FDM=Right Wing

Op-ed by Walter Roban
Deputy Premier, Minister of Home Affairs & MP Constituency #15 - Pembroke East

The FDM’s latest op-ed is a concerted, desperate effort to avoid the Party being classified as
right-wing. That is understandable considering how repugnant that philosophy is to many of us
based on its tendency to attract White Supremacists, Misogynists, Incels, and those who
oppose social programmes for the poor and seniors. Yet as the FDM desperately tries to run
from being branded right wing, some of their policy positions, public statements, and key figures
undermine their notion that they transcend the political spectrum. In fact, much of what they
propose mirrors far-right, libertarian ideas, with troubling implications for the average
Bermudian.


Let us not forget that FDM’s founder, Marc Bean, has consistently expressed admiration for
right-wing figures like Thomas Sowell and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Both individuals
champion small government, deregulation, and conservative social policies—principles that are
very much right-wing in nature. Both also have made statements that have been highly negative
about the Black community in America. Mr. Bean’s ideological foundation is not a mystery; he
has repeatedly told us in speeches, Facebook posts and across the community what he
believes.


He's spoken of snatching away economic empowerment zones designed to level the playing
field and improve communities such as North Hamilton and giving those benefits to everyone,
including the wealthy and privileged, a position shared by Former Premier Michael Dunkley of
the OBA. 

He's spoken of his scepticism surrounding trade unions and preference for policies that
empower the business community. 

He's promoted a radical, reckless immigration plan that would explore providing citizenship at
birth to anyone born in Bermuda. 

To be clear, the founder of the FDM has repeatedly and proudly aligned himself with far-right
principles that many of us find bizarre and of little relevance to our real, lived experiences.


The FDM also proudly promotes vague, poorly thought-out policies, including:


● Vague promises of cutting waste without explaining how essential services and
government operations would continue to function efficiently.
● “Voluntary reductions” in government jobs. How? Who? In what departments or
Ministries?


The FDM doesn't have a plan. It has a right-wing wish list that threatens the livelihood and job
security of countless government workers at worst and lacks the specificity needed to inspire
confidence that they can responsibly manage Bermuda’s economy at best.

Finally, their critique of deficit spending fails to acknowledge that this government has navigated
through an unprecedented crisis, including a global pandemic and global inflation, while still
prioritising the well-being of Bermudians.


If we had taken the FDM’s rigid right-wing approach, there would have been no emergency
relief for workers displaced by Covid, leaving Bermudian families to starve.


If we had taken the OBA’s rigid right-wing approach, we wouldn't have slashed payroll tax for
the working and middle classes or shifted the tax burden towards the wealthy and privileged,
who could easily pay their fair share.


Clearly, the FDM’s right-wing approach risks deepening inequality and putting more pressure on
struggling families.


While the FDM may try to run, duck, and dodge from their beliefs, there is one thing that they
cannot run from. As an organisation, they have been invisible in the political arena for four
years.


● No advocacy on behalf of their constituents by their defeated candidates in 4 years
● No canvassing or outreach to the constituents of their defeated candidates in 4 years
● No events for our seniors or youth in 4 years
● No community clean-up days in 4 years
● No involvement in addressing and recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic
● No involvement in the school reform process


The FDM has been absent from the national conversation and the real struggles of our people
for four years.


To re-emerge with a flurry of activity on the eve of an election demonstrates that as an
organisation they aren't serious and lack commitment.


In conclusion, the FDM’s attempt to cast themselves as above or beyond traditional political
categories is misleading. Their alignment with right-wing ideologies is clear, their immigration
policies are dangerous, and their absence since 2020 speaks volumes. Bermudians deserve
leaders who show up not just during election season, but every day, working to improve lives
and safeguard our future. The PLP remains committed to that vision.