Column: Crockwell On ‘Visionary Voters’

January 21, 2025 | 4 Comments

Juanae Crockwell Bermuda Jan 16 2025 (1)[Opinion column written by independent candidate Juanae Crockwell]

For decades, Bermuda’s political landscape has been dominated by party politics. While this system once served a necessary purpose, today, it too often feels like a cycle of division and disappointment. The people of Bermuda deserve an alternative.

My decision to run as an independent candidate is not just about stepping from advocacy into politics; it is about challenging a system that no longer serves the best interests of our people.

Despite the usual election-season theatrics, independent representation in Parliament is neither radical nor new. Many in my generation may not recall the election of 1989, when Stuart Hayward, an environmental activist, won his seat in Pembroke West Central as an independent. That victory was a defining moment in our political history – Mr Hayward unseated Clarence James, the incumbent and a member of the ruling United Bermuda Party, in what some considered a fluke.

Fluke or not, he remains the only independent candidate to have won a parliamentary seat under Bermuda’s modern political system. His legacy is one of advocacy, integrity, and independence—qualities that should be the standard, not the exception, in political leadership.

I often reflect on that moment in 1989 and ask myself: What was it about the political climate that emboldened the voters of Pembroke West Central to take a chance on something different? What inspired them to step outside the two-party system and elect a representative without party affiliation?
The answer, I believe, lies in the conditions of the time.

The backdrop of the 1989 election bears a striking resemblance to where we find ourselves in 2025. Bermuda was grappling with economic and social instability, with an economic downturn in the early 1980s compounded by the 1981 general strike. Our economy had become heavily dependent on tourism, much like our current reliance on international business. Inflation and rising costs were squeezing households. The ruling party had been in Government for over 20 years, and the people were growing restless with one-sided governance.

The more I examine that election, the more I realise that the true revolutionaries of the time were not the candidates or the parties, but the voters. Particularly the voters in Pembroke West Central, who dared to take a chance on the unknown for the betterment of their community and their country.

I wonder: Do we have any revolutionary voters in Bermuda today? People willing to break from the status quo to embrace a bold vision for change? Voters who recognise the trajectory our country is on and have the courage to shift its direction?

For too long, we have been conditioned to look to the Government for solutions. But in this case, the problem—party politics—is not something the Government will or even can fix. We cannot expect solutions from those who perpetuate the problem. The power to change our system lies with the people. We must be the change—and that starts at the polls.

An independent MP is not beholden to party lines. They are free to advocate solely for their constituents, to champion policies based on merit rather than party agendas, and to work collaboratively with all elected officials for the greater good of Bermuda.

This shift would mean that legislation is actively debated, rather than pushed through or opposed simply due to party allegiance. It would ensure that representatives remain engaged with social and community issues, fulfilling their duty with integrity. It would eliminate “safe seats,” pushing every representative to earn their place based on merit, expertise, and passion for public service.

This is not just a necessary shift—it is an evolution in our democracy.

Residents of Constituency 31 have shared their frustrations with me. They are concerned about issues that transcend political affiliations—affordable housing, education reform, healthcare, environmental sustainability, LGBTQ+ rights and economic stability. These are not partisan issues; they are community issues, Bermudian issues, human issues. But as long as these concerns are politicised for party gain, we will continue running in circles.

Live replay of Ms Crockwell’s press conference held earlier this month

This election presents a critical opportunity to shift the balance of power. For many voters across Bermuda, the question on election day will not simply be “PLP or OBA?” It will be whether we continue within a system that has outlived its usefulness or take a chance on something new—an idea, a philosophy, a different way of governing.

Change does not happen overnight. But on February 18 2025, Bermuda will stand at a crossroads. The choice before us is clear: continue down the same party-driven path or choose the road less travelled.

The people of Bermuda have long deserved an alternative. Now, they have one. The only question that remains is: do we have any visionary voters?

- Juanae Crockwell [Independent Candidate, Constituency 31] – for more information, please visit crockwell31.com.

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Comments (4)

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  1. Joe Bloggs says:

    “For decades, Bermuda’s political landscape has been dominated by party politics. While this system once served a necessary purpose, today, it too often feels like a cycle of division and disappointment.”

    Agreed. Best of luck to you.

  2. watching says:

    And what happens when the Independents are all out of sync with each other? or decide that on any given week their support for whoever they have selected to Lead is withdrawn? Ask the Cayman how the independent movement has worked for the parliament system?
    The Swan Independents are being very disingenuous in this election by trying to appeal to the emotions of the disaffected. But they have their own plans for once elected.
    I don’t know Ms. Crockwell and i think she may be well intentioned but by aligning herself with Renee Webb and Rolfe Commissiong, it dilutes any gravitas she may have had.

  3. Good luck says:

    Commitment. If you lose do not disappear. Do not join Joe Bloggs who does nothing but follow his own tail and spend time telling people not to use his name. You can get things done even if you lose because you are a soldier of the cross.

  4. PAC MAN says:

    Well Ms Crockwell from reading a history lesson from you and others others who are all looking to score goals, we are where we are just because.

    May i ask do you know what the Bermuda average income and expenditure is per day of Bermuda is bases on the current financial climate?

    Are you able to stand up in parliament , hold the floor and shout them all down ?

    Unfortunately all that i have been able to determine from your comments above is your hope for the future as we all do , well that’s a start.

    We have to be a realist relating to the merits of an independent candidate as you and they are on their own trying to keep their heads above water .

    In order to set up a new business requires large amounts of capital being cash which we and Bermuda does no have , did that all go to Bermudina beach ?

    Our debt is crippling this island created by the previous administrations, Bermuda has become a ship at sea with a broken mast and water above the floor boards that makes me and I presume others with little or no hope. .

    Are you looking for a fancy job as a leader with out offering any form of real substance .

    Ms.. Crockwell the tax payers are looking for something which wiil bear fruit for their tax contributions however the voting tax payers are not looking for bunch of people based on their past lorals.

    And the room goes silent !

    P.P.B. Political People Bashing, does not give any encouragement other than what has become the norm offered by others these days is considered nothing short of demeaning and a flagrant form of degregation ..

    You gave Tourism a mention i am sure that you are well aware that simply because Bermuda has nothing else to market except high prices.

    Bermuda has to do more with less that could keep you awake at night.

    We do not have the money caused by a fading tourist business . that is a door to knock on !

    I doubt if this next election would come to offer any significant change as managing the affairs of this island is nothing short of a monumental task . Got to keep it simple can keep the public in the dark for ever . they will come after you like roaring lion .

    I was looking to find something in your comments above that which has yet to be tried and tested.

    I am sure you are aware Bermuda has sold off many of our major assets Food and Power gone to ransom as a monopoly, while education come last in the race towards our future prosperity as Bermuda carries a massive debt a burden we have no money or vision to satisfy on the day after today.

    Never the less Ms Crockwell good luck in your future endeavors you have many hurdle to jump over as we all are looking to jump over the same thing.

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