Good day to all.

We in the Progressive Labour Party wish to take this opportunity to speak to the people of Bermuda.

Recent events in the House of Assembly have unfolded that have shown the underside of our political and social divides. Like yourselves, we abhor these events. Yet the truth must be told, and defended at all times.

Politicians often claim to have the answers to all of societies’ challenges, yet as we know, words do not always translate to actions or results.

The PLP is but one part of the equation. In the spirit of the power of a united community, we again call upon the diverse groups that form the very foundations of our Island.

Many gifts, One Spirit.

We call upon the church body to speak life into the spirit of Bermuda. As the passage says “faith without works is dead.” Simply put, walk the walk of Christ and put his works into action.

Continue your outreach programmes and seek to bring more of the church to the people.

Continue to be the voice that highlights the ills of social divides and social inequality.

Continue to fight poverty

Continue to bring healing.

Continue to break every chain.

United We Stand

We thank the unions for remaining committed to representing the workers. There are many who seek to denigrate the work of the unions. Others will attempt to roll back the hard earned rights and privileges achieved over the decades.

We encourage our unions to continue to evolve their role to meet the challenges of our ever-changing landscape.

To the unions, we will forever remember that “Labour” is our middle name. Progressive is our first name.

We strongly encourage the unions to put forth proactive cost cutting recommendations. Insist that workers are afforded the right to retool and transition into departments that are undersubscribed by Bermudians. We further encourage the highest standards of work ethics and customer service from all.

We stand forever united with our unionised brothers and sisters.

Pro Labour Pro Business

We call upon the private sector to share equally in the sacrifice required to move our country forward. As we are pro-labour it is essential that we also be pro-business, working with both in the interests of all.

We recognise that it is the entrepreneur that takes the risk involved with starting a business, creating job opportunities for others. So we must do all we can to assist in creating an environment where business can thrive, while balancing the demand between profits and people.

Continue to use your intellectual capital to create positive solutions to move Bermuda forward.

Continue to expand fairness in hiring, training and promoting our fellow Bermudians.

Continue your charitable contributions.

Many Hands Make Light Work

We call on our many community and charitable organisations to continue the important volunteer work that they provide to the community.

Our community was built on the giving nature of our:

* friendly societies

* charitable organisations

* parish workmen’s clubs

* generous individuals and businesses

We encourage you to build strength through sharing; sharing of ideas, resources and human capital.

No man is an island

We call upon every individual Bermudian to have hope and vision.

We must envision this moment in our history as an opportunity to reinvent ourselves. A time to evolve beyond the expectations of being dependant, and build a society that is embraces the empowerment of her people.

We call upon every Bermudian to step forward and chart a new path for not just ourselves, but for our children.

In closing, we say that the PLP is not simply a political voice, we are your fellow Bermudians. We are your brothers and sisters, your neighbours and your co-workers. We share in your struggles, mourn over your pain and celebrate your victories.

We are you.