Cannonier: Vote for a better Bermuda

FRIDAY, DEC. 14: Thank you Bermuda!

On behalf of the One Bermuda Alliance, I would like to close our campaign here in The Bermuda Sun by saying “thank you” to the thousands of Bermudians we’ve met canvassing in every constituency across our island.

You’ve welcomed us into your homes.

You’ve given us your ideas about how to make Bermuda work better.

We hope you’ll give us the privilege of making those ideas work for you.

We know that Bermudians from all walks of life are struggling as a result of our failing economy.

Single mothers have told me that they are finding it difficult to provide the safe and secure lives they want for their children.

Families whose breadwinners have lost their jobs have told me they are struggling to make ends meet.

Today, our economic woes are added to a wave of violent crime that threatens the very fabric of our island and a soaring Government debt that has crippled its ability to help people when they need it most.

It is a good thing this election comes on Monday because you finally can have a say about the direction Bermuda is heading, whether you want more of the same with the current Government or change for the better with the One Bermuda Alliance.

With more than 10,000 Bermudians unemployed or under-employed, with a staggering 36% of our young people without a job and with a violent crime rate that was almost unthinkable just a few years ago, Bermuda needs change.

My colleagues and I understand the seriousness of the challenges facing people every day, particularly those who’ve lost their jobs.

It’s why we produced our Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan, to create 2,000 jobs across all sectors of the economy.

It’s why we are going to take the fight against gang violence into every community, getting people working together to find new paths of opportunity for our young people.

It’s why we are going to make sure our children get the education they need to succeed – from pre-school to Bermuda College – enabling them to live productive and satisfying lives, with good-paying jobs.   

Talented people

I believe in Bermuda, in every way.

I have spent the last couple of years talking with thousands, and I feel close to all of you, because we are Bermudians.

Although the pressures and disappointments of today can weigh heavy, I will never lose sight of the fact that this is a land of immensely talented people, rich in character and style, and capable of showing the world a thing or two.

I know of no other place on the planet, pound for pound, that produces more accomplished, more savvy people than our 21 square miles.

So let’s use this election for a fresh start. Let’s use it to say we’re done with what isn’t working any more. Let’s use it to say we don’t want more of the same. Let’s use it to say “We’re for change!” – change that brings us together, change that grows jobs, change for safe neighbourhoods and change that makes us confident our children will be fine.

I got involved in politics because I want the people of Bermuda to do better, much better. I got involved because I want to see us come together. And I got involved because I know we can do it.

The party I lead is committed to economic and social equity for all, leaving no one behind. I am proud to be able to say that because it reflects my thinking in every way. I am also proud that this goal is shared by a great team of candidates who have been working hard to bring the change Bermuda needs.

Economic and social equity for all is the goal that anchors our thinking, our planning and our confidence that Bermuda can turn the corner to start working again for all our people – not just some of our people; all of our people.

It’s time to open our arms to each other; to understand we have so much to gain by working together for the common good.

It’s time for all of us to believe in a better Bermuda. I do, and I know my colleagues do. Let’s make it happen. Monday is the day it can start. Vote for change. Vote for a better Bermuda.

Thank you.