A social activist who will run as an independent candidate in the General Election has put grassroots issues that affect Bermudians at the heart of her campaign.

Tiffany Paynter is to stand in St George’s West (Constituency 2).

She said yesterday that over the past 15 years, she had worked to solve problems and create opportunities for others, whether in the business sector, for non-profit organisations or for the Government.

Ms Paynter explained: “My focus has always been on getting the work done.

“I’m not here for titles or accolades or a pay cheque, I’m here to do better because we deserve better.”

The part-owner of Treehouse Bermuda, a wellness and yoga hub, expressed confidence about her decision to run.

She said if the residents of St George’s West supported her, she would be able to represent their needs and issues affecting the community.

If elected, she plans to address challenges such as access to housing, lack of jobs and problems in the education sector.

Ms Paynter said: “If we work together with all the elected officials to form the government we need, we can solve our housing crisis.

“We can bring down the cost of living and we can repair an education system that has been run to ruin.”

The former executive director of the charity OutBermuda said her decision to run in the election was not one that she made lightly.

She said: “I’ve spent the better half of a year thinking about this, this is not a last-minute decision.

“Every election we’re asked to vote for the party or the devil you know or to choose the lesser of two evils.

“Today I reject that completely, I want someone to vote for, not something to vote against.”

In an appeal to voters, she said the Progressive Labour Party and the One Bermuda Alliance had tried to “sell you the lie” that they were the only contenders in the election.

“But this isn’t about who stands in the ring,” she said.

Ms Paynter added: “This is about who will fight for you.”

She said: “They want us to cheer for their blows even when they hit below the belt, ignoring the fact that it is the people who are left bruised and battered.”

Ms Paynter said that instead of focusing on solutions, the island’s political parties had pitted Bermudians against each other.

She added: “Right now the PLP and the OBA are like toxic parents shouting, ‘I will die for my children’.

“Well, my generation is quietly left wondering, will you live for us?”

Ms Paynter said she would be canvassing over the next few weeks to listen to her constituents and intended to share her ideas with residents to ensure progress in the community.

She said that in the 2020 General Election, 10,000 electors did not show up to vote when compared with the 2017 polls.

In an appeal to those voters, she said: “You could rise up and tidal wave this whole system by voting for the best candidate instead of a party.

“The candidate who actually can put you first. Can you see the path that independents are clearing for you?”

In the 2020 General Election, Kim Swan of the PLP, won in St George’s West with 576, about 70 per cent of the votes.

Thomas Harvey, of the OBA, came in with 177 votes, while Dwain Smith, of the Free Democratic Movement, won 65.

Ms Paynter said she respected Mr Swan, who will aim to hold the seat.

She added: “My fight is not with Kim Swan. I have no other thoughts about him other than to wish him health and wellness.”

Mr Harvey is aiming to take the constituency for the OBA.

Ms Paynter criticised the decision by David Burt, the Premier, to call the election for February, which will mean that young Bermudians who are studying overseas and cannot return to the island will have no opportunity to vote.

She said that Bermuda Youth Connect was working on an initiative to raise funds to bring young voters home for the poll.

Ms Paynter added: “I think we are underestimating this generation.”

She suggested that legislators should set aside fixed periods for General Elections and that technology could be used to enable voters off the island to cast their ballot.

Ms Paynter added: “I really encourage young people who are here and are blessed to be here on February 18 to vote.”