PLP Comments On OBA’s ‘Sudden Reversal’
“The sudden reversal of the OBA Leader, who now says he no longer supports the economic policy printed in his own Budget Reply, is surprising – but is not unexpected given how economically damaging those proposals would be,” Junior Minister for Labour, Finance and Health Senator Arianna Hodgson said.
Background
The OBA released their Reply to the Budget which stated they would “reintroduce the travel authorization fees which can be imbedded in ticket costs or collected on arrival in Bermuda [Supported by IB]” and “examine the possibility of introducing a minimal VAT tax on health care services.”
Following that, OBA Leader Cole Simons said the OBA does not support those two measures and he “did not adequately consult with or vet these suggestions with our caucus – our Parliamentary representatives and candidates” and “it was an error in judgement for me to do this without consultation and I would like to extend a public apology to them and the people of Bermuda.”
Speaking at a press conference yesterday — you can watch the relevant extracts below — OBA MPs Scott Pearman and Craig Cannonier said that Mr Simons made a mistake and did the ‘honourable’ thing by admitting the error and they continue to have confidence in him.
PLP Statement
Junior Minister for Labour, Finance and Health Senator Arianna Hodgson said, “The House of Assembly is currently debating next year’s budget. From what the country has heard so far from the OBA it is clear that they have no plan for balanced economic growth that will support the workers of Bermuda, who are impacted by the highest global inflation in 40 years. In fact, the economic proposals of the One Bermuda Alliance are sure to damage Bermuda’s economic future.
“Voters remember the last time the OBA had control of Bermuda’s finances. In their 4 ½ years, the national debt doubled, employee payroll taxes were raised to the highest level in history, and their failed Morgan’s Point project and unwise airport privatisation have cost the taxpayers more than $250 million to date.
“Last week the OBA said that if given the opportunity to lead, they would increase costs for Bermudians by reintroducing travel authorization fees and they also proposed a new tax on healthcare services!
“The sudden reversal of the OBA Leader, who now says he no longer supports the economic policy printed in his own Budget Reply, is surprising – but is not unexpected given how economically damaging those proposals would be. A tax on healthcare services would affect those who can least afford access to healthcare and the proposal to increase the cost of travelling to Bermuda, after eliminating the TA, is counterproductive. Notwithstanding the OBA Leader’s reversal – these economically damaging policies are still listed on the OBA’s Website : Despite the clear confusion in the OBA Caucus, the question remains, what exactly is the OBA’s economic policy?
“The OBA did not support the PLP’s tax changes that will reduce payroll taxes for every local business in Bermuda and also reduced payroll taxes for any person making under $132,000 a year. If elected, will the OBA reverse these PLP payroll tax changes, which reduced payroll taxes for 86% of the workers in this country? Does that mean small businesses that will see their tax bill fall by 43% next year can expect to pay more taxes under an OBA government?
“The OBA claims they support increased capital investment, while at the same time wanting to reduce government spending; those two things cannot happen at the same time. So what is their actual policy regarding investments by the Government that are so crucial to the island’s future development?
“The PLP has worked with the international business sector to create the fastest growth in international business in Bermuda in 15 years. At the same time, the PLP recognises that there must be a balance in our economy so workers and small businesses who are struggling to cope with the highest global inflation in 40 years – have a reduced tax burden.
“The PLP believe that we must provide as much relief as possible to as many as possible – and that is what we have done. We provided relief to working Bermudians during the pandemic and after by reducing taxes on working families, providing payroll tax rebates, reducing car licensing fees, providing support to parents for school expenses, eliminating customs duty on staple goods, and a freeze in gasoline prices.
“The PLP’s Budget invests in public education, more health clinics in Bermuda, increased road paving, and funds our commitment to provide critical support for parents of young children with increased support for childcare; while reducing taxes for 86% of Bermuda’s workers and all local companies.
“Bermuda deserves a real debate on economic policy, not soundbites that don’t add up. The PLP has delivered a budget that will continue to support sustainable economic growth while helping the working class and local businesses cope with high global inflation by cutting taxes. We hope that when the Senate debates the budget in March, the OBA will present a clear plan for the economy if elected – so that the island can have an honest debate on Bermuda’s economic future.”
When will your party ever admit to ANY of its misguided screw ups and be man/ woman enough to ADMIT yes we screwed up.Doubt I will ever see it in my lifetime. You lot need to get off the merry go round and face reality
Admitting his mistake is one thing. Many can do that.
But you do realize that he went public with alleged Party positions that we now find out were not Party but were his own and without consulting his caucus. Now, if I were in OBA I would be very upset as those positions were totally contradictory to the party faithful and has seemingly done major political harm. So, it’s not just about making a mistake and apologizing. It is now about assessing what the mistake has cost the party and can they rebound from it?
Request. Would our politicians please start to act like adults and not spoilt little winner brats in diapers
The House of Assembly is currently debating next year’s budget. From what the country has heard so far from the PLP it is clear that they have no plan for balanced economic growth that will support the workers of Bermuda, who are impacted by the highest global inflation in 40 years. In fact, the economic proposals of the PLP will have a negative impact on Bermuda and Bermudians future, the hole in your pocket will become bigger.
There you go fixed that for you.
Bermuda abandoned traditional (responsible) politics for American style dirty tricks many years ago.
There will be no plan for the future. Only a plan to kick the (financial debt) can down the road for someone else to deal with in the future.
If Ms Hodgson has any children, let alone grand children, in a few years she will have to explain why they don’t have new shoes when all the kids of expats have new ones each week. Thank you PLP.
I wonder if your great grand parents left any memorabilia for your parents depicting the grossly conduct of their behavior toward my people. Unknowing to them the sins of the past would follow their grand children all the way into modern day politics around the globe. So much that now you rely on the same people they and you opposed to now be used as front men to win votes.
The problem with kicking the can down the road is the plp’s can is getting bigger and has become a barrel. They have failed consistently for 21 of the last 25 years. Our Debt has grown from 0 to 3 Billion . Burt the pied piper has led his blind flock out of rich pastures and into the desert but they have faith. Our future is getting dire by the day . His presumption of making 1.16 billion in revenue is a pipe dream. They however will spend a billion
When will the plp supporters hold their leaders to their word.
OBA SUCK PERIOD!!!!