Stephen Todd Selected As PLP Candidate
[Updated] This morning [Nov.9] the Progressive Labour Party announced that banker and Bermuda Chamber of Commerce president Stephen Todd will be their candidate for Constituency #30, Southampton East Central.
Constituency #30 is presently represented by Health Minister Zane Desilva. However, an opening became available when Mr. DeSilva was selected to represent Constituency #29 Southampton East.
Widely considered a marginal Parliamentary seat, in the 2007 election Mr. DeSilva’s margin of victory over United Bermuda Party incumbent David Dodwell in Constituency #30 was 48 votes [569-521].
Mr. Todd works at the Bank of N.T. Butterfield and has led the Chamber since 2009 when he succeeded restaurateur Phil Barnett as president.
Earlier this year Mr. Todd announced he would stay on for a third term at the Chamber — the advocacy group for Bermuda businesses — saying he had “unfinished business to attend to.”
“I think our membership has recognised the value of being a member of the Chamber in giving them a voice or a collective standpoint rather than trying to speak individually for themselves,” he said in a recent interview.
Although an election date has not been called yet, Premier Paula Cox is widely expected to take the island to the polls in the coming months and all three political parties are on an election-footing .
The ruling PLP has been rolling out its slate of Parliamentary hopefuls in recent months and the party has held a series of candidate selection primaries. The One Bermuda Alliance has also started to roll out their candidates recently, with the party expected to make additional candidate announcements in the upcoming weeks.
United Bermuda Party leader Kim Swan described last week’s Throne Speech outlining the Government’s legislative agenda for the coming year as sounding like an election manifesto.
The candidates who have been selected by PLP branches thus far include:
- Dennis Lister in Sandys North Central [C#35]
- Kim Wilson in Sandys South Central [C#34]
- Randy Horton in Southampton West [C#32]
- Scott Simmons in Southampton West Central [C#31]
- Zane DeSilva in Southampton East [C#29]
- Lt. Col David Burch in Warwick North Central [C#27]
- Lawrence Scott in Warwick South East [C#24]
- Rolfe Commissiong in Pembroke South East [C#21]
- David Burt in Pembroke West Central [C#18]
- Walton Brown in Pembroke Central [C#17]
- Diallo Rabain in Hamilton South [C#7]
- Wayne Furbert in Hamilton West [C#6]
- John Gibbons in St George’s West [C#2]
- Dame Jennifer Smith in St. George’s North [C#1]
Update 11.26am: The full statement from the PLP follows below:
The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party today announced their general election candidate for Constituency 30, Southampton East Central – Mr. Stephen W. G. Todd.
Supported by members of his family, his branch, PLP MPs and Party officials, Mr. Todd was unveiled at Alaska Hall this morning by Party Leader, the Hon. Paula A. Cox, JP, MP.
Currently Mr. Todd is the Vice President and Retail Business Development Manager for Butterfield Bank Rosebank Banking Center. He has 37 years in the banking/financial services sector, having begun his career with Bermuda National Bank in 1971, before joining Butterfield in 1980.
Mr. Todd has served as the President of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce since 2009, having previously served as the West End Chamber Division Chairman from 2004-2008. Under his watch, this division grew from ten to forty-seven active members, representative of both entrepreneurs and established businesses in the Western Parishes.
He has also served as the Vice President of the Sandy’s Rotary Club and as a Member at Large of the Hamilton Lions Club. A member of the Choir & Finance Committee at St. Anthony’s Church, Warwick, Mr. Todd also counts gardening, art, and travel among his hobbies. He is the proud father of two daughters, Stephanie & Amanda.
Despite our current challenges, Bermuda’s future is bright, and the Progressive Labour Party will continue to connect with the people on the doorstep. We are clear on what we must do, and that is to deliver for the people of this country.
The Progressive Labour Party is proud to have Mr. Stephen Todd as part of our team to continue moving Bermuda forward. We are confident that he will retain Constituency 30, Southampton East Central for the PLP
Update 11.51am: Mr Todd has tendered his resignation effective immediately as the president of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.
Update 12.03pm: Video of the Premier and Mr Todd from this morning’s press conference:
Update 3.48pm: The full remarks made by Mr Todd are below:
Good Morning Madam Premier, Members of the Progressive Labour Party Executive Honorable Ministers, Members of the News Media, Ladies and Gentlemen
It is with great respect and pride that I come before you today, to humbly offer my services and to join you, in working together, as we take our country into the next phase of our history.
