Lights Out? On the Contrary...
You know it's election time when the UBP tries to scare Bermudians into thinking that a vote for the PLP is a vote for economic ruin. They did it in 1998 when Grant Gibbons so wrongly declared that international business would turn the lights out if the PLP were elected. And, now, nine years later and in the midst of an economic boom, the UBP is trotting out this tired, old and failed criticism.
In today's Royal Gazette, a relic of the UBP's less than distinguished past came out of the woodwork to engage in the politics of fear. But, we're confident that Bermudians who rejected the UBP's leadership in 1998 will see through his spin.
The truth is, Bermuda's economy is booming. And, nine years later, international business hasn't turned the lights out - instead, they've turned more lights on all across the island. Just a few weeks ago, the Royal Gazette and the UBP were complaining that our economy was "too hot" and in need of a cool down. Now, they're claiming that we're headed for economic ruin? Please.
The fact is that over the last nine years, the PLP has presided over a growing economy and a tourism turnaround. Our government has proven to be capable shepherds of the economy. That's why this UBP criticism was suspect in 1998 and it's outright laughable in 2007 - after nine years of economic success.
But, what is this economic argument really about? At it's root, it's code. The UBP are trying to fire up their most ardent supporters who believe deep in their bones that only Bermuda's traditional elites are capable of presiding over the economy. It's a very colonial attitude. And, even though this perspective has been thoroughly debunked by over nine years of solid economic growth - it still works because so many UBP partisans possess these deep seeded fears.
But, we must not let the politics of fear carry the day. We in the PLP are optimistic about Bermuda's economic future because of both our track record of success and our belief in the people of Bermuda. Our people are our greatest resource and we believe that together, we will all make sure our economy continues to prosper.
