The Progressive Labour Party swept to power, the third time doing so under David Burt’s leadership, putting to bed the notion that Bermuda was ready to replace the traditional two-party system.

The outcome of the February 18 General Election proved that, while the PLP’s overwhelming majority took a hit — faced with a staggering number of independent candidates plus the Opposition fielding a full slate of 36 candidates and the Free Democratic Movement returning for a second crack — the majority of voting Bermudians ultimately preferred to stick with the status quo.

The Premier celebrated the 24 PLP MPs who would join him in the House of Assembly as well as other General Election candidates when they enjoyed festivities on Court Street into the early hours.

Mr Burt, who has said he will step down as party leader in October this year, told a cheering crowd: “This victory tonight is not about one leader or one party; it is about all of us and the future that the people of Bermuda have made clear that they want to build together.”

Spirits were also high for the One Bermuda Alliance, which increased its seats in the Lower House to 11 up from the seven seats it held before the dissolution of the legislature — including Vance Campbell, who had crossed the floor from the PLP.

On Reid Street, Jarion Richardson, then the OBA leader, reflected: “Although this outcome is disappointing for us, we respect the process and the will of the voters. Elections are not just about winning or losing; they are about the people, their concerns and their hopes for the future.”

A total of 109 candidates contested constituencies across the island, with the two main parties joined by representatives of the FDM, the Emperial Group and 26 independents.

The activity meant predictions for upset and noticeable changes to the make-up of the House were plentiful, although only the PLP and OBA secured seats.

A number of retirements and resignations before the election meant some new faces were guaranteed.

The departures included political heavyweights such as Walter Roban, the former Deputy Premier, Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, who was the Minister of Public Works, and Derrick Burgess, who held the position of Deputy Speaker of the House, all from the PLP.

On the other side of the aisle, Susan Jackson’s retirement meant the OBA stronghold of Pembroke South West was up for grabs — Michael Fahy confidently holding it for the party.

Voter turnout was just shy of 55 per cent — down on the 61 per cent that was deemed low in the pandemic election of 2020.

One of the trends that emerged on the night was that of candidates winning seats with fewer than half of the votes cast as multiple rivals split the ballot.

Nine winning candidates — seven from the PLP and two from the OBA — secured less than 50 per cent compared with none in 2020.

The Parliamentary Registry website showed that the PLP’s overall share of the vote was just under 50 per cent. In 2020, the party enjoyed almost 62 per cent, and in 2017 the figure was nearly 59 per cent.

New MPs for the PLP included Leroy Bean in Hamilton East, which was vacated by Mr Burgess, Alexa Lightbourne, who retained Devonshire North West after Wayne Caines said he was stepping away from politics, and Paul Wilmot, who held Warwick North Central, where Colonel Burch was formerly MP.

Among the seats seized was a decisive OBA triumph in Warwick North East, where Douglas De Couto took 529 votes.

Robin Tucker won Hamilton South for the OBA. over the PLP’s Anthony Richardson, while Linda Smith, of the OBA, took Southampton West Central from Crystal Caesar, who landed on her feet when appointed to the Senate and being presented the education portfolio.

A battle between two senators in Southampton East Central resulted in victory for Dwayne Robinson, of the OBA, who won 468 votes, compared with the 300 secured by Mischa Fubler for the PLP.

After the election win, Mr Burt said the Government heard the electorate on the high cost of living, expensive healthcare and the need to ensure “we get education reform right”, with teachers receiving the resources they require.

Aside from politics, later in the month Mr Caines stepped down as chairman of the board of the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

His resignation came amid a tumultuous period at the BTA, which faced “allegations of serious workplace issues” that were blamed for substantial staff departures — approximately 25 employees in two years — during his tenure.

The Government said in a statement that the former Minister of National Security, who is also the president of Belco, took on his role during the pandemic amid “one of the most challenging periods in Bermuda’s tourism history”.

It added: “Under his leadership, the BTA navigated the uncertainties of border closures, shifting travel restrictions and the long road to recovery.”

Towards the end of the month, Kiari Tucker was found guilty of the gun murder of Morlan Steede after approximately seven hours of jury deliberation.