The burning issue of cannabis legislation is one that Progressive Labour Party members pushed to be revisited in the party’s platform and laws will be reviewed after the election that may be able to “assist”.

David Burt was reluctant to delve into the specifics around the policies set out in the PLP platform, saying they reflect the collective voice of the party.

The Premier was joined at the podium at Alaska Hall, in a press conference that commenced just after 8pm, by Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General, Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, and new PLP candidates Lauren Hayward Bell and Shomari Talbot-Woolridge.

The platform pledged to examine whether a balance could be struck between the limits of the British framework and “safe, responsible cannabis use”.

Mr Burt said: “Party members support a platform that asks for greater openness and it is not something that has been able to progress due to the United Kingdom. They are saying they want us to continue to press ahead.

“Our members have asked us to try a different approach, and we will do that.”

Ms Wilkerson added: “We are actively reviewing some draft legislation which might assist in the issue.

“I believe that the climate in the UK may be helpful to us now. There is a group in Bermuda called the medical cannabis association. They are advocating, and I am open to listening to them. They already have a draft framework. I have not had a chance to sit with them because the election was called, but we will be creating an open forum to hear from people.”

On the environment front, the platform proposes to “pause” the implementation of marine-protected areas, a cause championed and led by Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs and Deputy Premier, through the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme, until an agreement is met with fishermen.

The Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda has consistently called for the 20 per cent designation of Bermuda’s waters to be reconsidered as there is not enough data to support it.

However, Mr Burt said that the 20 per cent is “a commitment” that will not be reversed.

“Marine protection areas are part of BOPP. They are the goal of the Government; we will still have that 20 per cent.”

The platform seeks to remove abortions from the criminal code and the requirement for approval by a medical committee.

Ms Wilkerson said: “I am personally troubled by the amount of things that are criminal offences and to have a personal-health issue dealt with under the criminal code is a problem. I can’t reconcile myself with that, and that is what we are hearing from the population as well.”

Legislation would be amended under a PLP government to equalise the age of consent regardless of sex or gender. At present, sex between two consenting men requires a higher age of consent — 18 — than the age of consent for heterosexual and lesbian sex, which is 16.

Asked what the age would be, Ms Wilkerson added: “I am not sure what it will be, but it is about creating equity. It has come from the ground, this has come from the doorstep, from outreach and from young people.”

A reduction in parliamentary seats is on the cards if the PLP retains power in the General Election.

Mr Burt would not speak to how many seats there may be; only that it would be subject to public consultation and delivered throughout the next parliament.

Speaking on the establishment of an independent Public Integrity Office, which has been proposed to strengthen accountability and transparency across all public bodies, Mr Burt said: “The commitment is there because what we have recognised is that, in some instances, there are bodies where there is not enough independent oversight.”

The platform commits to introducing absentee voting for eligible overseas students. The timing of this election has been a bone of contention for many who will be off the island for studies.

Asked if he believes the PLP has the youth vote, Mr Burt responded: “I don’t think it’s a question of the young vote or not. I think this is a question of remembering this is platform which is put together by the committee.”

Greater transparency is promised in the arena of shedding a light on disparities in remuneration between Bermudians and expatriates. Information would include perks such as housing allowances.

“It speaks to the broader issue of fairness,” Mr Burt said.

The One Bermuda Alliance criticised the lateness of the hour at which the platform was delivered, a spokeswoman saying it was “an apparent attempt to avoid scrutiny and limit public discussion before media deadlines”.

Robert King, the party’s candidate for Smith’s North (Constituency 10) said the party was guilty of numerous “broken promises” including the implementation of a fish-processing plant, vertical farming and casinos.

The PLP responded to say that the OBA’s eight-page “pamphlet” was not as comprehensive as its 40-page document and that the party should “come clean and share their real agenda”.

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