The Government's Throne Speech had the “potential to be one of the most important to be delivered in recent times”, but instead lacked substance or direction, the interim leader of the One Bermuda Alliance said yesterday.

At a press conference, Jarion Richardson, who was flanked by OBA MPs, senators and candidates, criticised the Government’s legislative agenda for the year ahead. He said it “lacked effective solutions for the problems faced by Bermudians”.

“People are struggling to find employment, the cost of living is skyrocketing, and our seniors are worrying about how they are going to survive,” he added.

“Teachers and parents are losing faith with the public school system, our roads are deplorable and healthcare costs are eye-watering.

“Yet today’s Progressive Labour Party Throne Speech has shown the residents of Bermuda one clear picture — they have failed to lead and they truly have no plan for our future. It’s time for them to go.

“This morning’s Throne Speech had the potential to be one of the most important to be delivered in recent times, but instead it lacked substance, direction and effective solutions for the problems faced by Bermudians. Where was the cohesiveness?”

He said the island “desperately needs real leadership in order to provide hope”, and that the PLP “has failed to do this and has not delivered results: a combination that is potentially devastating for the people of Bermuda”.

He claimed the Throne Speech was different ideas “thrown together without any real thought” and said the Government had even admitted “that they still haven't found an efficient way to certify the deceased”.

Mr Richardson added: “The PLP needs to stop rehashing old promises and create tangible, cohesive strategies which benefit all facets of Bermuda so that the island can thrive once again.

“The Government needs to take responsibility for its lacklustre approach. We are no longer leaders in the world. It is time for this cabinet to go.”

Asked what the OBA would do, Mr Richardson said the party would make its substantive comments in its reply.

When pressed, however, he said it was important to spread costs, adding: “Our economy would function better by spreading the costs among an increased population.”

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Asked if streamlining immigration and planning services represented a plan, Mr Richardson said that was the Government’s plan five years ago “so it would be helpful if they got on top of that”. He added: “These are rehashed promises.”

Mr Richardson said there were “mission critical” areas of Bermuda’s economy and society that had not been touched on.

“We would expect lot more conversation about electricity prices and what they are going to do about that,” he added.

On an increase in taxi fares, he said: “It only took a few protests to get the Government to do anything about it, so I guess anyone who needs something just needs to protest. It is clearly a political manoeuvre, but it is one that is poorly played.”