Bermuda’s One-Time OBA Chairman to Contest General Election as Independent
Former OBA Chairman Justin Mathias Confirms Independent Candidacy
Justin Mathias
HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Former One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) chairman Justin Mathias has confirmed his decision to contest the February 18 general election as an independent candidate, saying he truly believes “that the time is now for independent representation in each constituency.”
“Given that news leaked of my consideration to run as an Independent in the upcoming election, I thought it was imperative to write this piece to let you know how I came to this decision, which certainly has not been an easy one and filled with mixed emotions,” Mathias said in a statement.
He said that “one of my final straws” with the main opposition OBA came last November when, in response to the traditional Throne speech, Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson repeated on numerous occasions the need for a general election.
“I immediately messaged a prominent OBA front-facing member asking if they had 36 candidates. He said no! So, how and why was it so irresponsible? …”
Mathias, who said he had been an OBA member since its formation in 2011, noted that Premier David Burt had decided to call the OBA’s bluff in 2020 when then-party leader Craig Cannonier “dared him to call an election.”
“So, what fool wouldn’t believe he would do it again when allowed to defeat a weak OBA begging to get kicked, bruised, and beaten again? Then you add a weakened and tired Bermudian electorate that is apathetic to both parties, and you have the perfect winter storm of 2025.”
Mathias said that Burt has “put his brilliance on display once again by forcing the outgoing Governor to call one of the shortest elections in history because the Government’s fiscal year ends on March 31st, and budget debates have to occur well in advance.”
He said that three months after the OBA leader had called for fresh general elections, the party “still doesn’t have 36 candidates (and) it truly baffles the mind.”
PLP’s Dominance and OBA’s Inability to Capitalize
The Progressive Labour Party (PLP) comfortably won the last two general elections in this British Overseas Territory, winning 30 out of the 36 seats in the 2020 snap poll at the height of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
But, announcing the election date 10 months ahead of the constitutional deadline, said Bermuda stands on “the cusp of a pivotal time” and that the 2025 budget for the coming fiscal year, usually presented in February, would need to reflect the collective wishes of the electorate.
OBA’s Failure to Capitalize on Election Announcement
Burt, who has signaled this will be his final general election following a change in party leadership, is promising to continue economic development plans and policies to ease the burden on the most vulnerable should his party be re-elected.
Mathias said that any political strategist would have indicated that following Premier Burt’s announcement of the early poll, the OBA should have used the occasion to name its 36 candidates, renew its platform, and enhance its vision for the future, indicating that it is ready to become the next Government.
“But that didn’t happen! Even the tree frogs couldn’t compete with the deafening silence.
Here we are 12 days after the election announcement, and Bermuda’s only serious political party alternative is again unviable.
“It rather continues the “life support” agenda of being delayed to responding to Government, slows to rolling out candidates, and giving vague platitudes hoping that the public’s disdain for the PLP would overshadow their unorganized trainwreck of an organization.”
He said that after four years and three months of “irresponsible inaction, smokes and mirrors trying to pretend to the Bermudian people that change was occurring” by the ruling party, the OBA is still unprepared for the polls.
Conclusion
Mathias believes that the time is now for independent representation in each constituency, which will provide the best voice for each community and build a collective benefit to the entire nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Justin Mathias contesting the election as an independent candidate?
A: Mathias believes that the time is now for independent representation in each constituency, which will provide the best voice for each community and build a collective benefit to the entire nation.
Q: What are the main reasons for his decision to contest the election as an independent candidate?
A: Mathias cites the OBA’s failure to capitalize on the election announcement and their inability to name 36 candidates, as well as the PLP’s dominance in the last two general elections.
Q: What are the implications of his decision to contest the election as an independent candidate?
A: His decision may pave the way for other independent candidates to contest the election, potentially leading to a more diverse representation in the next Government.