Initiatives to drive local entrepreneurship and small business development are among plans the independent candidate for Warwick North East (Constituency 25) intends to implement if elected.

Justin Mathias, a former One Bermuda Alliance chairman and senator, announced that he would bring networking opportunities, offer business grants and establish business incubators focused on cultural and environmental sustainability, all aimed at creating a thriving economic environment.

The proposals are among a 15-point platform, which Mr Mathias developed in collaboration with voters and the wider community ahead of the General Election tomorrow.

They included plans to restructure the Ministry of Education and deliver a support programme for seniors.

Mr Mathias’s platform also included proposals to improve the transportation sector and to strengthen legislation against hate crimes and hate speech.

He said: “The platform emphasises the importance of strong families and communities.

“We propose new and sharper penalties for domestic violence offenders, comprehensive rehabilitation programmes and an increase in social workers to address abuse and neglect.

“Additionally, we aim to establish a standardised minimum child support payment and offer financial assistance and job training for non-paying parents.

“To combat declining birth rates, we will introduce initiatives such as monetary incentives for married couples and support programmes for single mothers and fathers.”

With education as the cornerstone of his platform, the independent candidate plans to grant autonomy to individual schools as well as a wider aim to restructure the education ministry.

Mr Mathias, who is running against Joanne Ball-Burgess, of the Progressive Labour Party, and the OBA’s Douglas De Couto, wants to support seniors by implementing free universal healthcare services, reducing taxes on food and fuel, and making improvements to food sustainability.

To bring about change in the transportation sector, the independent candidate proposed the implementation of dedicated minibus routes for each parish.

He proposed the extension of service hours and investment in green transportation options to support local nightlife.

This would also reduce driving under the influence incidents and contribute to a sustainable future, Mr Mathias said.

He added: “The platform is committed to advancing social justice and human rights.

“We will strengthen legislation against hate crimes and hate speech, include gender identity and sexual orientation in the Human Rights Act, and reform consent laws to eliminate discrimination.

“Housing protections, equal legal recognition for all civil unions and modernising prison rules are also key components of our plan.”

The platform included a measure to reduce the size of Bermuda’s House of Assembly from 36 to between 18 and 24 seats to optimise governance, reduce costs and enhance democratic representation.

By cutting the number of seats, an estimated $1.5 million to $2 million will be saved in the public purse annually, Mr Mathias’s campaign said.

The proposals included providing elected representation in the Senate and enhancing powers in the Upper House to create a more balanced and accountable legislative process.

• To see the platform in full, visitconstituency25.com/platform

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