Bermuda’s seniors must reclaim their stake in guiding how the democracy functions, former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith has declared.

“At every stage, people have clamoured to be part of the decision-making process,” she said, pointing out the advances made by movements promoting women’s rights and black rights.

“Having done that, we’re now wasting that privilege by not utilising it.

“We’re in a position where there are people who actually don’t vote.”

Dame Jennifer’s announcement comes after statistician and social commentator Cordell Riley revealed that, as of summer 2017, people in Bermuda over the age of 65 will outnumber those aged below 16.

“Seniors count, we have issues and our voice should be heard,” said Dame Jennifer, who completed a yearlong advanced leadership course at Harvard University in December.

To illustrate her point, Dame Jennifer will lead a four-part seminar series this month in conjunction with advocacy group Age Concern, delving into the evolution of Bermudian democracy from 1620 to the present day.

The Foundations of Civility seminars, which can each accommodate a maximum of 26 people, will take place from 10am to 1pm every Wednesday between March 2 and 23.

The first session will involve participants heading to St George’s to learn about the birth of Bermuda’s parliamentary democracy, the change from a feudal system to a representative democracy, and the decision to move the capital to Hamilton.

The March 9 outing will look at issues including the women’s suffrage movement on the island, while March 16 will involve a visit to the House of Assembly to watch a Budget debate. On March 23 they will look at how 18-year-olds gained the right to vote.

The bus for each event will leave from either the Evangelical Church in Paget or Charities House in Paget.

The four seminars are part of Dame Jennifer’s wider Initiative for a Civil Society, in which she hopes to promote self-determination among the Bermudian public.

She said: “People always want something done, and they’re always waiting for somebody to do it as they often think they can’t themselves.

“I want people to feel empowered, because in a democratic system we are supposed to be in power — we just don’t exercise it.”

Claudette Fleming, executive director of Age Concern, added: “We offer series throughout the year helping people to be more proactive.

“Dame Jennifer’s experience and desire really fit with what we’re trying to do — to encourage seniors to find their own voices.”

Each session will cost $20 for members and $30 for non-members (including lunch, bus and tour fees).

• For more details or to book your spot, call 238-7525 or e-mail info@ageconcern.bm