Video: OBA Rolls Out Terry Hodgson For C#16
[Updated] Terry Hodgson will stand for the One Bermuda Alliance in Constituency #16 Pembroke East Central, the Opposition confirmed at a press conference this morning [July 19].
Mr Hodgson, 31, started his career as a chef and bartender, and is now an account executive at Butterfield & Vallis, where is the buyer for a group of brands and manages customer accounts. He was educated at West Pembroke Primary, Northlands Secondary, CedarBridge Academy and the Bermuda College.
He spent three years in the Bermuda Regiment, leaving as a full Corporal.In the One Bermuda Alliance, he is a member of the Future Bermuda Alliance, the party’s youth wing, and the Committee for Social Affairs.
He will match up against the PLP’s Michael Weeks, who has already been confirmed as their candidate. Pembroke East Central is considered by many to be one of the ’safer seats’ for the PLP, with Mr Weeks having won a 2009 bye-election with 89% of the vote.
Mr Hodgson said: “I decided to run as a candidate for the OBA because I want Bermuda to do better. In a few short years, I have seen it become a place of gang violence, a place where jobs are disappearing and a place where government debt is being pushed more and more onto future generations.
“People are worried. I hear that every day in the work place, on the street and at the doorstep. People know we can’t keep going the way we’re going. They want safe communities. They want jobs. They want more opportunities for their families and they want responsible management of the public purse.
“This means change. I believe the One Bermuda Alliance offers the best hope for that change; and I believe they can deliver that safer, more secure future everyone wants.”
Mr Hodgson’s full statement follows below:
Thank you Mr. Cannonier and Good Day to you all.
My name is Terry Hodgson and I am excited to have the opportunity to represent the One Bermuda Alliance in Pembroke East Central, Constituency 16.
I decided to run as a candidate for the OBA because I want Bermuda to do better.
In a few short years, I have seen it become a place of gang violence, a place where jobs are disappearing and a place where government debt is being pushed more and more onto future generations.
People are worried. I hear that every day in the work place, on the street and at the doorstep. People know we can’t keep going the way we’re going.
They want safe communities. They want jobs. They want more opportunities for their families and they want responsible management of the public purse.
This means change.
I believe the One Bermuda Alliance offers the best hope for that change; and I believe they can deliver that safer, more secure future everyone wants.
I have been working with the party now for quite a few months and I am impressed not just by its spirit but also by the diversity of its people.
I think for Bermuda to progress, we have to have as many voices and views in the room as possible. And that is what I have seen with the OBA. They are approachable. They are open to ideas. And their focus is on solutions to make Bermuda work better for its people.
When I look at the team that has been assembled, I see really strong female candidates, I see a lot of young people who are fired up by the chance to make a difference; and I see experienced leaders who bring a wealth of knowledge to the table.
All of them are working to move Bermuda forward.
Politics should be about bringing people together to build a better society. That is what the OBA is about and I am proud to be a part of it.
To Mr. Cannonier, I would like to say thank you for this opportunity. Bermuda needs your belief and your optimism.
And to the people of Pembroke East Central, I give you my total commitment. I will listen. I will hear. And I will do my utmost to reflect your concerns, meet your expectations and carry forward your hopes.
I will work tirelessly on your behalf.
Thank you.
-
If we look at where these people work, it reads like a who’s who of old Bermuda.
What a ridiculous comment. He’s got a job at B&V, he isn’t the son of the father, he just works there. Don’t spin this into some crazed colonial debate. Jeez you people must be desperate. He’ll lose of course, Weeks is a rare good guy, but why go down this route? – just let him debate the issues and get on with it.
I don’t think its that ridiculous. I think one must consider why young people feel comfortable stepping up for the OBA but they don’t for the PLP. One of the reasons is because there is still the pervasive fear of economic blackmail. Those young people who are stepping up for the OBA just happen to work for Gibbons, etc.. so this (just like with the old UBP) can be a way for career advancement. They get lots of time off for rollouts, interviews, etc, as for their bosses its part of business.
I have friends who in 2012 have had their jobs threatened because they were PLP supporters. It still happens and its wrong.
You should examine things critically before calling them ridiculous.
“I think one must consider why young people feel comfortable stepping up for the OBA but they don’t for the PLP.”
It may have something to do with the fact that they feel more comfortable supporting a party that isn’t actively destroying Bermuda.
