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PLP unveils full slate of 36 candidates

Alisa Bernardo
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PLP unveils full slate of 36 candidates

Women make up just over a third of the team

Credit: Bernews

Party leader and Premier David Burt said the line-up features the “largest slate of women from any political party in Bermuda’s history.”

Unveiling the confirmed candidates one by one at the Progressive Labour Party headquarters, Premier Burt described them as a “hardworking team of Bermudians” who are “ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work for you.”

He added that they are “leaders who reflect the strength, intellect, experience, and unshakable spirit of our people.”

The candidates are as follows:

Constituency #1, St. George’s North: Renee Ming

Constituency #2, St. George’s West: Kim Swan

Constituency #3, St. David’s: Lovitta Foggo

Constituency #4, St. George’s South: Tinee Furbert

Constituency #5, Hamilton East: Leroy Bean

Constituency #6, Hamilton West: Wayne Furbert

Constituency #7, Hamilton South: Anthony Richardson

Constituency #8, Smiths South: Lauren Bell

Constituency #9, Smith’s West: Shomari Talbot-Woolridge

Constituency #10, Smith’s North: Lindsay Simmons

Constituency #11, Devonshire East: Chris Famous

Constituency #12, Devonshire South Central: Andre Famous

Constituency #13, Devonshire North Central: Diallo Rabain

Constituency #14, Devonshire North West: Alexa Lightbourne

Constituency #15, Pembroke East: Owen Darrell

Constituency #16, Pembroke East Central: Michael Weeks

Constituency #17, Pembroke Central: Jason Hayward

 Constituency #18, Pembroke West Central: David Burt

Constituency #19, Pembroke West, Jache Adams

Constituency #20, Pembroke South West: Iesha Musson

Constituency #21, Pembroke South East: Curtis Dickinson

Constituency #22, Paget East: Dawn Simmons

Constituency #23, Paget West: Kim Wilkerson

Constituency #24, Warwick South East: Lawrence Scott

Constituency #25, Warwick North East: Joanne Ball Burgess

Constituency #26, Warwick South Central: Neville Tyrrell

Constituency #27, Warwick North Central: Paul Wilmot

Constituency #28, Warwick West: Dennis Lister III

Constituency #29, Southampton East: Zane Desilva

Constituency #30, Southampton East Central: Mischa Fubler

Constituency #31, Southampton West Central: Crystal Caesar

Constituency #32, Southampton West: Scott Simmons

Constituency #33, Sandys South: Jamahl Simmons

Constituency #34, Sandys South Central: Kim Wilson

Constituency #35, Sandys North Central: Dennis Lister

Constituency #36, Sandys North: Rev. Dr. Emily Gail Dill

Waving MSA students brighten commuters’ day

Grae Minors
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Waving MSA students brighten commuters’ day

Celebrating their Catholic heritage by spreading good cheer

MSA students holding posters with uplifting slogans (BBC, 2025)

Mount Saint Agnes Academy students were out in full force this morning, greeting rush-hour commuters with waves and cheers. The school is celebrating the culmination of ‘Catholic Schools Week’, highlighting the academy’s history and heritage. Pupils and teachers alike could be seen lined-up along Dundonald Street and

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Anna Faria-Machado says that spreading joy to City workers this morning is in line with the school’s ethos. “It’s a big part, giving back to the community. Letting them see our joy in honouring who we are. We’re very community-minded, and if there’s any way we can brighten everyone’s day as we head off to work, that’s what we’ll do.” You can watch the heartwarming action, below.

Opposition condemns act of political vandalism

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Opposition condemns act of political vandalism

OBA candidate for C25 Dr. Douglas De Couto on receiving end of targeted act

Torn campaign poster of OBA C25 candidate Dr. Douglas De Couto

Via prelease from opposition One Bermuda Alliance Deputy Leader, Ben Smith:

“The One Bermuda Alliance invites the Progressive Labour Party, the Free Democratic Movement, and all other candidates to join us in categorically condemning all political vandalism and destructive actions. We invite them to join us in asking their members and supporters to operate in a constructive manner focused on the needs of Bermudians, and the merits of the various plans proposed by the parties and candidates.”

“OBA Candidate in Warwick Northeast, Douglas De Couto, installed a banner in Warwick on private property. This heavy duty banner was recently cut out of its frame and thrown on the ground, an act of vandalism that required heavy duty tools and planning ahead of time.”

“We in the OBA are ready and willing to engage with voters on our platform and plans (http://oba.bm), and look forward to engaging with the public on how we will address their needs and improve the lives of every Bermudians.”

