The Throne Speech marked a lost opportunity for the Progressive Labour Party to instil hope in the voters who did not support it in the election, the Opposition leader has said.

Jarion Richardson called a press conference at the One Bermuda Alliance’s headquarters on Reid Street this afternoon to provide an initial response to the plans laid out.

Surrounded by members of the shadow cabinet, Mr Richardson said the speech fell short on substance.

“The Progressive Labour Party did not gain the majority of the people’s vote yet it won the election,” he added.

“This is, in fact, sobering and I would hope that the party is reflecting deeply on what this victory actually means.

“The OBA and other non-PLP candidates garnered more votes combined than that of the PLP alone. This cannot be ignored.

“Another thing that can’t be ignored is that the people of Bermuda were calling for hope. They are desirous of a better Bermuda, not just for themselves but for all residents on the island, regardless of background.

“The PLP has not delivered that and this Throne Speech clearly demonstrates that there will be more of the same.”

The Throne Speech, delivered on the grounds of Cabinet this morning by Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, outlined measures including empowering the Cost of Living Commission and ensuring that duty relief reaches customers rather increasing profits for businesses.

Mr Richardson said the only measures that offered a “glimmer of hope” were those that reflected items from the OBA’s platform.

These included addressing the Landlord and Tenant Act, reducing red tape for businesses and increasing efficiency.

“These are very similar to the OBA,” Mr Richardson said.

Mr Richardson again urged a pause on education reform, highlighting another change in direction announced this week on the implementation of signature schools.

The Throne Speech said that an education authority would be implemented but Mr Richardson repeated previous calls for it to be independent.

Mr Richardson questioned for how it would be independent while receiving government funds.

“Independence is on the basis of the board of directors and commissioners, those who are willing to stand up, those who have a statutory power and are willing to stand up for that statutory power, especially against government intrusion,” he said.

“Independence can exist — it exists all over Bermuda. It has a very hard time when the Government is constantly trying to dictate what an independent body ought to do.”

Mr Richardson said that the speech was “silent” on domestic violence.

“The domestic violence court was due to be introduced in January this year — yet nothing,” he said.

“There is still no safe house on the island, despite its absence over the last few years. How are victims to truly feel safe when it feels like their needs are being ignored?”

The Throne Speech had mentioned the Government partnering with the private sector to offer rent-to-own programmes.

Mr Richardson said the Government should focus on renovating its own properties that are not in use before going after private properties.

Speaking to the recent announcement that there are 1,101 homeless people in Bermuda, as reported by the charity Home, Mr Richardson said “drastic action is required”.

He added: “We urge the Government to make finding a solution a priority.”