Video: OBA Confirm Susan Jackson For C#20
[Updated with video] Louise Jackson’s daughter Susan Jackson will stand for the Opposition in C#20 Pembroke South West, the OBA confirmed this afternoon [Nov 28]. This is the final candidate rolled out by the OBA, who has now confirmed all 36 candidates for the General Election, which will be held in 18 days.
Ms. Jackson has a professional background in corporate communications, and is currently public relations manager for HSBC and has also worked at the law firm Appleby and telecommunications company KeyTech. She was previously announced as a UBP candidate in 2010.
Louise Jackson — the incumbent Pembroke South West MP — is retiring, which paves the way for a new MP for the area. Considered by many to be a safe seat for the Opposition, Mrs Jackson [under the UBP] won 83% [711-145] of the vote vs the PLP’s Laverne Furbert. In 2003, Mrs Jackson won 81.83% of the vote against the PLP’s Neville Darrell.
Ms Jackson will join a four-way battle, with the PLP’s Marcus Jones and Independents Johnathan Starling and David Petty already set to contest the area. The two parties exchanged words about the late rollout of the C#20 candidate last month.
In introducing her, OBA Leader Craig Cannonier said: “Susan comes to us with an impressive background in corporate communications, and public service, and a deep familiarity with public life of the country through her parents, the late Albert Jackson, long-time President of the Senate, and, of course, her mother the great Louise Jackson.
“With Susan’s candidacy, we have put forward nine women to carry the OBA flag. That’s one quarter of our field of candidates, and I can tell they are a strong group committed to the issues that matter to the women of Bermuda.
Mr Cannonier continued: “Although today marks her official rollout, Susan has already spent months on the doorstep speaking with the people of Pembroke West Central, as well as canvassing with her OBA sisters in their constituencies.
“Some of you may wonder why Susan was not rolled out earlier, and the reason we didn’t was because there were other potential candidates wanting to run in that seat. So we gave everyone a chance. Susan was the overwhelming favorite based on constituency feedback.”
Ms Jackson’s full speech follows below:
I am excited and proud to be a candidate for the One Bermuda Alliance in this election, and to have the opportunity to represent the people of Pembroke South West, Constituency 20.
There is no higher calling than to be able to work for and represent people, and I am ready to do that with every fibre of my being.
Everything about my life – the ups and the downs – leads to this moment.
I was raised in a family that was devoted to public service.
I am a single mother who sacrificed so that my children can have a better life.
I have been unemployed and faced the doubts that I would ever get another job.
I have been involved in community-based public service from the Women’s Resource Centre, to Mirrors, YouthNet and Pride.
And I have survived cancer and chosen drastic surgery to live to see this day.
I am ready to serve.
I have been meeting with the constituents of Pembroke South West over the past few months, and I can tell you that people from all walks of life are extremely concerned about the direction Bermuda is heading.
They are concerned about crime.
They are concerned about rising unemployment.
They are concerned about the massive debt.
They are concerned about the education of their children.
And they are concerned about the future.
Many have said they feel helpless to stop what is happening.
They say the Government gives them no confidence it knows what to do.
The stress and anxiety is real.
People are worried.
And they are ready for change.
I am proud to stand here today with Craig as a member of the One Bermuda Alliance team.
Because I believe the OBA can bring the change the people of Bermuda need.
The team has a wonderful diversity and optimism that makes one confident for the future.
I see Bermuda working every time we gather together.
There is respect for each other, and recognition of the value each person brings to the table.
There is the shared commitment to making the Island work again for the people.
It’s about moving forward together. And that is the opportunity this election brings to the people of Bermuda.
The goal is to put in place a government that takes care of the Island’s business,
that gives people the confidence they need to enjoy their lives;A government that takes care of the economy, protects the environment and ensures public safety; and
A government that builds an education system in which children are safe and learning.
My aim as a public servant is to help people live their lives – to advocate for them when they need an advocate and to have the good sense to get out of the way when they don’t.
I am an optimist. I believe in Bermuda and I believe in our people and their ability to overcome the challenges we face.
There is love and compassion everywhere. I know that from speaking with the people of Pembroke South West and from canvassing with my OBA team mates.
There is also a deep love for this Island, and a longing to make it better.
Let’s let it all work for us.
That’s the opportunity.
And that’s the change Bermuda needs.
-
Update 5.53pm: PLP candidate for C#20 Marcus Jones welcomed newly announced OBA candidate Susan Jackson to the field of candidates vying to occupy the Parliamentary Seat vacated by Mrs. Louise Jackson.
“The people of Pembroke South West have been waiting to have the opportunity to hear where each candidate stands on the issues, what attributes we bring to the table and how we will represent their interests in Parliament,” said Mr. Jones.
“While canvassing the people of constituency #20 I have had the opportunity to listen to their concerns and lay out our 10 Point Plan for jobs and reviving the economy. We look forward to a vibrant and healthy debate.”
