Her entry into the race could see a first for Bermuda – five names on the Southampton West Central ballot, with the majority being women
“I am ready to listen, serve, and work for you.”
Those were the words of Karen Hodgkins as she announced her decision to stand as an Independent candidate in the upcoming General Election.
Ms Hodgkins declared that the opportunity for Bermuda to move beyond party politics has arrived. “If you are sick of party politics, the back and forth, the negativity – you need to make the decision to vote for your independent,” she said. “I believe if we do not take this opportunity now, this opportunity may never come again.”
With over a decade of political experience, including serving as deputy chairman of the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA), Ms Hodgkins says she is ready to represent the voters of Southampton West Central in the House of Assembly.
Speaking to the media against the scenic backdrop of Evan’s Bay in Southampton, she noted her deep connection to the area. Having lived there for many years, she said she knows the community and its people well.
Her independent campaign began last July after attending a meeting on the “Independents Movement,” led by former UBP Premier, Sir John Swan.
Describing herself as a “visionary” and a “hard worker” with the know-how to “get things done,” Ms Hodgkins outlined her priorities if elected.
She expressed an urgency to tackle the housing crisis through purpose-built shelters for the homeless and affordable housing for youth and single mothers. She also aims to eliminate the sugar tax to lower grocery bills, expand nursing care facilities for seniors through public-private partnerships or subsidised in-home care, and update legislation on harassment, stalking, and mental health.
Ms Hodgkins suggested that some of her initiatives could be funded by excess revenues generated from the Corporate Income Tax, but only “after we have allocated a percentage to pay down on our massive debt.”
In the 2020 General Election, the Progressive Labour Party’s (PLP) Crystal Caesar narrowly defeated the OBA’s Ben Smith to win the Southampton West Central seat.
Currently, the OBA has listed Linda Smith as its candidate for C31, while the PLP continues to back Crystal Caesar, Minister for the Cabinet Office.
However, Ms Hodgkins is not the only Independent candidate in the race – Juanae Crockwell confirmed her candidacy last week. With the potential addition of a Free Democratic Movement candidate, voters in this constituency could face a ballot featuring five names, the majority of whom are women.