– Deputy Leader Ben Smith

Minister apologises after abrupt ending to press conference

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Minister apologises after abrupt ending to press conference

Owen Darrell had been questioned about immigration policy

Minister Darrell: “It’s important to address questions from the media.”  Photo: PLP

A government minister has apologized for abruptly leaving a press conference at PLP headquarters.
Yesterday’s press conference was ostensibly about the party’s youth programmes, but Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, opened with an attack on the OBA for rolling out Michael Fahy as a candidate. As an OBA government minister, Mr. Fahy had been the frontman for what proved to be the controversial Pathways to Status initiative.
After fielding multiple questions on the PLP’s immigration policy, Mr. Darrell and Jache Adams, Junior Finance Minister, eventually walked out of the press conference.
In a statement last night, Minister Owen Darrell stated: “Today’s PLP Press conference did not end up in the way that it should have, and on behalf of the Progressive Labour Party, I apologise for the abrupt ending. Regardless of how they are received by the party or its candidates, it is important to address questions from the media. I unreservedly apologise and will continue to represent the PLP and the residents of Constituency 15 to the best of my ability.” 
A spokesperson from the PLP stated: “The Progressive Labour Party acknowledges and fully supports this apology from Minister Darrell. We stand behind the commitment to ensuring positive interactions with the media and the public.
“As we move forward, we remain dedicated to upholding the highest standard of engagement in all interactions, particularly during this election season.”

Weekend events commemorate 1965 BELCO crisis

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Weekend events commemorate 1965 BELCO crisis

Free events include informal presentations and a moment of observance

Sunday, February 2, 2025 will mark the 60th Anniversary of the ‘65 BELCO Crisis, a pivotal milestone in our Island’s shared history. The word ‘Crisis’ reflects both ‘Danger’ on the one hand and ‘Opportunity’ on the other. That particular crisis emerged during a sustained campaign to gain the right of 90 BELCO workers to ‘Collectively Bargain’ for better wages.

On the morning of February 2, 1965 a spate of violent confrontation between workers and police, led to some of the most challenging times our Island had ever experienced. However, within days our society emerged, experiencing a dawning transformation; eventually birthing a better Bermuda.

Today, on Friday, January 31, stakeholders – BELCO management, the Bermuda Industrial Union, the Electrical Supply Trade Union and Imagine Bermuda – are collaborating in an Observance on BELCO’s campus, involving current employees and a limited number of the public, given safety matters.

Additionally, on Sunday, February 2, 2025, our whole community is being invited to join in reflecting on those challenging times, as well as celebrating the transformative outcomes that emerged; this, in the spirit of reconciliation. :

1. For 9 am on Sunday, Feb. 2nd, Bishop Dill has invited the Island’s various Anglican Churches to ring their Bells for 60 secs – commemorating the resolution of that Crisis.

2. From 4 – 6 pm Sunday Feb 4th, there will be a Family Friendly Gathering at the Devonshire Recreation Club – celebrating the lemons producing lemonade in 1965, with a free relaxed event, which will include brief informal oral presentations and uplifting music:

Brief reflections by some ‘witnesses’ of the Crisis- both union activists and former Policemen – nb Andrew Bermingham and Roger Sheratt.

· Current leaders will briefly share some views. For instance; one rep from each of the 3 Political Parties + an ‘Independent’ – are being invited to offer a 6 – minute response to the question – “ Why is it vital that we make our entire community fully aware of our shared legacy?”

· Musical entertainment will include outstanding local artists, donating their talent in the Spirit of ‘65: Gene Steede, ‘Live Wires’, Willard Burch, ‘Juggling J’, Chewstick, and more.

· Manifesting that Rallying spirit, there will be some Free food available – eg. Soup.

An event spokesperson says that “this free event captures the essence of the light that eventually emerged in 1965; reflecting our community collaborative spirit as we sustain Always Learning.”

Bermuda Tonight – 30 January 2025

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda Tonight – 30 January 2025

FDM founder Marc Bean returns home to Southampton West

Alisa Bernardo
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FDM founder Marc Bean returns home to Southampton West

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.”

Pentagon probes crash by ‘experienced’ Black Hawk crew, halts flights

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Pentagon probes crash by ‘experienced’ Black Hawk crew, halts flights

No survivors in American Eagle flight 5342 and military helicopter

A U.S. flag flies, as search and rescue teams work near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, in the aftermath of the collision of American Eagle flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into the Potomac River, in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., January 30, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Army helicopter that collided with a passenger jet near Washington was being operated on a training flight by a “fairly experienced crew” with night-vision goggles, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday, as the Pentagon ordered a 48-hour pause in flying for the Virginia-based unit involved.

