Mathias return to politics is personal against the OBA says Ben Smith

Justin Mathias’ press statement announcing that he intends to stand in the upcoming General Election is a clear example why the electorate should be extremely wary about voting for independent candidates. You simply do not know who is genuinely running to effect positive change in the lives of Bermuda and her people.

In the case of Mr. Mathias, it’s obvious his return to politics is driven by a personal agenda after his departure from the OBA.

I strongly believe everyone has the right to express how they feel, whether I agree with their sentiment or not.  If Mr. Mathias wants to run for Parliament by wrapping himself in the clothes of a so-called “independent”, then that is his right.

However, to put out a media statement misrepresenting the reality of his decision making is just plain wrong.

In his announcement, Mr. Mathias seeks to persuade the Bermudian public that he reached his decision to stand as an independent after the OBA publicly demanded in November 2024 for the election to be called.  Really?

If that were true, and he decided to stand because of the actions of our leader in November 2024, then why over the last couple of weeks has Mr Mathias reached out to several OBA members, including Mr Richardson.  Only 12 days ago, on 8 January 2025, Mr. Mathias messaged him stating: “Let me know if I can help in any way!”

Mr Mathias cannot have it both ways.  Either he is misleading the Bermudian people about his newly-found beliefs in “independents” – or he was misleading his former OBA colleagues only days ago.

As far as Mr Mathias’ other claims about the OBA, he neglects to mention the fact that he has not been a part of the OBA for almost two years, since April 2023.

The public should think very carefully before voting for this newly-converted “independent”.

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