On behalf of the Progressive Labour Party, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude that Bermuda was spared the loss of life and extensive damage during Hurricane Ernesto.

We are deeply thankful for the resilience and unity displayed by our community in the face of this formidable storm. The swift response and tireless efforts of our Bermuda Police Service, Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, Belco, Royal Bermuda Regiment, medical workers, emergency-shelter personnel, and countless other dedicated individuals ensured that our island not only got safely through the storm but was also quickly restored to normalcy.

We owe them our deepest thanks for their professionalism and sacrifice, working around the clock to protect and serve us all.

We must also give thanks to the neighbours, family and friends who, as regular Bermudians, pulled together to help people across our community prepare for the storm and make repairs in the hours after Ernesto left our shores.

All of this is a reminder that at our core, as a people, we know — as former premier Alex Scott once said — “Bermuda works best when Bermuda works together.”

The unity we display, whether during a hurricane or even during the recent pandemic, is a powerful, transformative force that, if tapped into every day, could further shape, strengthen and support positive change within our community and help to address the collective challenges we face.

By channelling the same energy, determination and co-operation into our everyday lives, we can achieve steady progress towards reducing violence in our community, providing opportunities for our young people and helping them to feel included in our community, supporting our seniors, and tackling our housing and cost-of-living challenges.

Each of us has a role to play, whether it is bringing forward ideas for making Bermuda better, giving time towards achieving that endeavour, or providing support to those in our community in need.

We know that each of us has busy lives and personal challenges. But, wherever you can, we encourage you to become a greater part of helping our country and our people grow towards their full potential. Whether at your church, your community school, our volunteer organisations, charities, or even your local PLP constituency branch, we encourage each of you to give what you can and do what you can to contribute towards improving our beautiful island.

Together, with a shared vision and a collective will, there is nothing we cannot overcome. Let us continue to work hand-in-hand to build Bermuda for the future — not just in times of crisis but every day.

• Dawn Simmons is the chairwoman of the Progressive Labour Party