Government has defended both its past record and agenda for the coming year, arguing that it was making “tough decisions” for the benefit of all Bermudians.

But last night Opposition MPs disputed that claim, alleging that the One Bermuda Alliance was focused on looking after the interests of the wealthy and was “completely oblivious to the challenges of real people”.

A lengthy debate on last week’s Throne Speech and the Progressive Labour Party’s reply — which was delivered yesterday by leader Marc Bean — crystallised the major difference between the two parties over the most effective approach to revive the economy and reduce unemployment.

Community Affairs Minister Wayne Scott kicked off the debate by claiming that Government had inherited “a broken system”, but that the Throne Speech offered a road map to “recovery, reform and renewal”.

“We are making the tough decisions. The One Bermuda Alliance has your back,” he said.

But the PLP’s Glenn Blakeney said Government’s actions suggested otherwise.

The Devonshire North MP noted the use of non-Bermudian labour and equipment in the Heritage Wharf project, saying: “We brought in equipment, about $2 million worth. The expertise and equipment is right here in Bermuda and could have been spread around a number of people with the knowledge and expertise to do the work.”

And he also cited the coming closure of the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre, which he said was announced before there was any public consultation.

Government backbencher Susan Jackson found “hope” in the Throne Speech, but Independent MP Terry Lister likened it to ‘The Good, The Bad and the Ugly’.

He applauded the creation of a National Sports Policy, progress on workforce development and an energy interconnection agreement with Belco.

But he criticised the ten percent food discounts, saying it failed to take into account the rising cost of food and, because it is only available to those who pay in cash — those who are on financial assistance and need food cards would not benefit.

And he questioned the motivations for allowing the sale of alcohol on Sundays, saying he hadn’t heard the demand.

Economic Development Minister Grant Gibbons called the Reply to the Throne Speech “more of the same”, saying that while there has been a global economic downturn, the Island has seen four years of economic decline in part because of PLP policies.

“The issue comes down to stagnations, it comes down to complacency,” Dr Gibbons said.

“We cannot assume that because we think we are doing a good job that we are,” he said.

He said the OBA plan focuses on two elements — making sure the businesses in Bermuda are comfortable and attracting new companies to Bermuda.

And he said international business was a focus point because it, along with associated businesses, accounts for around half of the Island’s gross domestic product.

However PLP MP Michael Scott said that the “trickle-down” approach relying on international business may not help lower and middle income Bermudians.

“That is not the way, and the Government slavishly continues to trot out this economic thesis,” he said.

“The Throne Speech had a number of ideas in it, but none of them really hit the mark of facilitating steady salary movement in this country and that’s what must happen.”

Government MPs for St George’s, Nandi Outerbridge and Kenneth Bascome, pointed out that Government’s focus on the town demonstrated its commitment to Bermudians.

But the PLP’s Walton Brown said that Government appeared to be “oblivious to the real concerns of working men and women”.

Accusing Government of putting “greater emphasis on international business over everything else”, Mr Brown said: “This Government puts businesses over people — our party puts people first.”

But Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell said the Opposition had failed to understand the value of international business and the benefits it brings to Bermudians.

He said that local businesses had suffered after international companies shut down, and that all Bermudians — from homeowners and restaurateurs to taxi drivers — would benefit from an influx of foreign investment and foreign personnel.

PLP MP Lawrence Scott said that, although Government talked about shared sacrifice, big business was receiving relief while the working class struggled.

“If this Government can show me, show the people where the sacrifice has been shared, that would be applaudable, but I don’t think they can do it,” he said.

“That makes me wonder if OBA now stands for Our Bank Accounts.”

And that theme was repeated by Shadow Attorney General Kim Wilson.

“I respectfully submit that they don’t understand the plight of Mr and Mrs Bermuda,” she said.

“There’s an absence in this in identifying a plan about getting Bermudians back to work. There’s an absence in this in of a plan that seriously addresses the cost of living.”