PLP Leader and Premier David Burt presented a C25 replacement after what TNN News understands that Arianna Hodgson withdrew her name from the position to represent constituency 25 in the upcoming general election.
A reliable source close to the campaign said Ms. Hodgson was not happy with not being able to be a part of the process to challenge for the C5 candidate selection. TNN News understands Hodgson had reportedly retained legal counsel as part of her efforts to be included in the ballot to participate in a primary to select the PLP candidate in C-5.
Senior PLP officials contend the the party constitution did not allow for Ms. Hodgson to be included on the ballot as she has already been named the candidate in C-25.
TNN News understands a heated exchanges between Ms. Hodgson and the Premier took place, with word being she may be removed as the candidate in C-25, we understand Hodgson withdrew to avoid the embarrassment of being removed.
In a statement below party leader and Premier Burt introduced the new candidate.
This election is about the kind of Bermuda we want to build—a Bermuda where fairness and opportunity are not just ideals that we aspire to but realities that Bermudians deserve to see in their lives every day.
Over the last seven years, the PLP Government has worked tirelessly to make Bermuda a fairer place for all, a place where residents and businesses are not overburdened by taxes, where workers are protected, and where our seniors can live with dignity.
We have done this by reducing taxes for 86% of workers and every local business, implementing
Bermuda’s first-ever minimum wage, increasing pensions for our seniors in line with inflation, and making historic investments in affordable housing. We have expanded and increased childcare assistance, eliminated duty on essential food items, and reduced energy taxes to ease the burden on families.
These are not just policies, not just promises kept, but tangible steps that we have taken to begin building a fairer Bermuda. However, our work is not yet done. We must continue to do what is necessary to ensure no Bermudian is left behind. To do this, we need a team of leaders with a track record of delivering positive change and uplifting those around them.
After discussions with Senator Arianna Hodgson and the Constituency 25 branch, a decision has been made to move forward with a new candidate for the upcoming election. While Senator Hodgson will not contest the seat on behalf of the PLP, we sincerely thank her for her contributions, her commitment to public service and her work for Bermuda and the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party and look forward to
her contributions in the future.
Today, I am proud to introduce a candidate who is a woman of action, a community leader, an artist, an educator, and an entrepreneur. I am thrilled to announce that Joanne Ball Burgess will be the Progressive Labour Party’s candidate for Constituency 25, Warwick North East.
Joanne’s journey is both inspiring and deeply rooted in service to others. Born and raised in Warwick, she is a proud Bermudian who has dedicated her life to empowering young people, preserving our culture, and using creativity as a tool for education and transformation. Her educational achievements include a Bachelor of Arts in History and Philosophy from Oral Roberts University and a Master’s in
Education and Organizational Management from Endicott College.
Joanne’s career has taken her around the world, where she has used her expertise and passion to uplift others. In Kenya, she founded The Cottage School, an interdisciplinary educational institution that integrated STEM, life sciences, and the performing arts.
Her commitment to empowering youth was also evident during her time in Papua New Guinea, where she developed education programs focusing on performing arts and therapeutic movements to support underserved communities. Since returning to Bermuda, Joanne has continued her passion for education and community engagement. She has authored best-selling children’s books, advanced environmental education programmes for young people and launched Bermuda’s first Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE)
competition.
Additionally, Joanne has served as Lead for Communications and Engagement in the Ministry of Education’s Reform Unit, where she worked to strengthen public engagement and ensure that critical initiatives were effectively communicated. But more than her impressive resume, Joanne is the proud mother of three boys who inspire her to work for a brighter future for them and Bermuda’s future generations. Joanne understands that to
create that brighter future, action is needed, and she has decided to get involved. She is ready to listen, to work, and to help the PLP build a fairer Bermuda for all of us.
Warwick North East deserves that kind of representative, and they will get that kind of representative in Joanne. She will bring fresh energy, innovative ideas, and a deep love for our island to her constituency and the House of Assembly.
So, PLP family, I ask you to join me in welcoming Joanne Ball Burgess as the Progressive Labour Party’s candidate for Constituency 25.
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