Column: ‘We Need To Stand Up And Step Up’

[Opinion column written by FDM candidate Cheryl Packwood]

I was raised to believe in equality and freedom for all – and I knew from childhood that this included economic equality. My father, Cyril Packwood, came home from his days of research in the Bermuda Archives with the stories of Mary Prince, Philippa, Sally Bassett and many others.

Black women could do anything. They could truly bring our people to freedom. I grew up believing in the fierceness of Black women. I mean I could do anything. Right? In reality, I have been a feminist and equal rights activist since before I knew myself.

Politics has been ingrained in the very essence of my being from my early years. Whether my father was discussing politics with Reggie Burrows, Dr. Eva Hodgson or my grandfather or whether my mother was crying when Richard Nixon won the US presidency in 1968, I have perceived politics simply as a means of caring about what happens to you and me and our families in our community to come to a common solution. We may have different ideologies but, in the end, we want the best for ourselves.

My interest in participating in our election was spiked when Marc Bean announced the founding of the Free Democratic Movement. I found a place where all perspectives are welcomed and respected. I found a group of people willing to listen and hear, to be convinced or not, and to evolve and work towards a thriving Bermuda – not just a surviving one. Indeed, I believe in forging a sustainable Bermuda which will feed and support our people in every sector — and I share this belief with the Free Democratic Movement.

I have spent almost two decades working on behalf of Bermuda in the international space. I have believed in all that we have to offer. I wanted us to succeed regardless of which political party was in power.

It is now blatantly clear, however, that what we have to offer the world is not enough to truly sustain our Island and improve the economic prospects of our people. We continue to do the same thing over and over again. We keep chasing down an international sector that can no longer bring the resources we need to live the lifestyle to which we have become accustomed. Indeed, that international sector on which we have depended for some 50 or more years has actually become more wealthy, while the local Bermuda community has stalled and stagnated. All indicators show that 2021 will, indeed, bring precipitous decline in our economy. The truth hurts but must be shared.

Over the past decade – and before then — our government’s response to the mounting economic crisis and long-term unemployment has been tepid at best. Indeed, our government has been too timid to date and has been overly cautious due to Bermudians’ concerns regarding the increasing debt and budget deficits. In short, debt can be a constructive economic tool, but only as long as that debt is used to stimulate the economy, grow jobs and bring sustainable prosperity. We can all agree, however, that it is irresponsible to incur additional debt when there has been little to show for current and previous debt.

We need to stand up and step up. The long-ignored challenges to the overall economy can no longer be politely dismissed or, worse, totally disregarded. We must start by stimulating our economy to bring back jobs and a future for our people. We need to reimagine and reinvent ourselves and create a real and sustainable future for our children. We can do many things to stimulate our economy from the creation of a transshipment port and a duty-free port, to aquaculture and the implementation of clean energy. There are many more initiatives worth developing as well. But, first, we need a real national plan – a plan built around a vision that sets forth a pathway to an equal, fair and truly sustainable Bermuda.

The Free Democratic Movement has that vision and will put in place that long overdue and much needed national plan. The FDM will do this as a true coalition government that works with the people and, yes, for the people. FDM candidates are people who believe in sensible changes; they have the expertise and the passion to govern well.

I have worked in other parts of the world and there is no more beautiful place to be than here in Bermuda. I am a daughter of Bermuda. I have been in tough situations and faced adversity. I have had automatic weapons held to my head and my children threatened with physical violence. But I am here. I know that I am a fighter and I know my fellow FDM colleagues are fighters, too. We will fight for each and every one of you because what we do today creates the achievements of tomorrow – achievements that are needed to benefit our children and our children’s children. We would be honored to receive your vote.

- Cheryl Packwood

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For comprehensive coverage of the 2020 Bermuda General Election and past elections, you can find more information and statistics on the links below.

• All: Our coverage of the 2020 General Election here
• Candidates: List of the currently confirmed candidates here
• Constituencies: Data/past results of all 36 constituencies
• Timeline: Visual look at the 2020 election timeline here
• Official: The Government’s election website here
• Comprehensive: Our new BermudaElection.com website here

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