Deputy Leader Ben Smith says Justin Mathias’ intention to run as an independent is driven by personal agenda
Photo: oba.bm & Facebook
Justin Mathias’ intention to run as an independent is driven by personal agenda, and he only recently asked how he can help the opposition, according to the OBA’s Ben Smith.
The Deputy Leader of the Opposition took aim at the former OBA chairman and candidate, and said his press statement is “a clear example why the electorate should be extremely wary about voting for independent candidates.”
“Mr. Mathias seeks to persuade the Bermudian public that he reached his decision to stand as an independent after the OBA publicly demanded in November 2024 for the election to be called.”
“If that were true… then why over the last couple of weeks has Mr Mathias reached out to several OBA members, including [OBA Leader Jarion] Richardson… Mr. Mathias messaged him stating: “Let me know if I can help in any way!” (screenshot from conversation below)
Mr Smith continues, “Either he is misleading the Bermudian people about his newly-found beliefs in “independents” – or he was misleading his former OBA colleagues only days ago.”
Justin Matthias has served as an OBA senator, the chair of the OBA Youth Wing, and served briefly as OBA chair before resigning in 2018.
Mr Mathias lost Warwick North East in a 2018 by-election, when Curtis Dickinson flipped it for the PLP.
Yesterday, Mr Mathias spoke publicly about his intention to run as an independent, saying he is “tired of the wasted time and energy trying to fix an organization that is fundamentally flawed… The characters of individuals they continue to allow to be a part of OBA and PLP are continuing to drag down the collective, us ordinary citizens.”
Statement from OBA Deputy Leader Ben Smith:
“Justin Mathias’ press statement announcing that he intends to stand in the upcoming General Election is a clear example why the electorate should be extremely wary about voting for independent candidates. You simply do not know who is genuinely running to effect positive change in the lives of Bermuda and her people.
In the case of Mr. Mathias, it’s obvious his return to politics is driven by a personal agenda after his departure from the OBA.
I strongly believe everyone has the right to express how they feel, whether I agree with their sentiment or not. If Mr. Mathias wants to run for Parliament by wrapping himself in the clothes of a so-called “independent”, then that is his right.
However, to put out a media statement misrepresenting the reality of his decision making is just plain wrong.
In his announcement, Mr. Mathias seeks to persuade the Bermudian public that he reached his decision to stand as an independent after the OBA publicly demanded in November 2024 for the election to be called. Really?
If that were true, and he decided to stand because of the actions of our leader in November 2024, then why over the last couple of weeks has Mr Mathias reached out to several OBA members, including Mr Richardson. Only 12 days ago, on 8 January 2025, Mr. Mathias messaged him stating: “Let me know if I can help in any way!”
Mr Mathias cannot have it both ways. Either he is misleading the Bermudian people about his newly-found beliefs in “independents” – or he was misleading his former OBA colleagues only days ago.
As far as Mr Mathias’ other claims about the OBA, he neglects to mention the fact that he has not been a part of the OBA for almost two years, since April 2023.
The public should think very carefully before voting for this newly-converted “independent”.”
