David Burt last night warned of rising prices, global challenges and the increasing toll of the Covid-19 pandemic, saying “things will get worse before they get better”.

Speaking at the 56th annual Progressive Labour Party Delegates Conference, the Premier said: “Today, we face a new challenge. The United States, our major trading partner, is experiencing rising inflation, which is having a ripple effect right here in Bermuda.

“Global supply chain challenges mean that prices will increase in the supermarkets and in local shops. These rising prices are putting more stress on Bermudian families.”

He added: “In Bermuda, we often hear people say we need to have an honest conversation. Bermuda, let me give you some honesty, our country, like many around the world, coming out of this pandemic is in a very difficult space and there will be demanding times ahead and it is likely that things will get worse before they get better.

“However, the challenges can only defeat us if we choose to face them as individuals rather than as a community and a unified country.”

Mr Burt called on the next generation to “take ownership of the future” by getting involved in the Party. He said transformational change could not come from sitting on the sidelines.

“For the change that you want to see happen you must get involved,” he said. “You must get involved in how laws are actually changed in Bermuda. It means that you, like I did, 17 years ago, should get involved in the work by the PLP.

“You can get involved at your local branch level supporting local residents in your constituency, you can get involved in the discussions on government policy so that the decisions for your future reflect the views of future generations. I am calling on the next generations of leaders to get involved and get ready to take ownership of the future of this country.”

He called on the community to pull together and support the families of those who fell victim to the shooting at Robin Hood on Tuesday evening and to assist the police in bringing justice to the perpetrators.

Ariana Caines, youth speaker for the delegates conference, spoke on the meaning of involvement in the context of our society and what it means for the next generation.

Ms Caines referenced the momentous rise of youth activist groups in recent times.

“How do we encourage a continuation and help promote young people to make a lasting impact?

“We have to listen, give them a seat at the table and let them get to work. We must engage in discourse that will move us forward. Over the last decade … I have seen we have a consistently interested youth. Let’s make sure that we capitalise on this.”