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Good policy that helps people isn't sensational enough for Bermuda's media. They would rather harp on the he said, she said political attacks than to tell uplifting stories that sound policy made possible.

You won't read in the newspapers about the working families who, thanks to the PLP's Government's innovative DayCare programme, can earn extra money to better their lives. Nor will you read in our papers the stories of the thousands of Bermudians who have taken advantage of free Bermuda College to get the training they need to advance their careers. And, you probably won't read any stories about the grateful seniors who are breathing a huge sigh of relief now that they don't have to worry so much about skyrocketing healthcare costs.

The launch of FutureCare is a landmark achievement. The fact that the PLP Government was able to deliver on such a sweeping promise during the middle of an international economic crisis speaks to our sound management of Bermuda's government - a story that hasn't and likely won't be told by Bermuda's biased media.

Consider what FutureCare does for our seniors. It covers 75 per cent of almost all medical costs, including visits to hospitals, doctors and specialists. It also covers preventative, diagnostic and lab services.

It provides home nursing services, vision and dental care. And, it provides a healthy increase to our prescription drug coverage.

After a lifetime of hard work, our seniors deserve to enjoy their golden years and not have to fret about the high cost of healthcare.

Thanks to FutureCare, the medical care our seniors need is significantly more affordable.

I encourage the news media to not just work in concert with the opposition to push the political attack of the day. Tell the stories of the seniors who are thrilled because they can now afford to go to the doctor more than four times a year. Talk to the seniors who will be able to, for the first time, have a nursing professional help them in their home. And, talk to the seniors who now get up to $2,000 a year to cover their prescription drugs.

Talk to Bermudians about how FutureCare, DayCare and free Bermuda College - all accomplishments of the PLP Government over the last two short years - have improved their lives.

Even in the midst of an economic recession, there are a lot of good things happening in Bermuda and there are a lot of reasons for us to be proud to be Bermudians. It's time for the good news to be told.

Nelson Bascome is the Minister of Health.[[In-content Ad]]

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