BEJI Thanks Candidates & Political Parties
The Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative [BEJI] extended its “heartfelt gratitude to all candidates and political parties in the upcoming general election for acknowledging and endorsing the issues identified in BEJI’s 2025 Election Platform Wish List.”
A spokesperson said, “The overwhelming support from those across the political aisle fortifies BEJI’ belief that justice reform is not a partisan issue but rather a moral imperative. While some aspects of reform will be difficult, that should not deter us from working collaboratively to achieve what is just and what is fair.
“The Progressive Labour Party’ 2025 Election platform incorporates many of the initiatives proposed in BEJI’s 2025 Election Platform Wish List, including commitments to legal aid reform, wrongful conviction compensation, trauma-informed training for justice professionals, and the establishment of a Public Integrity Office to enhance accountability within the Bermuda Police Service.
“BEJI is deeply encouraged by the acknowledgment of the need for urgent reform within our criminal justice system. While the PLP’ platform signals a commitment to reform, it is essential to ensure that these commitments move beyond political rhetoric—BEJI is committed to holding the PLP accountable and looks forward to ensuring that these commitments are followed up by stakeholder engagement as well as substantive legislative and policy changes.
“BEJI had hoped for a specific commitments to increase the Legal Aid Budget and amendments to the Legal Aid Act to expressly authorize the Legal Aid Committee to appoint overseas King’s Counsel in appropriate cases. We will nevertheless continue our advocacy for these changes.
“We welcome the PLP’s commitment to enhancing police accountability through the establishment of a Public Integrity Office. While we await further details on how this office will function, the recognition that police oversight is necessary is a victory for justice. BEJI will continue to monitor its development to ensure that this initiative results in greater transparency and accountability within the Bermuda Police Service.
“Perhaps one of the most significant victories for BEJI in the PLP’s platform was the commitment to introducing legislation to compensate individuals wrongly convicted and imprisoned due to miscarriages of justice. This legislation will bring Bermuda in alignment with other jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom and Canada, that have established frameworks for compensating the wrongly convicted. BEJI is enthusiastic about working collaboratively with the next Government to make this legislation a reality.
“Additionally, BEJI applauds the PLP’s commitment to trauma-informed training across all sectors of the justice system. A justice system that fails to acknowledge trauma perpetuates harm. The commitment to ensuring that legal professionals, law enforcement officers, and correctional staff receive trauma-informed training represents a critical step toward a justice system that is rooted in fairness, rehabilitation, and healing.
“We extend a special acknowledgment to the Attorney General, Hon. Kim Wilkerson, who has expressed a refreshingly vocal commitment to meaningful justice reform since her appointment. AG Wilkerson’ willingness to engage in substantive discussions and her advocacy for fairness and equity are testaments to her dedication.
“BEJI also wishes to recognize and express our sincere gratitude to the Members of the Opposition and Independent Candidates who have engaged with us and expressed their dedication to meaningful justice reform in one way or another:
- Deputy Opposition Leader Ben Smith
- Shadow Attorney General and Minister of Justice Scott Pearman
- Independent Candidate Suzie Arruda, who expressed her support for reforming the legal aid system, advocating for prison reform, and strengthening police oversight.
- Independent Candidate Noelle Young, who endorsed BEJI’s call for modernized prison rehabilitation programs and greater opportunities for reintegration. She also supports restoring the right to vote for incarcerated individuals, recognizing that voting is a fundamental aspect of democracy and that disenfranchisement only serves to deepen social exclusion and marginalization.
- FDM Chairman Mr. Omar Dill for his support of our call for greater accountability for the Bermuda Police Service.
“While we appreciate the commitments made thus far, we remain mindful that political commitments are often generously given during election cycles. However, our hope is unwavering. We will continue to advocate, challenge, and collaborate to ensure that justice reform is not merely promised—but delivered. Justice is not just about changing laws; it is about changing hearts, minds, and systems.
“Throughout 2025, BEJI will continue to engage with all stakeholders to ensure that our collective pursuit for truth, equality, and justice never wavers. In the words of Bryan Stevenson ‘The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned.’ The marathon for truth, justice, and fairness continues.”
The BEJI 2025 General Election Platform Wishlist follows below [PDF here]:
For full coverage of the 2025 Election and past elections, visit the links below, with comprehensive coverage available on our network website BermudaElections.com, the leading source of data and election videos.
- All: Our coverage of the 2025 General Election here
- 2025 Candidates: List of the 109 candidates
- Constituencies: Data/past results of all 36 constituencies
- Videos: Over 200 videos spanning multiple elections here
- Official: The Government’s election website here
- Comprehensive: Our BermudaElection.com website here
And the money for all of this must come from that new tax windfall. Right? Do we pay off the debt first? What’s the plan?