Opposition senator Maurice Foley pledged to build voter engagement as he gave his maiden speech yesterday in the Upper House.

Mr Foley, who ran for the One Bermuda Alliance in St David’s (Constituency 3) in the February 18 General Election, said he felt “a profound sense of humility and gratitude“ in being appointed to the Senate, but also a ”significant weight of responsibility“.

He thanked his party colleagues, saying: “This moment is not solely mine — it is a culmination of the unwavering support, sacrifices and guidance of many who have walked this path before me and alongside me.”

Born and raised in St David’s, Mr Foley, who has a background in tourism, praised his community for encapsulating Bermudian strength and unity.

After giving thanks to his family and former school principal Dale Butler, Mr Foley turned to politics, saying Bermuda was “at a crossroads” with voter engagement “a growing concern” after turnout at the last General Election stood at about 55 per cent.

He said: “Too many of our people feel disconnected from the political process, disillusioned by what they perceive as a lack of real change or progress.

“As senators, we must work to bridge this gap. It is our responsibility to not only represent our constituents, but also to encourage greater civic participation, to engage with our communities and to restore faith in the democratic process.

“One of the ways we can start to address this is by fostering more transparent and open dialogue with the people of Bermuda. We must create platforms for engagement that reach all corners of the island — whether through more frequent town halls, social media or local outreach.

“Voter education and involvement are key to ensuring that the voices of all Bermudians are heard in this chamber.

“Our role in the Senate is not merely to legislate but to ensure that every decision we make serves the best interests of all Bermudians. We must be accountable for the policies we pass and the consequences they bring.

“Whether it’s about the economy, public works or social services, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards of responsibility.”

Mr Foley said that immediate concerns included the state of the beleaguered Bermuda Tourism Authority, renewable energy and food security.

He said: “We need a Bermuda Tourism Authority that is more responsive to the needs of the industry, one that embraces new markets, new ideas and innovations that will draw visitors from around the world while ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared throughout the community.

“It is crucial that we reimagine Bermuda’s tourism strategies and develop a forward-thinking vision for this important sector.

“Another critical challenge we face is the need for a more sustainable energy environment. Bermuda’s future depends on transitioning to renewable energy sources that will lower our carbon footprint, reduce our dependence on imported fuel and ultimately lower energy costs for Bermudians.

“We must look towards other alternative energy sources to ensure that Bermuda is at the forefront of sustainability.

“Equally important is the need for food security. As we navigate global supply chain challenges, we must create systems that allow Bermuda to produce more of its own food.

“Supporting local agriculture, incentivising farmers and fostering greater food resilience will ensure that Bermuda remains self-sufficient, especially in times of crisis.”

Mr Foley closed by advising that the Senate needed to focus on the long-term wellbeing of the island.

He said: “We must make decisions with an eye to the future, ensuring that we leave a Bermuda that is stronger, more prosperous, and more unified for future generations.”

He added: “I am particularly committed to initiatives that support our youth, our seniors and our most vulnerable, while also enhancing the economy, creating jobs and ensuring a labour market that is fair and just for all.

“We must invest in our public works, from the infrastructure that supports our economy to the services that maintain the wellbeing of our communities, and we must ensure that our home affairs policies are inclusive and protect the rights of all Bermudians.

“Together, we have the opportunity to build a Bermuda that is resilient, innovative, and inclusive — a Bermuda that not only survives but thrives in a changing world.”