This is the full text of Wayne Furbert’s speech in which he resigned as leader of the United Bermuda Party:

The last couple of months have been challenging for the United Bermuda Party and especially me as its leader.

All of my life, all I have ever wanted, is what is best for the people of Bermuda.

I have worked day and night to make Bermuda a better place, reaching out to others and showing them that someone does care.

I am proud of who I am.

I also believe there is a season for everything: a season to cry, a season to lift up, a season to tear done and a season to let go.

This particular season for me has come to an end.

After a great deal of consideration and reflection with my friends and family, I have decided that the best way forward for the United Bermuda Party is for me to step aside.

Therefore, I am tendering my resignation as leader of the United Bermuda Party, effective March 31, 2007.

I want to emphasise that I take this step for one reason only: I want the best for the people of Bermuda, and with all this uncertainty it cannot happen.

The United Bermuda Party is not perfect. But for all its faults, I believe in my heart that it offers this Island the best hope for a unified and positive future.

Although I am disappointed by this turn of events, I am comforted by the fact that I have always put Bermuda first, that I have the support of my family and that I am guided by a higher wisdom.

You see we have this treasure called Bermuda, and the reason I fight on is because of it and not because of my own self-gratification.

Although I have been troubled on every side, I am not distressed. Although I am perplexed, I am not in despair. I have been persecuted, but I know that I have not been forsaken.

I have been cast down but I have not been destroyed. I know that many of my family, friends and supporters are hurting.

Many of them have called me and said that they are angry, and that they want to get even by not supporting the United Bermuda Party.

I ask you not to let your anger cause you to seek revenge. If you wish to get even, then get even by showing those individuals that you are bigger than they are, and that you do not play by their rules.

If you wish to get even, then help me heal this country. If you wish to get even, then help me tear down the remaining walls of racial discrimination, bigotry and intolerance.

If you wish to get even, then help me build a healthier country for all our people, so that our children can live free and in equality.

If you want to get even, then live out the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King by standing with me and saying hate only begets hate.

The cause to fight on is greater than Wayne Furbert.

Keep my dream alive by helping me to fight for homes for those who are homeless.

Keep my dream alive by helping me fight for lower health care costs for our seniors.

Keep my dream alive by helping me turn around the education system for our children.

Keep my dream alive by helping me improve our democratic process, and making parliamentarians more accountable to the people.

I look forward to the opportunities ahead to continue to serve the people of Bermuda and the people of Hamilton West.

My faith in this country and our people is as strong and as positive as ever. I love Bermuda, and I will always be ready and willing to serve.

I would like to leave you with one thought that has always carried me through difficult times, and it is from The Good Book:

“And we know that all things work together for the GOOD to them that love the Lord, and are called according to His purpose.”

Whatever my future, thou has taught me to say it is well; it is well with my soul.

For the last time as Leader of The Opposition, I would like say: May God bless you and may God bless Bermuda.

Thank you.