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Good luck, Susan. I know you’ve been out there quietly working. Hope you’ve got a good team, as the seat may not be as safe as it once was.
Please. That is the safest of all safe seats.
We all knew Susan Jackson would get the nomination from the pit bull. She grew up entitled and Michael Fahy was the wrong colour and too clean a moral man to represent that crowd over there.
I enjoyed meeting her when she came round to visit.
Did she smoke weed with you?
She told the unflinching truth… that alone deserves credit… Im in 20, and personally I hope she brings a kadunga when she comes to canvas!
@GOOD TIME: Good question? will she also advocate for drugs, is it her favorite hobby? Wow look at the quality of OBA canadiates??? This speaks volumes.Not a good look at all. Folks be aware of this.
Is she in her work clothes or her OBA clothes?
She has some very big shoes to fill. Good luck.
the OBA has hotter looking candidates.
—–
Because when it comes to being an elected official that’s what counts…?
Of course…!!
At last! She’s got my vote!
Canonnier’s Sister is fine! and Jackson is drop dead gorgeous.
OBA your looking better by the minute
Is Bermuda still in the dark ages? Really? Comments about hotties and female candidates’ clothing? I thought this was the 21st century. Hot or not, the OBA candidates are a great team. Congrats Susan.
Crazy. Lol.
\
finally….2 votes here….you will do a great job…..
Personally I thought Racheal Sawden would have been rolled out . Anyway , it would have looked bad if Susan was disinherited by her own mother . When will the OBA allow their candidates stand on their own two feet ?
M.P……..No kidding – the PLP certainly don’t have any family connections within their party.
Yeah , but the OBA hands down constituencies like it’s a membership at the old Coral Club , or Mid Ocean Golf Club .
@MP…since the OBA hasn’t been in existence that long, where do you get that idea from?
‘since the OBA hasn’t been in existence that long’huh. Well it (the OBA)still smells of mothballs , and the constituencies are treated and handed down as the spoils of war . The OBA raided the UBP’s war chest .
Mothballs or not, UBP or not, the OBA is the ONLY Party that has the unique combination of talent, education, and experience that will get Bermuda back on track. And thank the lord for that!
The plp, on the other hand, are simply a bunch of bumbling “jokers” who through Friends & Family contracts, off-shore bank accounts, and secret Trust Funds have essentially drained OUR Treasury to bare-bones, pockets turned inside-out BROKE!! Many need to be arrested for that, and you know their names! Thanks for NOTHING plp!!
Vote wisely.
If the OBA wins the election I am sure they will not give any contracts to their friends, family or the people that support them.,
and in addition to talent, education and experience they are drug free…..
Where’s the ‘old Coral Club’? Never heard of it!
Susan Jackson is even prettier than Nandi Davis
Vote OBA!!
Yup…this is real change….yawn
Although I am not an OBA supporter, I am indeed surprised that OBA supporters can comment on nothing more about Ms. Jackson other than her outward appearance. I’ve worked with Ms. Jackson on various projects over the past few years and I know first hand that she is more than just a pretty face. I admire her for standing for public service and I do believe that she is sincere and she will do well in representing the residents of Constituency 20, and indeed the entire Bermuda.
Well said Lavern. She is a dedicated public servant.
And what about the above comments shows they are OBA supporters?
I agree with you 100% Ms. Furbert. Thank you for the positive remarks.
Laverne, have you lost your mind? Wow what a traitor! In one breath you say you’re not an OBA supporter, in the next you pretty much confirm that she will get in. You obviously don’t have too much confidence in her opponent, do you?!!
In all fairness, this is the OBA’s safest seat so I think she is right in predicting that she will be the next MP for C20
Laverne…LAVERNE…Is that you Laverne? Kind words for an OBA candidate? Head for the storm shelters.
laverne what the hell are you saying what did the oba promise you a senate seat.
Crikey….Laverne..that’s almost rational….you mellowing in your old age?!
I won’t say too much but there are some questionable statements in her speech…
I’ve worked with her in the past, Jackson gets things done.
I hope everyone noticed that Susan spoke impressively, without notes and from the heart. And although I rarely agree with Laverne Furbert, she is absolutely correct to chastise the posters who have commented on the physical appearance of female candidates. Get a life. It’s starting to get a little creepy.
Hey Susan, good luck. When O.B.A. Remain opposition you can talk for all We weed smokers.
We’ll all need some weed if OBA lose.
Watching Mrs Furbert on the news make the preposterous statement that Seniors are better off today than they were 10 years ago…you should be ashamed of yourself for making such a foolish statement. Amazing that anyone would put a microphone in front of you.
I wonder how Lavern would know about the status of the seniors !!! has she done a survey ? has she talked to our seniors ?
1) She is a senior
2) I’m sure she talks to her peers
3) Just a list from the PLP Website.
