HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Two members of the ruling Progressive Labour Party (PLP), including the Deputy Speaker of the outgoing Parliament, Derrick Burgess, say they will not contest the February 18 general elections.
In separate statements, Burgess and former national security minister Wayne Caines said they would still support the PLP to win the elections that Premier David Burt called 10 months ahead of the constitutional deadline.
Burgess, who entered Parliament as an opposition member before the party’s victory in 1998, said he was pleased to have served with several colleagues as the PLP remained true to its r commitment to the people of Bermuda.
“The PLP has made me a better, dedicated life member of this party, which has nurtured me to remain steadfast in my fight to help our people, particularly our seniors. Serving in Cabinet under three different premiers and being elected deputy premier of Bermuda during my time in Parliament was certainly a milestone in my life, and something I will never forget,” he said in the statement.
Burgess thanked his constituents for 27 years of support and said he “will remain a loyal and committed member of the PLP, willing to serve my party whenever summoned.”
In his statement, Caines said he had been proud to serve the Devonshire North West constituency for the past eight years and that “after much thought and prayerful consideration, I have decided not to stand as a candidate in the upcoming general election.
“At this time, I wish to focus on my health, family, professional endeavors, and charitable causes that hold a special place in my heart. This decision was not made lightly, as my love for public service and my commitment to my community and Bermuda remain as strong as ever,” he added.
Caines said that he is proud to be a lifelong member of the PLP and “remain steadfast in my belief that we can create lasting change for Bermuda.
“My commitment to being a change agent for our country is unwavering, and I look forward to continuing to serve in ways that uplift and empower our people.”
Earlier this week, Renee Webb, former Bermuda’s first female telecommunications, tourism, and information technology minister and PLP member, announced she would run as an independent candidate.
Former opposition One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) chairman Justin Mathias has also confirmed his decision to run as an independent candidate in the general election, saying he truly believes “that the time is now for independent representation in each constituency.”
Webb is the co-founder of the Independent Candidates Movement in Bermuda, a group that includes former premier Sir John Swan, former PLP parliamentarian Rolfe Commissiong, newcomers Cire Bean, and environmental advocate Noelle Young.
The ruling 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.
In announcing the election date, Burt said Bermuda stands on “the cusp of a pivotal time” and that the 2025 budget for the coming fiscal year, usually presented in February, must reflect the electorate’s collective wishes.
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.
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