I thank you for having selected me to represent Constituency 30- Southampton East Central. I assure you that I will work tirelessly to ensure that the voices of all in my constituency are heard and represented to the best of my ability.
I am a fourth generation proud Bermudian, who was born in Paget, and has lived and worked in Bermuda all my life. I was raised by parents who valued honesty, dignity, respect and hard work. Those who know me will say that I espouse those values in my relationships with others.
Over the years, I have seen the ebb and flow of change as it has occurred in our homeland. I am witness to the current crisis in which we as a country find ourselves.
Bermuda, like the rest of the world, is facing a number of socio-economic challenges. I believe that, with many years of business and banking experience behind me, with my knowledge and expertise, as well as my care and concern for our national welfare, I can make a worthy contribution, in addressing our social and economic concerns.
I believe that, in the spirit of cooperation- all of us who call ourselves Bermudians- we can work together and move ahead as a unified country, taking stock of what is important, focusing on the goal and forging a path forward where together, all Bermudians, will enjoy the fruits of our labours.
During my term as President of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, in numerous discussions with Government on a series of issues ranging from the critical impact of term limits on our economy, the customs duty relief for retail, as well as the detrimental effect of crime on our economy, I can say unequivocally, that Government has been genuinely honest and sincere in working together to bring about satisfying results. I was impressed with our Premier’s goal of doing what was best for our country, despite the challenges she faced.
I have come to understand our Government not only as a Labour party, but as a government that strives to represent the interests of all residents who call Bermuda home.Stephen Todd
We all want a better quality of life for ourselves and our families. Indeed we are hard working people who expect value for our tax dollars.
I choose not to focus on the mistakes of the past. I choose instead, to learn from them. To be stuck in the past is to deny yourself the opportunity to embrace the future.
It is the very essence of life and living- that we learn from our mistakes, so that we are not shackled to the errors of the past, but can focus instead on setting the goals, looking ahead with anticipation, doing the right thing, at the right time for the right reason.
We are Bermudians, not Black Bermudians or White Bermudians, but Bermudians, all of us who are interested in the common good, all of us striving to succeed and all of us wishing to enjoy a safe and secure way of life. All of us, truly proud to call ourselves Bermudians.
Divisiveness will not bring us prosperity, it will not unify us a people – it has not done so in the past and will certainly not do so in the future- nothing positive comes out of divisiveness. To those who choose to define us by the color of our skin, we say, that time has gone. We no longer wish to live lives that are demarcated by color. We are one people working together for the success of all.
We are a small country, dependent on each other for our very way of life. If we are to save our children, our society, our community and our way of life, it is imperative that we start by saving ourselves.
It is healthy to disagree, whole heartedly, with another on their point of view, but it is imperative that, in the course of our disagreement, we respect one another, and maintain dignity in our dealings with each other.
We must teach our children to respect themselves and others- as they watch their elders respect themselves and others.
This will instill in our children a strong sense of belonging, of self-esteem and self-confidence.They will know that they can trust the adults in their homes and community to guide and direct them. It is fundamental for our success as a people, and for building national pride.
We must think of our country’s future. We must plan now for our survival as we move forward during these difficult times. We must make a conscious effort, each and every one of us to come together in national pride.
I believe that this journey starts here. It is not enough to know that you have a voice. It is more important to know that your voice is heard, not behind closed doors but knowing that without a doubt, you have an equal share in the vision of how we define ourselves as Bermudians.
There is much work to be done. I know that as I go from door to door listening to your concerns, I will ensure you will have a voice and you will be heard. I will count on your guidance and support in the days ahead and I look forward, with great anticipation, to meeting you, every one of you.
Thank you
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The announcement of Mr. Todd as a PLP candidate should be welcomed by everyone. He clearly has an extensive business background and will add to the exisiting depth of the Party. It is also interesting to note his current role as President of the Chamber of Commerce. I think I am correct in saying that the Chamber has traditionally been seen as critical of the PLP policies in the past.
Well done PLP!! I look forward to the other posts in response to this annoncement.
what is the criteria for being “successful” in your career to be selected by the PLP?
Mr Todd is simply a Branch Manager, who after so long at the Bank did not get to SVP, or EVP level. you guys must do your research and on the Chamber of Commerce side I wont even go there. This gentleman has no fizz like the other 2 recently unveiled Senators.
no i am not an OBA hater, I’m a PLP supporter wondering why we are going backwards again.
