Questions have been raised over the validity of an online invitation for a live debate between the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition.

The call from the youth group Generation Next for a debate to be streamed online was accepted by David Burt, but elicited “surprise” from Senator Lynne Woolridge, the chairman of the One Bermuda Alliance.

“The Premier and his colleagues are always willing to debate all issues,” she said. “But the flyer promoting a debate has not been discussed between the two parties to make sure that any debates that are arranged are done so in a proper fashion taking all aspects into consideration including a neutral location with an unbiased moderator.”

Topics for the debate would include education, the economy, immigration, and job creation, said group member Eron Hill — with the event scheduled for the Bermuda Industrial Union’s Sweeting Ball Hall on July 3 at 8pm.

“Young Bermudians deserve to know what the position of our leaders are on a number of matters,” Hill said.

“It is vitally important that young people not only feel a part of the process in shaping Bermuda, but that we also contribute to that process. There will be time allocated during the debate to allow for questions from the audience.

“We look forward to receiving the indications from both leaders that they will engage with our young people and address these matters openly. Our young people are eager to hear the leaders outline and debate their respective visions, proposed policies, and plans for the future and sustainability of our island home.”

In a statement this afternoon, Mr Burt said he looked forward to the opportunity to showcase the differences in the OBA and PLP plans for the island.

“The PLP has a vision to build a better Bermuda and put Bermudians first,” he said. “We pledge to pass comprehensive immigration reform that ensures that Bermudians will have access to jobs and promotions and scrap Pathways to Status. We will reform public education to provide specialised training, especially in the STEM fields.

“We will increase competition to bring down the cost of health insurance. And, we will work to reduce duties and restructure our tax code to put more money in your pocket, reduce the cost of living and making it easier for working families to live and thrive in Bermuda.”

Ms Woolridge said she would contact the Opposition to discuss arranging debates between the two parties.

But she called on residents “not to be swayed by the fake news and propaganda of the Opposition’s political operatives — when announcements relating to the July 18 General Election are made, they will be made through official channels and not announced in the first instance on social media”.

“I can assure the people of Bermuda that the Premier and his colleagues have no objection to any debate or discussions on issues to help move Bermuda forward because we have a record that we are proud of and we urge the people of Bermuda not to get caught up in the Opposition’s negative narrative.

“We would like to remind the people that this country was in serious decline in 2012 and slowly but surely we are on the road to progress and the people of Bermuda can see this progress from east to west.”