OBA Candidates: Charlton, Pettingill, Sousa
[Updated with videos] The One Bermuda Alliance today [Nov.24] introduced three new Parliamentary candidates who will contest seats for the party at the next General Election — Ray Charlton, Mark Pettingill, and Jeff Sousa.
As earlier predicted, incumbent Member of Parliament Mr. Pettingill will move seats to contest a tougher constituency while Mr Sousa will represent his old district.
Businessman and community activist Ray Charlton will run in Constituency #36, Sandys North which is presently held by the Progressive Labour Party’s Michael Scott. He won the seat at the 2007 election with 62.2 percent of the vote against the United Bermuda Party’s Ed Bailey.
Well-known defense lawyer Mark Pettingill will move seats to contest Constituency #25 Warwick North East, which is presently held by the PLP’s Dale Butler who won in 2007 with 53.5 percent over the vote over the UBP’s Gina Spence.
Landscape firm owner Jeff Sousa will contest Mr Pettingill’s old seat – Constituency #28 Warwick West — which will see him go head-to-head against former Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith who has already been confirmed as the PLP candidate.
Warwick West is presently held by the OBA’s Mr. Pettingill, who won under the UBP’s banner in 2007 with 62.07 percent of the vote over the PLP’s George Scott. In the 2003 General Election, the UBP’s Neville Darrell won Warwick West, defeating the PLP’s Chris Furbert 516 votes to 346.
The OBA had previously confirmed seven candidates: Anthony Francis in Devonshire North Central [C#13], Toni Spring in Sandys South [C#33], Trevor Moniz in Smith’s West [C#9], Craig Cannonier in Devonshire South Central [C#12], Gaylynne Cannonierin [C#3] St David’s, Michael Dunkley in [C#10] Smith’s North and Sylvan Richards in [C#7] Hamilton South.
The Premier has not yet called an election but is widely expected to take the island to the polls in the coming months.
Update 4.07pm: 15 minute video of press conference:
Update 5.47pm: Video of Q&A with the candidates talking with the media:
Update 6.07pm: Candidates full statements added below.
Jeff Sousa’s full statement follows below:
Good afternoon,
I am honoured to have been selected by the One Bermuda Alliance, to be their Candidate for Constituency 28, Warwick West.
I live and work in the area. My family has deep roots there.
I will continue to canvas as I have been doing, along with the monthly clinics I hold.
It is important to get in touch and stay in touch with people if you are to be their representative. I enjoy talking with constituents and, like them, I am very concerned about the direction we are going as an Island.
I know seniors who lock themselve in their homes for fear of crime. I know young people who are afraid to travel to the next parish for fear of being caught in the wrong territory. These are the kinds of things people live with each day. They cannot be allowed to continue. We have to fight for change, we have to fight for something better.
I believe in the One Bermuda Alliance and I am honoured to be part of a team that has such strong and caring people like Mark Pettingill, Ray Charlton, and our leader, Craig Cannonier.
This is a party committed to change because change is necessary to get Bermuda working again.
Mark’s move to Constituency 25 represents the kind of commitment to change that Bermuda needs if we are to see our way back to safety and prosperity.
Mark, you are what our leader means when he talks about leadership by example, and I salute you for it.
The people of Warwick West can be assured that I will carry the baton forward to represent them in the House of Assembly and in the halls of government, with all the passion and care that God has bestowed on me.
I am following in the footsteps of great men, all of whom represented people well. My mission is to follow their example, to be a great representative of the people. My commitment is to be there for you whenever you need me. I will not let you down.
Thank you.
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Ray Charlton’s full statement follows below:
Good Day,
I wish to thank Mr. Cannonier and the selection committee for their confidence and for choosing me to represent Constituency 36, Sandys North.
While Craig and I may agree on most things, we differ on a fundamental geographical issue: There is no doubt in my mind that Somerset is “God’s country” and I am most blessed to be living there.
From a toddler until age 24 when I was married, I lived on Manchester Street in Somerset, opposite the Police station, in the apartment above BELCO.
I was the second son, born to working class parents who had a great love for Bermuda and Bermudians.
When I was a young boy, one of my parents’ favorite Saturday pastimes was to stop and offer tourists a tour of the Island. They did not do this for money, but they were rewarded greatly with the numerous good times, memories and friendships that developed.
On these excursions, I learned the names of most trees and flowers and would run ahead to pick frangipani, pittosporum or natal plum flowers for our guests to smell.
Without knowing it, my parents instilled in me a strong appreciation for our neighbors, our guest visitors, our environment and the natural beauty of our Island.
