Ruling party faithful were last night urged to “keep your eyes on the prize” by Party Leader Premier Paula Cox, at a Progressive Labour Party rally to kick off their annual conference. And she pledged that employment is her administration’s priority.“These are trying times, times when more Bermudians are out of work and many are working longer hours for less pay” she said. “Whatever our own personal disappointments, they are nothing when compared to the pain of losing a job. And I pledge that employment is the first priority of our economic policy.”Premier Cox said that her administration was “determined to create more pathways to success” and will continue to focus on initiatives that enhance employment opportunities such as the Job Corps programme and the Youth Empowerment Scheme.“This economic downturn is more than a blip but we cannot have a pity party as much as we’d like to,” she said.“Bermudians as a people are determined to earn a decent living and to make a decent life for their families. We are not whiners and lazy good for nothing people.” She said her administration understood that people wanted to “see some light at the end of the tunnel.”“When times change, government priorities, government policies and government programmes will also change, but the work of compassion continues. While it is clearly correct that we cannot solve problems by throwing money at them but it is also true that the people need to feel us and to feel loved. The uncomfortable truth is that the government cannot solve all the problems but we will work for you.”On other issues, the Premier said that the Government will “work even harder to provide each child in the public school system with a world class education,” work on affordable healthcare and help seniors to own their own homes and make Bermuda College “more attractive to international students.”“Now is also the time to consider how we can ensure that in these trying times, our financial institutions are even more responsive to the needs of the people,” she continued.“And now is the time to encourage new industries that are environmentally sensitive and sustainable in terms of a green economy and green technology. Now is also the time to continue to provide incentives to tourism and international business so they are seen as careers with a future for our people.”Premier Cox told her audience that efforts to expand into tourism and business markets will continue and that one airline had expressed interest in expanding into Bermuda.And she said her administration will actively promote local talent “whether it be cultural, whether it be entertainment, artists or our local fashion designers.”“The time is right and we will be batting sixes. But it will need more than money, it will also require a renewed sense of responsibility from all of us to renew our spirit, to renew our country. So, let’s renew our commitment to put and get Bermuda back to work. Let’s renew our commitment to economic justice. Let’s provide new hope for the dignity of work. And let’s provide new hope for a stable economy,” the Premier continued.“And let’s resolve that the state of a family’s health shall never depend on the size of a family’s wealth.”She told her audience that she had listened to and heard many stories of hardship.“I’m here to tell you that your Government is taking action, has taken action and will continue to take action on a number of fronts,” the Premier said.“I’m confident that long after this rally has ended, long after the music has stopped that people will say of us that we kept our eye on the prize.” She concluded her remarks by noting that her Government was working hard to provide the youth with the tools they need for success.‘Economic empowerment for our young people is not only vital but the lack of it is the root cause of the hopelessness and disrespect and violence and social deterioration that we see in the community today.” She added that the National Youth Council was being revitalised so that the youth will have a direct say in Government policy.The rally at Elliott Primary School, attracted about 500 people.