A look beyond politics at the life and ongoing legacy of the former UBP Premier
Getting to know Sir John Swan, the man behind the political figure.
At 89 years old, the former UBP Premier has played a key role in facilitating the Independents movement and is working toward his vision of what he calls a “new Bermuda.”
He credits his parents for instilling in him the importance of helping others and hopes his life’s legacy will be that he made life better for Bermudians.
We visited his Paget home – not to discuss politics, but to learn more about the man behind the public persona.
How political hopefuls plan to ease grocery, energy, and housing costs
Still undecided on who will earn your vote at the ballot box tomorrow?
With the cost of living crisis top of mind for many, we hear from candidates from the PLP, OBA, and FDM, as well as an independent, on their plans to address rising grocery prices, energy bills, healthcare costs, and housing affordability.
Premier and PLP leader David Burt sat down with Jasmine Patterson for an in-depth discussion on his life
He’s the youngest Premier ever to serve in office in Bermuda. Premier and Finance Minister David Burt stepping down as leader of the Progressive Labour Party October 2026 sat down with Jasmine Patterson to offer some insight into his personal and family life outside of politics. Premier Burt starts off by walking back into memory lane at his family homestead on Euclid Avenue in Pembroke where he was raised.
Jarion Richardson talks about family, childhood, and always keeping a journal
We’ve been getting to know our political leaders, and those who may be vying to be Premier.
Jarion Richardson, leader of the OBA, was drawn into politics after Scott Pearman canvassed his constituency.
He believes politics is best done by those who have multiple interests in the wider community, rather than it being their single, central purpose.
Speaking to Gary Foster Skelton, Mr Richardson told of his love for the Sea Cadets and martial arts when growing up, always keeping a journal of experiences, and facing fear when serving in the military and the police force.
He also hopes his political legacy will be that he stepped up when others were giving up on the Opposition.
January saw President Trump criticise the British government’s energy policy
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright speaks in the Oval Office, at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S. February 14, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo
International news via Reuters: LONDON
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Monday called a pledge to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 a “sinister goal”, and criticised the British government’s attempts to hit clean energy targets.
Former President Joe Biden set a target in 2021 for the United States to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 to help fight climate change, in part by using subsidies to encourage an expansion of clean energy and electric vehicles.
“Net Zero 2050 is a sinister goal. It’s a terrible goal,” Wright said, speaking via videolink at a conference being held in London.
“The aggressive pursuit of it – and you’re sitting in a country that has aggressively pursued this goal – has not delivered any benefits, but it’s delivered tremendous costs.”
Wright also used a question and answer session at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship event to say his number one priority was for the government to “get out of the way” of the production of oil, gas and coal.
President Donald Trump’s administration said on Friday it had granted a liquefied natural gas export license to the Commonwealth LNG project in Louisiana, the first approval of LNG exports after Biden paused them early last year.
“We ended the pause and approved the Commonwealth LNG export terminal last Friday, and many more in the queue,” he said.
“The world simply runs on hydrocarbons and for most of their uses we don’t have replacements.
“On net zero, he took particular aim at Britain, saying its pursuit of a decarbonised energy system – which the current UK government wants to reach by 2030 – had damaged living standards and exported emissions elsewhere in the world.
“No one’s going to make an energy-intensive product in the United Kingdom any more. It’s just been displaced somewhere else,” he said.
“This is not energy transition. This is lunacy. This is impoverishing your own citizens in a delusion that this is somehow going to make the world a better place.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has put clean energy at the heart of his strategy for Britain, banking on the development of the country’s offshore wind resources in particular as the source of a new wave of highly skilled jobs and economic growth.
In January Trump, speaking before his presidential inauguration, criticised the British government’s energy policy with a demand the country “open up” the ageing North Sea oil and gas basin and get rid of wind farms.
(Reporting by William James; Editing by Jan Harvey)
Tomorrow (February 18), is Election Day, and the Parliamentary Registry Office is reminding all registered voters that all polling stations will be open from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Registered voters are strongly encouraged to verify their registration details and polling station locations in advance of tomorrow to ensure a smooth voter experience and to avoid any delays.
Registered voters are reminded to bring valid identification to the polling station.
