The new MP for Hamilton East will draw on his experience as co-ordinator of the island’s Gang Violence Reduction Team to help tackle the island’s social problems.

Leroy Bean, who won the seat for the Progressive Labour Party in the General Election last month, told The Royal Gazette that gang culture stemmed from “deep-rooted social and economic inequalities”.

He said disillusioned young people turned to criminal gangs for love, support and encouragement.

Dr Bean, who has led the Government’s Gang Violence Reduction Team since 2017, said other factors included economic hardship, generational trauma and a search for belonging within gangs — leading to “destruction, pain and heartache”.

He explained: “Engaging with mentorship programmes, community initiatives and support networks that prioritise growth and success can provide the same sense of camaraderie and security that gangs promise, without the devastating consequences.”

Some of these programmes were outlined in the National Violence Reduction Strategy passed in the House of Assembly in December.

They include expanding the GVRT’s 20-week redemption programme and making it easier for people to earn educational and employment certifications.

Dr Bean is the author of Gang Violence Is By Design: Exposing the Lie, and the founder in 2009 of the group Cartel, or Challenging and Reclaiming the True Essence of Life, as a way to dissuade at-risk people lured into antisocial activities.

He explained: “The core ethos and vision that defined Cartel have been integrated into the initiatives of the GVRT.

“This transition ensures that the foundational principles continue to drive our efforts in addressing community challenges like gang violence.”

He added: “Every person, no matter their background or circumstances, deserves love, support, validation, encouragement and protection.

“These are fundamental rights and when they are lacking, it is understandable that some may seek them elsewhere.

Dr Bean also leads Transfiguration Ministries and earned a PhD in psychology and counselling last year from Regent University in the United States.

He stood for the PLP in St George’s South in 2012, but lost to Suzann Roberts-Holshouser of the One Bermuda Alliance.

Now he has vowed to fight for a fairer Bermuda in the House of Assembly.

Dr Bean highlighted the need for greater opportunities, particularly for the historically disenfranchised to succeed in life.

He explained: “To achieve this, we must be willing to challenge outdated structures, rethink how we support individuals and communities and commit to meaningful action that creates long-term change.”

Dr Bean, 63, said his decision to join the PLP was “driven by my belief in the PLP’s philosophy of fighting against injustices and inequalities, regardless of race, creed or social status”.

Looking back on the February 18 election, he said several factors led to a 54 per cent turnout at the polls — one of the lowest in Bermuda’s history.

He explained: “What is clear is that elections are won on the doorstep and the final results reflect the level of engagement and connection that candidates and parties have with the people.

“This election serves as a reminder to all political parties that continuous community engagement, transparency and responsiveness to the concerns of the people are essential in maintaining voter confidence and participation.”

Dr Bean won Hamilton East (Constituency 5), where he was once the PLP branch chairman, with 473 votes. Lateef Trott, of the One Bermuda Alliance, was second with 146 votes; and Desmond Crockwell, of the Free Democratic Movement, was third with 143 votes.

He succeeds Derrick Burgess, the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, as area MP.

Mr Burgess, the former president of the Bermuda Industrial Union, represented the constituency from 1993 until retiring from politics in January.

Dr Bean said: “Mr Burgess has been a champion for the downtrodden, not just in Constituency 5 but across Bermuda, ensuring that the voices of working-class people were heard and represented at the highest levels.”