BDA, post-election: 'We're now on the political map'

BDA candidate Sylvan Richards Jnr. believes his candidacy has helped put the party on the “political map”.

Mr. Richards, who finished third in the Warwick South Central by-election with 70 votes, said the result did not feel like a defeat.

Former senator Marc Bean won the ballot to become the youngest MP. He grabbed 310 votes, with the UBP’s Devrae Noel-Simmons taking 78.

Following the election, Mr. Richards, the first ever candidate for the BDA said he “thoroughly” enjoyed the experience: “We had a very realistic goal and we almost achieved it.

“Basically, we have a situation where a party that’s been around for just over a year, made up of people who haven’t gotten into politics, who came within eight votes of beating a party that’s been around for 40 years.

“I don’t see it as defeat. We are now on the political map. I understand the political process. We have to continue to work hard.”

 “It [canvassing] forced me to get out of the insurance bubble. I work in international business.

“This experience broadened me as a person. I have made new friends. I have met some good people. I heard different views on Bermuda and where people think it should go. I enjoyed listening to people. They’re really concerned about the direction of the country.  I really enjoyed that aspect of it.”

Mr. Richards said it was a “learning experience” for him and the party: “We put down a foundation that we will build upon”, he added.

Meanwhile Opposition Leader Kim Swan said Bermuda needs a strong opposition due to Government’s failures.

“Bermuda politics does not change overnight. It took the PLP 30 years to win the Government-30 years to win more than 50 percent of the vote.

“The United Bermuda Party understands the political landscape today and recognizes that we are engaged in a long-term campaign to win the support of the island.

“That day will come, I think sooner rather than later.”

Mr. Swan continued: “People today are deeply concerned. They can see the island heading in the wrong direction.

“They know Bermuda can’t keep going down the path we’re on. And they know that the PLP Government has been leading them down it.

“Change must come, and the United Bermuda Party will continue to speak for that change.”

Speaking after Mr. Bean’s win, Premier Paula Cox said: “I look forward to our newest MP Mr. Marc Bean joining the PLP Government team and I congratulate him.

“He is a thinker, cares passionately about his community and connects with people. I consider him to be a worthy addition to the PLP Government team and am personally very pleased for him and proud of him and how he conducted himself. It took blood, sweat and tears.

“He has earned his spurs and I know that he knows that there is much work to be done and is ready, willing and able to do his part.” 

Mr. Bean was unavailable for comment.