Mr. Todd seems like a very respectful person who has worked hard his entire life, and through that he is an example to us all. That said, I would like to know how he is going to put Bermudians first when PLP suppresses democracy. PLP deny the vote to those who (for very legit reasons) find themselves overseas during the weeks leading up to an election. PLP also deny the vote to shut-ins. This policy was originally established by UBP, and now PLP are all too happy to keep it going. News flash…every developed country has an absentee voting procedure. Bermuda does not. Why is that? And why has there been no voter re-registration since PLP came to power? (every constituency is like 20% “out”). I will tell you why. PLP consultants tell PLP not to mess with our dysfunctional/broken system cuz it is not in the interest of PLP. I will vote for Mr. Todd if he admits the system is broken, that it does not put all Bermudian first, and that it will be fixed before the next election. Otherwise I will vote for a party which promises real change. Provided of course I do not find myself overseas on election day!!!
Ha, my perception of the Chamber is that it has a lot of “unstarted business to attend to.”
That’s quite a stage set the PLP has there. I think there’s a typo though. Shouldn’t the tagline be “Emptying Bermuda’s Pockets”?
Tryna put a conservative look on the PLP is like tryna convert a Volkswagon into a Porche’…..ITS STILL A VW FOLKS…..sorry Paula, too little too late for my liking…I’ve already been crushed by several years of crazy BS since your father, Lois, and Freddy have passed…..not the same PLP I grew up admiring.
VOTE OBA
Sorry to break it to you, but i don’t think the PLP is trying to change. The PLP has always had better candidates than the UBP and I’m sure it’ll be the same for the OBA.
People who don’t get all of their information from the paper don’t share the same view of the PLP as you do.
@ LMFAO – LMFAO…better candidates how? explain ya self…
As much as I am NOT a supporter of the PLP, I’d like to congratulate Stephen. Finally a man of integrity runs for the PLP
Sorry Cedar Beams (Original)but, one man with integrity amongst the majority who lack it, won’t make a difference…remember, the majority rule!
“Finally a man of integrity runs for the PLP” Not for long…..
Good. Maybe he can find the cedar beams.
I AGREE ,good choice this is a good man.
you’ve backed us up into the trees and practically off the cliff.
no sh*t we gotta move forward. arrogance as usual..
Well done PLP. Keep it coming.
Dr. Brown will be running in Constituency 37 East. Morgans Island…..
Hmmm didn’t he try to go for leader of the BDA and then pulled out due to a conflict of interest with his duties at the Chamber, and apparently recently wanted to be an OBA senator?
look if Wayne can get on the gravy train why shouldn’t Stephen? I really thought he was about something now I am not so sure…
His pension was probably heavily weighted in BNTB stock. Gotta replace that somehow.
Paula wasn’t kidding when she said ‘keep your eye on the prize.’
Hmmm tell us more Sean. You sound intimately involved with both of those parties…as well as sounding a little bitter…
No Sean Soares, He never wanted any part of the UBP/OBA. You may have tried to secured a senate position with them but admit that PLP are pulling in good solid candidates – where you have a leader on training wheels that’s beginning to slide all over the place – before the next election his PLP colours may just come back out LMAO
Congratulations Stephen Todd and the PLP.
Hmmmm indeed Sean Soares…
Mr. clinton paynter when are you going to be rolled out for the OBA
you will make an Excellent Canidate…
we are looking forward to you running in st. geo. const. 1
Because you are number 1
thats a real joke, didn’t you hear that Cannonier may just run down there…what qualifications does Clinton brings to the table? an oba brown nose blogger makes it right to be a candidate, but for the OBA thats just what they maybe looking for eh?
Well done Steven, the PLP is starting to slowly change, now remove a bit of the deadwood that sits in Cabinet and the future looks great.
It will soon be called the UBP/PLP, right?
Doubtful, OBA’s already got that one covered.
yes , two main dead branchs , and we good to go for the whole of Bermuda. we must not forget the past . But, we also must move on. with respect towards one another ONE BERMUDA…
If anyone is watching the purse -if all of the 14 candidates were elected that would represent a drain of roughly 2.25 million dollars; excluding pensions, benefits, no bid contracts and what gets taken out of the cookie jar.
14 MPs * 56K doesn’t equal 2.25 Million. But keep making sh**t up, the UBP was good at it and its looks like its been inherited by the OBA.
At least get your facts correct.
…don’t forget to add in the Premier, the Deputy Cog, and the rest of the hangers-on the gravy train, they have to be rewarded too…
You all need to get a grip. Clinton and Sean, why are you on here bashing a man because he’s decided to put himself up for Public Service. Most people would stand up and applaud and wish him well. However your hate has you so blinded that you would chose to question his motives.
