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The empire is crumbling

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The signs are all there: David Burt, the Premier, will have to be quick on his feet in the wake of greater scrutiny of the ruling party after the defection of Vance Campbell (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

The people of Bermuda have endured a front-row seat as the Government unravels. The signs are all there, with Cabinet resignations, existing ministers being forced to double up, a delayed candidate selection for the upcoming by-election, a resigned deputy leader desperately trying to change the conversation from the Progressive Labour Party to the One Bermuda Alliance, and now a former PLP minister crossing the floor.

The PLP administration is out of gas, and it is time to look to the future and the right alternative to take us there.

During the disintegration of the Burt Administration, Bermudians are the ones who are losing out. The OBA continues to canvass, and we consistently hear the call for change. However, we know Bermudians are looking for hope and a plan for our island. The OBA has diligently worked on our plan for rebuilding the island, and conveying our message of unity and hope.

With election in the air, Bermudians are beginning to consider their options, and I want to provide a bit of contrast between us and the governing PLP.

The OBA brought Bermuda St Regis; we are not the party who allowed the Fairmont Southampton to close.

The OBA brought Bermuda the America’s Cup; we are not the party that failed to retain SailGP.

The OBA is the party that placed tourism in the hands of experts; we are not the party that subjected the BTA to political interference.

The OBA objected to a tax on holiday rentals; the PLP placed that tax on Bermudians.

The OBA calls for a repeal of the sugar tax; the PLP continues to place that tax on Bermudians.

The OBA attempted to address our unsustainable population; the PLP opposed and allowed an 8,000-person hole to develop in our working population.

The OBA began the progressive tax reform that eased taxes on the Bermudians who needed it; the PLP completed this in its first term.

Our policy positions show that we are focused on easing the burden on Bermudians, that we allow experts to thrive, we are fiscally responsible, and we are intent on growing the economy. There are many more things I can list that give a glimpse into the type of government the OBA is preparing to be — if given the opportunity.

We understand that we must provide a vision for the future, and that is being worked on diligently. We are looking forward to releasing it, but we must be pragmatic and ensure it is a coherent strategy to lead Bermuda into a brighter future. However, we have consistently put forth alternatives and amendments to show Bermudians that we have their back.

There is a clear distinction between the parties. Stability over chaos. Unity over division. Progress over stagnation. Opportunity over disappointment. That is what we are working towards in the One Bermuda Alliance.

While the Premier struggles to hold together his government, our leader leads a party in resurgence, with new candidates rolling out consistently. While the PLP splinters, the OBA remains unified in its purpose to rebuild Bermuda and to deliver for Bermudians.

Dwayne Robinson, an opposition senator, is the One Bermuda Alliance’s approved candidate for Southampton East Central (Constituency 30)

Dwayne Robinson, an opposition senator, is the One Bermuda Alliance’s approved candidate for Southampton East Central (Constituency 30)

• Comments on political news and commentary will close as of 5pm on August 29, Nomination Day for the Sandys North by-election

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Published August 29, 2024 at 8:00 am (Updated August 28, 2024 at 4:48 pm)

The empire is crumbling

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