The chairman of Progressive Minds, the Progressive Labour Party’s youth wing, was today announced as a candidate for the next General Election.

Shomari Talbot-Woolridge will run for the PLP in Smith’s West, utilising what he described as his close connections to the area to help the community he “grew up in”.

Mr Talbot-Woolridge said: “It is an honour to stand as the PLP’s candidate for a constituency I have called home for most of my life.

“I am humbled by the trust placed in me and committed to tackling the challenges facing our community.

“Together, we will address the needs of our youth, families and seniors while advancing the principles of a fairer Bermuda for all of us.”

The Smith’s West seat was won in the 2020 General Election by Vance Campbell, when he was a PLP candidate and took 432 votes against the 403 secured by Vic Ball, who stood for the One Bermuda Alliance.

Mr Campbell defected to the OBA in August.

Mr Talbot-Woolridge said that since September, he had canvassed 17 per cent of the constituency and his canvassing will continue.

He said that, despite being an affluent part of the island, many people in the area still suffered from high costs of living.

Mr Talbot-Woolridge said his community was “excited” to see new leadership and that he hoped to better represent the needs of his community.

He added: “Over the last four years, they have had an MP in Vance Campbell and they know who Vance Campbell is or lack thereof.

“I’ve canvassed more people over the last two months than Vance Campbell has since the last election.

“I’m here to step up, but I’m here to take on my own role as an emerging leader.”

The PLP described Mr Talbot-Woolridge as a "next-generation leader“.

David Burt, the Premier and the party’s leader, went on to describe the new candidate as one of several PLP members who were part of the party’s “newer generation”.

The group, he said, included Arianna Hodgson, who was named as the candidate for Warwick North East on Monday, and Mischa Fubler, the PLP candidate for Southampton East Central, who was sworn in as Junior Minister of the Cabinet Office and of Public Works last Thursday.

Mr Talbot-Woolridge said that he and his newer peers shared an ambitious drive to make change and would be working together to make their goals a reality.

He added that he hoped to unite more younger voters, whom he said were doing great things but were disconnected from each other.

Mr Talbot-Woolridge explained: “We may have the same shared goals and visions, but we’re not working in a cohesive manner to make sure that we can get done what we’re looking to do.”

Mr Burt said: “Shomari Talbot-Woolridge represents the energy, innovation and commitment to community that defines the Progressive Labour Party.

“He is a proud son of Bermuda, deeply rooted in Constituency 9, and ready to serve with integrity, passion and a steadfast dedication to the values of fairness, equity and collective progress.

“At a time when others have abandoned the people for political convenience, Shomari stands as a true representative of the PLP values of building a fairer Bermuda for Bermudians.”

The party said that Mr Talbot-Woolridge had an “impressive background” in labour advocacy and youth leadership.

It added that he was educated at Harrington Sound Primary, Clearwater Middle School and the Berkeley Institute.

The PLP said that “Shomari’s path has been shaped by his commitment to social justice and collective action”.

It added: “His role as a shop steward with the Bermuda Industrial Union underscores his unwavering dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of working-class Bermudians with progressive initiatives such as introducing the minimum wage, expanding pensions for our seniors and reducing taxes on 86 per cent of Bermudians workers.”

The PLP said that as the Progressive Minds chairman, Mr Talbot-Woolridge had “worked tirelessly to amplify young voices and revitalise engagement among Bermuda’s next generation of leaders”.

It added: “His leadership has sparked greater participation from young Bermudians, ensuring that they have a seat at the table and a voice in shaping Bermuda’s future.”

The PLP said: “Shomari Talbot-Woolridge’s candidacy is a clear signal that the Progressive Labour Party remains focused on delivering for the people of Bermuda, despite the global cost of living challenges.

“His passion for social justice, experience in labour advocacy and proven leadership within the party make him uniquely qualified to represent the interests of Constituency 9.

“The Progressive Labour Party invites all residents of Constituency 9 to meet Shomari and learn more about his vision for their community over the coming weeks.”