The recent news that Gilbert Institute would be refurbished into a seniors centre is a conflicting one. Whereas it is a good thing for the seniors, it spells the end of a school that has a legacy of more than 75 years. Questions must be asked about this development.

How can we continue to trust this government with renovation projects with the state of the Grand Atlantic bleeding away taxpayers dollars by the day. Why is it being announced during this election cycle? Surely the Premier had planned this project long ago.

This looks and feels very much like a sloppy vote grab, similar to keeping West End Primary School open where the families, students and teachers were not consulted or considered in this decision.

Further, it shows the weakness of our economy where a seniors centre, which would normally be the function of the private sector, is now being managed by the Bermuda Government. Again, the Government has decided to compete with local businesses and potential local businesses, making Bermuda a less attractive place to do business.

What should have been done is a comprehensive review into the existing market conditions to create a comparison between what we have at present and what we need for businesses such as this to succeed.

After boasting about tax breaks recently, the Premier, I would assume, would extend those tax breaks to businesses that look to take care of our seniors. Subsidising cost on a per-senior basis might have been much more cost-effective and might have led to seniors getting the respect and care they deserve, along with the growth of the economy that we desperately need.

I would like to further suggest that this response coming from an independent candidate, coupled with the silence of the incumbent MP, is a damning indictment of the lack of representation for the people of Paget East (Constituency 22). The incumbent’s lack of interest in the seat he chose to represent shows that the One Bermuda Alliance sees Constituency 22 as a safe seat that cannot be touched.

The notion that safe seats exist owing to party alliance is dead. The people want and deserve more from their elected officials.

In closing, I hope that the seniors of this country can see through this hollow attempt at vote-grabbing and that the people of C22 use their voice on February 18 to find proper representation.

• Rayki Bascome-Emery is an independent candidate for Paget East (Constituency 22) in the next General Election