Acceptable forms of ID include a passport, Bermuda driver’s license, Special Persons Card, Voter Identification Card, or an employee identification card with a photo, signature, and date of birth.
Also, when entering a polling station, the following items are not permitted, helmets, cameras (cellphone, video or any other electronic device with a camera).
Lastly, workers are entitled to time off from work in order to vote. Employees should make the requisite arrangements with their employers.
For the public’s reference, below is the full list of the 36 constituencies along with the corresponding polling station locations.
CONSTITUENCIES
1
St. George’s North
East End Primary School
2
St. George’s West
Penno’s Wharf Cruise Ship Terminal
3
St. David’s
Open Door Christian Assembly Fellowship Church Hall
Flipped for the PLP in 2020, returned to the OBA after the incumbent crossed the floor… a contest awaits in C9
OBA incumbent Vance Campbell will seek to hold Smith’s West against the PLP’s Shomari Talbot-Woolridge and independent Dwight Jackson.
This contest has a storied past… Former PLP Minister for the Cabinet Office Vance Campbell flipped the seat from the OBA in 2020, but crossed the floor to the OBA in August 2024.
Say that voting for FDM or an independent is a vote for the OBA
Governing with fairness at the heart of every decision. The Progressive Labour Party this morning calling on the electorate to give them their vote, and their trust, tomorrow at the ballot box.
Premier David Burt taking to the podium at Alaska Hall, flanked by party candidates. He says that the country has a choice to make—a choice that has implications for the next few years and future generations.
Contrasting the PLP with the opposition One Bermuda Alliance, Premier Burt says that his government is committed to fairness and not “just platitudes”.
Bermuda, under Progressive Labour Party leadership, is a country where neither a young person’s skin colour or surname is a barrier to their success.
The One Bermuda Alliance, Premier Burt warns, could jeopardise this balance—pointing to the opposition’s decision to run Pathways to Status creator Michael Fahy as a candidate in the General Election.
Should the PLP come out on top tomorrow, he says that the public can expect to see the opening of new senior daycare centres, a continued increase of seniors’ pensions, and more opportunities created for students through scholarships and access to funding.
The Bermuda Broadcasting Company’s Jasmine Patterson asked the Premier, “How do you overcome the apathy that voters might be feeling?” The Premier said that the fight against apathy begins on the doorstep, with party members meeting voters’ concerns through face-to-face canvassing.
Addressing the island’s general discontent with the cost of living, Premier Burt said that Bermuda is at the mercy of global economic tides but his party would work to soften the blow.
You can watch the full press conference, in addition to the media Q&A, below:
Football: Canada coasts to U17 Men’s Fifa World Cup
There would be no fairytale ending for the young Gombey Warriors. With the score tied 1-1 at the break, the Canadians found another gear in the second half, unleashing a barrage of six goals, to seal a dominant 7-1 victory. Another masterclass by Team Canada, who booked their spot in the Under-17 Men’s FIFA World Cup this fall.
“The people are calling for something new, balanced, practical and effective”
Free Democratic Union update via press release:
FDM: A Coalition Government Is Possible—And It’s What Bermuda Needs
With Premier David Burt’s recent remarks dismissing the possibility of a coalition government, the Free Democratic Movement (FDM) wants to set the record straight. Bermuda is changing, and the people are driving that change.
With 109 candidates contesting this election—more than ever before—it is clear that Bermudians are ready for something different. The rise of the FDM and a record number of independents signals a growing dissatisfaction with both the PLP and the OBA. Voters are looking for a new way forward, and our position is that a coalition government is not only possible but could provide the best path to effective governance.
A Coalition Government: A Likely and Practical Outcome
Premier Burt suggests that only the PLP or OBA can form the next government, but the numbers tell a different story. With so many candidates in this election, a clear majority for any single party is far from guaranteed. This opens the door to a more collaborative, representative government that better reflects the diverse views of Bermuda’s people.
The FDM is prepared to be a key player in shaping Bermuda’s future. Unlike independents, we are a unified movement with a clear vision and structured policies that will advance our national interest. While we remain focused on securing seats, we recognize that our negotiable power will play a decisive role in determining the future of Bermuda’s leadership.
