Fairytale Fahy has not changed. Is this his idea of constructive contribution? I can only assume his flippant reply to a young, working Bermudian mother was an ill-thought decision made during his daily commute from his private island residence to his corporate law office.

Is this the future of the One Bermuda Alliance?

No apologies will ever be offered for using my salary to speak to the people I was elected to serve — during a parliamentary recess. That is my duty as a public representative: to communicate.

I represent Devonshire North West, working families, renters, parents and seniors who do not have the privilege of economic insulation. Because I was elected to represent them, I will use every tool available to keep them informed and engaged, without apology.

What I know for sure is that the comments, laced in patriarchal tone and thin on substance, remind me why I choose to step forward — to represent differently.

Mr Fahy, like me, receives a parliamentary salary. Unlike me, he also receives a corporate salary, one that far exceeds mine. I invite him to quantify the value he believes he is contributing, on behalf of the people who likewise elected him.

Having heard from my peers that they want to see engagement on social and non-traditional sources, I look out in the hope of being inspired from MP Fahy’s evidence of doing better by the people; social presence, thought-leadership contributions and footprint of community engagement. None to be found.

What solutions has he offered for the energy sector?

What is his strategy to lower the cost of food?

What is his plan, beyond the comfort of complaint?

This substanceless, personal attack is a textbook distraction. It is deeply disappointing that Mr Fahy has chosen to use his platform to disparage a woman dedicated to solutions and public service, rather than contribute constructively to the work at hand. This outdated playbook of undermining and rewriting others’ stories has long been a stain on our history.

Mr Fahy attended the Cost of Living Summit and knows first-hand the value of its success. The summit was built on data, inclusion and action. He sat in the room. He filled his stomach with lunch. He took note of the engagement of real Bermudians across sectors who showed up to shape policy with integrity. Yet now, weeks later, he seeks to place shame on that process? The irony is instructive.

I was elected by the people of Devonshire North West. They sent a clear message: the OBA, and its recycled cast of characters, is not fit to lead.

So we lead. We govern. We deliver.

Despite his illusions behind his corporate paycheque, I rent my apartment. I pay my bills. I do not live on a private island, and I have no delusion about who I serve or who I am.

I invite tangible, thoughtful solutions that will serve people.

So, no apologies will be offered for choosing to spend my salary to inform, involve and provide answers to the people I serve. That includes communicating during the one month of parliamentary recess. What solutions has Mr Fahy contributed during this time?

Is this what the “new leadership” of the OBA thinks of public engagement and transparency?

I maintain my openness to learn from those across the political divide. As a colleague, I reinvite constructive solutions from Mr Fahy in the hope that he can find humility and refocus.

While Mr Fahy issues recycled critiques laced in Proud Boy energy, I’m working.

No one has forgotten who Michael Fahy is in Bermuda’s political story. I invite him to show the people of Bermuda that he is not what we know him to be.

Mr Fahy, what does it earn you to criticise a Black Bermudian woman, who has worked hard, funded her own education, worked overseas and seeks to provide contribution to her island?

Candidly, it shows exactly the kind of low-effort, high-noise commentary that so many Bermudians have grown tired of.

Note this as my first and final reply to this level of dialogue. My commitment since being in office is clear. I will continue to serve with accountability and embrace those who offer constructive criticism.

I will never apologise for working hard and communicating honestly with the people, even when it makes the Opposition, especially aspiring leader Fahy, uncomfortable.

So, learned colleague, level up.

• Alexa Lightbourne is the Minister of Home Affairs and the MP for Devonshire North West (Constituency 14)