The PLP's primary goal is to create jobs

FRIDAY, DEC. 7: Every election is about the future, and the elections that Bermuda will hold a little more than a week from today are no exception. People need to know each party’s principles, and it is important to ask what they have achieved in the past. But the ultimate question voters must put to the candidates is this: What is your vision for the future?

I submit that the Progressive Labour Party offers an answer to this challenge that is more comprehensive and far-reaching than any in Bermuda’s history. With the simple yet inspiring title of ‘Moving Forward Together,’ our platform covers more subjects with more specifics about issues of deep personal concern to the vast majority of Bermudians than, I believe, any before it.

No doubt some who read the scores of goals we have set for the coming years will call us too ambitious. Very well, I plead guilty to that charge because we are full of optimism about this country and passionate about our determination to take Bermuda to new heights. We are committed in our hearts and minds to building better lives and creating brighter futures for our people.

I urge everyone who is able to do so to look at the contents of this detailed agenda for the future. But knowing that won’t be possible for many readers, let me summarize the highlights.

Our first and foremost goal is to create jobs by building Bermuda’s economy. We understand that economic development requires sound fiscal management, but we have already demonstrated that we know how to manage budgets in a prudent, pro-growth manner, and we will build on our achievements. This encompasses a wide range of initiatives, from investing in the infrastructure in ways that stimulate business growth, to providing training to give Bermudians the skills to get good-paying jobs and support their families.

We will add to the successful Economic Empowerment Zones we have already established, increase tourism and attract new international investment – an effort highlighted by our campaign to make Bermuda a world headquarters for the rapidly growing hedge fund industry.

We will invest in the Bermudian people. Our National Strategy for Ageing will help ensure that senior citizens have the health care, housing and transportation they need to lead dignified lives. Programmes for our youth will improve their educational opportunities and create sports, arts and music activities to make their lives more fulfilling.   Investments in community development, health care, housing and social services will raise living standards for working people and the middle class.

The PLP has always understood how education can advance our people, so we are planning initiatives that will prepare the next generation for success in the global economy. Because this preparation must start as early as possible, we intend to lower the school age to 4 years so that all children get a “head start” on their educations. We will strengthen the entire school system and upgrade Bermuda College to a university college.

Bermuda’s natural resources will continue to receive special attention and protection, and we will seek new ways to power our nation through energy-efficient, eco-friendly means like conservation measures and using natural gas to cut emissions, lower electricity prices and reduce reliance on imported oil.

Public safety is a concern for every Bermudian. A new National Crime Reduction Plan will be drawn up based on input from a cross-section of communities. The Inter-Agency Gang Task Force will continue reducing gang activity and gun violence. And a broad range of initiatives — from tough enforcement to programmes that prevent young people from being lured into the gang lifestyle — will eradicate the gang culture.

Closely allied with this public safety campaign will be an agenda to ensure the fair and equitable administration of justice for all Bermudians. We have already dismantled the old unfair system. Now we will take decisive new steps like creating a Judicial Complaints Authority, establishing a Department of Court Administration and setting up a Small Claims Court.

The PLP has steered Bermuda through the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Much remains to be done and many of our people are still suffering from the global meltdown that swept over us. But we have the bold, visionary platform to create a thriving economy and healthy society for the 21st century. Together, we can and will move forward.

• Paula Cox has been premier of Bermuda since October 2010.