Video: OBA Leader Press Conference
[Updated] Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson is holding a press conference this afternoon [Nov 8] to give his initial reflection of the Throne Speech. We will have additional coverage later on and in the meantime the live video is below.
Update 4.19pm: Mr. Richardson said, “Today’s Throne Speech should have offered a beacon of hope to the people of Bermuda, but instead it left them with a feeling of helplessness.
“Instead, they heard a whole lot of old promises…many which have been unkept.
“But if you’ve heard a Throne Speech before, it is clear…the PLP has simply rehashed old promises, hoping that nobody caught on. With Christmas around the corner, imagine receiving a gift that your loved one found in the back of your closet, so they rewrap it in new shiny paper and give it a different name.
“To the people of Bermuda, the theme of this year’s speech should have been promises made, promises broken, because, for the most part that’s what it is.
“The Government says it will do more to address youth violence, but isn’t that what the Gang Prevention Unit was supposed to do. Hundreds of thousands of dollars and a number of deaths later…yet here we are today. Lawlessness on this island still continues.
“One would think the Throne Speech would have addressed the youth in Bermuda overall, but sadly not one word. It’s obvious the Government doesn’t value their vote. But our youth are our future. Where was the mention of creating better tomorrows for them via educational and employment opportunities? Where is the plan to entice them to remain in Bermuda instead of leaving the island for greener pastures and creating brain drain?
“Promises made, promises broken. The PLP Government has been in power for the majority of the last 25 years and there is still no universal health care.
“Insurance companies are merging and purchasing health service providers. Businesses are doing what they have to in order to survive and we have the PLP Government to thank for that.
“Where are the vertical farms that the Government has mentioned in the past? If nothing else, the pandemic taught us that Bermuda needs a proper strategy for food security. When we become the Government, this will be a priority of ours.
“Let’s touch on education reform. We have heard from just about every stakeholder in the community that many of our students within the Bermuda Public School System are not receiving the quality of education that they deserve. Currently the system is under reform, but what is actually happening. The plan for signature schools does not appear to be working, yet the Government announces that it is going to be executing the plan at Sandys Secondary Middle School. But that begs to question: why would you add another school into a plan that is not working instead of fixing the ones that aren’t operating optimally first?
“Promises made, promises broken.
“Regarding our seniors, the Government is saying it giving seniors the opportunity to work longer, but in reality they are being forced to extend their working life in order to survive the eye-watering cost of living.
“This speech was simply a lot of gifts which have been repurposed and tweaked here and there. There was nothing to get excited about, and to be frank, it was a disappointment.
“The PLP Government has proven that it has no clear strategy to improve the island. Bermuda needs to be audited from top to bottom. The Government is trying to solve problems that it has in fact created—and expects Joe Public to think that it’s doing something new.
“The Throne Speech’s theme is a Fairer Bermuda for all…but how is it fair when Bermudians can’t secure affordable housing, when there were no-bid contracts awarded during the pandemic, when the former AG awards her husband a lucrative contract? Does that seem fair to you, Bermuda?
“Where we are today is a result of the House that Burt built. It’s a mess and it’s clear…the PLP Government is no longer qualified to return this island to prosperity. There doesn’t appear to be a clear vision for the country. It is just throwing old ideas up against a wall with the hope that something will stick.”
Update 7.47pm: A PLP spokesperson said, “The OBA’s response to the Throne Speech is yet another example of empty rhetoric with no concrete solutions for Bermuda’s future. Just a few weeks ago, the OBA offered a much vaunted plan for Bermuda, and instead of offering an actual plan, they offered a pamphlet.
“Let’s talk about the promises because the PLP is making steady progress toward a fairer Bermuda for Bermudians.
“We’ve increased pensions six times to help our seniors keep up with the cost of living. We introduced Bermuda’s first minimum wage to ensure fair pay for all workers. We expanded childcare support to make life more affordable for families. We lowered taxes for 86% of Bermudians while making our country fairer by raising taxes on those who can afford it most. We are expanding affordable housing, bringing 71 new homes online through the Bermuda Housing Corporation, with 118 additional units on the way. These are real, tangible achievements that put Bermudians first, not just the wealthy few.
“The PLP has a clear vision to build a fairer future for Bermudians. This year’s Throne Speech includes new initiatives to protect consumers and ensure fairness, like placing limits on exorbitant banking fees and requiring banks to provide basic services to all residents. Our government is also capping excessive pension fees that have drained Bermudians’ hard-earned retirement funds for too long—an action that will mean $75,000 more in savings for a Bermudian worker by retirement.
“The OBA may try to obscure our record, but they offer no solutions beyond a little pamphlet and a “pro-wealthy” anti Bermudian agenda they advanced the last time in government—an agenda that saddled Bermuda with a costly airport deal, underfunded our schools, and neglected the needs of seniors. The PLP is here to build a fairer Bermuda for all, and we will continue to deliver results that work for the many, and not the few.”
The Throne Speech is the government’s legislative agenda for the upcoming year. If it doesn’t involve legislation then it doesn’t need to be in the Throne Speech.
It isn’t an election platform.
This clown thinks he’s Trump.
Mr .Richardson
I listened to your speech on Bernews with interest as i see my tax dollars financing never ending debt.
I write this with the thought that there is no equality or unity left in Bermuda.
It is very obvious that, if I may say so, you may not appear to be particulary enamored with the performance of the other party and the way that Bermuda is presently going or more profoundly the way this island is presently financially headed.
That is more than obvious in my opinion ,and that of forward thinking people , as we are throwing paint against the wall at Bermudiana.
Why do people preach afordable housing when that is an imposable dream ,the proof is in the pudding .
Aparantly your voting public are not all that happy puting you in less desirable position by the fact of being out numbered.
We know how that happened 25 years ago which is not what may presently or possibly appear .
Ley me put it this way, a football team finding it self out numbered may not become the winner.
What are you going to do about that , although I have my opinions .
I doubt if you will be able to claim the prize with out the required number of team players , may be are you more than comfortable being in your present position.
I am of the opinion that party polaticks should not cross the threshold at the main door of Parliament however it appears that not to be the case .
If you push hard enough your oposition may see the light
Bermuda is for all , and not the chosen few .
I am wondering that it may be too late
My tax dollars pays for other people housing they will never be satisfied .
We had to work blood sweat and tears for ours. Stone on stone !
it is very apparent that there were not many smiling faces while listening the Throne Speech.
When we build let it be for ever and not for present delight alone . …….