Voters say why they are backing their OBA candidate

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9: Party members yesterday lined up behind the two candidates in the OBA (One Bermuda Alliance) leadership race.

Voters will be asked to choose between MP and Shadow Finance Minister Bob Richards and Shadow Economy, Trade and Industry Minister, Senator Craig Cannonier.

Honesty

Mr Richards comes to the new party from the former UBP (United Bermuda Party), while Sen Cannonier is from the one-time BDA (Bermuda Democratic Alliance), formed out of a UBP splinter group.

OBA MP Louise Jackson said she was backing Mr Richards — because he had the background to pull the country out of recession.

Ms Jackson, a former UBP MP, added: “He is trustworthy, honest, straight-up and a family man.

“He’s proved his qualities through many years of service to this country as a Parliamentarian and businessman.

“The economy is in crisis and Bob Richards is an experienced economist and financial adviser.

“He’s served as a Cabinet Minister, a Senator and MP, as well as being Shadow Finance Minister.

“He’s a known quantity — he knows how to grow the economy.

“You wouldn’t make an inexperienced person captain of a ship and we need an experienced person to lead this country and get us out of the PLP recession with lay-offs, cutbacks and debt.”

Mr Richards can also be guaranteed another vote in his favour —  from his wife of nearly 34 years, Pauline.

She dismissed suggestions that Mr Richards was aloof, and said: “He can talk with authority about things he knows a lot about.

“With people, he is more friendly when he knows them well. He can be a little shy.

“He is a genuine and honest man and the skills he brings at this time are the ones we need.

“He has tenacity and determination when he believes in something.

“He also knows he can’t do it by himself. Politics is a team sport and all of the people involved in the OBA bring something different.

“It’s the best team for right now and with that team behind him, Bermuda will see meaningful change.”

Inclusive

But those in the Cannonier camp said “a breath of fresh air” was needed to move Bermuda on.

Sinclair Woolridge, a business administrator with an insurance company in Hamilton, said he knew Mr Cannonier, had watched his career in the former BDA closely, and would be voting for him on Saturday.

Mr Woolridge, 55, said: “He is one of those people, what he says, he truly believes in.

“He’s not in this for personal gain, he’s in it for the betterment of Bermuda.

“He will talk to and listen to anyone, understand where they’re coming from and incorporate their ideas on how to get Bermuda back on the right track.

“He’s an inclusive man — it’s not about us and them, it’s about all Bermudians, and it’s important to have a leader with that type of outlook at the table and putting Bermuda first.”

Another backer of Sen Cannonier, a 67-year-old retired nurse who asked not to be named, also said she knew the Senator personally.

She said: “He has a lot of good qualities — he did a lot of good work in getting the BDA off the ground and put in a lot of effort. He deserves some credit for that.

“He will bring a breath of fresh air — he’s not been affiliated with politics previously, he has been successful in the private sector and he has good leadership qualities.

“He’s an honest man and he sees a clear picture.

“I hope he will be able to create some change which will be of benefit to Bermuda.”