In addition, Daniel Driscoll, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Army secretary, told a Senate hearing that the crash on Wednesday night appears to have been preventable, and he raised questions about whether training should take place near a busy airport.

The Black Hawk helicopter struck an American Airlines passenger jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, with both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River. Authorities have said there were no survivors. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The airport is located in Arlington, Virginia, across the river from Washington.

In a video statement, Hegseth said there was a crew of three soldiers on the training flight. Officials have not identified the soldiers involved.

“It was a fairly experienced crew and it was doing a required annual night evaluation,” Hegseth said in the video.

“We anticipate that the investigation will quickly be able to determine whether the aircraft was in the corridor and at the right altitude at the time of the incident,” Hegseth added.

During an appearance later with Trump at the White House, Hegseth told reporters that there appears to have been an elevation issue with the Black Hawk, and said Army investigators were on the ground looking into the matter.

Jonathan Koziol, a retired Army aviator, briefed Pentagon reporters that the instructor pilot, who was the designated pilot in command, had 1,000 flying hours while the other pilot had 500 hours.

Koziol said that the route over the Potomac river, known as Route 4, was flown regularly and would have been relatively easy for experienced pilots like the ones aboard the helicopter. He added that the crew would have been using visual cues and interacting with air traffic control to ensure that they avoided any risk.

“This should not have been a problem,” Koziol said, adding that the maximum altitude for Route 4 was 200 feet. It is unclear how high the Black Hawk was flying.

The helicopter was from the 12th Aviation Battalion, which is based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The unit, which is responsible for helicopter flights in the U.S. capital area and can be used to carry senior U.S. government officials, will be grounded for 48 hours, Hegseth said. Reuters was first to report on the operational pause.

One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that other helicopters, like those from the National Guard, could be allowed to help in recovery efforts following the crash.

Driscoll appeared on Thursday at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“I am seeing the same things I believe you are, on television. It is an accident that seems to be preventable from what we can tell today,” Driscoll told the senators.

Driscoll added that if he was confirmed there would be a focus on a culture of safety in the Army.

“I think we might need to look at where is an appropriate time to take training risk, and it may not be near an airport like Reagan,” Driscoll added.

Military helicopters are a common sight around the Washington region that is home to numerous military bases. It is not uncommon for the military to order pauses after accidents or crashes.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Editing by Will Dunham, Chizu Nomiyama and Nick Zieminski)

‘The OBA / UBP has not changed’

Grae Minors
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‘The OBA / UBP has not changed’

PLP puts Opposition in its crosshairs, engages in lively exchange with reporters

‘Pathways to Status 2.0’ is what the country will find themselves facing if the One Bermuda Alliance is successful in next month’s election.
A claim sternly delivered by the Progressive Labour Party’s Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, at a PLP press conference this afternoon.
The claim comes shortly after the OBA unveiled Michael Fahy, an arguably divisive political figure, as its candidate in C20 Pembroke South West.
Mr. Darrell, representative for C15 Pembroke East, was joined by party peer and candidate for C19 Pembroke West, Jache Adams.
The occasion was slated to be a moment for the PLP to spotlight their work in the realm of youth engagement via scholarships, sponsorships, and international partnerships.
However, the bulk of the press conference was given to the revisiting of historical inter-party differences and a spirited exchange with members of the media.
Watch the full press conference, above.

Ball and Weeks take on C20 and C12

Grae Minors
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Ball and Weeks take on C20 and C12

Political veteran joins forces with newcomer for campaign announcement

“We need creativity, we need innovation, we need out-of-the-box thinking…If I were to be a part of the PLP or the OBA, I’m walking into a structure that’s already put together with their ‘idea’, and I’d have to fall into place.” Sentiments expressed by Ms. Mstira Weeks, independent candidate for Constituency 12 Devonshire South Central.

The business owner says that she decided to run in next month’s general election due to being generally unhappy with the direction of the country. Listing the strained relationship that many small business owners have with The Customs Department, Ms. Weeks wants to see a shift in the way that department interacts with entrepreneurs. Her daughter’s future was also a major determining factor in her decision to join the race to February 18th. “I’m stepping in because I want Bermuda to be better. I want to leave something for my daughter, and her children’s children.”

Ms. Weeks questioned career politicians’ ability to remain objective on key issues. More specifically, asking whether party-affiliated individuals would seek the best course of action for Bermuda on a given issue, or tow the party-line at the expense of following their conscience. “I can come to the table and keep my integrity. If a decision is being made, I can fight that (it’s the wrong decision) for the people.”