Eliminated the Driver’s Licence fees for our seniors 65 and older
Eliminated the Vehicle registration fees for seniors 65 and older
Reduced the price of prescription drugs by allowing quality generic drugs to be imported
Increased the pensions payable to our seniors ten times since 2002 with the most recent increase in 2011
Enacted the Seniors Abuse Register Act
Hosted the national Conference on Ageing
Established the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged
Completed the Rockaway Seniors facility for over 100 seniors
Added prescription drug benefits
Established mandatory licensing and standards for all elder care facilities
Eliminated a long standing policy of discrimination against Bermuda’s War Veterans
I think the PLP have done OK with Seniors.
What I said was that all seniors are not suffering and that some of us are living comfortable lives. I also noted during the interview that I know that because I am a senior and most of my friends are also seniors. Further, the BIU has a seniors club that meets once a week. The majority of the members are former hotel employees who are now benefiting from two pensions (Government and Hotel pensions). They all seem to be living very comfortable lives.
It is a fact that seniors are better of now that they were ten years ago. Ten years ago, most of Bermuda’s seniors did not have the benefit of a private pension. Today we do.
Triangle Drifter, my kind words were for Susan Jackson, not an OBA Candidate, and I make no apologies for my remarks. I stand by them. She is more than just a pretty face.
Navin Johnson……go do some investigative reporting….check Susan track record, you will find it maynot be as drug free as your wishing and dreaming….was not drug free as the gossip vine says? Hey stop kidding yourself, OBAubp have others in the same boat..stop and look carefully behind the door.
As an Independent candidate running against Ms. Jackson in constituency 20, I would like to congratulate her on securing her party’s nomination as their candidate.
I look forward to the 17th and wish her all the best!
I’m in Pembroke South West…never laid eyes on Marcus Jones, Jonathan Starling or David Petty. Exactly WHERE have they been canvassing?
I hope to make amends to that Observant! I still have quite a lot of the constituency to cover, as I’m sure is the case with Mr. Petty, the other Independent.
If you would like to email me at votestarling@gmail.com I would be happy to respond, and will seek to visit your neighbourhood as soon as possible.
I’ve seen Marcus Jones twice.. but nobody else!
I’m working on it! I’ll be out again after the nomination procedure. Email me if you like (and to let me know which neighbourhood), otherwise I’ll just keep to my canvassing schedule and hope to get to you as soon as possible!
Is it me, or is this nepotism at its best? To me it is irrelevant what other parties do or don’t do. The OBA is supposed to be the new way forward, where Bermudians of all shapes, sizes and colours get to be represented. To merely roll out the daughter of the incumbent in the safest possible seat smacks of the old UBP ways. Sorry, OBA, I would like to support you, but I thought you were the way forward, not the way back. Let Ms Jackson stand on her own in a different consituency and put someone with a proven track record in public service, who commands respect from all sides into that safe seat, and I would respect you much more for that. She may well be a fantastic candidate, but if she turns out to be useless, you’ve just given her a job for life.
You have a point, where is FAHY?
“It smacks of old UBP ways…?” Get serious! You mean it smacks of good politics! Forget about the UBP, just tell us what the plp has planned. Don’t bother, I’ll tell you what the plp have planned…NOTHING NEW!!
Vote wisely.
@street wise. Funnily enough, not everyone who criticises the OBA is by definition a PLP fan. I thought the whole point of the OBA was that people weren’t grandfathered in like they were in the UBP days. How is this good politics? This is a SAFE SEAT. In fact, the safest! Surely the OBA would show themselves as truly rewarding those that have worked the hardest for their cause by putting someone like Fahy in. You can’t deny that he has worked extremely hard to get the OBA off the ground, been a senator, and is earning his stripes. Apart from being Mrs Jackson’s daughter, canvassing with her mother and coming in on her mother’s apron strings, what has Ms Jackson done for the OBA? I would have a lot more respect for her and the OBA if she stood elsewhere or started as a senator. I hope she has a long and fulfilling career and is a force for good, but most Bermudians (PLP and OBA alike) are NOT able to have Mummy hand them a job for life.
Out of interest, do you feel the same way about Larry Scott’s son getting his seat automatically, or is it different somehow when it’s the PLP?
Not at all different – to my mind, it’s one of the huge list of reasons why people have lost faith in the PLP. I did think, however, that the OBA were trying to be different from both the UBP and the PLP and to see this happening whilst they are still a fledgling party is pretty disappointing. It doesn’t mean I condone any of the actions of the PLP, and again I’m surprised that people think that criticism of one party means automatic support of the other.
Hey Nothing more than looks, this is someone that like Dickerson, just has not been caught yet…..did she smoke weed and more is the questions and answers that OBA are hiding from?? Not a good choice to representing the people I would guess. Investigative reporting would reveal the true Susan Jackson really is. Guess she will push the laws for DRUGS.
Nonsense.
I hear Fahy is the campaign chairman of the oba – willing to bet he reappears after as senate leader? the guy is a future leader of this country. i heard him at a fundraiser a while ago and my lord that guy is passionate about his country and speaks the most plainly with truth as i have every heard a white boy speak!
One of the better choices so far! Youth alone is over rated!