Improving the island’s public education system will be a priority for the Progressive Labour Party when it takes power, Opposition Leader David Burt pledged on Friday morning.

In his first public address since Michael Dunkley called the July 18 General Election, Mr Burt lambasted the Government for losing more than 2,000 jobs and doubling the nation’s debt.

“The gap between the haves and the have-nots has increased, our schools have fallen into disrepair and our children and teachers are suffering,” Mr Burt said.

“What their leadership has taught us is that they will say and do anything to grow the divide between the two Bermuda’s because it suits them and it suits their supporters.”

Urging Bermudians to register to vote in the upcoming election, Burt added: “The PLP will fix our failing public school system by reversing the OBA cuts. The PLP will

ensure that public education is a priority.”

Mr Burt told a press conference at Alaska Hall that the One Bermuda Alliance had called the election to avoid a vote of no confidence in the House of Assembly.

He said that a new PLP government would focus on creating employment opportunities for Bermudians, establishing a fair immigration system and tackling the rising cost of healthcare.

The PLP leader also condemned the Government for funding repair projects to the Cabinet building and Morisby House at the expense of improvements to the public education infrastructure.

“There is hope for Bermudians,” he said.

“We as a country can do better than we are doing under the OBA.

“We know that this PLP team that will form the next government will put Bermudians first and break the divide. We can bring the country together with public education being a priority.”