Footy ref seeking to red card PLP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27: A teacher, an IT specialist and a veteran MP were rolled out as candidates for the One Bermuda Alliance in the next general election.

Toni Spring, a teacher for more than 16 years will run in Constituency 33, Sandy’s South.

The seat is currently held by Transport Minister Terry Lister.

Anthony Francis, IT manager for the Bermuda Post Office hopes to be elected in Devonshire North Central, Constituency 13, a seat held by Glenn Blakeney, Minister of Youth, Family and Sports.

And veteran MP Trevor Moniz will run for re-election in his Smith’s West, Constituency 9 seat.

He was first elected there in 1993.

All candidates have been drug tested, a policy within the OBA.

OBA Leader Craig Cannonier said today: “Over the past few months, in the lead-up to our leadership convention and in the weeks since, we have been approached by a lot of people expressing interest in running for office.

“There are people from all walks of life, young and old, all sharing great love for Bermuda, all believing in a better future, all prepared to bring about change to make Bermuda work better for Bermudians.

“It has been an inspiring experience, people stepping forward to help their country in its time of need.”

Mr Cannonier said the party would be rolling out candidates in the weeks to come.

Ms Spring, a teacher at the Adult Education Centre said she was ready to work to represent the people of Somerset.

Issues

“I am pleased and excited to be the candidate for Sandys’ South.

“I’m a Somerset girl and I have taught hundreds of Somerset students and I know their parents.

“I look forward to meeting with them and sitting in their homes to talk to them about the issues facing them.”

Ms Spring has been working with Shadow Education Minister Grant Gibbons on the OBA education advisory board.

In addition to being an IT specialist, Mr Francis is the past president of the Bermuda Referees Association and sits as an executive member of the Bermuda Football Association.

He said: “Bermuda has waited too long for quality leadership and they should not have to wait too much longer.

“Leadership is about working closely with the people, understanding their needs, working out solutions, devising plans to make them happen, motivating people and getting it done.”

Mr Moniz said it was his “great pleasure” to be a candidate for the OBA.

“I greatly look forward to continuing my service to the community and Bermuda.

“I think we will have the chance for a new direction.”