January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Election '07 / The leaders' perspectives
We will move Bermuda forward
This election will afford the Bermudian people an opportunity to decide which party will be entrusted with the mandate to govern Bermuda over the life of the next Parliament.
But it is also much more than the mere selection of legislators. To most voters, this election will also be about the choice between two parties who hold two competing philosophies of government.
Why should you, the reader, should vote for the PLP? Nothing answers that question more convincingly than the PLP's platform entitled, 'Patterns of Progress'.
It is within this platform document that one will find a wealth of information on our record of achievement to date and our plans and vision for tomorrow.
In fact, we believe that our record over the last nine years is as solid as the rock we call Bermuda.
Dynamic team
And as all of you know I am nothing if not bullish on Bermuda and its future and the role that this dynamic PLP team will play in delivering on its commitments to Bermuda and its people.
As I stated in Patterns of Progress, we make no grandiose promises in our platform. We have learnt the art and science of government and we conscientiously practice it to the greatest good of the greatest number. Bermuda is on the right track and heading in the right direction under the PLP. We intend to increase the momentum, and that we shall do.
Earlier this week you would have heard of our sterling record in managing Bermuda's economy. It is an extraordinary record and one of which we are understandably proud.
Nothing illustrates that better than the fact that in 1998, when we took office, GDP or gross domestic product in Bermuda stood at $3 billion. As a result of sound and effective PLP economic policies Bermuda's GDP has expanded to over $5 billion under the prudent and wise stewardship of successive PLP administrations.
And let's not ignore the PLP Government's record on the rebirth of tourism and our vision for the industry, which includes our plan for a platinum period of five star luxury hotels, first class transportation options and high-end customer service.
A PLP Government believes that a Bermuda with an economy which has two strong pillars is an economy which works best for all Bermudians.
But it is what we envision building upon this growing and dynamic economy that is the real story in this election and speaks to the heart of what is really at stake.
In the Progressive Labour Party we believe Bermuda has the potential to be truly the envy of the world only if we can collectively commit to social justice and human development.
A PLP Government will make the necessary investment in our people in order to achieve this and we believe that this investment will reap dividends for decades to come
It is to this end that we have crafted progressive social policies to deliver real benefits to the Bermudian people.
This PLP Government has always been committed to the proposition that our first obligation must be to those most vulnerable in our community - our children and our seniors.
In our next term we will redouble our efforts in this regard by the introduction of two bold new initiatives designed to significantly enhance the quality of life for Bermudians at their earliest years and during their golden years.
As announced, a PLP Government will provide Free Day Care for Bermudian families.
We strongly believe that this proposal will relieve young families of a financial burden at a time when resources are tight. A PLP Government wants to give parents the assistance they need to build the kind of foundation their children deserve.
Health insurance
We were also proud to announce that Future Care, a brave healthcare initiative, is part of our platform promise.
Future Care will provide comprehensive health insurance coverage beyond what is currently offered by HIP for seniors aged 65 and above. Future Care will ensure easy access to effective, safe and affordable health care at a time when it's needed most.
We are confident that Future Care will represent one of the most progressive initiatives ever undertaken by a Bermudian government.
A PLP Government recognizes that our seniors, who are becoming an increasing percentage of our population have built this country and we need to ensure that we don't forget them when they are no longer a part of the workforce.
Free Day Care and Future Care will be introduced by a PLP Government in the New Year.
These initiatives along with others such as free tuition for all accredited programmes at the Bermuda College and our ongoing commitment to housing with respect to the provision of interest free down payments, demonstrates our pledge to place the wellbeing of Bermudians first.
On behalf of all of the hardworking candidates of the Progressive Labour Party, I invite you the reader to read our platform. In it you will see the wealth of real and tangible solutions to the challenges that confront every Bermudian.
The Progressive Labour Party stands poised to deliver on its promises and stands ready to move Bermuda forward in the interests of all of its people.[[In-content Ad]]
Comments:
You must login to comment.