By-election candidates have their say
Four candidates will vie today to become the new MP for Sandys North, and whoever wins the by-election, the result will be significant.
If the Progressive Labour Party’s Reverend Emily Gail Dill succeeds, she will become a first-time MP, while the Free Democratic Movement’s Marc Bean would, if successful, return as an MP after quitting as the PLP leader and be his party’s first elected representative.
The One Bermuda Alliance would see the election of Carl Neblett as proof of a resurgence in its popularity, and Cire Bean would be the first independent MP voted in since the late Stuart Hayward was elected.
Dr Dill said: “I love canvassing and being out in the community. It’s really who I am. I’ve been serving this community for so long. I’ve been here. And, it’s so nice to reconnect with people on the doorstep.”
She added: “I’m not in this for some risky ideology and I’m not just parachuting into this community for my own gain. I’ve worked with hundreds of young people over the years getting them on the right track.
“I hear about how people are happy that we have increased seniors’ pensions during these times, introduced a minimum wage and reduced payroll taxes for working people.
“I’ve heard about public safety and people appreciate my practical experience working with and mentoring young people to put them on the right track.
“This is my passion. Young people and our next generation. Making sure they have opportunities here in Bermuda and that our community is protected.
“At the end of the day, my priority is to be here for, and committed to, the people of Sandys. Because I want to be someone you can count on to represent you in Parliament.”
While out canvassing, Mr Neblett said three key issues were consistently mentioned: decreasing the national debt so the burden did not fall on the next generation, gun violence and murders on the island, and the cost of living.
Healthcare, the state of the economy and crime were other topics raised on the doorsteps.
“The present economy is of serious concern to the constituents, as the impact affects them differently based on their own personal wealth base,” he said.
Mr Neblett added: “The main question being asked is, how are we going to resolve the gangs issue, the proliferation of guns into Bermuda and the trauma that families have to live with in the murders of their sons and daughters?
“The main thing that stands out, though, are those individuals who have now given up and have all declared that they are relocating to the UK because they cannot live on the island any more because of the astronomical cost.”
According to Mr Neblett, having four candidates was a good thing. “It gives the electorate a very good option and a choice to select who they think is the best person to represent their needs and represent the country in Parliament and possibly on the international stage.”
The FDM leader, Mr Bean, said issues raised on the doorstep included the Somerset Primary School closure, which “was a big concern”.
“We’ve stated in our education policy that we will not close any of the schools,” Mr Bean said.
The cost of living, in particular energy costs, was also raised, as were gang violence and the island’s infrastructure.
Asked what he would do if he was unsuccessful today, Mr Bean said he would “continue the Free Democratic Movement’s preparation for the General Election”.
Cire Bean said feedback on the doorstep showed that people were feeling excluded from decisions that affected them, that they believed there was a lack of community programmes for their children and overall neglect.
Like other candidates, healthcare, the rising cost of living and gun crime on the island were raised with him by the people of Sandys North.
Asked what reaction he had encountered on the doorstep, Mr Bean said it had been “incredible”.
“Every visit has been met with warmth and enthusiasm. People have called out to me from their homes, eager to chat, and have been welcoming, open and honest.
“Many have known me since I was a baby, and it’s clear they appreciate the chance to engage on a personal level.”
If he is not elected, he said: “I will remain committed to learning, staying involved and actively engaged in politics. I will continue to be a strong advocate for the people and ensure their voices are heard, whether inside or outside the House.”
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