It is this respect for the environment, my concern for the loss of open spaces and the threats to conservation land that has been the motivation for me to move from complaining and inaction, to becoming fully engaged.
Dennis Waitley, a renowned motivational speaker, had this to say:
“Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing.”
Although the environment is dear to my heart, there are other, more critical matters that require our urgent attention.
A weak economy with serious job losses, an education system that under-serves our children and a rise in violent crime that endangers families and our way of life – these are all issues that will only get better with the concerted efforts of a dedicated team.
Over the next few days and weeks, you will see that the One Bermuda Alliance is made up of many devoted people who are steadfast in their resolve to bring about positive change; because change is what this next election is all about.
Without change, we will just get more of the same, and that has not been good enough, especially if you are without a job, if your pay cheque is not enough or if you fear for your children’s safety.
I believe in the OBA and offer my individual commitment to this group effort, one that will show our determination to form the next government and get Bermuda working again.
I pray that God will guide us in our party’s principles of Opportunity, Responsibility, Integrity, Transparency, Fairness, Inclusiveness and Service.
I am “red and blue” through and through! I am ready to commit fully to provide the people of Sandys with the representation they can count on and the representation they deserve.
I have stepped forward now because Bermuda needs change, change that will work better for the people of Somerset, of St. George’s and everywhere in between.
Thank you!
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Text for remarks by Mark Pettingill follows below:
Good afternoon.
The One Bermuda Alliance is all about change – change in the way we govern ourselves, change in the way we conduct business with the outside world and change in the way we perform as an island.
We need change because the Island, under this Government, has drifted into an era of crises – in public safety, in the education of our children and in our economy, where full employment has been replaced by thousands of jobless and shrinking paycheques.
Bermuda can’t continue down this path. It needs to change its ways. It needs a fresh start, and the best way to make that happen is to change the government.
But change is never easy. It often means stepping out of your comfort zone, and that is exactly what the party has asked me to do – to leave Constituency 28 to fight for the right to represent the people of Warwick North East.
I am here today to say I am ready to take up the challenge.
I am no stranger to the constituency. I grew up on Ord Road. I went to school in the area and I campaigned against Dale Butler a few years back finishing a close second.
I am now returning to the task with more experience and as a founding member of a great organization dedicated to getting Bermuda back on track and working again.
To the people of Warwick North East, I am ready to give you my energy, my commitment and my belief in a better Bermuda.
I look forward to meeting with you, hearing what you have to say and listening to your needs.
And I will tell you that you need a representative in government who has the ear of government.
That is what I promise because it’s the change Constituency 25 needs.
Before signing off, I want to say, with the deepest sincerity, that it has been and continues to be a privilege and honour to represent the people of Warwick West.
The decision to move to Constituency 25 was not easy, but it was made easier because I know I will be leaving it in good hands.
Jeff’s heart is set on representing the people Warwick West. He is a very hard worker who knows the area like the back of his hand. He is keen to do all he can to bring about change for the people of Warwick West and beyond.
But the OBA’s mission to bring change to Bermuda is the priority. And my move to Constituency 25 is part of the plan to make change possible. I am eager to play my part and to work with the people of Warwick North East to make it happen.
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Ok firstly can they find somewhere to have their press conferences other than in a hallway??
Secondly, these announcements are no real surprise. Jeff Sousa has been campaigning in 28 for years. Pettingill has been AWOL. Will be interesting to see how he fares against Dale in 25 as Dale beat him in 2003. Charlton has no chance in 36.
Where are the new candidates??
Which one is Charlton. All those bald heads………
Is he the one on facebook that doesn’t like differant views?
Look closely at the photo. Does that look like “change” to you?
I get your point ‘Change’. Others may not not.
Don’t worry, a few mars bars will be thrown in. Little icing always helps.
Oh…and voting in PLP will be change?…Not!! Read the OBA reply to the throne speech. It’s on the OBA website. The reply details the Solutions that the OBA will bring about to put Bermuda first.
I don’t see no change lol jus the name “Own Bermudian Agenda”
please OBA that location is poor, for all the money you are spending on consultants surely they can advise you of a better place for a press conference, tacky at best and very cheap looking. Also, dont role out all of your status quo candidates at the same time, mix them up with some women, and youth. I am not PLP but the photograph up top looks like it was taken years back with the faces, lack of diversity and coldness in the countenance of the men in the picture.
from a person looking for real change!
@ Wow – are you looking for OBA to hire you as an image consultant?
