Political veteran joins forces with newcomer for campaign announcement
“We need creativity, we need innovation, we need out-of-the-box thinking…If I were to be a part of the PLP or the OBA, I’m walking into a structure that’s already put together with their ‘idea’, and I’d have to fall into place.” Sentiments expressed by Ms. Mstira Weeks, independent candidate for Constituency 12 Devonshire South Central.
The business owner says that she decided to run in next month’s general election due to being generally unhappy with the direction of the country. Listing the strained relationship that many small business owners have with The Customs Department, Ms. Weeks wants to see a shift in the way that department interacts with entrepreneurs. Her daughter’s future was also a major determining factor in her decision to join the race to February 18th. “I’m stepping in because I want Bermuda to be better. I want to leave something for my daughter, and her children’s children.”
Ms. Weeks questioned career politicians’ ability to remain objective on key issues. More specifically, asking whether party-affiliated individuals would seek the best course of action for Bermuda on a given issue, or tow the party-line at the expense of following their conscience. “I can come to the table and keep my integrity. If a decision is being made, I can fight that (it’s the wrong decision) for the people.”
Reiterating the opinion that party-affiliated members of parliament sometimes put their party over their personal beliefs, Ms. Weeks states her position on that matter plainly. “I don’t need to be a yes-woman…I can get up from the table and say ‘this decision is not going to be good for Bermuda. It would tank my integrity, and I can walk away.”
The C12 hopeful has yet to begin canvassing in earnest, but believes that her understanding of the issues that plague the average Bermudian puts her in good stead. When asked why she decided to run in this election cycle, Ms. Weeks did not mince her words. “Are we going to continue to suffer in silence? Are we going to continue to complain? Or are we going to say ‘someone get up and do something’? And for me, it’s get up and do something.”
Mr. Vic Ball, formerly with the opposition One Bermuda Alliance, is running as an independent in Constituency 20 Pembroke South West. Mr. Ball had his OBA membership withdrawn late last year, following his somewhat controversial replacement in Smith’s West by Vance Campbell. Citing actions contrary to the party’s principles, the OBA Executive Committee ousted the former C9 candidate from the party due to behaviour that they said was “unbecoming of an OBA candidate and, ultimately, has already or will likely bring the party into disrepute.”
When asked whether or not there was any merit to detractors who accuse him of running as an independent to spite his former party, Mr. Ball provides a less cynical take. “The One Bermuda Alliance did expel me because I spoke to the press, and I still believe I have something to offer…I’m doing this because I believe in Bermuda and I want to make a difference. I want to be an agent of change, and if party politics is not that way then I have chosen to be an independent where I can be free to express myself how I want, and be able to galvanise the country forward. It has nothing to do with trying to spite the OBA in any way, shape, or form. I wish the OBA the best.”
Tackling the sentiment that support for independent candidates is driven by misplaced cynicism and unrealistic idealism, Mr. Ball offered a rational reply. “I believe that the majority of people, if the PLP were doing a good job, would be very happy. There wouldn’t even be a need for independents at this point. There would be no independents even showing up. The fact that there are probably twenty or more independents that are showing up in this election is suggestive of the fact that the Progressive Labour Party are not doing a good job, and people are tired of it. Everyone wants to see a change, and people are saying ‘I’ll throw my hat in the ring, I’m gonna try and make a difference’. That is what Mstira and I are doing.”
You can view the full roll-out and interview, below.