I’m sure if the headline read OBA candidate instead of PLP, the 2 of you would be singing a different tune.
Your hatred is tiring, and just like the OBA it’ll soon wear thin. I wonder what your name will be next election….
LMFAO, that has a nice ring to it. The LMFAO party……..
Really disappointed with you Mr.Todd . Things can’t be that bad can they ? Anyway don’t blame you for Chasing the Money , just hope it’s all worth it !
You know they say a picture is worth a thousand words. I looked at that semi-circular photo and with all that green I did not see hardly any light.
One would think after 13 years in power and such good governance one would see more caucasion people in that photo.
This gives new meaning to “back of the bus”. Some ride, some push……
What a headline: FRONT STREET BANKER RUNS FOR PLP.
The PLP is rapidly looking like the old UBP.
We are definitely making progress here.
Well, what do you expect. Government gave em a loan. Loans due……………………
You guys just don’t get it do you.
I give up.
He runs a Retail Branch is that being a Front Street Banker? we must stop misrepresenting people in this country.
It is sad that Mr Todd is receiving condemnation from some…especially some who if he was running under the OBA would be singing his praises. Give him credit for doing more than what most of you are doing, which is criticising from the sidelines under fake names.
Stephen Todd – Accomplished Banker, Pres Chamber of Commerce
Vince Ingham – CEO, largest utility in Bermuda and member of several influential Boards
Anthony Richardson – Fmr Accountant General, highly educated CA
Kim Wilson – Brilliant, bit brash, but very bright, aggressive, qualified Lawyer who clearly knows her stuff
Jonathan Smith – Retired Police Commissioner, Pres of successful family run business
Patrice Parris – VP at local bank, qualified Trust profssional (STEP) who understands more than you give her credit for
Michael Weeks – A qualified Accountant as well, respected and trained at one of the most exclusive private banks of Switzerland
Zane DeSilva – Self made millionaire who runs one of the largest construction firms in Bermuda
If this is the new face of the PLP, I like it. Qualified people at the helm who understand Bermuda Inc. People who won’t be beholden to the likes of Chris Furbert and his attention seeking antics. People who understand fully that hands that feed us…
Well done Stephen. Well done Premier. Well done PLP. Undoubtedly the PLP will continue to attract seasoned and qualified candidates and leaders to the table – those who assume positions of leadership because of what they bring to the table, not the number of bake sales they attend. I’m on my way to renew my membership.
Seems to me tha the PLP needs a name change . As you have said …lots of qualified people. I see a lot of professionals (which is a good thing) not many blue collar grass roots “L” in the PLP …LABOUR…people?
Your descriptions of these people are, I think you have to admit, extremely over-flattering. Zane is ‘self-made’? You’re missing a big part of that story….
And you missed a few:
Wayne Furbert – sandwich shop owner, pyramid salesman, ex-UBP leader, UBP MP
Patrice Minors – ex-waitress, ex Tourism Minister – spent a solid year at it, did zero
Premier Cox – Finance Minister since 2003. Increased debt from $100m to $1.2bn during that time. Admitted ‘Cog In The Wheel’ (her exact words), had no ability to stop spending. The type who borrows money to buy groceries.
Jennifer Smith – having another go at education, after the first attempt 12 years ago. The “new face of the PLP”?
And still not out of the picture:
David Burch, who will go down in history as the man who ruined Bermuda
Rolfe Commissiong, The Big Con
and Ewart Brown, the still in charge, still pulling the strings, plans on replacing Paula with Zane first chance he gets, then coming back as President..
I missed nothing. By ommission, I have noted who I like and who I don’t.
READ.
You cherry-picked and made out like PLP has a “new face”. It doesn’t. It’s the same old incompetents with a few new and inexperienced people, and some old-timers still pulling the strings.
No disrepect meant to Mr. Todd, but I believe that Chris Furbert is just as qualified to be a candidate for the PLP as Mr. Todd. While Mr. Todd represents the business community in Bermuda, should Mr. Furbert be a candidate, he would represent the workers in Bermuda. Let us not forget that the BIU has a membership of approximately 4,000, and it is the only organisation that has publicly supported the PLP over the years.
Chris Furbert understands what Bermuda Inc. is all about as well. Bermuda Inc. would not be where it is today had it not been for Bermudian workers.
By the way, if Chris Furbert were to offer himself as a candidate for the PLP, the organisation of which he is the president, would not ask him to resign.
