HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC -Former One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) chairman Justin Mathias has confirmed his decision to contest the February 18 general election as an independent candidate, saying he truly believes “that the time is now for independent representation in each constituency.”
“Given that news leaked of my consideration to run as an Independent in the upcoming election, I thought it was imperative to write this piece to let you know how I came to this decision, which certainly has not been an easy one and filled with mixed emotions,” Mathias said in a statement.
He said that “one of my final straws” with the main opposition OBA came last November when, in response to the traditional Throne speech, Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson repeated on numerous occasions the need for a general election.
“I immediately messaged a prominent OBA front-facing member asking if they had 36 candidates. He said no! So, how and why was it so irresponsible? …”
Mathias, who said he had been an OBA member since its formation in 2011, noted that Premier David Burt had decided to call the OBA’s bluff in 2020 when then-party leader Craig Cannonier “dared him to call an election.”
“So, what fool wouldn’t believe he would do it again when allowed to defeat a weak OBA begging to get kicked, bruised, and beaten again? Then you add a weakened and tired Bermudian electorate that is apathetic to both parties, and you have the perfect winter storm of 2025.”
Mathias said that Burt has “put his brilliance on display once again by forcing the outgoing Governor to call one of the shortest elections in history because the Government’s fiscal year ends on March 31st, and budget debates have to occur well in advance”.
He said that three months after the OBA leader had called for fresh general elections, the party “still doesn’t have 36 candidates (and) it truly baffles the mind”.
The Progressive Labour Party (PLP) comfortably won the last two general elections in this British Overseas Territory, winning 30 out of the 36 seats in the 2020 snap poll at the height of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
But, announcing the election date 10 months ahead of the constitutional deadline, said Bermuda stands on “the cusp of a pivotal time” and that the 2025 budget for the coming fiscal year, usually presented in February, would need to reflect the collective wishes of the electorate.
Burt, who has signaled this will be his final general election following a change in party leadership, is promising to continue economic development plans and policies to ease the burden on the most vulnerable should his party be re-elected.
Mathias said that any political strategist would have indicated that following Premier Burt’s announcement of the early poll, the OBA should have used the occasion to name its 36 candidates, renew its platform, and enhance its vision for the future, indicating that it is ready to become the next Government.
“But that didn’t happen! Even the tree frogs couldn’t compete with the deafening silence.
Here we are 12 days after the election announcement, and Bermuda’s only serious political party alternative is again unviable.
“It rather continues the “life support” agenda of being delayed to responding to Government, slows to rolling out candidates, and giving vague platitudes hoping that the public’s disdain for the PLP would overshadow their unorganized trainwreck of an organization.”
He said that after four years and three months of “irresponsible inaction, smokes and mirrors trying to pretend to the Bermudian people that change was occurring” by the ruling party, the OBA is still unprepared for the polls.
“I am tired of the wasted time and energy trying to fix a fundamentally flawed organization and not giving that energy to affecting change to Bermudians. The characters of individuals they continue to allow to be a part of OBA and PLP continue dragging down the collective, us ordinary citizens.
”Simply put, if we had actual election laws in this country, I would wonder who could still stand in this election on both sides. Enough is enough! We must send party politics to the backbenches where they deserve to be. Any politicians genuinely caring about Bermudians and representing her People should consider standing on their own two feet, running on merit, and stopping hiding behind the Party banner.”
Mathias said he is now part of his movement, which “is a combined group of friends, family, former colleagues, constituents, and supporters who want to chart a new path.
“I truly believe that the time is now for independent representation in each constituency that will provide the best voice for each community and build a collective benefit to the entire nation,” Mathias added.
Mathias is not the only person who has signaled their intention to contest the election as an independent candidate.
Bermuda’s first female telecommunications, tourism, and information technology minister.
Renee Webb says she will contest Constituency 13, Devonshire North Central, which Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, currently holds.
Webb is a former PLP legislator and co-founder of the Independent Candidates Movement in Bermuda. This group includes former premier Sir John Swan, former PLP parliamentarian Rolfe Commissiong, newcomers Cire Bean, and environmental advocate Noelle Young.
A pamphlet featuring Webb’s biography and campaign initiatives states she is “standing as an independent candidate as she believes that party politics while having pluses in Bermuda history, has caused much divisiveness, extensive debt, violence, and community disruption in the last twenty years.
“It is now time to have diverse voices represented in parliament,” said Webb, who recently served as the Bermuda Office European Union representative in Brussels and senior advisor assisting with diplomacy and financial consultancy on matters related to the island’s business reputation in Europe.
She served nearly 15 years as a legislator and 10 years as a member of the Cabinet.
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