The marginal Warwick North East seat has had three different PLP candidates in less than two months
The Progressive Labour Party this morning unveiling educator and communications specialist, Joanne Ball-Burgess as the new candidate to contest Constituency 25, Warwick North East in the upcoming General Election.
Party Leader David Burt, during a news conference at Alaska Hall, said Arianna Hodgson would no longer be contesting the seat that she was due to run in after replacing Ianthia Simmons-Wade.
It was explained that following discussions with the C25 branch, Senator Hodgson and party executive, the decision was made to move forward with a new candidate and that the PLP looks forward to Senator Hodgson’s contributions to the party in future.
Ms. Ball-Burgess was introduced as an artist, educator, entrepreneur and author who is “dedicating her life to empowering young people,” according to Mr. Burt.
A graduate of Endicott College, she founded a cottage school in Kenya and Papua New Guinea to support therapeutic “fostering literature and celebrating local culture”.
She also authored a best-selling children’s book and founded the first young reporters for the environment award.
As a proud mum of three boys, who inspired her to work for future generations, Ms Ball-Burgess brings “fresh energy and innovative ideas to the party and her constituency,” Mr. Burt said.
Reflecting on her childhood being raised in Warwick parish, Ms. Ball-Burgess said she has a deep understanding of Bermuda’s culture with a global perspective after living and working in four different countries, with a goal of creating “a future that uplifts every member of our community” and that “seniors will not be forgotten”.
“We owe it to these unsung heroes who make untold sacrifices to make it right.”
Asked by media her views on the education reform that is currently underway – and having being involved in the group working for its implementation – Ms Ball-Burgess said: “Whenever there is reform there are challenges and if I was to speak on them, we’d be here all day.”
Referring to education reform, party leader Mr. Burt said “implementation must improve,” but that that the end goal is the right solution.
When Bermuda Broadcasting’s Gary Foster Skelton asked Ms Burgess-Ball how she felt about the lack of a youth student vote in this election, she explained that Bermuda is top heavy with an aging population. And Bermuda, as whole, needs to listen to all concerns from young people, going beyond the vote.
Mr. Burt responded: “I take view on a lack of the student vote that there have been significant voter drives held at the Bermuda College where 50 young people registered to vote.”
Similar drives were held at the Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy.
Ms Ball-Burgess added that it was “important to listen to concerns and continue the dialogue beyond February 18th”.
Hodgson Replaced
Joanne Ball-Burgess replaces Senator Arianna Hodgson as the PLP’s Warwick North East candidate. Ms Hodgson was only rolled out in December.
The grandaughter of late PLP MP Arthur Hodgson, and great-neice of social activist Dr. Eva Hodgson, Arianna Hodgson has cited their influence on her.
Only two weeks ago, Senator Hodgson sent a letter to media addressing the young people of Bermuda, saying the party must ensure their voices shape every conversation about Bermuda’s future.
Her letter followed criticism that the election timing prevented Bermudian students overseas from voting.
Ms Ball-Burgess is to start canvassing tonight, and Ms Hodgson’s was still listed as C25 candidate at the beginning of the press conference, so the change appears to have been on short notice.
Today, Premier David Burt thanked Ms Hodgson for her service to Bermuda, but would not give our Gary Foster Skelton any background on the switch.
The PLP’s Ianthia Simmons Wade won C25 in 2020 with just under 51% of the vote, defeating the One Bermuda Alliance’s candidate Jon Brunson, who won 49%. The OBA has nominated Dr. Douglas DeCouto to contest the seat, with Independent candidate Justin Mathias also joining the running last week.
