From its inception, the Progressive Labour Party has been a potent catalyst for change in Bermuda.

Every social and civic advance in Bermuda was first conceptualised in a PLP platform, in fact the social progress of the Island can be followed through successive PLP platforms.

From the outset, the PLP pressed for single seat, one vote, constituencies.

Finally we made that happen.

We pressed successfully for full racial integration in our schools. We pressed for free secondary education so that those who could not afford fees would not be denied an education. We called for Government-funded national health insurance.We called for encouragement of international companies as a spur to economic growth. We pressed successfully for Old Age pensions. We pressed successfully for the 18-year-old vote.

This has been the character of the Progressive Labour Party's Agenda for Bermuda. Progressive change for the benefit of all.

We exult in this legacy created for us by the founders of this great party, for it is a proud legacy.

The Progressive Labour Party is the custodian of, and the catalyst to, Bermuda's social conscience. We have been this Island's principal agent of change.

Nowhere was this more pronounced than on November 9, 1998.

Quite propitiously, on the cusp of two centuries and two millennia, Bermuda's voters, ended the rule of the oligarchy that had ruled this Island for more than three decades.

By a convincing majority, voters elected Bermuda's first Progressive Labour Party and its first genuine majority government.

That change never comes without a challenge is as much a constant as the assertion that change is the only constant in human affairs, and in nature.

With the general election that finally brought genuine majority government to this country, Bermuda experienced dramatic, positive and enduring change on November 10, 1998. The vast majority of Bermudians celebrated that change. For must of us, November, 1998 was both Emancipation and Liberation all compressed into an unforgettable moment of ecstasy.

Despite the predictions of economic collapse the first Progressive Labour Party government has weathered the storm and we have emerged a more united and committed group.

For the people of Bermuda as well as the international community, Bermuda's first genuine majority government has been a notable success. Such approval is not easily won.

The Progressive Labour Party Government hit the ground running in November 1998 with a solid philosophical foundation, outstanding talent and a clear vision for Bermuda.

We brought unprecedented passion to putting the Bermudian identity first.

Members of the PLP government had to demonstrate to the world that Bermuda was in the competent hands of a government that was business friendly, progressive, effective and forward thinking.

We kept Bermuda on an even keel through testing crises such as the global recession of the late 1990s, the OECD threat and the aftermath of 2001.

Even with the vigorous exercise of democratic rights within the Progressive Labour Party and within the government, we have preserved Bermuda's political stability and strengthened our institutions of democracy.

We have grown the economy, generated new jobs, reformed education and broadened the number of Bermudians with access to economic opportunity.

Progressive Labour Party government policies have strategically positioned Bermuda's leadership in the new global economy, which embraces financial and other services, such as tourism and information technology.

We have delivered on our platform promises. Indeed, we have exceeded most expectations.

We have remained true to the PLP's vision for Bermuda. We return to the electorate, confident that the PLP's performance in Government has laid the foundation for your trust in the pledges we make in our 2003 platform We make no grandiose promises. We simply pledge to continue to do those things, which will make life in Bermuda better for all and to do our best on those things, that bring the greatest good to the society that we continue to shape in the New Bermuda.

We promise to continue to build a country where fairness rules; where no one is left behind; where, in diversity, we live in harmony; where government serves all people with equal zeal; where human dignity, economic opportunity and social progress are the right of all; where all who are able to work find dignity and reward in secure jobs, or in their own enterprises; where every aspiring entrepreneur has the opportunity to operate his or her own business on a level playing field; where our seniors are venerated and protected in their golden years; where our young people are in tune with their communities and optimistic about their future; where government continues to operate in the sunshine of public scrutiny.

These are the ideals and goals that propelled the PLP into being 40 years ago.

These are the ideals and goals that continue to motivate us.

The PLP Government has made it demonstrably better for all in Bermuda in less than five short years. And we have only just begun.

When we meet with voters on the doorsteps, they look into our eyes and see themselves.

This is what sets us apart. We continue to rely on our heart-to-heart communication with the Bermudian electorate.

The warmth with which voters in every constituency have welcomed the PLP's candidates is truly gratifying. As the election campaign moves to its culmination, I find constant reason to remember why my life is in politics: Being able to make a difference by serving you.

I want to serve you more. Let's make it ever better the second time around.