The OBA is obviously trying to appeal to a certain demographic. But the problem is that the candidates they have chosen don’t have that appeal. And if for some reason they do win their seats many of the candidates are not prepared to run a country. They have likely never even set foot in the House of Assembly as a visitor, let alone an MP. At this juncture, perhaps the most critical time in our country, even tho one may not agree with every decision made by the PLP, I cannot risk the future with these guys put forward by the OBA.
That is amazing, “I cannot risk the future with these guys put forward by the OBA”…and yet you will vote for Burgess, DeSilva, Burch and Brown. I just don’t get it. Have you been reading the excellent Gazette comment this week? Amongst a number of well balanced points is – if you vote in an incompetent PLP Government, about half the country gives up. And why? Because they are whiter than the PLP, and it has nothing to with the job they do, just because they are the “white party”. The point made is that in any other county, the PLP would not be elected (read it). And if that does happen, will the last one here turn the lights off. IB will walk, and every one of you will know someone who is newly out of work. That is a fact, and that is your risk my friend.
Don’t agree with Every decision????? Find one decision that most people agree with! Tuckers Point, Education reforms, Faith Based Tourism, Soft stance against the BIU, PGA sponsorship, Office in Washington, housing tax for spouses of non-bermudians, GPS in taxis, Work Permit changes, gift contracts, Bermuda Cement Company, MP RAISES, Lying to the people and overthrowing the premier in Dr. Brown, what – help me here – Only two things I can agree with. Thank GOD for Mrs. Co!, Many people hold her accountable for what has gone on as she is the face of Bermuda -but she is the only reason why things have not gotten worse! She might not be the LOUDEST NOISE MAKER in the PLP but she is the brightest and most trustworhy. The second thing I agree with is the invitation of Wayne Furbert to save tourism. Nice guy – UBP smarts.
She is practically mute. That doesn’t make her a thinker, it certainly doesn’t make her a leader, but it does make mute.
Are you kiding me!! As much as I love Paula as a person, as Premier she has definetly been the weakest Premier and the most appauling Finance Minister!!!!!!HelllooooHow can we possibly borrow more money to just keepafloat without any real direction.. saving the civil service jobs for votes is having a total disregard for our COUNTRY!!!!She was considered very bright before she became Premier. she herself referred to herself as a mere cog. how can the most important portfolio holder consider such a low opinion of herself as to be just a cog, now that she is the first amongst equals she has not been able to get cooperation from her own Deputy!!!I do feel for her position as she doesn’t seem to have strong support amongst her own cabinet!!!Is this the type of person you trust.??!!. no wonder some of us do not succeed in relationships!! because we refuse to accept anything less than what should be reasonably compromised!!
Nobody’s running a ‘Country’ or worse yet , a ‘Nation’ here .
We’re a piddly little 20.8 square mile island. And getting smaller with each passing high tide.
Ditch the delusions of grandeur.
Right!
Much more sensible to elect a “…good guy” who cannot string a sentence together.
Jokers!
PLP supporters still have jobs? other than civil service jobs?
Yes, he is a responsible person with a good job.
What about you?
congratulations to Terry !
Good luck Terry Hodgson. You are a man of integrity and honesty. Peace and Love Brother.
O Man Terry they got you, stay strong brother your in for a bumpy ride… the political world, is not all that it’s cracked up to be
Congratulations Terry, wishing you the in your canvassing and the task at hand.
*best
I would love to be the fly on the wall at dinner time. Isnt his father the driver for the Premier?
lol
Probaly nothing compared to being at the Smith (Jonathan) family Christmas dinner !
Funny! Terry is cool but in a losing battle. This will be a landslide in 16.
But at least Barker’s Beauties are back! LOL.
So how does another black OBA candidate fit into B. Trump’s spin of all things political…? S/he says the OBA is a Party of “white privilege.” Really?! What a joke you are Trump, nothing more than a chuckle now & then!
Free advice: read something about Bermuda’s modern political history and decide for yourself the role of Sir Henry Tucker in recruiting blacks like Jim Woolridge, Quinton Edness, Sir John Swan,DR. Clarence James and latterly John Irving Pearman to the UBP Government. A white Party committed to economic white supremacy, but staffed by palatable, harmless black faces.
I wish this guy well and hope he learns from the process and the experience, but I cannot allow you to paint his candidacy as something it is not.
That’s the truth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only the clowns in the OBA/UBP “use black people” refuse to see what they are really doing with the black faces!!!!!!!!
like the PLP does with Jonathan Smith
Well Terry my boy, this will be a learning experience that I hope you will benefit from for years to come.
