The Progressive Labour Party promised a “collaborative” approach to government as it elaborated on its election platform.

Leader David Burt unveiled the party’s “Agenda for a Better and Fairer Bermuda” on Thursday evening at the Young Men’s Social Club, pledging to unite the island’s citizens, empower Bermudian entrepreneurs and make education the priority.

Yesterday afternoon as he fielded questions from the media Mr Burt insisted that Bermuda could not withstand another five years of the One Bermuda Alliance.

“We need to change course,” he said. “And we need people in charge that are going to look out for all Bermudians and not just the select few.”

In response to questions, Mr Burt said he could not promise that the PLP would not have to borrow more money if it was elected to govern.

He added: “I can say that we will balance our budget by 2019. The OBA are not pledging not to borrow, and we are not pledging not to borrow, that is completely unrealistic, right now we have a budget deficit.”

Mr Burt also rejected claims by the OBA that his party was planning to introduce a new income tax on rent received by Bermudian homeowners.

He maintained that the PLP was not coming after working families, adding: “We will create a Tax Reform Commission drawing participants from both political parties, international business, local business, trade unions, hoteliers, academia and the Bermuda Bar.

“Government under the next PLP is going to be a collaborative government, one that is going to invite the opinions of stakeholders inside to make sure we are working together addressing the challenges.”

The PLP’s platform includes plans for a Bipartisan Committee on Immigration Reform as well as an urgent review of health and safety at public schools.

Asked in what way the first proposal was different from the existing Immigration Working Group, which he chairs, PLP MP Walton Brown said: “The working group is not comprehensive; it’s a review on a mandate that had already been submitted. What we would do is look at the entirety of the set of issues related to immigration and come up with a comprehensive plan beyond the question of PRC and Bermuda status. We would look at totality rather than a limited framework.”

Meanwhile PLP MP Tinee Furbert said the review of public schools would go beyond the Score report and require “even more in-depth checks”.

Mr Burt also elaborated on his party’s plans to introduce a sex offender’s register for “certain offences” that would be made available to the public once offenders had been released back into the community.

He said: “There is concern inside of our communities that when people are released they are not informed. It is important that their names are released so people can be informed and parents can be on guard.”

Referring to the kind of offences that would be included on the register he said: “I would assume they would be the crimes regarding children. That is the area of the greatest and biggest concern. The aim is to provide comfort to our citizens.”

Asked if a review of the airport deal — which is included in the PLP’s platform — was a redundant exercise given work had already begun, Bermudians had been employed and penalty clauses involved in withdrawing from the arrangement, he replied: “No, I would not consider it a redundant process

“We are going to look and see if we can get a better deal for Bermudians. When we get into office our lawyers will take a look at that.”

During yesterday’s press conference Mr Burt also provided details of his party’s campaign funding in response to questions.

He said: “We don’t get a whole lot of money. Our largest was $81,000 from an international company in Bermuda, the next biggest donation was $25,000 from another international company.”

Mr Burt declined to name the firms but said they were both Front Street firms.

He added: “I hope that the One Bermuda Alliance will say who their biggest donor is.”

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