Next month’s by-election in Sandys North will be a four-way race after a quartet of candidates signed official nomination papers yesterday.

Former Progressive Labour Party senator Reverend Emily Gail Dill will run against Carl Neblett, of the One Bermuda Alliance, Marc Bean, leader of the Free Democratic Movement and independent candidate Cire Bean.

The by-election, in which votes will be cast at Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Sandys on October 4, was called after former Attorney-General Kathy-Lynn Simmons resigned from politics last month.

Supporters including David Burt, the Premier, Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban and MP Jamahl Simmons joined Dr Dill at Allen Temple, where she is a minister, as she confirmed her nomination this morning.

Dr Dill, the Junior Minister of National Security and Transport, said constituents were concerned about crime and the island’s high cost of living.

She explained: “Everyone worldwide is crumbling under the high cost of living as it continues to escalate everywhere, but what I love best about the people I have met is their commitment to work together and be solutions-oriented, and I am absolutely excited about the possibilities that exist.”

She added: “It is my intention to work with and for this entire community. I believe this is an incredible place to live, work and play, and I look forward to us coming together and coming up with workable solutions to the challenges that we face.

“I know that, with faith and unity, we can improve and go forward and we can succeed.”

Mr Neblett, a retired police officer and cofounder of a local security company, was announced as the constituency’s OBA candidate last year.

He was accompanied at the church by Opposition leader Jarion Richardson, deputy leader Ben Smith, former premier Craig Cannonier and the approved OBA candidate for Constituency 6, Joseph Marable.

Mr Neblett said constituents felt neglected during Ms Simmons’s representation, but he had been pleasantly surprised by the reception he received on their doorsteps.

He explained: “I am amazed at how many people who really and truly want to vent, talk, give information, outline all the issues that are affecting not only them, but their families and their extended families.”

Cire Bean said he had also received positive feedback from people within the constituency he grew up in.

He said: “Everybody is intrigued and encouraged and they are waiting to see what happens, because this is the first time they have a choice between four possible candidates … I have not gotten any negative feedback.”

The independent candidate highlighted constituents’ feelings of neglect, and promised to be active in the community.

He explained: “It’s time to stop being passive-aggressive — you must be aggressive; you just can’t complain about situations that are happening to you and not be willing to get out, go vote and showcase your power as individuals.

“I encourage everyone to not just vote for me, but for yourselves and for your voice to be heard.”

Mr Bean’s father, Eric, who joined his son at Allen Temple, said he had helped the community all his life.

Mr Bean Sr explained: “Ever since [Cire] was a youngster, he has been an entrepreneur, selling popcorn and things in the school and using his money to help his friends, so he’s always been like this.

“He does not shoot from the hip, he takes aim in all situations and he uses all the knowledge that he gained not just from growing up, but from the military, in how to tackle problems.”

Marc Bean, who led the PLP from 2012 to 2016, said voters were more frustrated now than they were when he canvassed the constituency in 2020 — weeks after the FDM was formed.

He said: “There has been a lot more frustration that has been vocalised from persons who previously were comfortable on the doorsteps with expressing support for the Government and even the Opposition.

“There has been a growing level of disenchantment with not necessarily the political process, but the political entities who are operating in the political space.”

The FDM leader said he would gradually address issues in the constituency and throughout the island, such as the economy, education and senior care, if elected.

He explained: “There is no magic bullet in terms of fixing problems that have taken years to create.

“You just have to be prepared to apply the fullness of one’s capability, which we are willing and able to do so, to help the country navigate out of this impending storm that we’re finding ourselves in.”

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