Christopher Bean says managing his brother’s campaign in C36 inspired him to run
Christopher Bean has officially announced his decision to stand as an independent candidate in Constituency #35, Sandys North Central, for the upcoming General Election.
A proud product of Somerset, Christopher expressed a deep desire to “give back to the community that raised him.”
Following in his older brother Cire Bean’s footsteps, Christopher enters the race after serving as Cire’s campaign manager in last year’s Sandys North by-election. Christopher acknowledged that joining his brother on the campaign trail inspired him to step into the political arena.
He explained his choice to run as an independent, stating that it allows him to be a clear and unrestricted voice for the people. “Party politics has served its purpose. Now we need something new, something creative to get us out of the rut we are currently in, and I believe I am the best option for that,” he said.
Professionally, Christopher serves as Operations Manager at the private psychiatric facility Dignity House and is Chairman of the Board for Beyond Inclusion. Additionally, he is the Director of Operations for his brother’s charity, Payakid, which provides vocational skills and employment opportunities for young people to help steer them away from antisocial behaviour, gang involvement, and crime.
Addressing such challenges in Bermuda, Christopher said there is a significant amount of loss in the community that must be tackled. He advocates for rehabilitation and proactive rather than reactive measures and suggested restructuring some existing systems.
“I don’t think the wheel needs to be completely reinvented, but I believe it’s the execution of some of these ideas that will really move Bermuda forward,” he added.
Standing alongside his brother, Cire Bean confirmed he will once again contest Constituency #36, Sandys North.
Reflecting on their joint decision to enter the election race, Cire said: “We are young enough to understand that we do not know it all, but old enough to understand that we know better.”
The brothers shared that they come from a politically engaged family and always knew their paths would lead to politics.
After his loss in the C36 by-election, Cire stated that his focus is to “be successful for the people, not for my own being.”
“We are ready to fight,” Cire declared.
In Constituency 36, Cire will face incumbent Rev Dr Emily Gail Dill of the PLP, Carl Neblett of the OBA, and newly unveiled FDM candidate Shalleya Codrington.
Meanwhile, in Constituency 35, Christopher will challenge Speaker of the House and PLP stalwart Dennis Lister, as well as the OBA’s Rodrae Durrant.
For the full video of Tuesday’s press conference: click the play button below.
