'OBA's fairy tale plan doesn't add up' - Senator Burt

THURSDAY, OCT. 25: I’d like to take some time to expose the truth about the OBA’s so called plans for this country. And I’d like to focus on one thing, the fact that the numbers in their fairy tale plan just don’t add up!

On the one hand, they tell us that they are going to massively expand government spending by creating new bureaucracies and commissions, and by “extending” some programmes and “expanding” others. Their plans to again radically change education and spend money on a multitude of initiatives would also cost untold hundreds of millions of dollars. On the other hand they offer poorly thought out tax concessions that would further reduce government revenues which means MORE borrowing for Bermuda. Bermudians, the OBA’s fairy tale plan just doesn’t add up! Unless they cut spending somewhere else in the Budget, but once again the OBA is silent about cuts.

They are silent on DayCare and FutureCare. Are these programmes that help many Bermudians on the OBA’s chopping block? Will they cut the job training programmes we’ve started? Will they raise the Bermuda College tuition we lowered? What are they going to cut?

The OBA says that they can increase spending, cut taxes and reduce the debt. But, their fairy tale plans just don’t add up! It’s time for the OBA to come clean with Bermudians.

The fact is, they’re telling you what they think you want to hear. They are telling you exactly what their pollsters and consultants are telling them to say; however they are not being honest about what they will cut or how much they plan on adding to the debt. Bermudians, don’t believe the hype.

The opposition is desperate to win and they will say and do anything in order to seize power. But, Bermudians know that 2+2 does not Equal Zero.

Over five years, the OBA’s plan would cost an estimated $500 MILLION in new spending and debt! –

Their numbers don’t add up and It’s time for the OBA to be honest with Bermudians. A few weeks ago, Craig Cannonier said that, “austerity isn’t such a bad idea.” Now just 3 weeks later, he and his party are proposing $500 million in new spending and debt?!

Austerity means deep and damaging cuts to programmes and benefits like FutureCare, DayCare, and EEZ Grants, In England Austerity has meant rising tuition for colleges, and reduced pensions and benefits for seniors. If as Craig Cannonier said, Austerity isn’t such a bad idea, the he needs to tell the people what he’s going to cut! If the opposition is serious about debt reduction they are going to have to tell the people what they are going to cut. If the opposition is serious about their budget busting and debt exploding $500 million dollar spending plans, then they need to tell the Bermudian people how they are going to pay for it.

The PLP is clear on the challenges our country faces. Our leader has articulated a 10 point plan for growth that we will expand on in the coming election. We will continue to Stand Strong for Bermudians, and we will not insult the intelligence of voters by telling them that 2 + 2 = 0. Thank You.