A former One Bermuda Alliance member who is running as an independent in the next General Election said he was prepared for one of his “toughest” challenges — winning a seat held for more than a decade by the party he once represented.

Vic Ball today announced that he would run as an independent candidate in Pembroke South West (Constituency 20).

He was joined by Mstira Weeks, who will run as an independent in Devonshire South Central (Constituency 12).

Mr Ball was expelled from the OBA last year in a public spat after comments he made to The Royal Gazette.

Today, he said he had decided to run as an independent candidate since he believes he still has much to offer to the electorate.

Mr Ball said: “I do this because I believe in Bermuda and I want to help make a difference.

“I want to be engaged in change and if party politics is not that way, then I have chosen to be independent, where I’m free to express myself the way I want and to be able to galvanise the country and try to move the country forward.”

Mr Ball said he has no axe to grind with the OBA after his expulsion from the party.

He insisted: “It has nothing to do with trying to spite the OBA in any way, shape or form, I wish the OBA all the best.”

Mr Ball said he chose to run in Pembroke South West after he spoke to Susan Jackson, a former OBA MP, who held the constituency since the party’s victory in 2012.

Ms Jackson announced her retirement from politics this month.

Mr Ball said the pair’s conversation was for him to gauge from her how people in the constituency voted and may vote in the General Election on February 18.

He said it is one of the “toughest” OBA seats to contest but he noted that he was ready for the challenge.

Mr Ball said he would like to see the country prosper and plans from MPs to make sure that the country’s economy improved.

He added: “The role of a government is to develop, manage and allocate resources that’s really at the end of it all.

“And I want to be a part of that.”

Mr Ball said that if the Progressive Labour Party was good at governing, there would be no need for independent candidates.

He said: “The fact that there are 20 or more independents showing up in this election is suggestive of the fact that the PLP is not doing a good job and people are tired of it and everyone wants to see a change.”

Ms Weeks will face Craig Cannonier, who won Devonshire South Central for the OBA in 2020.

She said that while the seat was an OBA stronghold, there was a movement for change.

Ms Weeks said: “We can’t expect to do the same things and expect a different result.

“I will step up and get to know the people in C12.

“On February 18 we will see if they want a change or if they want to stick with what they already know.

“I will give it my all.”

Ms Weeks urged voters not to vote based on “family history” but to ensure the best of the country was able to manage its affairs.

She said: “No matter which constituency you live in we are suffering from the same issues.

“Over-priced food and healthcare, lack of innovation in the school system, lack of support for the schoolteachers.”

Ms Weeks said the island’s seniors faced multiple challenges and some were forced to work beyond their retirement.

She added: “We should not be working just to pay bills.”

The candidate said she was willing to step forward to represent Bermudians, adding that many residents shared similar challenges.

She added: “On February 18, give the independents a chance to show Bermuda that we can make a difference.

“We have tried party politics, we have voted because our grandparents voted for a certain party.

“No more blind loyalty, lets vote for the future of our children’s children.”