The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party is disappointed at the OBA's failure to publicly address the concerns raised by Bermuda's unions last week.  Concerns about government layoffs, OBA factual inaccuracies and a seeming unwillingness to engage the unions in meaningful discussions have all created an atmosphere of uncertainty.

The One Bermuda Alliance must move swiftly to engage in tripartite discussions on the issues facing our people during these tough economic times; drawing on talent from all sectors of our community and not just from their friends in the business sector.  From our experience, Bermuda's unions are committed to moving our country forward and over the past two years, willingly partnered with The PLP on solutions that allowed us to reduce spending, prevent massive layoffs and avoid deepening the island's economic crisis. 

We are mystified as to why an OBA that has claimed to represent all Bermudians, have yet to engage the intellect, creativity and talent within our unions to reach solutions that will benefit us all.  The OBA should be aware that the Labour Advisory Council is in place already and could play a role immediately in uniting labour, government and the private sector in constructive discussions, yet this resource is being neglected.

The OBA have spoken often of "shared sacrifice," yet to date the burden of sacrifice has been planted squarely on those who can least afford to sacrifice.   In light of layoffs already announced and
concerns that the OBA haven't told us the whole story on job security within the civil service, there is understandably a great deal of uncertainty and mistrust within our community.  The OBA owes the people answers and leadership.  So far, both have been in short supply.

For the OBA and Bermuda to succeed they must become responsive to the issues raised by our unions and show a willingness to sit down immediately as equal partners.  This tripartite partnership is key to our emerging from the recession united in sacrifice and united in the work to bring our country forward.

April 15, 2013

The Progressive Labour Party today congratulated Ms. Betty-Jean Gilbert on her "Minister of Tourism Best of the Best Award", received this past weekend at the 12th Annual VIP Excellence Awards.
 
Shadow Minister of Tourism, Mr. Wayne Furbert, JP, MP commented on behalf of the Party, "We are certainly pleased to extend our congratulations to Betty-Jean on this accomplishment.  She represents all that is positive and uplifting about the hospitality industry and we commend her on her success.
 
Party Leader, Mr. Marc Bean, JP, MP, echoed Mr. Furbert's comments, and also recognized the other successful award winners.  "I too pass on my congratulations to Betty-Jean on her award winning career, and I further extend congratulations to all the winners on Saturday night.  We of The Progressive Labour Party firmly support the hospitality industry as one of our economic pillars.  With mentors and role models like the individuals that were acknowledged on Saturday night, we can see that we are on the right track."

Since December 17^th many politicians and
political thinkers have been focused on understanding why the PLP lost and what
the next five years will hold for Bermudians. 
For many families however, those issues take a back seat to figuring out
how to pay their bills, feed their children and find a job.   Bermudians are deeply concerned about rising
costs that are destroying their quality of life.  In some, there is a growing feeling of being
displaced, pushed aside and unwanted in their own country.   More and more, our people are becoming
dissatisfied at a social, economic and political structure that benefits the
few and down presses the many.  Some have
given up on political solutions to what are essentially social and economic
challenges. 

By their vote and by their absence, Bermudians voted for
change and The PLP has to change as well. 
We lost on December 17^th, but we had lost touch, lost our way
and lost our connection to the people long before that historic date with
destiny.  As many of our mothers taught
us, “Those who do not listen, must feel.” 
We did not listen, you expressed your dissatisfaction, disillusion and
disappointment and we felt it at the polls. 
Now we are ready to listen.  

Because of our collective action and inaction, you had come
to believe that all politicians were the same that our promises meant nothing
and that no matter who formed the government your life wouldn’t change in any
appreciable manner.  The lessons we’ve
learned are simple; if we don’t stand for you, you will not stand with us.  If we do not focus on the things that matter
to you, The PLP will not matter to you. 
If we do not acknowledge our mistakes, learn from them and never repeat
them, you will not acknowledge that we have changed and will not support us.

Over the coming years, we intend to show you that we have
learned, have changed and can be different. We will do this not through flowery
words or through outlandish promises, but by our action.  First, we are reaching out and reconnecting
with you through town hall meetings, open mic nights and of course,
canvassing.  We will take your advice,
criticism and when necessary chastisement, in the interest of building a new
PLP that speaks for you, works for you and fights for you. 

To change, we must encourage, support and enable a new
generation of leadership to step to the forefront.  New ideas, new ways of doing things and a new
vision will have to be welcomed, embraced and given an opportunity to
prosper.  All while honoring and
cherishing the wisdom and experience of those who came before us.

To transform into a new Progressive Labour Party we must,
with our partners in the Unions, craft a 21^st century vision for
Labour.  The PLP has learned that to be
Pro-Labour we must also be Pro-business, as it is businesses and job creators
that create opportunities for jobs for workers. 
We must expand on this lesson and craft a vision that moves beyond
discussions of wages and benefits, but to one of ownership and empowerment.

We have learned that “nanny government” has stifled the
growth, development and political and social maturity of our people.  We suffer from a collective dependency with a
focus on consuming instead of producing. 
To change and combat this, we must craft a vision that creates a path
for individual self-determination with a view towards expanding our perception
of what we are capable of and what we can do for ourselves.

As we change to reflect the changes in our people, we must
also remember the values of those who came before us.  Values that speak to fairness and a vision of
a Bermuda where if you work hard, educate yourself and persevere you will not
be obstructed or impeded remain our values. 
Values that speak to faith and not being content to prosper while our
neighbour suffers remain our values.

We lost power on December 17^th but have gained
something better.  The opportunity to get
back to our roots, take a long critical look at ourselves and make real lasting
positive change in both our Party and in our country.  We in the Progressive Labour Party know that
we still have a long way to go to earn back your trust, faith and support. But
we are prepared to put in the work to earn it. 
You require and deserve a strong voice that will put Bermudians first,
that will champion the forgotten and the suffering and that will empower our
people.  I hope that you will join us as
we build a Progressive Labour Party that can accomplish all of these things and
even more.

For Immediate Release
April 10, 2013

Statement by The Hon. Wayne Furbert, Shadow Minister for Tourism

Shadow Minister for Tourism, The Hon Wayne Furbert today commended his
OBA counterpart for following through with tourism plans established
by the PLP.

Mr. Furbert said, “The Progressive Labor Party laid a strong
foundation in tourism which allowed the One Bermuda Alliance to
successfully move forward with ideas to revitalize this long stagnant,
critical industry. From the revamped marketing theme, “So much More”,
the establishment of a Tourism Board with authority to promote and
market Bermuda and most importantly, the National Tourism Plan; much
of the heavy lifting has been done already and now is the time for
results."

Mr. Furbert added, “I took note of Minister Crockwell’s comment and I
quote, “We are optimistic that the “So Much More” campaign is one that
will continue to help drive business. In looking at the campaign’s
impact since it was introduced in August, we saw load factors increase
every month – a positive sign that our message is getting through.’
With these words, the OBA has finally admitted that the PLP plan was
working.  I am delighted that the OBA is willing to acknowledge that
there were good things produced under the PLP and their willingness to
move forward with this plan is truly in the best interest of Bermuda.
For this we thank them.”