Column: Mathias On Independent Candidacy
[Updated] [Opinion column written by Justin Mathias]
Given that news leaked of my consideration to run as an Independent in the upcoming election I thought it was imperative to write this piece to let you how I came to this decision, which certainly has not been an easy one and filled with mix emotions.
I have believed in the OBA since its start in 2011 and I have been a member ever since. I have supported them through the ups, the downs and everything in between.
On November 15, 2024 we had a Reply to the Throne speech delivered by the OBA party leader which was one of my final straws.
In that Reply to the Throne Speech the Opposition Leader said that “It’s time for an election”, and he repeated it numerous times. I immediately messaged a prominent OBA front facing member asking if they had 36 candidates?
He said no!
So how and why was is it so irresponsible?
As people who are holding public office or wanting to hold public office, we have a serious and moral duty to protect the individuals in which we serve and want to serve.
How can you call for an election knowing:
- 1. You don’t have a full slate of candidates,
- 2. You don’t have the individuals who have the caliber to form a government,
- 3. You simply don’t know how to lead a political party,
- 4. You didn’t want the job in the first place but because you were hand selected by the “powers that be” you dutifully continue to blindly lead.
I found that moment to be morally reprehensible and I can no longer in good conscience be a silent supporter.
Premier Burt decided to call the OBA’s bluff in the lead up to the 2020 election when Craig Cannonier dared him to call an election. So, what fool wouldn’t believe he would do it again when given the opportunity to defeat a weak OBA who was begging to get kicked, bruised, and beaten again. Then you add a weakened and tired Bermudian electorate who is apathetic to both parties you have the perfect winter storm of 2025.
Burt put his brilliance on display once again by forcing the outgoing Governor to call one of the shortest elections in history because the Government’s fiscal year ending on March 31st and Budget debates having to occur well in advance.
Bravo, the OBA adds another silver platter to David Burt’s growing collection.
I still can’t get over the fact that the OBA did not have 36 candidates in waiting when Jarion Richardson read that speech and 3 months later still doesn’t have 36 candidates.
It truly baffles the mind.
The ‘serious business party’ that touts on core values at any opportunity, and we can’t find one value to adhere to?
Any political strategist worth their weight in gold would tell you that after the press conference that occurred on January 8th where the Premier announced the election would have salivated at the opportunity presented to the OBA. At 6:30 pm when the cameras cut at Alaska Hall they should have moved right down the street to OBA HQ where the OBA should have announced their 36 candidates, renewed their platform, enhanced their vision for the future, said we were ready all along and we are ready to form the next Government.
But that didn’t happen! Even the tree frogs couldn’t compete with the deafening silence.
Here we are 12 days after the election announcement and Bermuda’s only other serious political party alternative is once again not a viable option. It rather continue the “life support” agenda of being delayed to responding to Government, slow to rolling out candidates, and giving vague platitudes hoping that the publics disdain for the PLP would overshadow their unorganized trainwreck of an organization.
4 years and 3 months of irresponsible inaction, smokes and mirrors trying to pretend to the Bermudian people that change was occurring. When you look at who’s still representing the OBA and PLP, it’s the same career individuals trying to milk the political system and public purse until the last drop.
I am tired of the wasted time and energy trying to fix an organization that is fundamentally flawed and not giving that energy to affecting change to Bermudians. The characters of individuals they continue to allow to be a part of OBA and PLP are continuing to drag down the collective, us ordinary citizens.
Simply put if we had real election laws in this Country, I would wonder who would still be able to stand in this election, on both sides.
Enough is enough! We need to send party politics to the backbenches where they deserve to be. If any politicians that truly care about Bermudians and representing her People should consider standing on their own two feet and run on the merit and stop hiding behind Party banner.
I am part of my own movement that is combined of friends, family, former colleagues, constituents and supporters who want to chart a new path. I truly believe that the time is now for independent representation in each constituency that will provide the best voice for each community and in turn build a collective benefit to the entire nation.
If you considering a run as an independent and want advice, understand the gravity or serving, or simply want to help please feel free to reach out. You can find me on any of my social media accounts or by email at independentmathias@gmail.com.
Update: Deputy Leader of the OBA Ben Smith said, “Justin Mathias’ press statement announcing that he intends to stand in the upcoming General Election is a clear example why the electorate should be extremely wary about voting for independent candidates. You simply do not know who is genuinely running to effect positive change in the lives of Bermuda and her people.
“In the case of Mr. Mathias, it’s obvious his return to politics is driven by a personal agenda after his departure from the OBA.
“I strongly believe everyone has the right to express how they feel, whether I agree with their sentiment or not. If Mr. Mathias wants to run for Parliament by wrapping himself in the clothes of a so-called “independent”, then that is his right.
“However, to put out a media statement misrepresenting the reality of his decision making is just plain wrong.
“In his announcement, Mr. Mathias seeks to persuade the Bermudian public that he reached his decision to stand as an independent after the OBA publicly demanded in November 2024 for the election to be called. Really?”
