OBA: ‘Broken Promises, Increase Cost Of Living’
[Updated] “Government’s first year in office will be remembered for broken promises and increasing the cost of living for the average Bermudian,” the One Bermuda Alliance said today.
“Let’s just look at a few of the obvious things first,” said OBA Leader Jeanne Atherden. “We’ve had new taxes, the Airbnb tax as well as the Sugar Tax, we’ve had an increase in the standard premium rate and the standard health benefit.
“In short, the increased costs imposed by this Government will more than have wiped out the payroll tax relief they had in this year’s Budget and left the average Bermudian worse off.
“On one hand Government talks about helping Mr and Mrs Bermuda, but the reality is that it has made life harder for Mrs and Mrs Bermuda.
“The PLP has been in power for 15 of the last 20 years, it is their policies that have put Bermuda where it now finds itself and it is their continuing policies that continue to negatively impact the average Bermudian.”
She said that “one year after Government made its pledge, wi-fi was finally being installed in all schools, yet recently the Bermuda Union of Teachers stated that its members were still buying essential items out of their own pockets.
“A new Commissioner of Education has yet to be appointed and a new Executive Director has yet to be found for the Gaming Commission – a year after Richard Schuetz resigned,” said Ms Atherden. “The necessary regulations for gaming are still months away despite being finalized by the Commission more than a year ago.
“We have also seen flip flopping from the Premier on independence, boasts about MOUs and incorporations and legislation and policy announcements that have been rushed and ill-considered. The Sugar Tax, for instance, had to be amended several times,” added Ms Atherden.
“And without the full explanation of how policy changes will impact the community-at-large, the public can feel that they are being misled into agreeing to changes when the full agenda is not clear.”
She said last week the Premier had announced that 43 fintech companies had, or were in the process, of incorporating in Bermuda.
“That sounds like a nice headline figure but what was noticeable was the lack of any job numbers,” she said.
“So what we really need to ask is that with all this flurry of activity – new taxes, cost of health increases and unfulfilled promises for more jobs – is ‘where are we really going and what is this new Bermuda that we are creating’?’
“If this fundamental question has to be asked, it means that Government has, in this its first year, failed to keep its promise of transparency, accountability and collaboration. Any changes that happen to Bermuda should be informed changes, not changes that are rushed through while leaving Bermudians behind.”
Ms Atherden also said:
- “A private company, Arbitrade, announcing Government policy that is yet to be announced by Government, such as a chicken farm for prisoners and the use of an FBI weapons training programme for schools and charities.
- “Failure to build on the legacy of the America’s Cup with an unfulfilled pledge to replace the ACBDA with a new events authority or pushing through super yacht legislation which could have created a whole new industry.
- “Reverting to once-a-week-trash collections.
- “An unspecified and ill-considered pension plan to allow for progressive contributions.
- “A lack of explanation over $778,000 given to a former leader of the PLP to support his private business.
- “Harming local businesses with a $10 million Sugar tax – and failing to say how much of that revenue will go to health initiatives, as originally promised.
- “Increased fees and other taxes: Government Fees increased five percent, the tax on vacation rental, a commercial rent tax and an increase in cell phone fees all of which will hit all businesses and entrepreneurs.
- “The debacle concerning the Commissioner of Education and a failure to appoint a new executive director of the Gaming Commission – one year after he quit.
- “Unexplained plans to create a new bank because local banks refuse to deal with the proceeds of crypto currency, raising many red flags.
- “The creation of a FinTech fund which lacks accountability and regulations over the use of the money.
- Loss of the protection of the 60/40 rule so that anyone can have majority ownership in newly created Bermuda companies.
Ms Atherden added: “The PLP’s election manifesto promise said, ‘Your next PLP Government will Implement the National Health Plan to reduce healthcare costs for all Bermudians’ and ‘Reduce healthcare costs through greater competition in the local insurance market and through the use of technology to make healthcare delivery more efficient’.
“The Throne Speech said ‘the cost of health care is a major expense for the government and private employers, which reduces our global competitiveness. Cost reduction will lead to savings that will promote economic growth. The Government will launch a comprehensive review of healthcare costs in Bermuda and will seek to extract savings throughout the entire healthcare system’.
“So in 12 months we have seen promises broken twice. That is not acceptable.”
“I call on the PLP to keep its promise of collaboration, transparency and accountability. Bermuda should work for all Bermuda but we cannot tell what sort of Bermuda Government is creating.”
