Bermuda Sun | 8 August 2008

The ruling PLP government is firmly rooted in the labour movement and not "the product of privilege," Premier Ewart Brown said.

He was speaking in a YouTube video posted yesterday - an outlet he said he'll use from time to time to get his message out "unfiltered."

The Premier said the government has kept its election promises and is friendly with labour unions.

"As you know, ours is a government rooted in labour," Premier Brown said. "Our MPs and our Ministers are not the products of privilege. Our support comes from working people in the communities where you live."

He continued: "Our job of governing sometimes conflicts with our friends in organised labour. While we may be at odds on issues from time to time, we both agree on the core principle that hard working people deserve good pay, good benefits and a seat at the bargaining table."

Dr. Brown also used the YouTube video to highlight legislation he said was in the interests of ordinary Bermudians.

"In 2008, we passed bold reform at a pace not typically seen in the House of Assembly. Thirty-nine pieces of legislation already passed in 2008 - many of them delivering on promises we made to you less than a year ago," he said.

'Promises kept'

Free day care for working Bermudians, the promise of free public transportation, "revolutionary" education reform, and "sweeping enhancements" for clients of the Health Insurance Plan (HIP) were also on the Premier's list of achievements.

"Another promise made, another promise kept," Dr. Brown said.

He also cautioned viewers to be wary of the government's detractors in the local media and the Opposition.

"Lately we find ourselves in a media frenzy usually reserved for election campaigns," the Premier said. "It's unfortunate that election-style tactics continue to be the only means by which some can dialogue.

"You know what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the game of 'gotcha politics' and the 'politics of personal destruction' that dominate the headlines and distract people from the good work we're doing to improve the lives of hard working Bermudians."

Later in the speech, Dr. Brown said the island is not immune to the economic down-turn taking place in many countries, but that his government was doing everything it could to help working people.

"Each night you and your family should go to bed confident in the fact that your government is committed to sound economic policies, and is keenly aware of international trends that affect Bermuda.

"We have the know how to recognize those trends and a proven track record of navigating our economy accordingly," he said.

Full Article