The OBA’s Troubling Narrative: What Are They Really Saying?

Throughout this campaign, the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) has focused on all Bermudians—women, young people, the sandwich generation, our seniors, and Bermudians from all walks of life.

But what has the OBA focused on?

Over the last few weeks, OBA candidates have made troubling statements, exposing their true mindset and raising serious concerns about their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and historical accountability.

The OBA’s Own Words Speak Volumes

🔴 OBA Candidate Linda Smith said she is “more comfortable” in the OBA and isn’t sure if she’d “feel welcomed” in the PLP.

🔴 OBA Candidate Robin Tucker stated that the PLP is “race-focused” and even went as far as to call addressing race issues a “dog whistle.”

🔴 Former OBA Chair, Senator, and Candidate Justin Mathias pointed out that when given the chance to diversify their slate, the OBA chose not to—placing Scott Pearman in a safe OBA seat instead of embracing change.

If the OBA is truly a party of inclusion, then why do these sentiments persist within their ranks?

The PLP Welcomes All Who Believe in a Fairer Bermuda

Anthony Richardson, PLP Candidate for C22, said it best:

🗣️ “If you share our ideology of building a fairer Bermuda for all Bermudians, you are welcomed with open arms in the Progressive Labour Party.”

But the OBA pretends to be inclusive while a clear stigma remains in certain circles about being associated with the PLP. Why is that?

🛑 Why does the OBA dismiss discussions about race as "dog whistles"?
🛑 Why do they insist that addressing the real impact of race in Bermuda is unnecessary?
🛑 Why do they act as though historical injustices have no bearing on today’s realities?

The truth is this:

✅ Policies that focus on Black Bermudians are not about exclusion—they are about correcting past injustices that still have lasting effects today.

✅ Statistics show that Black Bermudians face higher unemployment, lower wages, and greater barriers to economic opportunity—acknowledging these facts is not race preference, it’s about fairness.

✅ The struggles of leaders like Dame Lois Browne-Evans and Frederick Wade were not isolated moments—they laid the foundation for the ongoing fight for economic and social justice.

✅ Acknowledging history is not “living in the past,” as Robin Tucker claims—it is about ensuring Bermuda does not repeat it.

Bermudians Must Ask: What is the OBA Really About?

We cannot pretend that race and racism are things of the past when OBA candidates continue to make statements like these.

We cannot ignore that the OBA’s candidate selection process reflects who they truly value in their party.

The OBA’s actions and words matter.

Bermudians must look at the OBA slate, see who they put in what seats, and decide for themselves what the OBA is really about.

A Fairer Future for All Bermudians

The PLP remains committed to all Bermudians—regardless of background—because everyone deserves a fair chance at success.

🟢 We will continue to fight for economic opportunity, affordable housing, healthcare access, and social justice.
🟢 We will not be silenced when it comes to addressing real issues that impact our people.
🟢 We will continue to stand on the shoulders of our trailblazers, ensuring their fight was not in vain.

Bermudians deserve leaders who will tackle hard truths and work toward real solutions—not dismiss them.

On February 18th, let’s choose leadership that stands for ALL of us.