“If that were true, and he decided to stand because of the actions of our leader in November 2024, then why over the last couple of weeks has Mr Mathias reached out to several OBA members, including Mr Richardson. Only 12 days ago, on 8 January 2025, Mr. Mathias messaged him stating: “Let me know if I can help in any way!”
“Mr Mathias cannot have it both ways. Either he is misleading the Bermudian people about his newly-found beliefs in “independents” – or he was misleading his former OBA colleagues only days ago.
“As far as Mr Mathias’ other claims about the OBA, he neglects to mention the fact that he has not been a part of the OBA for almost two years, since April 2023.
“The public should think very carefully before voting for this newly-converted “independent,” Mr Smith added.
Update: Mr Mathias said, “I will only dignify a part of this response to say, anyone who knows me knows that I offer genuine help to those who need it and if Mr. Smith read my piece, he would understand that help was clearly needed. I won’t lower myself to dignify any other part of his statement because I thought his rise back to politics after losing his “safe seat” in 2020 would have humbled and matured him. I truly hope the donations start to come back for the OBA so they can hire some professional help in communications.
Good luck, Justin Mathias. And be prepared to be vilified by the PLP and its trolls.
“VILIFY”
No way he just bashed the OBA Leader and spoke the truth about the party. He should be awarded for being strong enough for speaking the truth.
Turns out it wasn’t the truth.
Anyone voting for the oba is either a surrogate or stupid at this point. Jarion and his musical band of mice are done.
And you honestly think the current party ain’t cooked?! lmao right…..
Lmao right… the Opposition is beyond cooked. Let us know when they invite you to the BBQ.
Far less cooked than what’s on offer today be honest. Don’t care to go to their BBQ anyways just want Bermuda to vote what’s best for Bermuda but we won’t!
Justin didn’t mention anything about surrogates? In your opinion he was one, so the whole surrogates lie you sput has just been disproven. If you repeat something that has been disproven please seek help.
There are some who will never give up on the politics of hate and lies. Hopefully Justin Mathias can bear such attacks.
The oba members are stupid and the surrogates are the ones they place at the front hoping votes. I think everyone knows that, which is why they might have to change the name again.
Well this was a comedy show.
He didn’t say where he is running though.
Yeah…I’m curious too…just reveal it…election is a few weeks away
Yeah…im curious too…election is few weeks away.
The only comedy show is your party lmao
I believe in C25, but we’ll know on nomination day (Jan 31st) for sure.
It feels time for Sir John to pull these Independents together into a new party.
The PLP are abysmal and there is no trust in the OBA.
Well that’s a slap in the face to OBA leader and members…cha… So for which constituency are you running? Where did the news leak…not much of a leak with the election a few weeks away…other candidates are known.
Apparently hasn’t be a member of the OBA since 2023.
Exactly! SMH
Maybe because he saw a weak spineless party like the rest of Bermuda. Why does the OBA continue to lose Chairmen’s?
Good luck, Justin Mathias. And be prepared to be vilified by the OBA/UBP CLOWNS. A party that uses surrogates as fronts. This same OBA/UBP party that still today doesn’t admit to why they’ve lost so many black voters/members over the years.
You do realise that the PLP currently has more former UBP members than any other party, right?
Or let me guess… it’s only okay to have formerly been part of the UBP once you don a green suit and tie and begin saying “PLP all d way!”, inna?
Both the OBA and the PLP are pretty shambolic for their own shortcomings but it’s this kind of pathetic, clownish hypocrisy that ensures Bermuda stays in a perpetual state of stagnation and disrepair.
Apathy
“You do realise that the PLP currently has more former UBP members than any other party, right”
Reading is fundamental, so I’ll type my same comments again Apathy!
This same OBA/UBP party that still today doesn’t admit to why they’ve lost so many black voters/members over the years.
Repeating yourself only for the inherent hypocrisy to be all the more apparent, got it!
You mean the PLP/UBP party which it is today. Guys have more of them than the OBA….try again! Your lines are used up…
Justin, where is your grammar??? This is terrible writing. It’s written like it’s spoken.
This man sounds like a raging toddler trying to seek attention from anyone willing to give it. Looks like none of these parties want you involved or connected to them…. and judging by your opinion pieces I can see why!
Get a hobby…. politics ain’t it for you
Essentially why he left. Cry-babied himself right out the door lmfao!
Pretty much blown his chances in the election. Nothing to be gained by slinging so much mud. Same as cussing out your boss and expecting to win. Be an adult and say he does not agree with party politics so am running as an independent, and this is my platform.
He should join the PLP, that’s where all the used black surrogates go after they realized they were just SURROGATES for the ubp/OBA.
Wow! Overdosed on the bitter pills much? Would have been much better for him if he spends less time on OBA history. The OBA is not the Government of nothing but failures. Better to spend the effort on enlightening the forgetful voters on the dismal performance of the PLP Government and his views on how to rectify the situation for people to judge him by.