It is time for Bermudians to reach forward, together

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 24: Today the One Bermuda Alliance will start distributing to homes everywhere a brochure previewing our plans for Bermuda.

The brochure does not represent our full platform — that will come when the election is called —but it does lay down our approach to governing and some of our ideas for tackling Bermuda’s biggest challenges.

For me as leader of the OBA, the most important challenge is to get the Island moving forward in a new and positive direction. This has as much to do with people’s spirit and morale as it does with policy, maybe more.

I was in church on Sunday and a passage was read from Philippians 3 that touches on this very question. It tells us that we must “press on” to the higher goal, moving on from what lies behind “and reaching forward to what lies ahead.”

That’s want I want Bermuda to do — to press on and reach forward — and this is the opportunity the upcoming election offers.

I have spent many days talking with people, in their homes and churches, at town halls and on the street, and it is clear to me that we need to renew our purpose as a country, to gain a new sense of direction.

We are a good people — I see that every day in the eyes of the people I speak with — but we are getting worn down by conditions that sap our confidence and optimism.

Unemployment, business closings, violent crime, punishing Government debt, cost of living pressures — all of these things have become our ‘perfect storm’, and they threaten our strength, even our identity. This is our test. And it is time for us to respond by pressing forward together.

The party I lead is committed to building a new society that works for everyone, connected to values that lift us all together, leaving no one behind.

It means making our education system work for the children.

It means living within our means so we don’t leave the next generation buried in debt.

It means working with courage and compassion for a safe Bermuda, free of gangs and violence.

It means growing the economy to create jobs, career opportunities and security for our seniors.

It means all of us working together better, setting aside needless division and connecting with what makes us Bermudians.

Ultimately, it means giving us a chance to grow as a people.

What is happening today is simply not working for people. It’s time for change. It’s time to shed the doubts and hesitation. It’s time to shake off what is dragging us down and leave what’s past behind.

It’s time to join hands for the sake of Bermuda today, for the sake of each other, for a fresh start.

The challenges we face are urgent and severe, but Bermudians have the strength, the will and faith to rise above them.

It’s time to restore the promise of Bermuda. This is our country. Let’s make it work for all of us.

Let’s reach forward for Bermuda, let’s reach forward for each other.

• Craig Cannonier is Leader of the OBA.