The Bermuda Government must “detoxify the political environment” as Bermuda strives to move forward, according to Michael Dunkley.

Addressing the public in a pre-Cup Match speech last night, the Premier agreed that “politics should bring people together, not drive them apart”, and admitted “that has been the tendency here for too long”.

He listed a number of the Government’s achievements, highlighting the St George’s “revival”, National Training Plan and Career Pathways.

Seniors, he added, had been aided by pension hikes, home care help and financial assistance.

He also said the Government had been “making progress”.

“The economy is growing, confidence is returning, hotels are developing, tourism is reviving, and businesses are hiring,” the Premier said. “St George’s is on the verge of revival with the return of cruise ships, higher revenues for civic improvements and a new hotel.

“We have taken care to prepare people through the National Training Plan, Career Pathways and small business support such as micro-loans. Community life is stronger for Cash Back grants, Team Street Safe and the Great [gang resistance education and training] programme that has graduated more than 600 children.

“We have outlawed forms of discrimination and the work for equality under law will continue.

“We have also used our time to make Bermuda more transparent and accountable — to grow participation, protect people and ensure good governance.”

He conceded that the Government must do a better job communicating “and we’re working hard every day to do that”.

“We will endeavour to detoxify the political environment, to make it more collaborative, compassionate and civil. Politics should bring people together, not drive them apart, but that has been the tendency here for too long.

“We will do more to prepare people for the opportunities coming our way, in all sectors of the economy. We will continue working hard in communities across the island to break the cycle of violence that is hurting so many, and to help young Bermudians find their way.”

Cup Match, the Premier said, highlighted struggles and triumphs.

“Emancipation Day celebrates freedom from slavery, teaching us that freedom — and the opportunity and equality that make it real — are not givens; that they must be fought for and protected.

“Struggle is the one constant that reveals who we are as a people — our shortcomings, our goodness and our everlasting hope for a better tomorrow.

“Somers Day commemorates the perseverance of our first settlers, finding new life in a new world.

“Each generation of Bermudians works hard to overcome the particular challenges it faces. Like Cup Match, there are setbacks and comebacks, but the push is always for a better Bermuda.”