Column: Crockwell On Politics, Elections & More
[Opinion column written by independent candidate Juanae Crockwell]
In every generation, there comes a moment that redefines the social fabric of a country—a moment when the future is reshaped by the will of the people.
Throughout Bermuda’s history, one undeniable truth has remained consistent: real change has never come from the top down. It has always come from the people—ordinary men and women who decided that enough was enough. Every major social or political shift we’ve experienced as a country, has been led by those who refused to accept the status quo.
Think about the 1959 Theatre Boycott. A small, determined group of young people, later known as the Progressive Group, ignited a movement that dismantled racial segregation in our public spaces. They didn’t have political power, but they had the will of the people behind them. Within two weeks, they forced a system built on exclusion to crumble.
In the aftermath of that social disruption, the 1960s saw the birth of Bermuda’s modern political system, another people-led movement. The Progressive Labour Party [PLP] was formed by everyday Bermudians determined to challenge an inequitable parliamentary system that disproportionately favoured the white elite. Their efforts led to the 1968 Constitution and universal adult suffrage—both hard-won victories driven by the will of the people.
Then there was the 1965 BELCO Riot, a moment when workers stood up for their rights, demanding fair wages and better conditions. That struggle, though met with resistance, led to lasting protections for workers across the island. The General Strike of 1981 was another defining moment, proving that when Bermudians stand together, those in power must listen.
More recently, in 2016, the Pathways to Status protest saw Bermudians rally against an immigration reform initiative that they feared would undermine local opportunities. Protesters physically blocked parliamentarians from entering the House of Assembly, making it clear that the people would not be ignored. That moment of resistance shaped the political landscape leading into the historic 2017 election, reinforcing once again that real power lies in the hands of the people.
Time and time again, we have seen the power of collective action shape Bermuda’s future. And here we are today, standing on the verge of another pivotal moment in our history.
For the first time, 109 candidates will stand in the General Election—an unprecedented number of Bermudians stepping forward to represent the people. Among them, 36 are members of the current majority party, the Progressive Labour Party. Another 36 represent the opposition, the One Bermuda Alliance. 10 have joined the Free Democratic Movement, and an astounding 26 will stand as independent candidates.
This alone makes the 2025 General Election one for the history books. But today, I ask you— the voters – will this election be remembered as a revolutionary one?
On February 18th, the electorate will decide the direction of Bermuda’s future. Make no mistake—this election is not just about which party will lead, but about the political future of our country. Will we continue on the same path, or will we demand something different? Will we accept business as usual, or will we take a stand for bold, transformative change?
The same spirit that fueled past social movements is needed now more than ever. Our people are facing economic challenges, a struggling healthcare system, an education system in need of administrative reform, and a growing disconnect between leadership and the people they represent.
I am running as an independent candidate for Southampton West Central because I believe in the power of the people. The change we need will not come from those already in power; it will come from us.
This election is more than just a vote. It’s a movement—a call for greater accountability, policies that prioritise people over politics, and a system of representation that is constituent focused.
History has shown us that Bermuda’s greatest transformations happen when the people step up and initiate change. February 18th is our moment to take a stand, just as those before us did.
It’s our turn now. Will we be the generation that reshapes our democracy? I sincerely hope so.
- Juanae Crockwell, Independent Candidate – C31 – Southampton West Central
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
Some voters have a tough choice.
If you have a PLP MP and are fed up with the PLP, don’t vote PLP. Maybe you are lucky enough to have a choice between an independent and OBA. If you are in a PLP ‘safe’ seat vote for the independent. An OBA vote would be a wasted vote anyway.
If you are in a marginal seat the choice is even harder. If you are fed up with the PLP try to put party aside and look deeply at your independent and OBA character and suitability for the job.
The PLP has an awful lot of MPs that are there to warm seats and vote when told to do so. They don’t speak. Some don’t even show up for the HOA. Some show up for roll call, then disappear for the day.
It is time for them to go.
Why vote obaUBP as the Opposition they’ve done nothing. Stop begging like a pathetic paid troll. You folks are a wasted vote. People either vote PLP or Independents.
It’s time for the OBA to dissolve Bermuda.
Lets just hope they lose some seats , sadly the mindset of many clueless voters will make up the majority of the votes.
Ms. CROCKWELL.
” FOLLOW THE MONEY ”
Thank you for the history lesson which most of us have lived through that violent past better described as civil disturbance or unrest, better put to bed in vain attempt to move forward .
I live in you area and have been hoping for some time that you would have spent some of your time to a better advantage, after all the possibility exist tha you could be elected Premier.
May i extend my thoughts to you and all the independents , the opposition are watching you. Not nice ” keep your cards close”. ( Not nice !)
What is your platform all about ? I am sure you must know that we have many problems that have never been give the slightest consideration . far be it that we would expect you to be this ailing islands Doctor.
All of you, will need to join hands as a coalition ( I almost said party ) ” Follow the money “.
If I were you I would establish a working advisory board , for that I would no blame you one bit.
In the Navy the ship goes in battle and turns 90 degrees and fires a broad side. the oponent never comes back for more .
Ms. Crockwell the position you and friend seek will keep many of you and us awake for many nights .
The task ahead of you will be no less than monumental, we are not asking for hand outs, as there are 50 way of making rice taste better.
if i may ask you to pursue the tenants at you earliest “THE ACT of ACOUNTABILITY ” failing that. Bermuda a leaning ship will fall below the waves.
Another hole in the bucket dealing with urgent escalaing inflation the vendors are price” loading their hourly labour costs”.
In any election it is easy with out for~thought to chuck the baby out with the bath water .
This election is all about our future .
Many have abandon us.
We need to know what we expect from our Government.
We are our only countries future.
We do not want any morning suprise.
This election is very serious business. Transparency and Accountability.
The people are the board of directors.
Show them the way.
We can not live the future the way of the past . let the past go ! .
Emotions do not belong in any election.
Do what you are good at and what you can do.
Our country going forward has that be first.
If you do no know what you want the alternative is to know what you do not want.
You have every right to fear the future but you have the power of te pen to fix it
Bermuda has to get out of the three big holes it finds it self in , Inflation. National debt and Covid 19 losses and move on
Can a independent turn into a loose cannon. That has to scare every body !
Every thing in life has to have a meaning; a target ; and an achievable goals.
ASK but do not TELL