With no end to the international economic crisis in sight, Premier Brown has convened a meeting of the Council of Economic Advisors. The council includes leaders from Bermuda and abroad in fields like labour, banking, personal investments and business. The Premier and Deputy Premier Paula Cox, who is also Minister of Finance, head the Council of Economic Advisors.

The meeting - underway now - is focused squarely on the international economic crisis and how it affects Bermuda. Activity will be evaluated and measures will be discussed to ensure that Bermuda weathers the international economic downturn. Premier Brown:

The economy is in the forefront of people’s minds all over the world given the current climate. Bermuda is no different. The economic thinkers we are assembling this weekend will help ensure the Government takes the best steps to minimize the impact the world economic crisis has on the people of Bermuda and the Bermudian economy.

A special emphasis will be placed on how the economy is affecting middle and working class Bermudians. The council will discuss the economic benefits of the PLP's 2008 accomplishments to help working Bermudians including programs like free public transportation, free Bermuda College tuition and free day care. Premier Brown reiterated his covenant with the Bermudian people that will not be broken:

Our election promises were strong on social programs designed to give people a hand up. We have already executed part of that agenda. I don’t want us to take our eye off that target because some could face even greater economic hardship in light of current economic trends around the globe.

The PLP government is committed to both making sure that Bermuda's economy weathers the economic storm and making sure that Bermuda's middle class families aren't left behind.