After reading your post, you are absolutely correct. The picture could just as easily be a reprint of a previous UBP candidate announcement (taken in anyone’s hallway). Surely it would mnake sense to roll out some ‘surprises’ as they announce the status quo. Me thinks there is a dearth of ‘surprise candidates’ but we wait with baited breath…
I think you might be looking for something that isn’t there. It is what it is.
If you want tacky, cheap and lack of diversity look at the pictures from the last PLP banquet.
Poor location? Sheesh! Get a life dude!
I think what they’re saying is that they’re all white and that’s bad.
I am keeping a watchful eye on the OBA candidate announcements. We are all mindful of the OBA criticism of the PLP candidate selection process which showed that there were a tremendous amount of people interested in running under the PLP banner.
In addition to Anthony Richardson in the C12 bye election, we have Diallo Rabain, Stephen Todd and Vince Ingham as candidates that are new to frontline politics. Each of them have a different element of a ‘surprise factor’ but I do not see any ‘surprise factor’ candidates from the OBA yet. I note there are more candidates to be announced but I am looking for the surprises that are expected given Cannonier’s past exuberance about the wealth and diversity of candidates that are expressing an interest to run for the OBA.
I do see from the move by Pettingill that there is some pressure on sitting MPs in the OBA, which bodes well for Bermuda.
I am also awaiting for some outstanding candidates from the OBA/UBP, so far I have not seen any. Looks like there are no excellent candidates coming forward like those in the PLP. Well only time will tell the truth, but so far not very impressive at all.
Do you mean outstanding like; the PLP ministers that between them allowed the public transport system to collapse this summer and also chase away a large portion of the Islands cruise business. The cruise business that was the only Tourism strategy under the PLP and allowed the hotel business in Bermuda to dry up and wither tourism as a economic pillar. The cost overruns on every single government project n the last 12 years show distinctively poor project management from the PLP. The constant chopping and changing by Paula Cox shows a lack of faith in her own people and a lack of capability by those who were supposed to do a job they did not do. If the PLP get in again they will drag Bermuda into the gutter with their own ignorance and self importance. The only reason why Bermuda has survived to become one of the wealthiest countries in the world is 400 years of good governance until the last 12 years where the PLP has spent us into a hole and undone any economic good that was created before. The people that built this country had the brains to make it survive the PLP have shown us they do not have what it takes.
Here Here!!!!
Meh.
So where’s that ‘change’ the OBA promised us? Looks like just a game of musical chairs to me.
@Evie, when you change your mindset you will see the change since the plp became government bda has gone to hell in a handbasket financially & socially at least with 4000 people unemployed & a wave of gun violence it has never seen before
Maybe the question should be …is this the chage that the PLP promised us 12 years ago…VOTE PLP ..MAKE IT HAPPEN! Wow …now we are all asking ourselves , what the heck happened!
@Jo Public, as a good friend of mine always says — in 1998 bermuda voted for a change so now it has to live with it,
:)
Congratulations to the candidates… Special shout outs to my mates Ray and Jeff. Jeff has most definitely put in the work and should garner a convincing victory in the forthcoming election.
Clinton Paynter – you seem to be a vocal OBA supporter – will u be running in the next election?
All I can say is that I have submitted myself to the process… if i am selected or not is in the OBA Candidate Selection Committee’s hands.
@ Clinton
What is the OBA candidate selection process?
@Vote for Me. There is nothing secret or complex in the process. Just go on the OBA website and go from there. It is easy. OBA is very transparent.
Based upon what Craig said on TV, it is less democratic than the PLP’s candidates process. It consist of a panel of between 6-8 persons.
The PLP’s process is more democratic? Despite the selections that have been made the PLP Central Committee has the final say.
Tru Dat…the PLP branches are merely advisory panels. The PLP central committee has final say. Boom!!!
Hope to see you run Clinton. You have a lot of respect in the community and you have Bermuda’s best interests at heart.
He will be devastated with his defeat and fade into the background where he was all of these years. You cant find any reference to him prior to 2007. and he will disappear after his defeat. Give him leadership and they will all drown. Old Boys Association rises in the hallway. what change?
LMAO! You can’t find any reference of me before 2007 eh? There’s a reason for that! How old do you think I am? I was only 29 in 2007 with 1 year and 4 year old sons… I didn’t have time for politics… I was more concerned with running my business and make sure my family could eat! Well now I am interested in making Bermuda a better place for my 4 young boys… You’ll find no ulterior motives here.
AND you stand for what
Sexual orientation
Gambling
Decriminalization
60/40
More banks
all boys school
Tax on income for health tax?
