We will cut back on GP cars to set the right tone for the country

FRIDAY, SEPT. 21: In the lead-up to any election, stories will be told, polls will be taken and promises will be made. Political parties and candidates often get lost in the clouds of bickering and forget just what we are putting ourselves forward to do, which is to represent the people. 

We in the One Bermuda Alliance believe in the lessons we were taught as young people, such as saving our money for a rainy day and that every penny counts.

This is something that the OBA as government will be doing responsibly and in the best interest of you, the people of Bermuda. It is about giving every last one of you the best chance to succeed in life and to do our very best as people elected to represent your interest.

Recently, we mentioned cutting back on GP cars. Some people, speaking for the Government, said that cutting back GP cars would mean very little when dealing with its billion-dollar debt. They said GP cars was a minor issue. I disagree, not just as the OBA leader, candidate and MP, but as a fellow Bermudian. Before I explain why, consider this:

It has been reported that we have gone from 91 GP cars in 2006 to 247 in 2010. That is a massive increase — more than 100% — and it makes no sense to me and my colleagues. It’s not just the cost of each vehicle and the maintenance, it’s the lack of control and indulgence they represent.

As political and government leaders, we have to understand that we are in a position to set the tone for the country. I am concerned that in recent years the tone has been one of wastefulness and disregard for basic rules and lessons that keep our country on track.

It’s time to change this. Bermuda needs to clear a new path, in this instance a path based on responsibility and stewardship for the public purse.

For the people who dismiss the GP car issue as minor in relation to the debt, I want to remind them that every penny counts, and that when we as a country are in a position as we are in now, we need to make headway wherever we can.

The massive debt built up in recent years will take years to get back under control, and so we have to start working at it today. For the sake of our children and Bermudians not yet born, we have to bring order and control to the situation. We need to start somewhere and GP cars is as good a place to start as any.

 Bermuda, we in the OBA will lead by example. We intend to show people that their government is being responsible and careful with their tax dollars.

We deserve better, Bermuda, and under an OBA Government better is what you will get. We will represent you and that is something we will never forget. From the so-called minor issues to the major ones, we will manage them for the betterment of the people. At the end of the day, it must be about putting you, the Bermudian people, first.

It’s time for that, don’t you think?

• Craig Cannonier is Leader of the One Bermuda Alliance.