The 2024-25 Budget Statement by the Progressive Labour Party government is a demonstration of our real and tangible commitment to investing in our people, giving voice to the voiceless, and providing a safety net for Bermuda’s most vulnerable.

Throughout the PLP’s history, we have pushed for the expansion of affordable housing, greater investment in our youth, and the preservation of the dignity of our seniors. This Budget Statement is a natural extension of our historical values and vision, and we commend our government for keeping the values and vision of our PLP forefathers at the forefront of government policy.

We have heard your concerns on the doorstep, and in our community, about the state of our roads and the impact on your lives and your vehicles, and we have taken them back to our leadership.

They have listened.

We know that the One Bermuda Alliance will not be happy to see our roads restored, nor will they be happy to see affordable housing built to correct the housing injustice too many of our people face.

They will not be happy that Bermudian jobs in the Civil Service will be protected.

They will not be happy to hear that we will not be opening the immigration floodgates and that, instead, we will grow our population without jeopardising the birthright of Bermudians.

They will not be happy to learn that, despite their attacks on our ability to govern, we will produce the first balanced budget in decades without increasing taxes or government fees.

We know that the OBA will not be happy because they hope to gain politically from the suffering of our people, and those hopes are beginning to be dashed.

We thank our government for listening and we look forward to action and execution on this vision to the benefit of our Bermudian people.

• Dawn Simmons is the chairwoman of the Progressive Labour Party