It shouldn’t be as bumpy a ride as some may think. I figure, you don’t have a hope in heck of winning, so you’ll likely be spared the usual political jabs that might have otherwise resulted in the indignity of being proven wholly inadequate to run in this or any constituency.
Aside from the vote tally that is of course.
Kudos for providing the OBA the ability to run anyone in this particular constituency, as I’m sure the more seasoned amongst you will have surely let it go uncontested.
funny, how much do they pay these “candidates” to take licks to a Party
His dad is the driver of Paula Cox….. I find it quite interesting that this young man would have so much access to Paula Cox, yet want nothing to do with what she stands for (politically). Says a lot.
All the best,
Just because his dad drives for Paula Cox doesn’t mean he has any sort of special “access” to the Premier. What? Do you think he rides around in GP1 with daddy or sits in the back with Ms. Cox and reads her BB messages? Dummy!!
He’s a grown man and makes his own decisions on who to support politically.
And he is the grandson of Eva Hodgson! How funny.
Haha. Don’t be ridiculous! Eva Hodgson doesn’t even have children so how could she have a grandchild!
For the record, Dr. Eva Hodgson has no chldren, and therefore cannot have grandchildren. In fact Mr. Terry Hodgson is no relation to Dr. Hodgson, not that it matters. I think I heard somewhere that Nandi Davis was related to Dame Lois.
I think the deviant was playing with you, or are you all related?
Blaaaaaa Hahaha this is funny!!!!!!
All I can say is Ha Ha Ha Ha at this one. The more the OBA manages to allow the UBPers to really call the shots, the further goes their chances of making any meaningful impact at the next election. This one is an absolute joke and insulting to the electorate and most of all Terry. Good luck as another one of the token candiates for the UBPers and a compromise for the OBAers, Terry.
I guess it’s still all about race in BDA!
Pretty sad. Still mired on the plantation and content to remain there forever.
Small minded on a small island.
seems to me the PLP look more like the UBP than the OBA You can’t get any better than where they are.. Who would’ve thunk Wayne Furburt former UBP leader who use to cackle from the other side of the house is now commanding a much regarded portfolio that could have been given to any other loyal backbencher, also since when did Zane Desilva, Johnahan Smith ever have anything to say about the PLP before they got in and received also top notch posts immediately without even proving any loyalty!!! wow!!! and we trifle about a new party that is totally necessary if not we could find ourselves under direction of THE CROWN especially if we collectively show a no confidence in ourselves to run ourselves…And where is Gweneth Rawlins former UBP ‘head office hauncho” now PLP yes !and lets not forget Jamal Simmons who has also been around the block… Who are we kidding!!!???If you don’t have an opposition then we must consider Independent candidates then all of us can run for the house and see who gets the most votes!!
Haha this Sh#% is funny!!!!
Don’t count yah boy out yet. Life turns out funnier than fiction peoples. Good luck Terry Hodgson!
WAKE UP Terry Hodgson THESE PEOPLE ARE JUST USING YOU ! WHEN YOU FINISH SERVING THEIR PURPOSE THEY WILL DISPOSE OF YOU! IT’S UNFORTUNATE BUT THIS IS THE REALITY! I DON’T KNOW IF YOUR SKIN IS THICK ENOUGH FOR THIS! YOU MAY HAVE BITTEN OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW ON THIS ONE SERIOUSLY!
ALL POLITICAL PARTIES USE PEOPLE… WHAT IS YOUR POINT?
Firstly, no need for capitals, it’s not necessary, we get the drift. More importantly – he’ll lose, but he’s a young guy. Across the world, most parties put a rookie up in a safe home seat, and if he carries himself well he’ll get a better shot. That’s it, there’s nothing going on here and to suggest this is a white party taking advantage of a black guy – seriously, shame on you. You PLP folks have nothing but a stupid, screwed it up government who are slightly blacker than the OBA. Is that enough for you?
Anything is better than what we have now…being used for the betterment of the country is not a bad thing. What I hate is being pissed on (1.2B in debt) then being told its raining (we did it for the country). Who benefited under the old UBP…everybody more or less, some more than others. Who benefited under the PLP? a very very very few…..don’t piss on me and tell me its only raining…that one worked twice, a third time and I deserve to be pissed on head to toe
Good for Terry Hodgson! He is at least is attempting to make a difference and more than you naysayers, who constantly have to bring the race card into it & don’t want to make Bermuda a better place for all! *If his dad is Wayne Hodgson, Terry could not have asked for a better role model.