Reiterating the opinion that party-affiliated members of parliament sometimes put their party over their personal beliefs, Ms. Weeks states her position on that matter plainly. “I don’t need to be a yes-woman…I can get up from the table and say ‘this decision is not going to be good for Bermuda. It would tank my integrity, and I can walk away.”

The C12 hopeful has yet to begin canvassing in earnest, but believes that her understanding of the issues that plague the average Bermudian puts her in good stead. When asked why she decided to run in this election cycle, Ms. Weeks did not mince her words. “Are we going to continue to suffer in silence? Are we going to continue to complain? Or are we going to say ‘someone get up and do something’? And for me, it’s get up and do something.”

Mr. Vic Ball, formerly with the opposition One Bermuda Alliance, is running as an independent in Constituency 20 Pembroke South West. Mr. Ball had his OBA membership withdrawn late last year, following his somewhat controversial replacement in Smith’s West by Vance Campbell. Citing actions contrary to the party’s principles, the OBA Executive Committee ousted the former C9 candidate from the party due to behaviour that they said was “unbecoming of an OBA candidate and, ultimately, has already or will likely bring the party into disrepute.”

When asked whether or not there was any merit to detractors who accuse him of running as an independent to spite his former party, Mr. Ball provides a less cynical take. “The One Bermuda Alliance did expel me because I spoke to the press, and I still believe I have something to offer…I’m doing this because I believe in Bermuda and I want to make a difference. I want to be an agent of change, and if party politics is not that way then I have chosen to be an independent where I can be free to express myself how I want, and be able to galvanise the country forward. It has nothing to do with trying to spite the OBA in any way, shape, or form. I wish the OBA the best.”

Tackling the sentiment that support for independent candidates is driven by misplaced cynicism and unrealistic idealism, Mr. Ball offered a rational reply. “I believe that the majority of people, if the PLP were doing a good job, would be very happy. There wouldn’t even be a need for independents at this point. There would be no independents even showing up. The fact that there are probably twenty or more independents that are showing up in this election is suggestive of the fact that the Progressive Labour Party are not doing a good job, and people are tired of it. Everyone wants to see a change, and people are saying ‘I’ll throw my hat in the ring, I’m gonna try and make a difference’. That is what Mstira and I are doing.”

You can view the full roll-out and interview, below.

Fahy addresses previous controversies over immigration 

Alisa Bernardo
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Fahy addresses previous controversies over immigration 

Full speech here:

“Thank you all for coming today and joining me for the announcement as the OBA candidate for Constituency 20 Pembroke South West.

First of all I thank the support of my wife Eimear, my children Aydin, Nasser, Zarah and Éirinn, the rest of my family and my late father who passed in February last year. Today in fact would’ve been my parents 50th wedding anniversary.

Also let me thank Susan Jackson who served her constituency well and was an excellent representative for the people of C 20.

And also the OBA leaders and other candidates who I have discussed this candidacy with in frank discussions.

For me, it has been a journey to get to this space to be chosen by the One Bermuda Alliance to run in a general election.

For some this decision may seem strange given some of the events between 2012 and 2017 and my inevitable attachment to many, especially the One Bermuda Alliance’s efforts on immigration reform.

Over the years there have been many who have vilified what I and the OBA attempted to do, so let me address some of those matters upfront.

I think it’s very important to remember that after the 2012 election the OBA came into Government and things were really not what they should have been.

We were put into an unenviable position of having to examine ways in which to bring money and income into the country, keep money and people from leaving and also increase our population.

One of those ideas to try and achieve the goal of encouraging people and capital to remain was to offer PRC to those who had been in Bermuda for 15 years and status to those who had been here for 20 years plus. That is hardly “opening the floodgates” when the very people that would have applied were already here.

The truth is the word floodgate is a political phrase to undermine progress. Period. The aim was always to ensure we prevented emigration – the plan would essentially help Bermudians by keeping capital and money on the island, increase the tax base and our pension pool. Over the years that narrative has changed into me and the OBA being anti-Bermudian – Nothing could be further from the truth – especially having at the time 3 Bermudian children, now four.

Franky the OBA, a party I helped to found, has done a poor job in trying to explain what we were doing.

Since then the current government has in fact made similar announcements about the state of our economy, and the need for 8000 or so new people to come to our shores. Numerous comments have been made by any number of alphabet groups that immigration is required to have a sustainable economy and I would say that in fact, many of the policies that were being pursued back in 2012 to 2017 have seen their way through to today, including a civil penalties regime and revamped work permit policy. Immigration need not be such a poisoned word.