If he were a man of integrity and intelligence, he would resign without having being made to….He would understand the conflicts that inevitably would be existent….But no, I would not expect him to resign, and give up his BIU dues…
You said that right…would not be where it is today had it not been for Bermudian workers….We would still have Carnival Cruises committed for 12 visits next year if it not for Chris Furbert, Senator and those same Bermudian workers…
If you believe that Carnival Cruises will not be coming to Bermuda because of Chris Furbert and Bermudian workers, something is seriously wrong with your critical thinking capacity.
No disrespect to Mr Todd, but a cardboard box would be a better candidate than Chris Furbert.
I like it….a lot. WHERE DO YOU COME UP WITH THESE PROFILES? I can only think that you either “fluff” up clients resumes for your living,or you write the programmes for the BMDS.
This group are not decision makers,which is what BDA needs.
Steven Todd runs a small branch office.No disrespect,but the only hard decision he has had to make is where should the coffee and doughnuts go on customer appreciation day.
Zane DeSilva? I like it…..if you had fleeced Mr and Mrs “Joe Bermudian” for most of your career then….yes,join the GVT gravy train and get 90% of GVT contracts given to you…you would be a self made millionaire.NO decision experience
I could go right through the rest of your list,but I have far more important thing going on.
Bill, if you have evidence that Minister DeSilva has received 90% of government contracts, you should share it with the rest of us. If Minister DeSilva is indeed a self-made millionaire, he had his millions long before 1998.
That doesn’t necessarily make him ‘self-made’. But I guess it does mean he didn’t miraculously come into a great fortune overnight since becoming a Minister.
Ask why his construction firm have a contract to supply tyres at costs far greater than getting elsewhere!
He’s been one of the rich elite for a long time. Done very well. But doesn’t he realise by running for the PLP, he’s effectively going to screw up anyone else’s chance to make any money for themselves?
not what I actually said. I think I know why you edit comments critical of Zane DeSilva.
You forgot to mention Rolf Commisiong and Walton Brown in your list of candidates.
Congratulations to Stephen Todd and the PLP. They have a GREAT team for the next election. Where is the OBA Team? I understand that they are fighting over who gets the safe seats.
OBA TEAM
Constituent 1 – Clinton Paynter
Constituent 3 – Suzann Holshouser
Constituent 4 – Donte Hunt
Constituent 7 – Allan Marshall
Constituent 8 – Trevor Moniz
Constituent 9 – Cole Simons
Constituent 10 – Michael Dunkley
Constituent 11 – Bob Richards
Constituent 12 – Craig
Constituent 19 – Shawn Crockwell
Constituent 21 – Louis Jackson
Constituent 22 – Grant Gibbons
Constituent 23 – Pat Pamplin
Constituent 24 – Nalton Brangman
Constituent 27 – Wayne Scott
Constituent 28 – Jeff Sousa
This team is all UBP where is the change?
Nalton Brangman? Wayne Scott? Louise Jackson?
LMFAO- You cannot be serious! PLP has always had better candidates? Not one of them has ever run
THEIR OWN BUSINESS. PLEASE, GIVE US A BREAK
YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS EITHER!
Well done Premier and don’t forget David Burt – well qualified young man.
Funny Bermuda, if u look a certain way, work in a certain industry u must have supported the old UBP/ or the new OBA.
I am not hopeful for the future. The list of candidates for the OBA are the same ole, same ole. The list of candidates for the PLP are same ole, some better and some progressively worse (Burch/Commissiong)! I am in favor of a Royal Commissioned Inquiry, suspend this government for two years(or more) while a suitable team of candidates for both ruling and opposition parties can be found.
Would you also suggest that those conducting the Royal Commission select the “suitable team of candidates”?
A big hooray to anyone dynamic, passionate and progressive thinking willing to step into the noisy, unappreciative fray that is Bermuda public service. Thank you for giving it a shot Stephen!
Well said Belcario
Rick,
Spot on mate,but you have to add one more individual to your endless list.
Andre Curtis,
I have asked “I like it” to give me their profile.Based on the fluffed up ones they have already given,I guess it will be as follows:
A sharp,up and coming financial analyst with an excellent record in returns on Government funds investments.
A self made millionaire in charge of a major construction company,providing first class work, and up to date fixtures and fittings.
We are excited with the comments received from abroad,
“A gifted young man, I should have taken him on” – Bernie Madoff- Riker’s Island Penitentiary 2010.
“Trustworthy,hardworking young man.A shoe in for a Ministerial post” A chip off the old block!
Ewart Brown.
Turk & Caicos? New York? Martha’s Vineyard?