A former Deputy Chair of the One Bermuda Alliance says the ousting of party leader Robert King by OBA MPs raised questions about ‘the value placed on the democratic voice of membership’
The One Bermuda Alliance has lost another former executive – and the controversial ousting of former party leader Robert King played a significant role in their decision to quit.
Joseph Marable, former OBA Deputy Chair and their candidate for Hamilton West in the 2025 general election, has resigned from the party.
He will continue to stand as an independent candidate in Constituency 6.
Mr Marable said in a statement that he believes he can best serve the community without the constraints of party affiliation.
He told Bermuda Broadcasting that he holds no grudges towards anyone in the OBA.
While he said he is grateful for the relationships that have developed, “…gratitude for those relationships can’t require me to remain silent in regards to my fundamental principles…
“Over the past year, I’ve become increasingly concerned about the direction, internal culture and priorities of the party.”
The circumstances surrounding the ousting of Robert King as OBA leader were particularly troubling, Mr Marable says.
“His removal following his election by the party members raised some serious questions in my mind, about the value placed on the Democratic voice of membership.”
Mr Marable’s resignation comes less than two months after former party leader and MP for Smith’s North, Robert King, also quit the party and became an unaffiliated member of parliament.
Mr King was the surprise winner in last year’s internal party leadership election, but he was ousted by a majority of OBA MPs in February, and replaced with the man he had originally beaten – Ben Smith.
As an OBA candidate, Joseph Marable was soundly beaten by Wayne Furbert in the 2025 General Election. Hamilton West chose the PLP incumbent, 480 votes to 237.
On standing as an independent in C6, Mr Marable says his vision for Hamilton Parish and Bermuda remains unchanged – ‘People before Politics’, ‘Accountability Through Action’, and an ‘Unwavering Commitment to Community’.
“My resignation, is not a withdrawal from public service”, he says, “it’s a reaffirmation of why I entered service in the first place.
“I leave the One Bermuda Alliance without any bitterness toward those with whom I’ve worked, but… with a clear conscience and a firm conviction that public service must always be guided, to me, by principle greater than party or loyalty.
“My political affiliation may have changed, but my values and my purpose and my commitment to the people of Bermuda will not.”
Press Release from Joseph Marable, Independent Candidate for C6 Hamilton West:
For more than 22 years, Hamilton Parish has been my home, my workplace, and my community. Throughout that time, my commitment has remained the same: to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of the people around me.
Whether through operating Crawl Hill Esso TigerMarket or working alongside our schools, churches, and community organizations, I have always believed that genuine service begins with listening, understanding people’s needs, and taking action.
My philosophy of leadership is simple. Leadership is not about standing above people and pointing out what is wrong. It is about standing alongside them, supporting them, empowering them, and taking responsibility for making things better.
Over the past three years, my involvement with the One Bermuda Alliance has been a journey of both opportunity and challenge. I am grateful for the relationships I have built, the experiences I have gained, and the people who have supported me along the way.
However, this journey has also led me to reflect deeply on the direction of politics in Bermuda and the role I wish to play in shaping our country’s future.
Like many Bermudians, I have grown increasingly concerned about the divisions created by partisan politics. Too often, political disagreements overshadow the practical needs of the people we are elected, or aspire, to serve.
I also recognize that accountability begins with ourselves. It is easy to point fingers, but meaningful leadership requires us to examine our own decisions, acknowledge where we can do better, and have the courage to make changes.
After careful consideration, personal reflection, and conversations within my community, I have made the decision to resign from the One Bermuda Alliance and pursue my political aspirations as an independent.
This has not been an easy decision, nor is it one I have taken lightly. It is a decision rooted in my belief that I can best serve Hamilton Parish and Bermuda by remaining focused on people, practical solutions, and meaningful results, without the constraints of party affiliation.
I hold no ill will toward my former political colleagues. I respect those who dedicate themselves to public service, regardless of their political allegiance. My decision is not about opposition to any individual or party. It is about choosing the path that I believe will allow me to make the greatest contribution.
My vision for Hamilton Parish and Bermuda remains unchanged.
· People Before Politics
o I am committed to working with anyone who shares a genuine desire to improve the lives of Bermudians. Good ideas do not belong to one political party, and meaningful progress requires cooperation, mutual respect, and a willingness to put our country first.
· Accountability Through Action
o Public service must be measured not simply by promises or political statements, but by what we actually accomplish. I believe in honest communication, personal accountability, and delivering practical solutions that make a difference in people’s everyday lives.
· An Unwavering Commitment to Community
o Hamilton Parish is my home. Its people are my neighbours, friends, customers, and extended family. Regardless of political outcomes, my commitment to this community and to Bermuda will remain steadfast.
I recognize that becoming independent does not automatically create solutions. It brings greater personal responsibility to listen, build partnerships, take action, and earn the trust of the people I seek to represent.
Life is a journey, not a destination. We all face challenges, make mistakes, and encounter moments that require us to reassess our direction. What matters most is whether we have the humility to learn, the courage to change, and the determination to keep moving forward.
As I begin this new chapter, my door remains open, my commitment remains strong, and my focus remains firmly on the people of Hamilton Parish and Bermuda.
I look forward to reconnecting with residents, listening to their concerns, and sharing initiatives that I believe can bring meaningful and lasting benefits to our communities.
My political affiliation may be changing, but my commitment to serving people has not.
Keep hope alive.
Joseph Marable
Fmr. Deputy Chair of OBA
Independent Candidate for Hamilton West Constituency 6
