Welcoming Pastor Leroy Bean: A Leader for Hamilton East
Good Morning, PLP Family, residents of Hamilton East, members of the media, the people of Bermuda, and of course, Cousin Derrick.
The Progressive Labour Party believes that leadership is rooted in service, community, and a commitment to improving the lives of every Bermudian. This election is about the future of our island and ensuring that those placed in positions of leadership are people who represent those values and will help make Bermuda a fairer place.
Since coming into office, this Government has taken decisive action to make Bermuda a place where opportunity is within reach for everyone.
We have:
✔ Invested record amounts in affordable housing
✔ Reduced taxes for 86% of workers and every business
✔ Introduced Bermuda’s first-ever minimum wage
✔ Increased pensions for our seniors by the rate of inflation
✔ Expanded childcare assistance
We recognize that to continue delivering a fairer Bermuda, we need leaders who are rooted in their communities, understand the challenges people face, and have a track record of delivering solutions.
Honoring Cousin Derrick’s Legacy of Service
Today, I am proud to announce that the Progressive Labour Party has chosen someone who is that kind of leader as our candidate for Constituency 5—filling the shoes of someone whose shoes are difficult to fill.
Cousin Derrick has served his community and his country with dedication and excellence.
🟢 Member of Parliament since 1998
🟢 President of the Bermuda Industrial Union
🟢 Minister, Deputy Premier & Deputy Speaker
🟢 Counselor to many, cousin to all
Today, in Alaska Hall, we thank him for his service.
As we say goodbye to Cousin Derrick as an MP, but certainly not as a member of the Progressive Labour Party, we welcome the new candidate for Constituency 5, Hamilton East—Pastor Leroy Bean.
Introducing Pastor Leroy Bean
Leroy Bean is no stranger to service. He has dedicated his life to empowering those who need it most.
As founder of C.A.R.T.E.L. (Challenging and Reclaiming the True Essence of Life), he has gone beyond words—he’s created programs, resources, and support systems that address the root causes of violence and help uplift our communities.
A Leader in Violence Reduction
In 2017, Pastor Bean was appointed Bermuda’s Gang Violence Reduction Coordinator.
🟢 He took on one of the most challenging jobs in the country and approached it with courage, compassion, and resolve.
🟢 He was instrumental in developing Bermuda’s National Violence Reduction Strategy, which was recently passed in the House of Assembly.
🟢 This comprehensive strategy tackles economic hardship, intergenerational trauma, prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation.
This work is pivotal in creating safer, stronger communities and is a testament to this Government’s deep commitment to fostering peace and opportunity across our island.
A Lifelong Commitment to Community
But Pastor Bean’s work doesn’t start or stop at violence reduction.
Through his church, Transfiguration Ministries, and the Transfiguration Safe House for substance abusers, he has extended a hand to those battling addiction, homelessness, and other challenges.
🟢 A voice of compassion and action
🟢 Providing counseling, mentorship, and advocacy for countless Bermudians
🟢 Helping those in need rebuild their lives with dignity and hope
Pastor Bean understands the struggles many in our community face. He faced challenges himself and did the work to turn his life around.
He used his experiences to make a difference, becoming:
✔ An ordained bishop
✔ A counselor
✔ A relentless advocate for change
A Leader with Knowledge & Experience
📚 Ph.D. in Psychology and Counseling (Specializing in Trauma and Crisis)
📚 Master’s in Government Public Policy and Law
📚 Certified in Disaster Management, Restorative Practices & Crisis Counseling
📚 Addiction Counselor for Various Organizations
📚 Published Author & Dynamic International Speaker
The Right Leader for Hamilton East
Hamilton East deserves a representative who:
✔ Understands its challenges
✔ Has the vision and experience to tackle them
✔ Is ever-present in the community—just like Cousin Derrick has been for the past 26 years
Pastor Bean believes, as the PLP does, that Bermuda’s strength lies in its people.
His record of service and deep connection to this community make him the ideal candidate to represent Constituency 5.
I have no doubt that Pastor Bean will bring the same dedication and passion to the House of Assembly and this constituency as he has brought to every role he has held.
Join Us in Supporting Pastor Leroy Bean
So, PLP Family, join me in welcoming Pastor Leroy Bean as the Progressive Labour Party candidate for Constituency 5, Hamilton East.
Thank you.