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FDM’s “wacky ideas” won’t sway voters, says PLP

Gary Foster Skelton
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FDM’s “wacky ideas” won’t sway voters, says PLP

A spokesperson said the FDM “doesn’t care enough to work for you between elections”

The Progressive Labour Party responded to Omar Dill’s comments today, after he was rolled out as the Free Democratic Movement candidate for C18 Pembroke West Central.

The Free Democratic Movement chairman will challenge the PLP Leader and the OBA’s Nikky Gurret for Constituency 18, Pembroke West Central.

Mr Dill said voting out Premier David Burt is “not just the best thing for Bermuda, it’s also the best thing for the PLP.”

A PLP spokesperson responded, saying “The FDM can dive into the gutter and hurl personal attacks… The constituents of C18 will not be swayed by personal attacks, conspiracy theories, or wacky ideas with a desire to prop up the OBA. Sadly, that is all the FDM are offering.”

Full PLP statement below:

“Our Party Leader, Premier Burt, remains focused on creating a fairer Bermuda for all. It matters not so much who else is running but more about what this Government has done for the residents of C18, and how the Party Leader has represented and connected with the people of Pembroke West Central for the past 13 years.
“The FDM can dive into the gutter and hurl personal attacks, but the PLP knows what the FDM feel in their hearts – that if people took a look at the FDM’s policies and their burning desire to unite with the OBA, voters would reject them soundly.
“The constituents of C18 will not be swayed by personal attacks, conspiracy theories, or wacky ideas with a desire to prop up the OBA. Sadly, that is all the FDM are offering.
“The voters of C18 appreciate increased pensions, expanded child care, lower taxes for workers and small business owners, and the support we have implemented for first-time homeowners. While voters in C18 understand that the PLP is not perfect, they know that the PLP has been a consistent presence in and around the community for the last 4 years, and not just at election time.
“The FDM has not.
“C18 and Bermuda have a choice – embrace an entity that doesn’t care enough to work for you between elections, supports radical immigration policies to open the immigration floodgates, and wants to scrap rent control OR a PLP that will oppose those extreme policies and fight for a fairer Bermuda for all of us…and not just at election time.“

Putting Sessions House on canvas

Gary Foster Skelton
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Putting Sessions House on canvas

Painter Otto Trott is drawing inspiration from the election season

We all might be getting hot under the collar with election fever, but local artist Otto Trott is letting the season be his inspiration.

Today, he was on the lawn of Sessions House, putting part of the currently unused building on canvas.

Mr Trott is taking part in the Strada Easel Challenge, by producing a painting every day in January and posting a photo of the work online.

For his 29th day of the contest, in the middle of election season, Mr Trott decided to paint the door to Sessions House “because this is the entrance… to where everybody wants to go.”

Justin Mathias launches independent bid for Warwick North East

Alisa Bernardo
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Justin Mathias launches independent bid for Warwick North East

He also called on other candidates to ditch their party labels

Justin Mathias has formally announced his candidacy for Constituency 25, Warwick North East.

The investment industry professional said he wants his constituency to put aside the “pettiness of politics” and re-build the community spirit that Bermuda once had.

Speaking to the media, Mr Mathias outlined a series of initiatives he hopes to implement if elected, including a commitment to donate half of his MP salary to establish a community fund for C25 and a plan to support transport services for the pink route ferry.

“I think the most important part is that I’m pledging to put my salary in there,” Mr Mathias said. “We could get donations for grocery vouchers for families in need. We can get support workers. I have a lot of seniors in my constituency. Instead of us building all these rest homes, why aren’t we getting support workers so that people can live in their home and die in their home in dignity?”

He also proposed a minibus service that would run from Cobbs Hill through Ord Road, up Longford Hill, and back via Harbour Road, allowing residents to leave their cars at home and use the pink route ferry.

“The pink route needs to be supported, and that’s what I’m trying to do so that we can get improvements, we can get extra times,” he added.

A former chairman and candidate of the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA), Mr Mathias has been vocal about his rift with the party, asserting that it is not prepared to govern.

When asked whether he believed there was a stigma attached to those who switch or leave their parties, Mr Mathias said, “The stigma is only attached to the parties, right? The parties attack people who they term as traitors. It doesn’t come from the ordinary citizen. When I’m knocking on doors and canvassing, people are supporting me and saying I’m brave for stepping out. I’m brave to get out of toeing the party line. The only people criticising me are the people who want to keep the current system.”

