Taxpayers’ money is being repeatedly used by the Government for party political propaganda, the One Bermuda Alliance has charged after a Budget “awareness” pamphlet was distributed across the island at a cost of $5,300.

Scott Pearman, the Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs, said the information contained in the direct mail document was so biased and electioneering that he was surprised it had not been printed in green — the colour of the Progressive Labour Party.

The pamphlet, entitled Our Path to Economic Growth, contains headings such as “Government Has Reduced The Tax Burden On Workers In Bermuda”, “New Investments To Improve Quality Of Life”, “Highest Capital Expenditure In 13 Years To Repair Infrastructure”, “Completion Of Morgan’s Point”, “Path To A Balanced Budget” and “Economic Recovery Continued In 2022”.

Mr Pearman told The Royal Gazette: “This is the second time in two weeks that the Burt Administration has decided to use taxpayer monies to promote PLP propaganda.

“Two weeks ago, the OBA expressed concerns about the public TV station, CITV, being used to promote the PLP’s agenda.

“Now the Burt Administration sends a pamphlet to every household setting out Our Path to Economic Growth.”

He added: “Sure, there are occasions when the Government must properly inform the public about certain matters or public services. Yet a principled government must represent all Bermudians.

“This pamphlet is blatant partisan electioneering from the PLP — full of political promises. It’s surprising the Premier did not make the pamphlet green.

“Bermudians will no longer be fooled; we have had enough of empty promises.”

A government spokeswoman said the pamphlet was a legitimate use of resources intended to make people aware of what was contained in the February Budget.

She said: “This is not a political exercise, nor is it political commentary.

“To be clear, collateral materials that highlight the Government’s initiatives are not unusual.

“It’s just one of the many awareness efforts in keeping with the Government’s mandate to ensure that the community is kept abreast of the key projects, programmes and activities being undertaken in the 2023-24 Budget.

“The continuation of economic recovery projects, investment in infrastructure, job creation, tax relief for employers and employees, the future of Morgan’s Point, support for a record 2023 cruise season, tourism incentives and more were highlighted in this year’s Budget and shared extensively in the House of Assembly last month.

“So the content in the flyer reflects information that is already in the public domain. The mailer is simply a snapshot or a ‘go-to’ guide of the key initiatives.

“While we continue to progress in ensuring that our information is paperless and disseminated on our digital platforms, we also recognise that such collateral materials should also be readily available for those who may not have access to digital or online services.

“More importantly, we always welcome opportunities for the public to learn about the myriad of initiatives and activities going on in government, not just the 2023-24 Budget. In that regard, the public can visit www.gov.bm, the Government’s social-media platforms or CITV to find out more information.

“The cost associated with the mailer was printing, which was $5,300. It was printed by Bermuda Press, whose parent company is Bermuda Press (Holdings) Limited, and BPHL is also the parent company of The Royal Gazette newspaper.

“Such costs are allocated for within the Cabinet Office budget to provide for the awareness of Government’s programmes and initiatives.”