King speaks on his qualification to lead OBA
A political newcomer who has entered the ring to become leader of the One Bermuda Alliance said that he had the vision and people skills to shepherd the party.
Robert King, the Shadow Minister of National Security, as well as the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, said he had become a successful “disrupter” since joining the political scene last year.
He said this would help him in his campaign against Ben Smith, the deputy leader of the OBA and Shadow Minister of Education and Sport, in the bid for party leader.
Mr King said: “People are going to say that I’m new to politics and they’re absolutely right.
“The good thing is that I’m a quick study and, if I see a problem, I’m going to do something about it.
“I’ve not been in politics so long that I’ve fallen into the mindset that ‘this is good enough, we’ve won a few seats’. No.”
He added: “I’m also of the mindset that if you say something about my colleague — my fellow MP or senator or member of the party — you say something about all of us.
“I stand for you, I’ll hold you accountable, I’ll stand up for and with you, and I expect you to do the same.
“We’ll all work together. That’s what I’m going to bring as a new person to politics.”
Jarion Richardson, the Leader of the Opposition, announced his plans to step down as head of the OBA on July 20.
The vote to elect a new leader will take place during the party’s annual meeting on September 6.
Mr King saw his rise to political office in May 2024 when he became MP for Smith’s North (Constituency 10) in a by-election against independent candidate Sir John Swan and Progressive Labour Party candidate Lindsay Simmons.
Since then, according to Mr King, he had been defined by his willingness to speak out — to the point of inspiring the rest of his party.
He said: "I have had a member from the current administration note that the Opposition has become more vocal since I have been in the House of Assembly.”
Mr King added: “Persons in the community have expressed being happy that I am publishing articles that are holding the Government to account.
“People have been calling me and sending me WhatsApps thanking me for speaking up on issues that people know are a concern, and not being afraid to challenge the status quo.”
Mr King said he believed this outspokenness, combined with his “ability to form meaningful and lasting relationships,” gave him an edge in the race.
He acknowledged that Mr Smith had been in positions of leadership within the OBA for much longer than he had.
However, he added: “Just because a person has been in a position of leadership for a number of years doesn’t mean that person will be better.
“I think, fundamentally, it comes down to the style and approach of particular leaders, and the willingness or ability to analyse whether what I’m doing is working or not working and making the necessary changes.”
Mr King said that the OBA membership and the general electorate were concerned about job security, crime and the cost of healthcare.
He cited this past weekend, where two deaths and a shooting took place, as an example of the dangers present on-island.
Mr King called on those within law enforcement to not “turn a blind eye” to instances of petty crime and harassment they saw.
He said: “The little problems that we ignore will become more serious and more severe, so we need to take care of the little things before they escalate into the bigger problems.
“We have to enforce the laws that exist to ensure the safety of all persons.”
Mr King also acknowledged that the police force struggled with numbers and supported the idea of sending recruits to train overseas while being more “creative” with overseas recruiting.
Mr King received a Bachelor of Arts degree in social sciences from Laurentian University in Ontario, Canada.
He worked in Canada’s correctional and youth care systems, where he worked in a group home and as a correctional officer.
After returning to Bermuda in 1996, he worked with the Department of Corrections as a basic officer and a case worker for the department’s drug abuse programme.
He worked as a probation officer in 2001 and in 2003 became a senior probation officer, which he held for 20 years.
During this time, Mr King also served as chair for the Bermuda Public Services Union.
He further serves as deputy chair of the Committee of 25, a charity that supports children with special medical needs.
Mr King promised to keep in contact with members of the Senate, House of Assembly and the public to stay abreast of their concerns and opinions.
He acknowledged that his position, particularly as a newcomer, would force him to learn from several of his colleagues and peers.
He said that he hoped to learn more about economics from Douglas De Couto, the Shadow Minister of Finance, as well as youth affairs from Linda Smith, the Shadow Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors.
Mr King added that, although he was still relatively inexperienced, “there’s never the perfect time other than now” to run for leadership.
He said: “If you see a problem, you either choose to get involved and do something about it, or you sit silently and watch things get worse.
“Then, when is the appropriate time? It might be too late.”
Michael Fahy and Scott Pearman have put themselves forward for the role of deputy leader, while Victoria Cunningham, Geoffrey Faiella and Jeremy Shrubb will vie for deputy chair.
William Soares is to become the party chair by acclamation, effective at the meeting next month.
Mr Richardson will continue to serve as Member of Parliament for Paget West (Constituency 23).
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