January 24, 2002

Dear Sir,

Let me thank you in advance for the opportunity to express some political views via you paper. As a PLP supporter, I hope my comments are not taken as negative commentary toward Government, but rather as honest feedback.

I am not happy with the performance of Government to date. It appears that a PLP Government has lost its way, and the views of its supporters are of no importance. When the PLP won the right to govern I was of the opinion that at long last we would have a Government that was sensitive to the average person's concerns and would begin to address and confront discrimination, immigration violations, and promote training and development initiatives that would see Bermudians enjoy greater participation in the work place.

I expected an honest and open Government that would effectively communicate with the citizens of Bermuda; and to provide the leadership that would make Bermuda an island of equal opportunity for all.

Change takes time. How much time is required for the PLP to publicly identify national issues and to begin to offer possible solutions in order to rectify some of the UBP mess? When will the Premier and her Cabinet begin to accept the idea that it was not their collective wisdom that won the day, but rather a majority of citizens who said enough is enough to the UBP. I did not expect radical change, but I did want progressive and positive change.

In all fairness to the PLP, I will admit that they have laid a political foundation via CURE; have arrested a few Jamaicans; and are promoting training and development. They, I am sure, can identify their success in other areas.

A PLP victory was a victory for the common working person: We should feel a part of the process: Do we? Will we? Should we feel a part of the PLP's democratic victory? The PLP as the Government must address and cater to needs of business and other interest groups. Their language must be reasonable: They are no longer the "radical opposition". In this regard Government has succeeded. The UBP never had "political heat", and the PLP gave up their "political heat" to appear reasonable and balanced.

As a PLP supporter I pray that my party does not negate the importance of some "heat" in some areas.

The UBP as an opposition party leaves a lot to be desired. Have they identified the national issues? Can the UBP leader, Dr. Gibbons, draw votes from the PLP (he has the NLP)? Dr. Gibbons can draw votes from Government if PLP supporters at the next election do not vote or out of frustration vote opposition.

The Boundaries Commission was needed. Government should not expect the new and fair electoral constituencies to guarantee their next victory, but should concentrate on winning the hearts and minds of the voters. Are the young voters happy with the PLP?

DEVONSHIRE