Speech Was ‘Bold, Attainable & Transformative’

November 15, 2018

“The 2018 Throne Speech can be described as bold, attainable and transformative,” the Bermuda Trade Union Congress [BTUC] said, adding that it “represented the true ethos of a labour government that is progressive, and provided the key elements required to tackle systemic societal inequalities head-on.”

BTUC Bermuda Nov 15 2018

The BTUC said, “It recognised that the economic progress and growth achieved in Bermuda has not been shared by all and inequality in Bermuda has been multi-dimensional and intractable. The Government is clearly making a concerted effort to assuage the divide by urgently addressing inequality.

“Bermuda’s labour unions have been championing for policy initiatives such as:

  • progressive taxation and tax reform;
  • workforce and pay equity;
  • extending employment beyond age 65;
  • reducing healthcare cost;
  • revising labour legislation;
  • ensuring persons have access to tertiary education; and,
  • implementing a living wage.

“The Bermuda Trade Union Congress [BTUC] is pleased to see the inclusion of these policy initiatives in the Throne Speech as it underpins an agenda that is both progressive and people-centered. The effective implementation of these initiatives will assure Bermuda’s citizenry that their votes were not taken for granted when they voted for a change of Government last year.

“The Throne Speech demonstrates the Government’s ability to not only listen to the voice of the people but to also translate these concerns into effective, transformative policies. The priorities outlined in the Throne Speech are reflective of a major shift from the neoliberal policies of the past to a balanced, people-focused agenda that is responsive to the needs of the people.

“Preventing and reducing inequality is a part of Government’s social contract with its people and through the Throne Speech, it is apparent the Government plans to address inequality in a clear and deliberate manner.

“The renaming of the Allenhurst Building [the old Hamilton Police Station] after living labour legend, Bro. Ottiwell Simmons is a genuine embrace of the Government’s labour roots. This building will serve as a permanent marker and will ensure that we do not to forget our past and those who fought tirelessly to ensure social and economic progress for the working-class people of Bermuda.

Throne Speech announcement that the building will be named for Ottiwell Simmons

“Overall, the initiatives presented in the Throne Speech will seek to improve the social wellbeing of Bermudians,” the BTUC added.

“The Government must continue to operate with humility and remain persistent in addressing the urgency of present concerns. The labour movement must continue to remain steadfast in its quest to achieve a better and fairer Bermuda.”

click here Bermuda 2018 Throne Speech

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Comments (14)

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  1. eyes wide open says:

    BTUC is deluded.
    Bermudians need to get their head out of the sand

  2. Bullwinkle T. Mooseknuckle says:

    I’ve reached the age where my brain went from…
    “You probably shouldn’t say that”
    -to-
    “What the hell, let’s see what happins.”

    I’m just happy I am not alone in that there area…

  3. DeOnion says:

    No name attributed to this, interesting.

  4. wahoo says:

    Well the BTUC liked the plp throne speach…..shocking.

  5. sandgrowan says:

    It wasn’t any of those things, it was bland, full of platitudes and short on detail.

    So, no.

    • newperspective says:

      There’s no need for detail. Only know, that when the wish-list is completed and in place, you’ll be paying more taxes, as will others. Obviously, this will mean those at a disadvantage will pay less. So, what’s new?

      • sandgrowan says:

        I’d support taxation of the churches.

        • wahoo says:

          Oooooh that is a good idea, we should also hit them with the bill for the SSM appeal because that is going to be expensive and the plp did not even have faith in real Bermudian lawyers to act on our behalf!

        • newperspective says:

          Everyone contributes to our tax base,some directly,like payroll tax, and others indirectly,like when they purchase goods and services.

          • wahoo says:

            LAND TAX?

            • newperspective says:

              This can be debated. From my viewpoint, if the property is also used for business purposes,then some form of tax should be considered.

              • wahoo says:

                Are the churches also subjected to the laws of immigration? You know what/who I am getting at.

  6. Not so impressed says:

    Thanks for the best laugh I’ve had so far today.

  7. Ground hog day says:

    Same ol stuff just a different year.

    Well done to all!