Happy New Year Bermuda, we hope that this finds you and yours in good stead.

I wish to address a column by One Bermuda Alliance MP Jeanne Atherden that appeared in The Royal Gazette on December 31, 2013 titled “Time for the PLP to do the Right Thing”.

MP Atherden has done a disservice to the public discussion on SAGE and her call that “it’s time for true collaboration”, by misrepresenting Shadow Finance Minister David Burt’s presentation in the House of Assembly on Friday, December 13th.

Mrs Atherden has purposefully selected quotes that support her effort to paint a negative picture of the Progressive Labour Party’s position on the SAGE report.

Instead of viewing his words on a holistic level, she is attempting to discredit meaningful input and derail the public dialogue.

I respectively suggest that the electorate take the time to listen to MP Burt’s presentation in its entirety and judge for themselves.

Two Bermudas

MP Atherden is correct in saying that “there is a deep partisan divide over the way forward”.

During the question period, Finance Minister Bob Richards was asked repeatedly to clarify what was the OBA plan for cutting costs and raising revenue. He continuously refused to give details of an economic recovery plan.

Pre-election, the OBA put out two full page adverts, promising civil servants that they will not cut government jobs which is in stark contrast to Premier Craig Cannonier’s recent statement that he cannot guarantee government workers jobs.

Mrs Atherden states that the PLP’s call to look for ways to raise revenue is “a pipe dream”. Ironically, Mr Richards acknowledged in the House the need to increase revenue. Pipe dream?

Bermudians First

The column implies that it seems that the unions are willing to discuss job cuts.

“The unions welcome dialogue with the Government on the development and implementation of a long-term strategic plan consisting of three to five years that will be beneficial for all Bermuda.”

Both the PLP and the unions’ primary aim is to protect the jobs of every Bermudian worker. For the OBA to attempt to align themselves with the workers of Bermuda is a slap in the face of democracy.

Lest we forget the words of OBA MP Patrica Gordon Pamplin: “The Bermuda Industrial Union is a bastardised impostor of a union.”

The public has also not forgotten Minister Michael Fahy’s track record of anti-union activity.

Friends and Family

On one hand, the OBA are seeking ways to cut the jobs of Bermudians while on the other they are hiring persons such as Don Grearson and Chamaine Burgess to write columns for MP Atherden at a cost of $250,000 per year.

Question MP Atherden: Is the OBA “friends and family plan” more important than retaining Bermudian employment?

Question MP Atherden: When will the OBA be commencing SAGE town hall meetings?

In closing, I wish to say thank you to all who have shown me support over the last two years. It is my honour to serve the people of Bermuda and especially my friends and family of eastern Bermuda

Senator Diallo V Rabain