Scenario: Seats Won and FDM’s Negotiable Power Let’s consider the following election results:
● Free Democratic Movement (FDM): 5 seats
● Progressive Labour Party (PLP): 15 seats
● One Bermuda Alliance (OBA): 13 seats
● Independent Candidates: 3 seats
● Total Seats in Assembly: 36 seats
In this scenario, the PLP holds the most seats, but does not have a majority. While the OBA has a strong presence with 13 seats, it is the FDM with 5 seats that holds the decisive, negotiable power. The FDM has the ability to determine who forms the next government and which policies are advanced. The support of the FDM will be crucial to achieving a majority in the House of Assembly.
The FDM’s leverage lies in our ability to naturally align with the PLP, and we will do so only under the right conditions. We are committed to ensuring that Bermuda’s leadership is grounded in freedom, responsibility, and exemplifies via genuine service to the people, and we will not compromise on these core values.
FDM’s Position: A Willingness to Work with the PLP—Under the Right Conditions
In recent years, the PLP’s governance has raised concerns. The formation of the FDM and the rise of independent candidates demonstrate that Bermudians are not satisfied with the way the country has been led.
While the OBA has struggled to regain public confidence, the FDM is open to working with the PLP—but only if they are serious about making meaningful internal reforms.
The future of Bermuda demands a new standard of governance—one built on transparency, integrity, and real service.
If the PLP is willing to be open to change, adopt a higher level of responsibility, and embrace a more collaborative and solution-driven government, then working together could be a viable path forward.
However, the days of unchecked power combined with low political standards are over.
The Bermuda of tomorrow requires leadership that is ready to evolve, and the FDM is prepared to be at the forefront of that change.
The FDM is not here to play political games with our people’s wellbeing.
If a coalition government is the best way to restore faith in leadership and deliver real results, we are ready to be part of that solution.
Bermuda’s Political Landscape Is Changing—The FDM Is Ready
This election is not business as usual. The old two-party system is being challenged, and the people are calling for something new, balanced, practical and effective.
Premier Burt may try to dismiss the idea of a coalition, but Bermudians are looking for leadership.
Whether through FDM-led policies or a coalition that ensures responsible governance, we are committed to helping shape Bermuda’s future.
The question is no longer if change is coming—it’s how it will take shape.
The FDM is here to be a voice of reason, accountability, and action, ensuring that Bermudians get the leadership they seek. In this endeavor, we will think right, speak the truth, and do good.
For more information on the FDM’s vision for Bermuda, visit fdmbda.com or contact us at vote@fdmbermuda.com.
Four-way race in Sandys North shapes up as one to watch
Continuing our election spotlight series, we turn our attention to Constituency 36, Sandys North, where voters face a four-way contest in the upcoming election.
This race sees Dr Rev. Emily Gail Dill of the Progressive Labour Party defending her seat against Carl Neblett of the One Bermuda Alliance, Independent candidate Cire Bean, and the Free Democratic Movement’s Shalleya Codrington.
You’ll recall that Rev. Dill won the seat for the PLP in a by-election last year.
“We will replace distrust, reluctance and apathy with hope, vision and initiative.”
Update via One Bermuda Alliance press release:
In less than 24 hours, we get to decide who will lead Bermuda for the next five years. That’s no small thing. Especially considering the challenges we face.
We all know about the state of the roads, the backbreaking cost of living, the confusion around education reform and the healthcare system that seems to provide neither care nor health.
We know about our increasing homelessness, our lack of housing and our food insecurity. We know about our stagnant wages, closing businesses and crime.
We all know about the sense of apathy, reluctance and a lack of trust in politics, “more of the same”.
We also know that problems do not fix themselves. We know that it is insane to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. And we know that these problems will remain so long as good people do nothing.
I can assure you that good people have decided to act. Good people with vision and hope, relentless in effort, focused and determined.
People who have a history of working on solutions before others even knew there was a problem.
The One Bermuda Alliance has the team, the solutions and willingness, to get things turned around, and can start on day one.
We will replace distrust, reluctance and apathy with hope, vision and initiative. We will respect your vote because we know that which we obtain too easily, is esteemed too lightly.
We will respect your voice, not find ways to diminish it. We will build a government that you will be proud of, and that will fulfil the dreams of our forefathers and -mothers.
Vote for a better Bermuda, vote for better politics, vote for inclusive solutions, vote for hope and change, vote for the One Bermuda Alliance.
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