Mr Mathias argued that the current political landscape is dominated by “too many self-servers” and made a bold appeal to candidates from both major parties, urging them to drop their party banners on Nomination Day and to run as independents.

“I believe there are good people within both organisations, and I know there are public servants in there, but people don’t get to see that. Politics is behind the scenes – we’re all friends, we’re all family. As much as you see the war happening on the public stage, it isn’t like that behind the scenes. And the people on both sides of the PLP and OBA know who I’m talking to. I hope they can see the light and see that what we really need in this election is public service.”

Following Mr Mathias’s campaign launch, a spokesperson for the PLP issued a statement reinforcing the party’s position.

“At the end of the day, either the Progressive Labour Party or a coalition of chaos led by the One Bermuda Alliance will be your government. A vote for any candidate other than the PLP is a vote to put the OBA back in charge.”

The OBA has yet to respond to Mr Mathias’s remarks.

Entrepreneur Steven Faries to contest C34 as an independent

Jasmine Patterson
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Entrepreneur Steven Faries to contest C34 as an independent

Steven Faries, a former One Bermuda Alliance member said he wants to offer constituents an alternative to party politicians

Independent candidate for C34, Sandy’s North Central, Steven Faries Photo: Bermuda Broadcasting

Entrepreneur and Somerset resident Steven Faries will run in constituency 34, Sandy’s South Central, as an independent candidate.

He joins the growing list of independents running, totaling 15 to date, in the February 18 General Election this year.
Mr. Faries announced his candidacy this afternoon at his business, The Flower Bar, on Reid Street in Hamilton.

He told media, he is ‘not a politician’ but rather wants to provide constituents with another option.

In particular, for those who may be dissatisfied with party politics.

He stated, “I can say that a lot of people that I’ve actually spoken to in my demographic which is between the ages of 35 and 45, they don’t really want to vote.

“They don’t have a desire to vote and I felt that it was my obligation to actually be that option for them or be voice for them if they really didn’t want to vote for either of the parties.”

Mr. Faries said he has not yet begun canvassing the constituency but said he is familiar with the area and the issues affecting residents. Most of them concern the level of care and support for senior citizens residing in the west end of the island and the state of the current education system.

As a business owner for 25 years, he said that he feels many aspiring entrepreneurs need mentorship and financial backing to help them get their ideas off the ground.

Mr. Faries said, “I’ve mentored many, specifically, young men who want to come around and open a business and they feel like they can’t. And I want to say that you can.

“I started my business from my garage and I’m here today with the business that I have, so just really empowering that message,” he added.

Asked about his previous membership with the opposition One Bermuda Alliance party in recent years, he said at that time, he left the party to concentrate on developing his business and it wasn’t a fit, causing him to take a step back.

He said, “It [politics] still became a passion of mine. I had heard about the independent movement and I wanted to be part of that movement . I felt it was something new that could be done and I think its going to be part of history. And I want to be apart of that.”

Mr. Faries will be in the running against incumbent Kim Wilson for the PLP and Chris Gauntlett for the OBA in C34 Sandy’s South Central.

For the full news conference, click the video below.

FDM’s Omar Dill will face off against Premier

Gary Foster Skelton
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FDM’s Omar Dill will face off against Premier

Free Democratic Movement chairman will contest C18: Pembroke West Central

Voting out Premier David Burt is best for Bermuda and the PLP, Omar Dill claimed today.

The Free Democratic Movement chairman will challenge the PLP Leader and the OBA’s Nikky Gurret for Constituency 18, Pembroke West Central.

“A fish rots from the head down,” Mr Dill said at a press conference today. “It’s time to cut out that rot.”

“Voting out this almost rogue leader of the PLP – it’s not just the best thing for Bermuda, it’s also the best thing for the PLP.”

Watch the full press conference above.

C25 Candidate Justin Mathias on independent candidates

Grae Minors
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C25 Candidate Justin Mathias on independent candidates

“We need real representation. We need real action.”

Former One Bermuda Alliance Chairman, Justin Mathias, speaking out following his public rift with the party. In a public statement issued a week ago—Mr. Mathias was highly critical of the OBA, saying it was in disarray and unprepared to govern.

The party’s deputy leader Ben Smith hit back, claiming Mr. Mathias was driven by a personal agenda, and that his run as an independent candidate was “a clear example why the electorate should be extremely wary about voting for independent candidates”.

