Bermuda’s young people were urged to get involved in the island’s democratic system and vote in the upcoming General Election during a community forum last night.

The event, which was organised by the youth group Generation Next, attracted more than 100 residents of all ages including several Progressive Labour Party MPs, senators and candidates.

Opposition leader David Burt called on the audience to “pepper him with questions” before adding: “We anticipate being successful on July 18, but then you must hold us to account for our actions and our promises”.

Mr Burt, who said his party would unveil its election platform on Thursday night, acknowledged that in 2012 the PLP had become more distant and had lost touch with the people.

“We are a party that believes in justice, fairness and opportunity,” he added. “We need to remain connected and have a close relationship with voters.”

Eron Hill, Generation Next’s founder and chairman, opened the meeting by urging both the PLP and the One Bermuda Alliance to take notice of young Bermudians who he said were “capable and full of potential”.

Generation Next member Aminah Simmons then followed Mr Hill, calling for a country where “education is treated as seriously as the America’s Cup, and everyone is treated equally”.

She added: “Young people feel they are not heard or cared about. We will be the leaders not far from now; that is why we need to go out and vote for who will have our best interests.”

Willie Ferguson, from the group MOVE, issued a rallying call to the island’s young voters to “get involved” saying: “Vote, but when you vote, vote with your heart.”

In his address to the island’s younger generation, PLP MP Jamahl Simmons added: “It is time for you to produce your own agenda and vision of how the island should be. You as a voter have the right to shape it. On July 18 you are hiring someone to work for you.”

Last night’s community forum took place at the Bermuda Industrial Union’s Dr E.F Gordon Hall and included speeches from several PLP MPs and candidates including Jason Hayward, Renee Ming and Walton Brown as well as questions from the audience.

Mr Hill lamented that while an invitation to the event had been extended to both parties’ members, senators, former members of parliament, and candidates, no one from the OBA was present.

PLP candidate Dennis Lister III spoke of his decision to become involved in politics saying: “It’s our turn now to bring fresh ideas, open minds and new eyes,” as he proposed the establishment of a college registry in Bermuda to help Bermudian graduates find jobs.

He added: “Find your purpose, make a difference, get involved and get active, and get out and vote. Young people, please vote, don’t throw it away.”

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