I will speak “postive” first. I would like to congratulate the OBA on their selction of Mr. Hodgson for Const. #16. I believe Terry to be a man of substance and I wish him well in the general election.
Now that I have that out of the way, let’s really look at this “selection.” Terry, my friend, though noble as your desire is to assist/change Bermuda – this is not a viable solution. And this is not isolated to you – - there are several OBA candidates who are simply “sacrificial lambs” for the slaughter. Bare with me as I share:
Const. #2 – St. George’s West – OBA – N Davis (vs.) J Gibbons & K Swan – - which is Kim’s country.
Const. #3 – St. David’s – OBA – G Cannonier (vs.) L Foggo – who won with 54.27% of the vote (2007) [PLP Stronghold]
Const. #13 – Devonshire North Central – OBA – A Francis (vs.) G Blakeney – who won with 53.52% of the vote (2007) [PLP Stronghold]
Const. #17 – Pembroke Central – OBA – A Simons (vs.) W Brown – PLP won sit in 2007 with 56.5% of the vote [PLP Stronghold]
Const. #24 – Warwick South East – OBA – A Swan (vs.) L Scott – PLP won sit in 2007 with 58% of the vote [PLP Stronghold]
Const. #35 – Sandys North Central – OBA – N Hamza (vs.) D Lister – who won with 66.43% of the vote in 2007 [PLP Stronghold]
NOW
Const. #16 – Pembroke East Central – OBA – T Hodgson (vs.) M Weeks – who recently won the bye election with 89% of the vote [PLP Stronghold]
So what do all these Const. have in common?
They are the marginal seats which the OBA has no chance of winning, BUT they have placed all of their younger, eager, possibly more talented candidates in these “no win” seats. Why do you ask? It’s simple – - the OBA is not about change – - it is about winning (nothing wrong with that – it is politics, of course).
This is why I have a problem with the OBA leader pushing Nandi and Alexis out front all the time – like they are the “new” faces of the OBA/Opposition – when clearly, he does not believe they are even worthy to be placed in a safe seat in order for them to be given the opportunity to do the work. No – we have the same faces from the older guard – -the turncoats of the BDA and the tratiors of the UBP – who will be sent back to the House and the Senate to continue their reigns.
This is not change, Mr. Opposition Leader. This is not the advancement of which I would want to be a part. That is why I will continue to hold you and your party accountable for everything you say, do, and publish. Please note – - I do also hold the current government and its leader to the same standard – trust.
It is time that we truly “SEE” the change of which you so desperately speak about – - are you willing? Are you game?
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
So what is your point exactly?
His point is they are all being used for the White man’s personal victory. Sorry but the days of trickery when they fronted the John Swans are over.
My point is simple – -
I provided commentary on the issue of the selection of young. able candidates for the Opposition which they (the Opposition) have no desire to be a part of the change they speak about.
I pointed out that the OBA is in direct conflict with their original mandate – real change.
Plain and simple.
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
“It’s simple – – the OBA is not about change – – it is about winning”
You make some good points and then you ruin all credibility with that asinine “spin”.
In order for the OBA to institute change do they not have to win?
You missed my point.
That fact that the OBA indicate that they believe “real change” is needed, that they (the OBA) are the “real change” the country requires – - BUT allows the younger, able candidates (the real change from the older guard) from their party to run in “no-win” areas is laughable – as this is not real change.
This is not about the OBA winning the government or not winning the government – - I want to know that the OBA are about “real” change – - not just a change of who sits where.
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
Good to see that the OBA are pushing out new fresh faces into the political scene. They may not win but they will get the experience of the silly season unlike the PLP who I see is rolling out the same old tired faces that we put up with because they’re “family”, “friends” and unfortunately…..race.
Out with the old, and in with the new but doubt that will happen, the old school doesn’t want to let go of their power.
Wow talk about putting the nails in their won coffin. What clown in the OBA told them to do this.
New people almost always come into no-win or close seats. When they lose, they can become Senators so they can learn ropes of politics. The good ones will eventually move on to better seats so they can move up and become MPs.
Yng Black Mind, maybe you should check what a “marginal” seat is.
Ms. Furbert – - noted with thanks. Information was sought and corrected moving forward.
YNB
Wow, what a lot of hot air. You could have saved yourself a couple of hours and read a book or picked your feet. Much love, older white mind.
