PLP: No substance in Throne Speech; WE will provide leadership (Update)

UPDATE, 2:15PM: The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party today attempted to table the Abolition of Conscription Act 2013. The OBA refused to collaborate with the PLP and blocked the PLP's Anti-Conscription Bill.

PLP Leader Marc Bean remarked, "In an effort to do things differently, embrace the spirit of collaboration and change the toxic environment in Parliament, we attempted to bring forward legislation that would move Bermuda forward. Without even reading or considering the text of the legislation, the OBA blocked the PLP's Bill to end conscription."

Mr. Bean continued, "We believe that conscription must end. The OBA says that they believe in ending conscription and that they also believe in collaboration. Together we could have collaborated on something we agree on, ending conscription without delay and moving Bermuda forward. Unfortunately it was not to be. The OBA should have worked with us but instead they stifled debate and conscription will be with us for the forseeable future."

Shadow Finance Minister David Burt said, "Bermudians looking for hope on jobs from the OBA have been sorely disappointed. Bermudians need jobs and there was nothing new in this speech to address the ongoing jobs crisis that is affecting. Bermudians.  While we support efforts to lower the cost of living, relief is needed across the board in energy and food at the wholesale and retail level; not just one day of the week in some supermarkets.  The lack of substance for Bermudians contained in the speech is both shocking and disappointing"

PLP Senate Leader Diallo Rabain remarked, "The OBA seem overwhelmed and unable to put together a plan to get Bermudians back to work.  From the repetition of promises they didn't keep last year, to the lack of a plan on jobs, Bermudians have been severely let down by the OBA."

PLP Senator Marc Daniels concluded,"Bermudians can't wait for the OBA as many are unemployed now.  That's why we have produced a plan to get Bermudians back to work and a new vision on a new way forward for Bermudians. Next week, our Leader will expand on that plan while providing leadership and hope to a people who sorely need it."