BUSINESSMAN Grant Sousa was yesterday named deputy leader of the island’s newest political party, the All Bermuda Congress (ABC).In making the announcement, the Parliamentary candidate said he was moved to join the political fray by his deep love of Bermuda and the realisation that neither the United Bermuda Party nor the Progressive Labour Party is likely to govern in the best interest of the entire island.

“As a born and bred Bermudian, next to my family, nothing is more important to me than Bermuda,” Mr. Sousa stated.

“I am sickened by recent events and I don’t see the seeds of change in either the PLP or the UBP.”

The 44 year old received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Virginia’s Averett University in 1984 and currently works for Butterfield Bank as a business implementation officer.

Married, with two children, he lives in Warwick.

“When I read ABC’s platform — which has been published under the heading of its Ten Pledges — I knew that ABC was on the right track.

“Eight of ABC’s compelling Ten Pledges are not even being addressed or mentioned by the PLP or UBP. As ABC’s Ten Pledges propose, Bermuda needs more than a change of some faces in Parliament and in the Cabinet. It needs changes to Bermuda’s laws, including its Constitution.”

According to Mr. Sousa, changes need to be made in specific areas in order to: [bul] Minimise the risks of a runaway dictatorship which current scandals make so painfully evident.

[bul] Empower the voters and give them the right to require referendums on issues that are important to them — even to recall MPs.

[bul] Make sure the important issue of Independence is decided in a stand-alone vote and is not confused with the rhetoric of a national election.

[bul] Ensure general elections are held on fixed dates every four years.

[bul] That voters are allowed to elect the Premier and one senator per parish.

[bul] Prohibit anyone from serving more than two terms as Premier.

[bul] Make Government officials more accountable for their actions and spending.

[bul] Make improvements to the judicial system.

[bul] Protect the freedom of the media and property rights.

[bul] Address the issues of seniors, housing and education.

[bul] Enshrine a balance of power.

“The last election was very close,” he continued. “I’ve read that if 42 votes had been changed there would have been an 18-18 tie for control in Parliament.

“Frankly, with all that’s happened, I don’t believe that the PLP can hold onto its 22 seats or even the 19 needed to retain control and I can’t see the UBP rising from 14 to 19.

“But I believe that ABC’s dozen or so candidates will win sufficient seats to provide a block of swing votes that will be needed to form a majority in Parliament.

“This will be extremely healthy for Bermuda, as ABC will align itself only with those MPs (from either party) who will agree to adopt its Ten Pledges.

“The time has never been better for change and for interjection of a balance of power, which ABC offers. I believe that ABC can and will effect major changes in Bermuda and I am happy to join Khalid Wasi (aka Raymond Davis) in implementing ABC’s Ten Pledges and I intend to campaign, door to door, and do my best to convince the voters that ABC’s proposed changes offer Bermuda its best hope of reversing is now, very dangerous course.”

ABC will announce the constituency Mr. Sousa will run in at a later date.

ABC names deputy leader