Sir:
As you have described yourself as “older, white mind”, I will be respectful in my tone and intent. I have always valued the opinions of others as I desire people to respect mine. I have never indicated in any post that my opinion is law or gospel truth – - – my post was designed to highlight what I felt was an inconsistency in the selection of OBA candidates. It amazes me how my humble opinion can evoke such passion and distain from certain people . . . Honestly amazing.
My wor are here to propel people to engage in conversation, to push past their limitations and truly seek to better our community. That is where my heart lies – a better Bermuda for all – not just a few.
Join me or move aside – the train is leaving the station – all those with baggage will be left behind – smile.
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
YngBM-
Your list is interesting, and the last line of the above post is very interesting, too: “All those with baggage will be left behind”.
Looking at the constituencies you’ve identified, I’d make two observations. First, with the possible exception of Foggo, the PLP candidates could largely be characterized as the more moderate, centrist party members. Second, in at least 2 of the constitutencies, the most recent margin of victory was less than 55%, which may not be especially secure.
That makes me wonder if the OBA’s strategic thinking is that while these may be safer PLP seats, even if lost, they do not represent the more extreme PLP fringe- Burgess, Bean and others, and that while a majority would be their most desired outcome, trying to unseat more extreme members of the PLP might be second prize.
I also have to wonder, from a strategy point of view, about the PLP’s selection of candidates. Looking at the exclusion of DeVent, and the overall candidate list, I see little to acknowledge the mistakes that this Government has made over the past 14 years, and in more recent appointments, see the opposite (Roban). So if (and other have said this, not you) the assertion is that the PLP have learned from their mistakes, the quantification of that is missing in the list of candidates proposed.
I hope that the election is called soon. I believe it to be critical to the future of the Island, and citizens should know what to expect for the next five years.
EW
Mr. Wells:
I could not agree more. Your comments are well thought out and make sense to me. Thank you for your thoughts and opinion – - I too believe the election should be called sooner than later – - I want to know what I am getting for the next 4 to 5 years. Thanks again.
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
Young black mind are you a front for Laverne or the Central Committee just speaking about fronting people you understand.. Nice of them to define marginal for you
@Mr. Johnson:
I was wondering when our paths would cross. First, I must say that I have read many of your posts (here and on other blogs, sources) and understand your position clearly. I respect your position and your willingness to engage others in dialogue.
Now, to answer your question – No.
Anything else?
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
I’m confused…
So if the old politicians in the OBA run in a PLP stronghold, the “stronghold” will likely not vote for them simply because of who they are and who they used to run for…regardless of what they say..
if a new young politician runs, then they are being sacrificial lambs?
correct me if im wrong, but if the same thing isnt working (ie PLP stalwarts despise dunkley/gibbons, etc).. then doesnt it make sense to run a new candidate there?
@Finally left!
You are looking at the situation from a different viewpoint. I can agree that the result would probably be the same for the opposition; however, you can not deny that if the OBA were about “real” change within their own party, they would not have a problem with placing newer candidates in “safe” seats. Your comment goes to strengthen my original point – - this is about winning versus change – that’s right to the heart of it. But as I said earlier, I understand that is the nature of the beast which is politics. Until we are ready to change the system, we will get what we get – simple.
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
Congrats Terry. Stay focused, do the work and you will be a positive agent for change. The OBA is already forcing the govt to react and to pull up their socks, albeit too little too late. The public are tired of the incompetence and drama of the PLP.The country is suffering, jobs are being lost, our quality of life is deteriorating, home values are down, crime is up and so it goes. You are a bold, brave young man. Forget the naysayers hating from the sidelines.
I have stated here before that what this country needs and wants is Improvement not Change. It is not automatic that change will bring improvement.
no but its a start and there is no hope NO HOPE of improvement under this government…..lets start with a change and see what happens…..
Ever heard the saying “A change is as good as a rest.” Well I need a rest from the PLP because they have not pulled their socks up!
Hodgson not = PLP…..not anymore…..just ask Arthur and Eva. This current bunch is not their PLP……same with BIU.
thats funny i saw mr H at a CC meeting 3 weeks ago
hahahahahhahahahahhaha TERRY JUST SOUNDS AND LOOKS LIKE HE IS SAD THAT HE LOST ALREADY, IM SORRY BRO BUT HE DONT LOOK CONFIDENT AT ALL ……………………………….PLP ALL DE WAY
All de way because you understand how badly this country is being run, or because you only know one way? America only knew one way, then they elected a black man. Got some b@lls son?
Wow OBA is officially desperate….LOL….
Well when someone is GASing you up 24/7 and you have no commonsense you would think that your O.B.A. is where you belong