Update 3.09pm: PLP MP Chris Famous said, “While the OBA is singularly focused on trying to distract from their internal divisions and lack of proactive ideas, the PLP remains focused on the people of Bermuda.
“That is exactly why we are hosting our Community Give Back dinner tomorrow at 5pm for those in need. Following that event, at 7pm the Progressive Minds will be hosting their Mix and Mingle for young persons between between 16-34.
“This government, your government, remains committed to executing our agenda as laid out in last year’s Election Platform and most importantly focused on putting Bermudians first.”
Actually, this is a very good summary.
Thank God we dont have to deal with OBA no more.
Yeah you tell ‘em OJ can you argue with any of the points made?
Can you Wacko Wahoo? All you and your numb nuts do is sit around waiting to jump online. What a pathetic bunch of LOSERS!!! Ha! ha!! ha!!!
How ironic given the fact that you are on here all day every day posting under different names but have yet to address one of the facts presented in any of the articles.
But then again you come across as so dumb that you probably don’t have the intellectual ability to recognise your own hypocrisy/irony or general loser qualities.
No mate the irony is you keep trying to one up me. Hahahahaha
It’s missing quite a few things like upholding the transparency for the travel site.
Wasting more taxpayer’s money on SSM debate.
Dropping everything once they got in power and focused on Tweed’s right to stay.
Don’t forget pushing forward their election promise of a balanced budget by 2 years and cuts to Financial Assistance and Legal Aid directly affecting those at the lower end of the spectrum.
And you care because?
…because we don’t like being lied to by the Premier?
So where was all this moral authority when the oba was lying the entire time about basically everything?
The OBA wasn’t lying…you just can’t tell because your life is a lie.
You plp people are no different than trumps republicans….but you’re too arrogant to see it.
LOL
Do grow up love. My two year old can offer a more grown up response than that. Do you need help with this? I can to a two Way call for you.
Hahaha, you folks are off your heads. OBSESSED w/PLP
Actually it’s the same sh%* on a different day Allie mate. Complain, complaining complained!!
Actually you are some a good summary, along with your mates. Ready to strike to every crazy story the OBA come up with. They have been having a hellva spin week. Hahahaha
Everything has gone up, Bermudians can not survive in their own country. Just how many of us have left the island this year? I thought PLP stressed that they were for Bermudians to make our lives better??? Tax, tax, tax, and more increases across the board. Empty pockets, low morale
Leave with the rest if you are not progressing love
Pattycakesdo one love. It is getting more difficult daily watch you OBAers flailing wildly. Bring the people SOLUTIONS instead of Compaining (looking for something to complain about)
Work w/the government to put forth strategies. Yawn
I don’t understand your logic, just last year PLP was complaining left right and centre and not offering solutions. Hell, I think I recall seeing your name crapping on OBA as well.
Well stop guessing and get your facts straight Bruh
She should hold a press conference to articulate this stuff…I wonder how that would go down…She, Pat, Trevor, and Justin in a replay of Monday’s fiasco.
Once again PLPers fail to address the message. No wonder they love their base so much.
Can you answer one simple question? How does increasing existing and introducing nex taxes along with increasing every Government related fee help the PLP achieve their promise of lowering the cost of living?
Double, I know you have this weird fansinaction with us and secretly are still baffled as to how we were able to knock the OBA for a six, but you have got to let it go mate.
Your are working yourself up over these doctored spins son. Toodles
Answer the question. How does increasing existing & new taxes along with Government fees going to lower the cost of living.
Because those paying those taxes are in the upper echelon!!!! Duh
Really? So the sugar tax is only to be applied to rich people? You mean your car, cell phone, bike etc fee raises only apply to the ‘upper echelons?’
I am truly sorry as I gave you too much credit beforehand. You are actually dumber that I originally thought.
No mate, it’s to encourage better health choice by adults. Oh sorry Double…..did you really think I care about you fire stoking? Psyche!!!
It’s a tax on food. The PLP elite don’t care about the working class.
Sweetheart somehow you were miss informed. The UBP/OBA are the culprits of not caring
It’s the PLP increasing taxes on food, increasing healthcare costs, increasing taxes and increasing the cost of living.
They don’t care about us. They are rich elite socialists swilling in champagne, flying first class everywhere and driving new limousine. In the meantime we have no buses and we have rats running around the streets because they can’t organize trash pickup.