What has been a game changer for me has been the number of people who have spoken to me over the last number of years telling me me how they got it wrong in terms of what we were trying to do – including some who were on front line protests. I also accept things could have been done differently by me and the OBA and have said as much. Thank you. It means a lot to have those discussions

With that said I am not here today to continuously go back and look all at the of the past events. I am far from perfect and have put my hands up and accepted failings and accepted where we could have done better.

Sometimes people’s perceptions are their reality. And I take the view once you have an opportunity to meet me and chat with me, you will not see the person that at times had a picture of me painted in the media of a villain – in fact like all of us I have friends in the PLP, FDM and with independents.

What I am here today to do is look to the future and that is why I put my name forward to represent the people of Constituency 20 and do a job for all.

As I’ve said I have enjoyed any number of conversations over the last number of years explaining certain policies assisting where I can and yes, in some circumstances, giving guidance to supporters of the current government. That is the nature of Bermuda and what I’m looking to do here is to stand up for all Bermudians.

If in Government we will listen – we will have a broad church to get the best for all of us. If in opposition we can still agree where agreement is a good idea. However it is also important to put forward alternative visions and alternative views for open and healthy debate – after all, that’s what democracy is about.

I am an individual who will listen and when I was a government minister, I did a lot of listening. I also took and made many decisions from assisting to get the St Regis hotel going, the Loren built, to helping get the triathlon World Series events to come to Bermuda when I was part of a team with with Flora Duffy, and I helped reduce grocery bills by 10% for 18 months on Wednesdays. I introduced minicar legislation, the UNESCO World Heritage Fund for st George’s and was part of a team that got cruise-ships to St George’s with a dedicated NCL ferry – all of which are still intact.

Decisions were made and there are numerous, but we have to stand by those decisions. What I’m looking to today is to say we’re here to listen. We’re here to assist. We’re here to represent the people of this wonderful and beautiful island.

My wife Eimear and my almost 8 month old daughter Érinn are also here today (my other three children are in school) – part of doing this is because I, like everyone , want a secure and happy future for their children.

And I know that I can contribute to that and should the voters of C 20 choose me I look forward to representing them.

Your past does not define you.

I’m happy to answer any questions. Thank you.”

Michael Fahy, OBA candidate for Constituency 20, Pembroke South West

Michael Fahy rolled out in OBA stronghold

Gary Foster Skelton
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Michael Fahy rolled out in OBA stronghold

The ‘Pathways to Status’ front man will replace Susan Jackson in Pembroke South West

Michael Fahy, the former OBA government’s Home Affairs Minister contests C20: Pembroke South West Photo: Bermuda Broadcasting

Michael Fahy, former OBA senator and Minister of Home Affairs, is returning to front line politics to run in the February 18th General Election.

The One Bermuda Alliance today announced his candidacy for OBA stronghold, Constituency 20: Pembroke South West, replacing retiring Susan Jackson.

Ms Jackson held the seat with nearly 80% of the vote in the October 2020 snap election.

Michael Fahy served as the OBA Senate Leader and Minister of Home Affairs during their tenure from 2012-2017.

He is widely seen as the face of the OBA’s controversial ‘Pathways to Status’, which sought to allow people residing and working in Bermuda for 20 years or more to apply for Bermudian status.

Making his formal remarks in front of media at his party’s headquarters, Mr Fahy acknowledged that some might find his return to politics “strange” given past controversies but asserted, “your past does not define you.”

He stated that over the years, many had “vilified what [he] and the OBA attempted to do” and expressed his desire to set the record straight. Defending the ‘Pathways to Status’ initiative, Mr Fahy argued that it was intended to encourage people and capital to remain on the island.

“That is hardly “opening the floodgates” when the very people that would have applied were already here,” he said, dismissing the term “floodgate” as a “political phrase to undermine progress.”

“The aim was always to ensure we prevented emigration – the plan would essentially help Bermudians by keeping capital and money on the island, increase the tax base and our pension pool,” he explained.

Mr. Fahy admitted that the OBA did a “poor job” of explaining its intentions at the time and expressed his commitment to focusing on the future.

“We were in a position between 2012 and 2017 – it was tough and sometimes those perceptions become reality,” he said.

“The fact is, I was in the Senate and was put forward into portfolios, many times that were very difficult where a lot of things had to be done and you can’t always be popular. Sometimes, you’ve got to make decisions that you know in your heart are right, maybe mispackaged, and maybe I was the wrong person to present them, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that we are ready to represent the people of this country in government.”

Citing his personal motivation, Mr Fahy added, “ … I, like everyone , want a secure and happy future for their children. And I know that I can contribute to that and should the voters of C 20 choose me I look forward to representing them.”

You can read Mr Fahys remarks in full, HERE.

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