Column: Foley On St David’s, Politics & More

[Opinion column written by OBA candidate Maurice Foley]

During the Opposition’s response to the throne speech on Friday, I sat in stunned silence as members of the Progressive Labour Party laughed at the suggestion that St. David’s could become a parish under a One Bermuda Alliance government. As someone born and raised in St. David’s, I know all too well the struggles and triumphs of our community. What I witnessed in that moment was not just a dismissal of an idea but an insult to the identity and aspirations of the people of St. David’s.

The notion of parish status for St. David’s is more than symbolic. It is about recognising the unique culture, history, and contributions of this area and its people to Bermuda. For over 100 years, my family, extended family, and many others in St. David’s have been pillars of this community, contributing to Bermuda’s economy, culture, and resilience. Our families have fished the surrounding waters, cultivated the land, raised strong families, and enriched the island through hard work and dedication. We’ve done this while navigating immense challenges, including displacement and the loss of our ancestral lands.

The very land we stand on tells a story of sacrifice and loss—lands taken from St. David’s families to build the airport and U.S. military base during World War II. These lands were once the heart of our community, home to generations of families who were displaced without choice or fair compensation for their loss. Despite these injustices, the people of St. David’s have remained steadfast, continuing to contribute to the prosperity of Bermuda.

Even today, the divide remains—both figuratively and literally. A physical fence still stands between St. David’s and what is now called Southside, a stark reminder of the separation imposed on our community. Southside is still St. David’s, yet the division endures. The disparity between the two areas is glaring: Southside boasts better-kept roads, modern developments, and attention from authorities, while the rest of St. David’s struggles with crumbling infrastructure, overgrown verges, and neglected public spaces. This disparity is not just a matter of convenience—it reflects a deeper inequity in how resources are allocated and how our community is valued.

Among these neglected spaces stands the St. David’s Lighthouse, a once-proud emblem of guidance and hope, now a crumbling shadow of its former self. The lighthouse is more than a historic site; it is a beacon for our community and a testament to our resilience. Its current state of disrepair is emblematic of how our community’s needs are consistently overlooked. What message does it send when one of Bermuda’s iconic landmarks, a symbol of our island’s heritage, is left to decay? This is not just a matter of aesthetics—it is a reflection of how St. David’s and its people are valued.

However, this resilience is being tested in ways that are unacceptable. The near closing of St. David’s Primary School, for instance, was a clear indication of how undervalued our community has become in the eyes of the current government. A school is more than just a place of learning—it is a cornerstone of the community, a gathering place for families, and a symbol of opportunity for future generations. To even consider shutting its doors shows a lack of understanding of the vital role it plays in the lives of our children and families.

From the abandoned Clearwater Middle School to the neglected Marginal Wharf, our community’s potential is left unrealised. What we need is a government that takes these challenges seriously, that sees St. David’s not as an afterthought but as a critical part of Bermuda’s future. A laugh at our potential is a laugh at our worth, our history, and our future.

If parish status isn’t the right path, then what does the current government propose? What visionary ideas does the PLP have to offer to restore and revitalise St. David’s? The record speaks for itself: empty promises, stalled projects, and a lack of meaningful investment. The question remains: how does this government plan to give St. David’s the recognition and resources it deserves?

St. David’s is more than a name on a map. It’s a community with a rich history, a unique identity, and immense potential. The PLP may laugh at the thought of us becoming Bermuda’s 10th parish, but the people of St. David’s aren’t laughing. We are waiting—waiting for real leadership, real ideas, and real change. And when the time comes, we will not be silent; we will choose the future we deserve.

To my immediate family, extended family, and residents of St. David’s and Bermuda, change is often uncomfortable, but it is also essential for progress. Together, we must continue to have resilience and determination in navigating challenges and pushing for a better future for Bermuda. Together, we have the unique opportunity to inspire hope, foster unity, and drive the changes our country needs. Stay committed to your vision and values, and remember that every step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to meaningful progress. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Bermuda—one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Keep pushing forward; the journey may not be easy, but it will be worth it.

The people of St. David’s deserve to be seen, heard, and respected. Our contributions to Bermuda’s history and our potential for its future cannot be ignored. The St. David’s Lighthouse continues to guide us, not just as a symbol of our past, but as a light toward a brighter future. This is not a laughing matter. This is about justice, equity, and giving St. David’s the recognition it has long deserved.

- Maurice Foley is the One Bermuda Alliance candidate for Constituency 3, St. David’s

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