We asked Mr. Mathias today about the timing of his decision to run as an independent, and he told us people are tired of politics as usual.

Bacardi’s ‘Art of the Pour’ bartending competition expands

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bacardi’s ‘Art of the Pour’ bartending competition expands

Winners of the event were comprised of some of the island’s top luxury hotels

Bacardi’s annual Art of the Pour bartending competition Photo: Bermuda Broadcasting

A story now to inspire Bermudians in the hospitality industry.
Jalen Harvey, Commercial Manager at Bacardi’s global headquarters, revamped the Art of the Pour Bartending competition to refocus it to being an industry-wide cocktail competition.
Eleven of Bermuda’s finest bars and restaurants competed for the title of Bermuda’s Best Cocktail.
Winners included Cambridge Beaches, the Loren at Pink Beach, White Horse Pub & Restaurant, The Reefs, Evolve, Stars Lounge, and Rosewood Tucker’s Point Bermuda.
Jalen Harvey gave us a recap of the competition and its impact on the community.

Bermudian mother and daughter graduate from Keele University

Jasmine Patterson
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Bermudian mother and daughter graduate from Keele University

The pair, Alys and Sarah Webber, both completed their Master’s degrees in the same year

Alys and Sarah Webber graduation ceremony at Keele University, UK Photo: Keele University

Like Mother, Like Daughter…. it seems after Sarah and Alys Webber earned their graduate degrees on the same day from Keele University in the UK.
Sarah graduated with an Masters in Education Leadership and Management last week, as her daughter, 24-year-old Alys, received her Master of Science in Technical Leadership in Analytical Science.
Both sported caps and gowns at their respective ceremonies.
Alys moved to the UK from Bermuda last year to complete her degree, with hopes of becoming a detective in Cheshire.
Mom Sarah, an aspiring author and former primary school teacher, completed her studies online from North Yorkshire.
She told the University magazine, “It’s something we can share together and look back on fondly for a long time.”

Ball-Burgess replaces Hodgson in C25

Jasmine Patterson
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Ball-Burgess replaces Hodgson in C25

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.

New independent candidate: Tiffany Paynter

Grae Minors
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New independent candidate: Tiffany Paynter

Former OUTBermuda Executive Director running in C2 St. George’s West

Tiffany Paynter: Independent Candidate for C2 St. George’s West

“Today I am running to fight for you. Seniors counting coins at the check-out, teachers buying food to feed their students…Hope is not passive, it requires action.” Words of inspiration and hope from Tiffany Paynter, announcing her candidacy in the February 18th General Election.

Joined by supporters and members of the media on the steps of Sessions House this morning, Ms. Paynter says that her decision to run as an independent was driven by the ruling Progressive Labour Party’s setting the election on a date where many young Bermudians would be abroad in school. “A tipping point was the PLP’s decision to cast the election with six weeks, and providing young people no opportunity to vote.”

Deciding to run in Constituency 2 St. George’s West, a seat currently held by the PLP’s Kim Swan, was an easy choice for Ms. Paynter. She grew up in St. George’s, experiencing firsthand a nuanced polarity that characterises the lives of many Bermudians. “I was raised by a bartender and a waitress working paycheck to paycheck to feed six kids… Growing up poor in government housing and attending Saltus. Head Girl by day, and packing groceries and walking dogs by night.” These are the experiences, she argues, that have allowed her to successfully build bridges “between diverse people, varying ideas, and between what is and what could be.”

Ms. Paynter’s work spans the business, non-profit, and government sectors, having most notably served as the Executive Director for LGBTQ-rights organisation OUTBermuda (2022-2024). Despite her public persona, she affirms that she is “not here for titles or accolades or a paycheck”, but to continue in a mission that champions hard work, smart work, service to the people of Bermuda.

Similar to her independent peers, Ms. Paynter takes issue with the state of party politics. She says that while parties may have worked in the past, they are no longer fit for purpose. Likening the opposition One Bermuda Alliance and PLP to toxic parents fighting in a boxing ring, she says that it’s the people who are ultimately left battered, bruised and apathetic.

“Every election cycle we’re asked to vote for the party, the devil you know, or the lesser of two evils. I reject that completely. I want someone to vote for, not someone to vote against.” She points to the historically low voter turn-out seen in the 2020 election compared to the cycle before it. Ms. Paynter says that the divisiveness created by political back-and-forth turns the people into rivals and enemies to the detriment of collective wellbeing. “The fight was never meant to be between us, it was meant to be for us…Parties put loyalty above progress, and the same old debates keep us stuck in the past.”

