Abolishing the double jeopardy rule, creating a toxic waste super fund and a national centre for history and culture, are just some of the proposals in the United Bermuda Party (UBP) platform which was released yesterday.

"Our platform is full of modern and practical ideas that come from listening carefully to all the people of Bermuda," said party leader Grant Gibbons. "We have listened to seniors who can't afford the medicine they need. We have listened to families whose dream of home ownership has faded. We have listened to parents and teachers still frustrated with the education system.

"We have listened to law-abiding citizens shocked by the increase in youth and street violence.

"We have listened to business people who are deeply concerned by deteriorating relations with the United States and blossoming ties with Cuba. We have listened to young entrepreneurs who see a government that looks after its friends and ignores everyone else. We have listened to good, hardworking Bermudians who expect more from their government than arrogance, secrecy, self dealing and scandal."

The 32 page laundry list of promises was launched at a Victoria Park Press conference yesterday morning and will be printed in full as an insert in Friday's newspaper. "If you promise too much people are a little sceptical of getting it done," said Grant Gibbons when The Royal Gazette caught up with him later. "A lot of what's in the platform are things we have been hearing from the people."

For a close look at the UBP platform, see Page 4.