Survey: Incomes up under PLP

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 190: The recent Labour Force Survey released by the Department of Statistics shows a dramatic increase in incomes under the PLP.

In 2000, just two years after the PLP’s historic 1998 election, the median gross income in Bermuda stood at just $38,049. Today, the median gross income stands at $58,698.

“The quality of life difference that $20,000 makes is dramatic,” noted Dawn Simmons, PLP candidate in constituency 22. “I think sometimes people forget where we were in 1998. In 1998, there was no FutureCare for our seniors, no DayCare for our working families and no EEZ for our Bermudian small businesses owners.

“The stark number released by the Department of Statics shows just how far we’ve progressed as a people. In 2000, median income in Bermuda stood at $38,049. Today, median income stands at $58,698.

“It’s also important to note that the opposition’s fear-mongering about international business isn’t seen in the statistics. International business employment is up over the last two years. Businesses services are up and financial intermediation is up.

“While the last few years have seen Bermuda dealing with the worst global financial crisis since the Great Depression, when you take the long view, it’s clear that sure and steady progress is being made."