any attempt to vilify public officers based on their race. We stand firm in our belief that the colour of one's skin bears no relevance to their ability to serve our community effectively.

“Our members, irrespective of race, ethnicity or background, contribute to the fabric of our Civil Service and work diligently to meet the needs of Bermuda's residents every single day.”

Mr Thomas also questioned Mr King’s claim that the Civil Service was essentially a Black organisation.

He said: “We must recognise the immense strength found in our diversity. Embracing our differences and fostering an inclusive environment within our Civil Service not only enriches our collective experience but also strengthens our capacity to serve the people of Bermuda with excellence.

“Let us reaffirm our unwavering commitment to unity, solidarity, and mutual respect within our civil service and our broader community. Together, we will continue to champion a Bermuda where all individuals are valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.”

Mr Burgess, the deputy Speaker of the House and a former head of the Bermuda Industrial Union, also criticised Mr King’s claims.

Mr Burgess said: “It is deeply disappointing but not surprising that the OBA's newest face is bringing back one of the old UBP messages.

“OBA candidate Robert King went out of his way to attack, in his own words the ‘Black Civil Service’. This follows in line with the attacks made online daily against our public officers demanding that the ‘bloated’ government staff be slashed. Now, Mr King is using race to criticise the same civil service he was a part of until just days ago.

“As a labour government, we stand with the workers and take great issue with the OBA, by way of their newest candidate, purposefully vilifying all public officers and adding in racial tropes about a ‘Black’ Civil Service. Why did the OBA and Mr King feel the need to evoke the term ‘Black’ in a negative manner?

“Bermudians need to ask themselves, do OBA leader Jarion Richardson, retiring MP Michael Dunkley, and their OBA colleagues support this attack on the ‘Black Civil Service’? Robert King’s words, not ours.”