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Party line: follow the leader, leader, leader ...

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One Bermuda Alliance leader Craig Cannonier (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

Here’s what the respective parties have to say about their leaders ...DAVID BURTby the Progressive Labour Party We believe that this election is fundamentally about which leader and team Bermudians want to see us through difficult times. David Burt is thoughtful and knows how to build consensus to tackle difficult problems. He, along with our team including Kim Wilson, Wayne Caines, Renée Ming and so many others ably managed us through the state of emergency and addressed the worst of the health crisis.Before the crisis, under our leadership, Bermudian jobs were created, tax relief was given to working people and pensions increased for our seniors; while major social reforms were delivered which led to less carnage on our roads, more funding for education, and communities protected from sex offenders.In contrast, the OBA offers novice politicians led by Craig Cannonier who is yet to fully answer for the Jetgate scandal and who does not have the temperament required to lead Bermuda through the economic recovery and a possible second global wave of the coronavirus. Who would be the OBA’s Minister of Finance? Who would be their Minister of Health?Taxpayers are still paying for the OBA’s record in government. Their style of leadership gave us the bad airport deal, which will likely cost taxpayers $20 million in revenue guarantees and the failed Morgan’s Point project which has cost taxpayers $200 million. The leadership of the OBA doubled the national debt, broke numerous election promises and led a divisive effort to give status to thousands of new Bermudians and their leadership stood by while our seniors were pepper-sprayed. In these difficult times, we need strong leadership working for us.CRAIG CANNONIERby the One Bermuda AllianceCraig Cannonier has an ability to bridge divides and bring people into the room who represent all of Bermuda. Bermuda needs people like Craig, who has a unique ability to cross all social and demographic differences — he is liked by white and black, men and women. He is comfortable in any surrounding — at a football game or meeting top CEOs.He shows kindness and empathy towards his fellow Bermudians and was out delivering meals to those in need during Covid while still finding time to advise the Premier during lockdown.He instinctively understands the needs of Bermudians and has a huge passion for Bermuda.Despite his softer side, Craig was a fast bowler in his day and still knows how to command respect — as shown by some fiery speeches in the House.Politically, Craig first came to prominence as the leader of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance and later as the leader of the One Bermuda Alliance and Premier. He has also served in Cabinet as Minister of Works.He has extensive political experience and understands how to make things happen for the benefit of the people.Craig has a degree in psychology from Towson University in Maryland. He is a successful businessman and is best known for having run three gas stations — Collector’s Hill, Esso City and Warwick.His education, his passion for Bermuda and his empathy with Bermudians makes him the ideal leader who is liked and respected by all.MARC BEANby the Free Democratic MovementMarc Bean is a businessman and entrepreneur who was first elected into the House of Assembly in December 2010. He became a Cabinet minister within the year.He was elected as the leader of the PLP in December 2012 and retired from politics in November 2016, having rebuilt the party and laid the foundation for the historic election victory in July 2017.Mr Bean said: “As a son of the soil, I have witnessed years of economic digression, racial disparity and the brunt of unemployment. “I believe that in order for Bermudians to enjoy a better future, issues such as education must be at the forefront of any political agenda.”He is the chief executive officer of Axum Ltd, a licensed bookmaker, and the chairman of Solidus Ltd, a fintech company that specialises in payments.Mr Bean is a qualified air traffic control specialist. He also holds a Federal Aviation Administration commercial pilot’s licence. He is studying for a chartered management accountancy designation.Mr Bean’s contribution to the community is varied. He served on the Bermuda Independence Commission, the Telecommunications Commission and the Public Transportation Board.He received public recognition in 2006 when he received the Queens Certificate and Badge of Honour.Previous employment included work in the Department of Marine and Ports, and as the recruitment and enrolment manager for the Mirrors mentoring and training programme.Mr Bean formerly served as the Government’s adviser on Caricom affairs.He is married to barrister and attorney Simone Smith-Bean, and is the proud father of three daughters, a son, and is a grandfather of one.

Marc Bean, leader of the Free Democratic Movement (File photograph)
David Burt, the Premier and leader of the Progressive Labour Party (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)