The FDM eyes stronger presence with three more candidates
The Free Democratic Movement (FDM) is looking to shake off its low profile as it rolled out three more candidates today.
After contesting the Sandys North by-election, founder Marc Bean is “returning home” to Constituency 32, Southampton West.
He said he first entered politics at an electoral level when he secured 90 per cent of the primary vote for the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) in 2007 against, former Speaker of the House , Randy Horton. However, he did not stand as he was asked by then-Premier Dr Ewart Brown to step aside for Mr Horton and instead ran in Constituency 31.
“Now is the time for me to return to my roots, and that is Constituency 32. I look forward to canvassing and reconnecting with my neighbours, who I have deep respect and love for,” Mr Bean stated.
He will face the One Bermuda Alliance’s (OBA) Kellan Lewis and the PLP’s Scott Simmons in the upcoming General Election.
FDM Chairman Omar Dill said the party has made a concerted effort to bring forward candidates from their respective local constituencies.
Addressing concerns about the party’s lack of visibility before the election was called, Mr Dill admitted: “We have not been as politically active as people would like us to be, but we are seeking to change that going forward. However, from a community point of view, I would argue that our candidates are very engaged and in touch with their communities.”
Mr Bean added: “The claim is that we have disappeared, but what has been the result of those who have been active and upfront? What state is Bermuda in today? We are in the worst state ever, caused by the very people who have been publicly and politically active.”
Meanwhile, it was also announced that Kyle Bridgewater will stand in Constituency 14, Devonshire North West.
He will face the OBA’s David Rogers, independent candidate Noelle Young, and Alexa Lightbourne, who aims to retain the seat for the PLP following Wayne Caines’ departure.
Mr Bridgewater expressed his desire to represent constituents who feel Bermuda has not fulfilled its potential.
“If you know me, you know that I have been a businessman. I have been promoting healthy living and supporting our cultural institutions for a long time. I love this country, I love helping, and I am here to find out what it is that you want. I will then return with policies shaped in the way you have asked. We want to help you. We want your voice to be heard.”
Additionally, Quinton Sherlock Jr., who has deep family ties to the east end of the island, has been selected to run in Constituency 2, St George’s West.
He described the area as holding untapped potential that, with careful planning and effort, could be revitalised.
Reflecting on his work in the non-profit sector, he reaffirmed his commitment to youth and community development.
“For those who know me, you will be aware that for the past few years, I have split my time between Bermuda and Ghana, West Africa, where I have established and developed an NGO charity supporting disadvantaged children. To this day, although I am standing in front of you in Bermuda, that programme continues to run strong. In a similar light, my goal is to bring my energy and efforts back home to Bermuda and develop a sustainable programme—not just in St George’s, but across the island—to help inspire and restore hope to our young people.”
FDM Chairman Mr Dill confirmed that more candidates will be announced before the close of Nomination Day tomorrow.
Yesterday, the PLP claimed that the FDM has a “burning desire to unite with the OBA.”
Asked by Bermuda Broadcasting to respond, Mr Dill stressed the importance of working collaboratively across the political spectrum.
“We can’t get anything done in a vacuum,” he stated. “When we see the silent 29 basically having complete autonomy over how things are going, that is why we have 96 candidates—because all of those others, the ‘combined oppositions,’ want to work together. They all have one common goal.”
“Our concern as a ‘collective opposition’ is to make Bermuda better. Whoever wants to be on that side of making Bermuda better, you are welcome.”
