It is beyond clear that the Progressive Labour Party is uninspired and grasping on to anything it can in the hope that it will be saved at the next General Election. While the 2024 Throne Speech makes various empty promises and claims that it will fix many of the issues that are a product of its governance over much of the past 20 years, it is without a doubt that it is continuing to give Bermudians false hope.

After the reading of the Throne Speech, it quickly became apparent that the Government has made little to no mention of youth, despite promises to fix antisocial behaviour and drug use — issues that it has put hundreds of thousands of dollars towards already with little to no meaningful results. Despite the optimistic and sugar-coated messaging surrounding signature schools, our public education system is barely functioning with a lack of resources and support for both staff and students. Compared with last year, the youth — particularly, young adults — were a central focus of the Throne Speech.

This year, we are all but ignored.

Noticeably, creatives and those involved in the arts, culture and sports sector have also been left out — unlike last year when it was clear throughout the Throne Speech that the Government was attempting to court these two demographics. Now that they are not politically useful, the Government has decided that they are not even worthy of a mention, despite being essential parts of Bermuda’s culture now and in the future.

Basic economics will tell us that having a population that skews younger on average is healthy in spreading the tax burden and reducing government costs and debt. Yet there is no mention of how to do this, except vague mentions of workforce development, which is coupled with a lack of a cohesive strategy regarding immigration and decreasing our staggering debt. I am disappointed in what is clearly an attempt at electioneering rather than a promise to invest in Bermuda’s future. This sparse legislative agenda shows what a shell of itself the PLP government is, while confirming to the public that we are in need of a change.

Now, you are probably asking what the One Bermuda Alliance would do differently.

First, by enshrining accountability, transparency and taking to heart the concerns of stakeholders within various groups and by allowing experts — not political appointments — to do the job, the OBA would immediately create a different, more effective approach to governing.

In terms of specific policy to benefit these groups, much of our focus is on creating a stronger economy where the cost of living is effectively reduced and Bermudians can comfortably afford housing. This policy would benefit those of all ages, especially the youth who are struggling to climb the property ladder — let alone move out.

Importantly, increasing our housing inventory by amending the Landlord Tenant Act 1974 to be more balanced towards both tenants and landlords — while working with developers to redevelop unused government properties for residential purposes — would provide more affordable housing opportunities for Bermuda.

We will also eliminate the employer portion of payroll tax for employees under 30, incentivising businesses to hire young people by reducing their expenses. This would give those out of university, senior school or otherwise entering the workforce more opportunities to begin their careers.

For creatives and those in sport, the OBA will work with private developers to build a convention centre and multi-purpose entertainment facility to host various events, from music and arts festivals to sport. This would provide more opportunities and bolster the creative community, by providing a made-for-purpose venue that can accommodate a variety of creative and athletic ventures, enriching this sector of our economy and the community as a whole.

As a result of our policies, young people would have more stability. Organisations in both the culture and sports sector — along with creatives — would benefit from increased funding, as those within these organisations know that donations, patronage and even volunteering tend to dip during recessions and difficult economic conditions. It is essential to treat the all-encompassing economic and governance issues in order to see an improvement in every sector and within the lives of our young people.

As Bermuda’s youngest political candidate, it is important to me that I advocate on behalf of the youth, the creative community and those involved in our sports and cultural sector. We cannot continue to pay lip service to essential parts of Bermuda’s society.

Through our dedicated plan and difference in approaching governance, the OBA will create a better future for our island, especially for those who are our cultural ambassadors and are part of our up-and-coming generation.

• Sophia Tessitore is the approved One Bermuda Alliance candidate for Pembroke South East (Constituency 21)