I'll vote PLP because it represents equality

FRIDAY, NOV. 30: The truth is that we all support, and vote for, the party that most reflects back to us who we are. Our personal history, socialization, family, culture, and religious background — all determine who and what we become in life.

With education, and experience along the way, we change, we evolve, and hopefully, we become better people. We all have the right to support whichever party we feel will represent our interest, and that of the country at large.

The struggle of the labour movement by the founders of the PLP, and their vision for a more equitable Bermuda set the tone for me to become the person that I am today. I am one of many diverse people who support and honour what the party ultimately stands for — equality. There are, and have been, shortcomings.

In my case, I know that if I had not been raised in a segregated, racist country that Bermuda was in the 1960s, I would not have developed the strength, and the tenacity to overcome the many obstacles that I have had to overcome in my life. I owe much to the legacy of the labour movement. I am a strong woman because of it.

The Progressive Labour Party has it flaws; we all do. The question is, ‘does its failings, its mistakes, its imperfections wipe out all of the good, all of the great things that that it has done?’ I believe that it does not, and it should not. Like us, it must learn from its mistakes, and move from strength to strength.

Since its inception in the 1960s, the PLP has been about bringing change to the average Bermudian. At the time of the party’s formation, Bermudians were not allowed to progress to their full potential. The fight for change was done through the struggle of a segregated society, run by the founders of the United Bermuda Party and their cohorts.

I worked within the walls of Parliament, and saw debates take form during my 15 years there.  There was not a great fundamental difference between the political parties in espousing what they perceived to be the wants, and wishes of the electorate. The main difference was the priorities set in achieving those goals.

The PLP has always believed that the people should come first, and that they should have a fair shot at getting a first class education, health care, child care, employment, housing, and a pension. The party is based on the premise that everyone should be treated as equals in an equitable society. It has not been prefect in execution of this goal, but that has not lessened its will to do.

Debt or higher taxes?

Once the PLP became the Government, the need for the relationship between it and business became more important.  On the one hand, there was the will to implement all of the programmes it wanted to deliver on in order to assist Bermudians, and on the other hand, not tax businesses to the point where it became difficult for them to function. This is a real dilemma for a Government that does not want to introduce income tax. The choice was between increasing taxes, or increasing debt.

The other option was to decrease the civil service; the PLP Government chose to keep Bermudians employed. Of course, it had the option not to fund the building of houses for low and medium income renters and new home owners. Not to build new wings or carry out renovations at the hospitals; not to complete the new Berkeley Institute; not to upgrade schools; not upgrade the airport; not  build the new dock and not upgrade Dockyard. Not to get new ferries; not to keep the roads and the rest of our infrastructure in good shape. Not to provide scholarships; not to fund EEZ, FutureCare, child care, and the like. The list goes on with respect to why Government needed money. 

Indeed, it is simply to sustain, and improve upon, the lifestyle that Bermudians enjoy.

 Increase taxes — implement income tax as the rest of the western world has done where the rich pay more or borrow. The PLP Government chose to increase taxes slightly, and borrow to make up the difference, thus maintaining and improving upon the life that Bermudians are used to.

We are all responsible for Bermuda’s debt. We want the services, the jobs, and the infrastructure that Government provides. It is disingenuous for us to blame the Government for spending money on satisfying our needs, and spending on those who are in need.

No matter how much the Government debt, which seems to be the whipping horse in this election, is spun, look around you see how well-kept this island is, and you will know where the money is spent — on You.

Bermuda is an envy of the world. Yes, we have our problems, but we are a blessed people who live on one of the most well maintained, beautiful places on the planet. Be thankful that we have the credit rating to be able to borrow, and be provided for, and that we have the assets to pay off the debt when the time comes. We will need more stringent policies to  keep our debt under control, and reduced. It will and can be done.

I am supporting what I know, flaws and all — the Progressive Labour Party.

• Renee Webb is a former PLP Government Minister. E-mail: [email protected]