With the news that Independent MP Wayne Furbert has joined the PLP, the Royal Gazette knocked on doors in his Hamilton West constituency to get reactions from residents.

Many of Mr. Furbert's constituents were unhappy about the move, some were indifferent, and most were unaware that he had crossed the floor before being informed by this newspaper.

Mr. Furbert delivered a letter to his constituents yesterday informing them of his move. The letter highlights some of Mr. Furbert's accomplishments in Hamilton West and a brief overview of his political career but does not give the reasons as to why he has made the move.

"I write to you today because I have made a decision after consulting many of you and I want you to know before the rest of Bermuda hears about it," he wrote in the letter. "Hamilton Parish and its people have been good to me, for which I am deeply grateful. Over the years I have done my best to represent you with honesty and integrity. It has been over 40 years, starting at the age of 14 when I became involved politically. During this time I have directly and indirectly worked to improve your lives."

The letter continues: "As you are aware I resigned from the United Bermuda Party about a year ago and have sat in Parliament as an independent. During this period I have talked to many of you to seek council. Above all I have prayed – asking God to order my steps. As a result I have decided at this time to offer my services to the Progressive Labour Party and to help take Bermuda forward."

Many of the households who spoke to the Royal Gazette had not yet seen Mr. Furbert's letter and were surprised to learn of the news.

"This is the first I have heard of it," said Craig, a Hamilton West constituent who lives at My Lord's Bay Lane. "But I think that it is kind of wrong of him to just change his affiliation out of the blue like this. People didn't vote for Wayne Furbert the PLP member. His constituents voted for Wayne Furbert the UBP member. So I understand why people may be upset about all of this. Personally though, it really doesn't matter to me as long as he does a good job."

Another Hamilton West resident was equally surprised to hear the news.

"Wow, I didn't expect that he would do that," Said Alex. "On one hand I guess I am not that surprised because historically he always seems to be switching sides. But I never thought that he would actually go sign on with the other team."

Several of Mr. Furbert's constituents expressed disappointment in the move, saying that he hasn't followed the proper protocol.

"My opinion is that when you run under one banner, you should stick to it. Mr. Furbert has not gone about this thing the right way. The morally right thing to do would have been to resign and hold a bi-election. That way people wouldn't feel like their votes actually mean something," said Mr. Tucker, of My Lord's Bay Road.

John Cabral, also of My Lord's Bay Road said: "He is obviously not genuine. By switching his parties he is undermining the people that voted him in, it is like he is saying one thing and doing another. I am disappointed, I think it is a mistake and it makes him look like a weaker politician. It seems to me that he is going where the power is and following the path of least resistance."

Others were not concerned with Mr. Furbert's move but would like to know why he did it.

"I really don't care what party is in charge of my constituency," said a My Lord's Bay Road Resident who gave her name as Pamela. "Really all that matters to me is that they do their job and do it well. I have no problem with what Mr. Furbert has done although I don't understand why he did it. It will definitely upset some people and I don't really understand what he will gain from it. But that is politics I guess."