You can answer but we really meant Charlton. where has he been?
say wat you want, I see an independant lawyer that has worked for himself for years, never in the AG chambers or Legal Aid, etc. I see a respected Telecoms Engineer that has worked world wide with a proven track record in management and a sucessful small business owner that built his business from scratch. What’s your problem with that picture
I love this picture.. good luck to these three candidates,so much better than Rolf,walton and burch.
Is the OBA mantra to rewrite all history? Mark Pettingill has worked in the AG’s Chambers. Is this “Telecoms Engineer” the same guy who is qualified to lecture us on mechanical issues at the cruise dock? Just say they’re your candidates and you support them; don’t rewrite the playbook.
I think Ray Charlton, is a great choice for the OBA this man has Bermuda at heart..I love to listen to him when he calls the talk shows.
You got that right!!
Did anyone notice that it rained today, and that could be why the roll-out took place in a “hallway”? All you arm-chair critics need to get off your rusty-dusties and assist the country rather than sit around talking bad about people who GENUINELY care! Well done OBA! Those people that don’t like you can vote for the people who have put this country in the horrible position it is in, which has affected EVERYONE! Oh, but maybe the negative comments are from those fools whose heads continue to be buried in the sand! They’ll wake up soon when their pots have run dry!
I appreciate all the candidates, on all sides who are putting themselves forward, but I just don’t believe these 3 are a reflection of anything different and the OBA’s entire mantra is change.
Change from the PLP is the main point of the word.
OBA is for change. Read their reply to the throne speech. It is on the OBA website and the speech details specific Solutions.
Reply to the throne speech sucked dude! PLP is beatable but OBA is surely not winnable. Weak and no experience Craig is a joke (at least Obama had charisma when he first ran) and UBP dumped their old baggage on you guys! Old Baggage Association!! I’m staying home this election. Just a joke this is!
If you cannot read then just admit it.
I just watched the clip and am confused. They talked about real change. The only change I see is that Pettingill and Sousa are moving constituencies. They both ran for the UBP in 2007. When the OBA started I gave them a fair shot but the rhetoric is getting redundant. Nothing they are doing nor saying is adding up to the hype. Of course the PLP has made mistakes and had some questionable errors in judgement but nothing about the candidates presented by the OBA gives me confidence. I think Mr. Cannonier is a good guy but he has no political experience. I am becoming increasingly impressed with Premier Cox and really believe that under her watch she is determined to improve Bermuda.
Still waiting for REAL change!
Well if you vote for PLP then you are voting for more of the same. OBA represents change in that they are not the PLP and will not rob us blind like the PLP has for so many years. What you call “questionable errors in judgement” normal people call blatant lies and thievery. How can they call themselves good government when all they do is hire consultants for everything? Do they have a clue about what they’re doing? Apparently not. Vote OBA for change, vote PLP if you want our country to continue its downward spiral.
@ YES MATE . I don’t know if you still getting your powder from The Medical Hall, but PLEASE list the change from the OBA that you are referring too. Other than the token, Mr. Cannonier, who will be replaced as soon as he loses, show me the WOW factor. The UBP/ OBA have rolled out all the usual suspects.
Watch this space… There are 36 spots to fill and how many have already been rolled out? 9?
Mr. Paynter when are you going to be rolled out.
i am waiting i think you will make exellent person for Number 1
give me update so i can start canvassing for you..
Thank you for the vote of confidence but as I said above the decision is not up to me…
The usual suspects? Several OBA candidates are completely new, not connected with historical politics. Including the leader.
In the meantime, the PLP has as many ex-UBP MP’s as the UBP. And the leadership is still the old guard, people who have been there for years and got us into this mess. You’re in a glass house throwing stones around when you complain about the ‘usual suspects’.
The Change that people want to see is a change from this incredibly inept and divisive government.
There’s a lot that you don’t know bro. Reread my post to see just a few of the things that will change. If you want wow factor you should go to a strip club or a fireworks show, I want our country to do well for all who want to participate in our society in a positive way. You should already be wowed by the fact that de Pee el Pee has put us over a BILLION dollars in debt. You my friend should be looking for less wow.
So tired of the PLP’s shenanigans that I’m willing to vote anything other than PLP which means the OBA are in my sights at the moment. Coming from the young generation of Bermuda. It already can’t get any worse
@Tisk Tisk, & the PLP’s shenanigans will only be getting worse between now & election day. stay firm and continue to evaluate all situations with your 3rd eye & ear (your brain)