Highlighting the current work of independent candidates Cire Bean and Juanae Crockwell, Ms. Paynter reminding the public that the independents are individuals who are attempting to spark change at a grassroots level. She explains that while independents may lack the machine that the PLP and OBA have (slick press junkets, commercials, a media team), what they lack in frills they more than make-up for in heart and dedication. The independents are people “with fulltime jobs and no time” who are making time to get involved for the betterment of Bermuda.

Delivering Black American poet Gil Scott-Heron’s iconic line, Ms. Paynter reminding the public that “the revolution will not be televised.” She encourages the electorate to look beyond the narratives spun by the parties, and instead look at the individual candidates running in their constituencies before making an informed decision on voting day. As for what constituents in C2 can expect from Ms. Paynter should her candidacy be successful? At the moment, that will be wholly up to them. “I make no promises today because I need to listen first.”

Op-ed: Questions must be asked about Gilbert Institute development

Grae Minors
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Op-ed: Questions must be asked about Gilbert Institute development

“Government has decided to compete with current local businesses”

Rayki Bascome-Emery via press release: “The recent news that Gilbert Institute would be refurbished into a senior’s centre is a conflicting one. Whereas it is a good thing for the seniors, it spells the end of a school which has a legacy of over 75 years. Questions must be asked about this development. How can we continue to trust this government with renovation projects with the state of the grand Atlantic bleeding away taxpayers dollars by the day. Why is it being
announced during this election cycle? Surely the Honourable Premier had planned this project long ago. This looks and feels very much like a sloppy vote grab, similar to keeping West End School open where the families, students and teachers were not consulted or considered in this decision.”

“Going further it shows the weakness of our economy where a senior’s centre which would normally be the function of the private sector is now being managed by the Bermuda Government. Again, the Bermuda Government has decided to compete with current local businesses and potential local businesses. Making Bermuda a less attractive place to do business. What should have been done is a comprehensive review into the current market conditions to create a comparison between what we have currently and what we need for businesses like this to succeed. After boasting about tax breaks recently, I would assume the premier would extend those tax breaks to businesses that look to take care of our seniors. Subsiding cost on a per senior bases would have been much more cost effective and would have led to seniors getting the respect and care they deserve along with the growth of the economy that we do
desperately need.”

“I’d like to further suggest that this response coming from an independent candidate and the silence from the incumbent MP to be a damming indictment of the lack of representation for the people of constituency 22 Paget East. The incumbents lack of interest in the seat he chose to represent shows that the One Bermuda Alliance sees
constituency 22 as a safe seat that cannot be touched and the idea that safe seats exist due to party alliance is dead. The people want and deserve more from their elected officials.”

“In closing, I hope that the seniors of this country can see through this hollow attempt at vote grabbing and that the people of C22 use their voice on the 18th of February to find proper representation.”

BEDC expo aims to educate entrepreneurs

Grae Minors
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BEDC expo aims to educate entrepreneurs

Event includes workshops in AI and branding

The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) have announced their 3rd Annual Small Business Expo, taking place in the Discovery Hall at CedarBridge Academy, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event will feature twenty businesses and organizations providing support services to small
businesses. The Expo will hold four panel discussions, each tackling key topics to help entrepreneurs
and small business owners elevate their ventures:

Tech It Easy: AI for Your Business – Practical tips on leveraging AI to streamline
operations and enhance growth.

The Art of Attraction: Branding & Packaging – Exploring how effective design and
packaging can capture attention and communicate brand identity.

The Content Formula: Engaging Audiences with Impact – Insights on crafting
compelling content that connects with audiences and builds engagement.

Men in Business: Black Men Redefining Business – Celebrating the successes of Black
male entrepreneurs and the lessons learned along the way.

“We are delighted to host the Small Business Expo for its third year,” said Ondreyah
Rochester, MSME Officer and the officer responsible for the NEHEEZ. She added, “We are
hosting the event centrally this year in an effort to provide even more small business owners
with practical resources, valuable connections, and actionable insights to help them navigate
the ever-changing business landscape.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs and industry
experts, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships.
BEDC invites all entrepreneurs, small business owners, and members of the public to join this
dynamic event. Admission is free, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to start 2025 on the
right foot.


For more information and to register for the event, visit www.bedc.bm/events/.

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