The public launch of the People’s Independent Coalition last week marked an important moment for Bermuda’s political landscape and for me personally.

The PIC is a movement rooted in shared values: a commitment to principled governance, collaborative leadership and systemic change. It brings together independent voices who believe that our island deserves more than partisan politics.

While others may see this as the beginning of something new, for me, it is the continuation of a promise made eight years ago — and one I remain steadfast to in fulfilling.

Eight years ago on Tuesday, my brother, the Honourable Shawn Crockwell, took his final breath. After more than a decade of public service — rising through party ranks, pioneering a new political movement, and ultimately choosing independent representation — he stepped away from the helm and into rest. Yet in that rest, intentionally or not, he passed a torch to me.

Days later, amid speculation and sorrow, I stood before Bermuda — grieving and raw, but resolute — to share Shawn’s final thoughts. Even in his last moments, his mind turned to Bermuda’s future: our political soul and how we might mend the divisions that have burdened our island for far too long.

In his final moments, Shawn offered us not just reflection, but direction.

He said: “I want more than anything for the country to come together and confront our differences, and figure out a way to work together to solve them.”

It was more than a parting wish; it was a challenge. A call to reimagine how we govern, to abandon the old ways of division and instead build something rooted in unity, compassion and collaboration.

As I stood before the country to deliver those words, I made a quiet vow that would shape the course of my life, my advocacy and my political involvement.

I said: “Our family are committed to being a part of the change Shawn wanted to see in this country.”

Eight years later, I remain steadfast in that promise.

His words have become my compass, especially over this past year as I stepped into public life. Running as an independent wasn’t a strategy; it was an act of integrity.

I could not, in good conscience, align myself with any existing political party and still carry forward Shawn’s values and vision. My commitment to truth, transparency and collaborative leadership could not be compromised.

As I reflect on my candidacy in the 2025 General Election and the launch of the PIC, I feel no hunger for power, only a deep sense of calling. This is not about ambition. It is about change. And it is my tribute to Shawn — the brother I adored and the bold thinker whose vision still lights my way.

Shawn believed in building a political system grounded in collaboration. He often spoke in the House of Assembly about the need to work together across party lines, championing a coalition model of governance.

He tried to change the system from within, leaving the United Bermuda Party, co-founding the Bermuda Democratic Alliance, merging it into the One Bermuda Alliance, winning an election, serving in Cabinet, and pushing for reform.

But his journey ultimately revealed what so many of us now recognise: that our adversarial party system entrenches division rather than bridges it. His decision to spend the final year of his political career — and his life — as an independent Member of Parliament was an act of courage. His vision of a parliament that works together in the true interest of the people remains clear in my mind and close to my heart.

The People’s Independent Coalition exists today because many of us in our community believe in that same vision. We believe collaborative governance is not an idealistic dream, but rather an essential component to move Bermuda forward.

We are building the very coalition which Shawn envisioned, and I am proud to be a part of it.

In February, I stood as one of 26 independent candidates. Together, we earned nearly 10 per cent of the vote. That is no small thing. It is evidence of a growing readiness for change. Every conversation at a doorstep, every message from a concerned resident, every word of encouragement from strangers on the street reminds me why this movement matters.

And, above all, they remind me of Shawn.

As our family mark the eighth anniversary of his passing, I want Bermuda to know: my promise still stands.

I will honour my brother not just in memory, but in movement. Not only in words, but in action. The Bermuda he believed in — a collaborative, principled, united Bermuda — is still within reach.

This is my purpose and my promise.

• Juanae Crockwell ran as an independent candidate in Southampton West Central (Constituency 31) in the February 2025 General Election