Video: Independent Juanae Crockwell
[Updating] Independent candidate Juanae Crockwell — who will be running in Constituency #31 Southampton West Central — is holding a press conference this morning [Jan 15]. We will have additional coverage later on and in the meantime the live video is below.
PLP MP Crystal Caesar is the incumbent, the OBA already announced that Linda Smith will be their candidate for the seat and Karen Hodgkins has already announced that she will run in this area as an independent, so as it currently stands it will be a 4-way race.
Ms Crockwell announced her website during her press conference this morning, and you can visit Crockwell31.com to find out more about her candidacy, and she will also be hosting a virtual town hall on January 22nd
This constituency was previously held by her brother, and Ms Crockwell mentioned him today, saying, “My political mentor is my brother, the late Shawn Crockwell. He was the MP for this area up until 2017, and of course, he passed in 2017. Having a front row seat to his political journey significantly impacted my decision to run as an independent.”
Update 10.56am: speaking at today’s press conference, Juanae Crockwell said, “Good morning members of the media, distinguished guests, family, and friends.
“Thank you for joining me here in my home today as I announce my candidacy as an independent candidate for Constituency 31—Southampton West Central.
For those who may not know me, I am Juanae Crockwell—a millennial woman, mother, holistic counselor, and community advocate. I was born, raised, and still reside on Seymour Farm Road in Southampton. [In fact, we are standing in my living room right now!]
“I attended Port Royal Primary School and Bermuda Institute, and my three sons—Skyler, Micah, and Michal—have each attended Port Royal School and play football with the Southampton Rangers youth program. This area has been their playground, as it was mine, and the people here have been an integral part of the village helping to raise them.
“I am no stranger to hardship or mistakes. I have overcome significant challenges—rebuilding my life from rock bottom and lifting others as I climb.
“I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and a Master’s in Community Development, along with certifications in Holistic Human Development and Counseling. Currently, I serve as the Executive Director of a non-profit in Bermuda, a role that allows me to draw on both my personal experiences and professional training to support women and advocate on their behalf.
“I have been deeply involved in numerous advocacy initiatives, including serving on government boards and committees and as a member of Social Justice Bermuda.
“I take to heart the words of Muhammad Ali: “Service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on earth.” Service is a core value of mine, guiding both my personal and professional decisions. Representing my country as a civic leader is the next step in my advocacy journey, elevating my grassroots activism to the legislative level.
“This decision has not been made lightly. I have been contemplating this step since 2015. At that time, my children were still very young—just four and one—and I was in the midst of personal and professional transitions.
“Over the last decade, I have enthusiastically followed Bermuda’s political landscape. Through social media, I have worked to break down our parliamentary system for voters, provide updates on parliamentary proceedings, and offer nonpartisan commentary on party platforms and election coverage.
“I have studied Bermuda’s political parties—PLP, UBP, OBA, and now FDM—and even considered involvement. But time and time again, I have come to the same conclusion: Party politics is no longer serving Bermuda or her people.
“As a student of history, I understand the critical role that political parties played in Bermuda’s past. The formation of the Progressive Labour Party in the 1960s was a necessary step toward equity within our parliamentary system, and the United Bermuda Party emerged as a response. At that time, this approach was essential for social and political progress.
“However, today, the party system has outlived its usefulness. Instead of fostering progress and unity, it often stifles innovation and deepens the divisions that plague our small island home.
“What was once the solution has now become the problem.
“I believe it is my generation’s turn to drive positive political change. Just as the suffragettes, the organisers the Bermudiana Theatre Boycott, the Progressive Group, and other community advocates of the past wrote history, it is now our turn.
“We can continue on our current political and social trajectory, or we can come together to make the changes required for true and meaningful progress.
“For these reasons, and many more, I am putting myself forward as an agent of change.
“Today, I am also excited to launch my new website, www.crockwell31.com, which provides information about me, my values, and my key priorities. The site also includes an extensive FAQ section, addressing many of the public’s questions about how independent MPs can benefit Bermuda’s parliamentary system and the country as a whole.
“I will continue my canvassing efforts throughout the election and beyond, and I look forward to connecting with more of my neighbors.
“Residents of Constituency 31 can reach out to me directly via email – juanaecrockwell@gmail.com, telephone – 591-7167, or by scheduling a time for me to visit and chat. You can also connect with me on social media—on both Facebook and Instagram at @Juanae Crockwell. All contact details and booking options are also available on my website.
“In closing, I want to reference a recent comment made by Premier David Burt in an interview with Bermuda Broadcasting Company. He said that the reality is that this election is about a choice. A choice between the Progressive Labour Party and the One Bermuda Alliance.
“Today, I am here to offer the residents of Constituency 31—and the people of Bermuda—another choice. Thank you.”
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