Economic empowerment could be a key battleground in the coming election with both parties claiming their programmes will help fix lingering racial disparities in earnings and opportunities.

The issue has many dynamics. Both parties pledge to boost the education system in order to ensure people make the most of their talents. Here we look at policies aimed at levelling the playing field for contractors.

The PLP in its Throne Speech said it will bring in technical and vocational education in schools so that students will have the option of obtaining both the Bermuda School Certificate and certification in a trade.

The party wants to establish Sector Councils — employer-led, independent groups that identify the skill development needs of industry. Sector Councils will assist in the development of occupational standards to improve productivity and business performance and create career leaders.

And there is a plan to introduce certification and apprentice regulations to complement the national certification and national apprenticeship systems.

The PLP set up the Economic Empowerment Zone in North Hamilton to boost business. Businesses and residents within the EEZ qualify for preferential borrowing rates, tax incentives and other development incentives.

The UBP pledge to set up an Office of Economic Empowerment. It will:

¦ Commit 20 percent of all Government contracts — about $70 million a year — to small businesses.

¦ Provide training for small businesses in how to bid for Government contracts.

¦ Better identify and communicate government needs for goods and services to aid those interested in bidding.

¦ Ensure that Government pays its bills to contractors within 30 days.

¦ Better coordinate existing agencies to cut red tape and reduce compliance costs.

¦ Review the tax structure on small businesses to ensure fairness and encourage economic growth.

¦ Identify angel investors for start-up businesses in need of capital.

n Ensure that the economic development programmes in North Hamilton benefit the area's existing business owners and residents as well as new ones.