Expect a lengthy debate today in the House of Assembly as the Opposition delivers its response to the 2017-18 Budget delivered last week by Bob Richards, the Minister of Finance.

Mr Richards will first move the Budget book with its accompanying statement, after which David Burt, leader of the Progressive Labour Party, issues the Reply to the Budget.

“Very simply, we are giving the people of Bermuda our Budget agenda for jobs growth and diversification — things that the One Bermuda Alliance did not have,” Mr Burt said last night.

“When you have the Chamber of Commerce saying that you need to have a plan for jobs, you’re in trouble.”

While Mr Richards’ statement noted the job growth shown in 2016, which was the job survey’s first since 2008, the PLP have consistently accused the governing party of neglecting economic diversification.