Opposition Leader Replies To Throne Speech
OBA Leader Jarion Richardson has responded to today’s [March 14] 2025 Throne Speech, saying that it “lacked substance and doesn’t address the most important needs of the country.”
Mr. Richardson said, “Today’s Throne Speech lacked substance and doesn’t address the most important needs of the country.
“The island just experienced an election like this island has ever seen. The Progressive Labour Party did not gain the majority of the peoples’ vote, but yet it won the election. This is, in fact, sobering, and I would hope that the party is reflecting deeply on what this ‘victory’ actually means.
“The One Bermuda Alliance and other non-PLP candidates garnered more votes combined than that of the PLP alone. This cannot be ignored. Another thing that can’t be ignored is that the people of Bermuda were calling for hope. They are desirous of a better Bermuda, not just for themselves, but for all residents on the island, regardless of background.
“The PLP has not delivered that and this Throne Speech clearly demonstrates that there will be more of the same. While I can appreciate that a Throne Speech was delivered just a few months ago, the only glimmers of hope were the initiatives which reflected our platform that was released in September 2024: addressing the Landlord Tennant Act, reducing red tape for businesses, and increasing efficiency. These are very similar to the OBA.
“This speech lacked depth. This was an opportunity for the Government to repeal the ineffective Sugar Tax, yet no mention of it being repealed. There was no mention of how the island is going to tackle food security. The bloc grant for the Bermuda Hospitals Board, although inefficient, will still remain in place. Where is any mention of the youth?
“Again the PLP is sending a resounding message that their voices don’t matter.
“Education reform…just last week an announcement was made that there will an adjustment to the implementation of signature schools, yet today it has been said that an Education Authority will implemented. The reform should be paused. The powers that be should listen to the parents and the teachers…and an independent education authority should be implemented.
“The Government has been silent on the topic of domestic violence. The domestic violence court was due to be introduced in January this year…yet nothing. There is still no safe house on the island, despite its absence over the last few years. How are victims to truly feel safe when it feels like their needs are being ignored.
“The PLP has said it will address building homes for Bermudians by assessing private buildings—but why not look at the Government’s inventory of buildings that are not in use.
“Today, charity HOME reported that over 1,100 people on the island are experiencing homelessness, so drastic action is required. We urge the Government to finding a solution a priority.
“And quite frankly, the island cannot afford any further lack of action.”
Bermuda is playing a one sided game they do no listen to us so why should we listen to them.
It woukd appear that we do not have a Government for the people who are blatantly being ignored as there are many examples of this as exhibited by the lack of reform.
We give more than we get . we have a very expensive government with a few people who have social issues.
We have a virtual non existant tourism business being no good reason the come to Bermuda it could get worse starting this year if The President starts taxing plane and cruise tickets.
Locals wants to fly out on the jet .
We have priced our selves out of the market blame import duty on every thing.
Planes come here half empty an leave here almost full .
Visitors surveys are non existent , the truth hurts. they tell it like it is .
Hotels get all the money up front over their , we are lucky if we get the skin off the pice pudding .
The voting systen is a clear example, over taxation is another failure in education need a huge boost and man unfinished project and many long over due. The failing tourist industry lacks proper marketing no sence renovation hotel when there is no body to put in them.
the throne speach and no mention the the now police alf america fires doe the make Bermuda last .
Bermuda need to come out of the dark ages and is far from progressive more police being big boss with no body to boss
do thi do that do every thing is not leadership reflectin the low voter turn out noting there isa justifyable reason for every thing.
The throne speach missed the point say on how to make money .
Tacation on gets it from the locals where to the locals get it from their savings till it is all gone .
We see Accountability by no Transparency ,can not have one with out the other .
Bermuda needs to spread its wings to be competitive.
Mr Richardson no scene crying over spilt milk you have had 5 years to prepare for the 2025 election
it can be said thar canvasing can be brutal.
Nothing in life comes free.
Then again you may have been out numbered with hundreds of new babies .
Were your priorities out of order .
At least you have you voters behind you.
Mr Richardson you cant wait till the last minute to canvas or go at it too early, timing is very important.
i noticed tha you complained about the throne speach, not a good idea , next time
( for me at my age the will not be a next time ) say what you will do better
just got to get all that negativity not some but all off the table .
Socialism is a hard ticket to beat when people are out of work , as the inflation sank the ship many lost their jobs when desperate they will vote for who ever give them a helping hand . Cant blame them , Mr Richardson it is all about money .
our seniors are hurtin the were insulted by the very lowincrease in the pension some what below the rise in the cost if living.
two option s beat for seniors. lowe the cost of living or imprve their income .
HINT expand the bus route i can no walk a mile to a bus stop .
Blah blah blah
Bermuda needs to be very carefull on what is says in the throne speach currently the most likely a very well read tell all document we print .
Our business friends are looking to find a pin hole in our bucket, they know that there are only so many apples on the tree to be devided .
They know that our people are not satisfied by the apathy that led to the poor election results
a gentle message of hope for our people was not there. we do not need to distort the truth just do better at the poles .
We do not need to be left behind ,how many times do we say Bermuda has to work together as a team not for election results but for a better Bermuda .
We are all working class from the painter to the banker .
We must deal with it, in the past election were based on race we do no need to stir the pudding with a broken spoon. participation is essential the imbalance will get Bermuda no where
The election results tell another story do they not know how luck they are to have a opposition Bermuda need to be seen as a well organizrd country
It only take the wrong word in the wrong place which create doubt an a lack of confidence in the way Bermuda conducts itself casting doubt and concern by our neighbors who are just waiting to destroy us .
Its a money war , not bullets any more in a civilized society .
Our domestic short comings are far to many to be advertised all over the planet.
We do no have to look twice it is every where here .
There is no incentive to get into business there is money to be made in tourism So BTA. where are they
THE TRRONE SPEACH
Using the works FAIRED BERMUDA thranscends from another point of view.,to ask the question, what had been going on here in the past casting doubt and mis apprehensio .I hope that they were not vote getting empty words ,soon to be forgotton.
BERMUDA HIGH TAX SYSTEM send the message to the world that Bermuda cost of living is high.
Complaints about EDSUCATION sends the message that Bermuda can not educate itself, must i go on ?
” Bermudians ” was mentioned sever times which defins a divide or split in representation in our society. So who are the rest of us .