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Nearly 50 years ago, a new American President named John F. Kennedy addressed an inauguration crowd in Washington, DC and said these historic words: "Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans."

Today is that time for Bermuda.

It's time for a new generation of Bermudians to free ourselves from the divisions of the past and lead our island and our democracy forward.

One of my opponents in the upcoming by-election in constituency #31 said that the PLP's historic 1998 victory was comparable to an Obama moment for our island. I couldn't agree more. It was a tremendous event. It was a sign of the strength of our democracy and it was an affirmation of the power of people over the power of an aristocratic elite.

Today, as we look back at a successful decade of PLP government, we must also look forward to the next ten years. It is incumbent upon governing parties to govern well and to innovate and to expand their governing coalition.

In Bermuda, there is a clear and discernable gap between the generations. The older generations knows well the struggles of the past. I honour their struggles and believe that the younger generations must know our history lest we be doomed to repeat it.

The younger generation is ready to take the next steps in the struggle against discrimination. All across Bermuda, in our communities, in our clubs, at our restaurants, in our places of business, at our parties and at our schools, our young people are actively tearing down the walls between Bermudians of European origin, and Bermudians of African origin in their social interactions.

While barriers and discrimination undoubtedly still exist and we must constantly be aware of them, I am encouraged that younger Bermudians are making friendships and developing bonds outside of their racial and ethnic groups. This is a clear sign of progress and a sign that the younger generation is taking the next steps toward equality.

Our young people are breaking down these historic walls and it's time for our politics to reflect the new Bermuda. As a candidate in Southampton West Central, I've made it a point to meet with Afro-Bermudians, Euro-Bermudians and Portuguese Bermudians at doorsteps and community events.

I believe that the PLP has something to offer all Bermudians. I am a centrist who is focused on getting the job done. I don't believe that there's "black way" or a "white way" to be a good public servant - only a right way and a wrong way.

On doorsteps across my constituency, I'm extending a hand of friendship and pledging to work on behalf of all my constituents, regardless of whether they're UBP or PLP, white or black.

The upcoming by-election isn't about party allegiance, it's about performance. I may be young, but, I have already represented Bermuda before CARICOM and I'm working to bring additional flights from Canada to our island. More locally, I was the one who worked with Minister Burgess to get the road between Barnes Corner and Granaway Heights paved and I'm also pleased to announce that I'm working with the Ministry to add bus shelters to the Greene's Guest House and Church Bay stops.

There isn't "black" or "white" way to pave a road or build a bus shelter. I have a record of performance and, as an MP, not only will I represent that new generation of leaders that Bermuda needs to move us forward, but, I will also be focused squarely on local issues and delivering results for the people of Southampton.[[In-content Ad]]

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