PLP criticises OBA for presenting 'no ideas'

Make text smaller Make text larger

The ruling Progressive Labour Party has again criticised the Opposition One Bermuda Alliance for having “no solutions and no ideas” in the wake of the OBA's recent press conference on the economy.

Last week Shadow Finance Minister Bob Richards and OBA candidate Sylvan Richards criticised Government's handling of finances and its stewardship of the economy and argued that the recession could not be completely attributed to the global economic downturn.

Using Ministry of Finance statistics, the pair stressed that Bermuda's economy had shrunk by two percent in 2011 whereas other Caribbean countries and key trading partners such as the US and Canada had seen theirs grow.

They presented statistics on air arrivals saying that their long term decline showed that tourism needed structural interventions such as the OBA's proposed independent Tourism Authority.

And an OBA Government would cut wastefulness, Bob Richards said but will spend more money promoting international business.

"There they go again. The OBA describes the problem, but, offers no solutions and no ideas,” said a PLP press statement released on Thursday.

"In December 2010, Bob Richards told The Royal Gazette that it was all about austerity. Austerity means deep cuts to jobs, education and many of the benefits that hard working Bermudians rely on.

"We know the problem. Now, tell us, what are you going to cut? Are you going to cut education? If so, by how much? Are you going to cut jobs? If so, how many and who? Are you going to cut FutureCare? Are you going to cut day care?

"You promise rapid and radical change, but, you're not being honest with the people about what you're going to cut."

At Wednesday's press conference the OBA said that it would end a “mindset” of wastefulness which is typified by a significant increase in the number of GP cars between 2007 and 2011.

But the PLP noted that eliminating GP cars would mean very little to the annual budget which is over $1 billion.

Make text smaller Make text larger

Take Our Poll