UBP candidate calls for community effort to solve youth problems
The community must come together to solve the problems surrounding the youth, the United Bermuda Party's candidate for next month's by-election declared.
Erwin Adderly's comments came during his address last night to UBP members in Pembroke West.
Mr. Adderley is seeking to fill the seat left vacant with the resignation of Dr. David Dyer from politics. A by-election will be held on November 6.
After providing the audience with insight into his upbringing, Mr. Adderley outlined his views and qualifications to become their representative.
"I am a team player,'' he said. "I am prepared to make sacrifices for the good of the team.
"I support the party's goals for the future, especially on drugs and education.'' Mr. Adderley assured the crowd that his interest in education was genuine noting that he had a personal stake in the education system in the form of his four grandchildren.
"Their future is of great concern to me,'' the former planning director said.
He said that the solution to the problems surrounding young people required a multifaceted approach.
"It has to be a coordinated approach, everyone has to be on the same playing field,'' he said. "It is not a teacher's problem, it is not a parent's problem. We all have a responsibility. We must all work together to solve the problem.'' Mr. Adderley said that constituents had raised several concerns with him, foremost crime and personal security.
"Maybe a more active Police patrol may be the answer,'' he said. "We do have a Police patrol but some of those in the community may not be aware of it and need to see a more visible presence.'' He also said that Pembroke West residents had mentioned drainage problems, speed bumps and reggae concerts at Spanish Point Park as being some of their concerns. Mr. Adderley admitted that there would be times when he would not be able to satisfy everyone in the community, but vowed to follow the best interests of the majority.
"Your representative, on critical issues, must represent and articulate the consensus of the community -- not his own opinion,'' he pointed out.