Posted elsewhere, but relevant here too:
What is it with Dunkley Derangement Syndrome? He lost, the PLP won. We’re a year in, stop looking back, look forward.
It’s as bad as Republicans banging on about Hillary. She isn’t President.
Perhaps there’s something deeper here, without a boogey-man to focus on what are we left with? A PLP that isn’t progressive, devoid of ideas, incapable of growing the economy and beholden to religious conservative values.
That’s the real issue – no one to hate and you have nothing. Pathetic.
Why is the oba aka UBP experiment broken before the 4 year term in?
Why have so many of my people departed from the UBP black and white over the years?
Why are you losing members even now?
You can’t fix or advise the PLP until you fix your own HOUSE!!!!!!!!
You continue to lose the black voters you have to be blind not to realize something is wrong with the OBA!!!
Thanks for proving my point.
What point answer the questions, this is not the fat elephant in the room!!
Why is the oba aka UBP experiment broken before the 4 year term in?
Why have so many of my people departed from the UBP black and white over the years?
Why are you losing members even now?
You can’t fix or advise the PLP until you fix your own HOUSE!!!!!!!!
You continue to lose the voters you have to be blind not to realize something is wrong with the OBA!!!
The point is that PLPers don’t have the ability to articulate any form of intelligent rebuttals and instead revert to silly nonsense likes yours above.
Slow clap!
Food for thought:
“The forest was shrinking but the trees kept voting for the axe as its handle was made of wood and they thought it was one of them” — Anonymous
Regardless of who is raising the points, you can’t argue with their validity.
Would you really rather see Bermuda fail so long as the PLP are in charge? because that’s what’s happening.
Awww sandie, I am so sorry you are having a hard time with ACCEPTANCE but we have raised above your petty jibes and are working to secure a future for Bermuda. If you are not get on a plane a wave us and OUR GOVERNMENT goodbye. Your vileness has been noted love. Ta!
Who is working to secure a future for Bermuda? What kind of future? Right now we’re seeing a half hearted self assessment
How is balancing the budget going? Are there any tangible ideas to do that? MOU’s don’t count. Bleating about the airport doesn’t count.
Dont waste your time sandgrownan! The kool-aid is strong with this bunch! No sense! Just blind loyalty to color over logic. Fly on out to Canada like I did, the weathers fine! lol
Has anyone else noticed the massive increase in car licensing fees this year!?
Broken Promises coming from the OBA?
Lol
so you’re fine with it if the PLP break promises.
Don’t try to defect, the PLP have kept right on track. It’s Ironic that the oba can fix their lips and say that giving we are still waiting on their promises almost 6 years on
Maybe you should get off your a** and work for it?
Wi-Fi may be in the schools – nice boxes on the wall but at last check it did not work in the schools. Hope it is ready for September.
FST happened because of the OBA and most dont even know it happened
my dear friend, please retire you have served us well…go in peace after that poor press conference on Monday, I now know the OBA is going to be finished under your leadership. I see that former Sen. Woolridge has reared her self again…. so negative Lynn !
In 2016, David Burt, the then Shadow Minister of Finance, adamantly warned that local businesses will end up closing as a result of the tax increases contained in the (OBA’s) Budget. Fast forward to today. Our Premier and Finance Minister David Burt has proposed/implemented: the Sugar tax which will greatly affect local bakery and other establishments, and Government Fees have increased five percent, the tax on vacation rental, a commercial rent tax and an increase in cell phone fees all of which will hit all businesses and entrepreneurs. It is difficult to tell the difference between the two administrations, don’t you think?
The PLP must be using their trolls again – as usual they attack the messengers and ignore the message, sigh.
All those who voted PLP got damn well Bamboozled.
Gotta love the lying deflection specialist called the obaubp and their bias followers. Can’t find anything wrong worth discussing so making up stuff and whining is the new political tactic being used. It’s going to be a long long time before the UBP ever get back in power.
It is Ironic that Bob Richards sunk the OBA given the UBP’s and Bermuda’s racial history. PLP riding on coat-tails of OBA. PLP’s constituency will certainly not be any better off after their term. PLP have no ideas. Quo Fata Ferunt!
Bye
“If this fundamental question has to be asked, it means that Government has, in this its first year, failed to keep its promise of transparency, accountability and collaboration.”
Dear Mrs Atherton, your naivitee is showing