Rolfe Commissiong To Be Independent Candidate
[Updated with video] Rolfe Commissiong is scheduled to officially announce that he will be an independent candidate today, with the advisory noting that Mr Commissiong — a former PLP MP — is set to stand in Constituency #17 Pembroke Central.
Since the one seat system started in 2003, the PLP have won the seat in all the General Elections, and C17 is currently held by the PLP’s Jason Hayward, who was the only candidate for the seat in the last General Election.
Mr Commissiong will be the latest independent candidate for the election, which is scheduled to be held on February 18th.
We will be live streaming the press conference which will take place later today.
Update: A PLP spokesperson said, “The announcement of Rolfe Commissiong as a candidate for Constituency 17, under Sir John Swan’s so called ‘independent’ movement—what many are now calling the ‘NewBP’— raises serious questions about the judgment and values of this group.
“While every candidate has the right to stand for election, it’s important to reflect on Mr. Commissiong’s history,” the PLP said, with the spokesperson going on to reference the circumstances behind what they called “his tenure as the shortest serving minister.”
“These are not qualities that inspire confidence or represent the kind of leadership Bermudians deserve.
“The decision of Sir John Swan to welcome Mr. Commissiong into his ‘independent’ movement speaks volumes about their values. After yesterday’s reminder of the work of the Progressive Labour Party Government for the women of Bermuda, the choice for the voters of C17 and Bermuda is clear.”
I would rather see Rolf Commissiong in parliament than Jason Hayward.
Quite apart from Jason Hayward’s lack of understanding of economics, or even basic mathematics, Rolf Commissiong believes in what he says. Even when I do not agree with Rolf, I know that he believes in what he is saying
Yes Rolf and others like him helped that worthless UBP party dissolve. Now we have a even more worthless OBA party that’s done nothing for 4 years as the opposition.
“Rolf and others like him helped that worthless UBP party dissolve”
Are you suggesting that Rolf was a member of the UBP?
You can’t be serious. If Rolf had been kept as Senate leader you would not have heard a single bad comment about Burt and the PLP. Same with Vance…had he gotten Walton Rhoban’s seat he would never have commented about “the PLP being good at elections but not running the country.” Not a word from the selective unelectable Bloggs. I’m going to call him out everytime.
Pathetic and childish. You have used 3 names today. Joe Bloggs (not the real one); Jason is; In Bermuda he stands a chance. Clearly a moron from Alaska Hall.
Jason or Rolf, that really is the devil or the deep blue sea.
Well hopefully the PLP vote will get split and open things up to change.
An excellent candidate and was excellent at his job. Take off your triple coated dark shades or run for election your self after u untie your shoes.
A choice between the self confessed union thug and…well…Rolf. Give Rolf credit where due, he seems to have mellowed some with age. Points also for stepping up and running against a PLP heavyweight. That takes some orbs that should be rewarded.
For those not happy with either one here is a great example of why our system does not work. This voter is denied the vote for somebody that they do want in the HOA. They are stuck with whoever is running in their constituency even if none are considered worth their vote.
It’s truly astonishing—and frankly disgusting—that Rolfe Commissiong still sees himself as a viable candidate for any role in public service. While I’m surprised to see him re-enter the political landscape as an independent candidate, voters will ultimately decide if this return is acceptable or whether trust has been stretched too thin. Given past controversies, it raises questions about accountability and the public’s tolerance for repeated transgressions. At some point, accountability must matter, and voters deserve better than repeated attempts at reinvention without genuine restitution or reflection.
Let him who is without sin cast the 1 st stone and why so many know it all and experts do not run. Bermuda has a lot of wise people but they have baggage and can only write about others and never put forward their names because they are unelectables who follow their leader Joe Bloggs.
I lived in his previous constituency he did absolutely nothing the length of time he was my MP. I mean there was nothing worthy of his presence. It is sad, as there was no value then and there will be no value now. If I’m lying, please let me know what was a Hallmark initiative what did he do to help? How did he make the area better?
How history repeats itself. Prior to the PLP forming, Bermuda was governed by Independents. Then the PLP formed followed by the UBP. Now Independents are Bermuda’s saviors. Back to the future, how ironic, and too late.