I am running in this election because the One Bermuda Alliance has a platform that can be executed to reverse the declining trajectory of Bermuda. This downward spiral has been led by Progressive Labour Party premier David Burt.

We can see with our own eyes that Bermuda has been mismanaged. Thousands of Bermudians have left the country and more are contemplating to do the same. The infrastructure under the PLP stewardship has declined and the cost of living has escalated. I have listened to voters in my constituency and they are tired of the potholes causing damage to their vehicles, unkept parks, crumbling government-owned buildings and infrastructure, along with the rising cost of living and healthcare.

Infrastructure is crumbling

How long has Daniel’s Head been empty and decaying? Look at the Horseshoe Bay entrance and the smallest of parks, Ladies Chambers, which is located in my constituency, Pembroke West Central, with dangerous rusty handrails and a disgraceful sign. This must change with proper management and will change under an OBA-led government.

Belco soot is unhealthy

Pembroke West Central constituents are alarmed at Belco’s soot still collecting on their roofs and cars. At the last meeting attended by invitation from Belco, we were told by the chief executive that we would be receiving updates on what Belco was doing to mitigate the nuisance emissions. I have yet to receive an update and it has been more than six months! A solution is for Belco to install additional scrubbers and filters to capture the soot emissions. A Bill needs to be passed to fine Belco for unacceptable soot levels. Where is the update from Belco on its mitigation solutions and implementations?

The high cost of living is stifling

The One Bermuda Alliance will increase job opportunities and bring more investment to Bermuda. Our solution is to work with the Regulatory Authority to give it stronger regulatory powers to keep down electricity costs. We will also repeal the PLP sugar tax.

Public education system mismanaged

The public education system, which has fewer students than the private schools, is in dire need of good leadership — not the same PLP-appointed education minister. Under an OBA government, we would immediately pause education reform. We would also establish an independent education authority to lead our education system where teachers and principals are given autonomy to teach. The schools are in need of teachers, not more revisionist administrators. We need to let the teachers teach, and give them the tools and assistance they require. A building does not make a good student; a supported, dedicated teacher does.

I put it to voters in Pembroke West Central that it is time for change on February 18. I can be that change.

• Nicky Gurret is the One Bermuda Alliance candidate for Pembroke West Central (Constituency 18) in the next General Election

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