Column: Symonds On PLP, True Unity & More
[Opinion column written by OBA candidate Malachi Symonds]
The Progressive Labour Party [PLP] has shown political skill, but its governance has led to our current challenges. Since gaining majority control in 1998, its poor management culminated in losing power from 2012 to 2017, reflecting public dissatisfaction.
It won the 2017 election by effectively playing to its strengths.
In its 2017 Throne Speech, the PLP claimed to prioritize international business, youth inspiration, senior protection, and public education. However, its focus appears limited to international business, neglecting local enterprises and community initiatives like Dove and Butterfly, and Uplift, just to name a couple.
There are also a large number of preschools that have been pushed out of business due to red tape and over regulation. Neglect of our youth and it is starting at a preschool level.
Despite slightly increased support for seniors, rising living costs force many to choose between essential needs like food and medication.
Bermuda deserves better governance and genuine solutions for its citizens.
We all feel the constant rise in the cost of living, particularly in food prices and utilities. In 2017, the PLP acknowledged in its throne speech, “Food prices are too high in Bermuda… This Government is committed to reducing the expense of Bermudians’ grocery baskets.”
Sadly, it has shown little progress in addressing these issues.
To effectively lower living costs, the government must control utility and food prices. However, there are no dedicated departments for this, and investment in local agriculture and fisheries has dwindled and regressed.
Instead of fostering innovation and sustainability, these terms often serve merely as buzzwords in PLP speeches.
Bermuda deserves actionable solutions, not empty promises.
The PLP often relies on quotes in its speeches to sound more convincing but fails to follow through.
Former Premier Alex Scott stated, “Bermuda works best when it works together,” yet the current government incites division.
It creates an environment where opposing views are the enemy, making collaboration nearly impossible.
True unity is lacking under the PLP, leading to a divide between party members and those outside it. In contrast, the One Bermuda Alliance has focused on inclusivity, representing all sectors and classes of the island. Bermuda needs genuine unity and collaboration, not fear and division.
- Malachi Symonds, OBA Constituency 15 candidate
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