“Bermuda is ready for a new way forward”, coalition claims
(UPDATED with correction – Noelle Young subsequently said she is not a member of the PIC)
Some of the independent candidates who stood in the recent election – in particular, eleven who followed the movement started by Sir John Swan – have formed a coalition.
The group has gone public today as ‘The People’s Independent Coalition’, with the motto “Independent Voices. United Vision.”
The PIC pledges to “work collectively for a Bermuda that puts people before politics.” (scroll down for full press release
A press statement reads, “Though the 2025 General Election did not result in independent representation in Parliament, the record-breaking number of candidates and the overwhelming support from voters have proven one thing: Bermuda is ready for a new way forward”.
“Despite being independents, we will align on key issues affecting Bermudians – cost of living, healthcare, education, and economic fairness – to amplify our impact.”
The ‘new independents’
The 2025 General Election saw an unprecedented surge of independent candidates. On Nomination Day, 27 unaffiliated candidates signed up to stand across 24 seats.
However, not all of the independent candidates who ran in the February 2025 General Election will fall under the PIC banner.
Responding to Bermuda Broadcasting, a PIC spokesperson confirmed the following independent candidates who are so far part of the coalition:
- Suzie Arruda
- Vic Ball
- Christopher Bean
- Cire Bean
- Rolf Commissiong
- Juanae Crockwell
- Dwight Jackson
- Gavin Kennedy
- Tiffany Paynter
- Renee Webb
- Mstira Weeks
Noelle Young(corrected Thursday, June 5th)
Most of the independent candidates who ran in the election have not been announced as part of the coalition at this time, although Bermuda Broadcasting understands the coalition is open to new members.
Independents who are not part of PIC at this time include Harry Matthie, Iman Gibbons, Wayne Maurice Williams, Marilyn Steede, Willie Ferguson, Tyrone Butterfield, former FDM chair Rayki Bascome-Emery, Lauren Renee Francis, former OBA chair Justin Mathias, former OBA deputy chair Karen Hodgkins, Christina Storey and Steven Faries. Independent candidate Eugene Brangman passed away in May.
Notably, Sir John Swan is not listed as a member of the group. The former Premier is widely seen to have spearheaded the movement that led to more independent candidates stepping forward, after he became a surprise candidate in the May 2024 Smith’s North By-Election, losing to the OBA’s Robert King. Mr King also retained in the General Election.
People’s Independent Coalition Press Release
Bermuda’s Independent Candidates Stand Together for the People
Hamilton, Bermuda – The independent candidates of Bermuda have heard the people’s call for
change, unity, and accountable leadership. Today, we stand together as a cohesive movement.
Under the banner “The People’s Independent Coalition (PIC) – Independent Voices. United
Vision.”, we pledge to work collectively for a Bermuda that puts people before politics.
Though the 2025 General Election did not result in independent representation in Parliament,
the record-breaking number of candidates and the overwhelming support from voters have
proven one thing: Bermuda is ready for a new way forward.
A Unified Commitment to Bermuda
We recognize that the strength of independent leadership lies in collaboration, not division.
Moving forward, we pledge to:
Work Collectively: Despite being independents, we will align on key issues affecting
Bermudians—cost of living, healthcare, education, and economic fairness—to amplify our
impact.
Hold Government Accountable: Even without seats, we will monitor policy decisions, demand
transparency, and ensure the people’s voices are heard.
Prepare for the Future: We will refine our strategies, engage deeper with communities, and build
a stronger foundation for the next election.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
The two-party system has left many Bermudians feeling unheard. The rise of independent
candidates was not a protest—it was a demand for representation without partisan barriers.
We remain steadfast in our belief that Bermuda deserves leaders who:
- Listen first, act second
- Put country over party
- Fight for fairness, not favoritism
PIC Your Future: The Path Ahead
PIC is more than a slogan—it’s a promise. We will continue engaging with voters, hosting town
halls, and advocating for policies that reflect Bermuda’s true needs.
To every Bermudian who supported change: Thank you. This movement belongs to you—and
together, we will keep pushing for a government that works for all of Bermuda.
The Independent Candidates of BermudaAbout PIC:
The People’s Independent Coalition (PIC) is a united alliance of former and future independent
candidates dedicated to ethical, non-partisan governance.
