Small businesses would be in for a windfall of up to $70 million a year if the United Bermuda Party is elected into power, Deputy Opposition Leader Patricia Gordon-Pamplin pledged last night.

Twenty percent of all UBP Government contracts would go to small firms, said Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin as the Opposition outlined a string of proposed new policies ahead of a looming General Election. Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin, who is also Shadow Finance Minister, joined party leader Michael Dunkley in making a series of pledges in a television broadcast last night.

The Opposition promised to:

*ease cost of living pressures through more support for seniors, keeping the Medical Clinic open and providing free public transport for Government schoolchildren

*rebuild the Causeway

*step up integrity in public service legislation

*protect the environment through a Save Open Spaces policy

*extend the North Hamilton economic empowerment zone to include old and incoming businesses in the area

*reform the crisis-hit education system by giving principals more responsibility to hire and fire and enforce discipline.

Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin also repeated a previous pledge to eliminate payroll tax for people earning less than $36,000.

Mr. Dunkley began the broadcast by hitting out at Bermuda’s lack of affordable homes, poor graduation rates and rising crime levels under the PLP Government.

He said the Island’s progress was blocked by a “disconnect” between people and Government.

“The Government has let people down,” said Mr. Dunkley. “It has taken care of its own needs while neglecting the needs of the people who elected them. We see it in the motorcades and the bodyguards. We see it in the high security fences and the lavish spending. And we see it in the intimidation that is both subtle and in your face.”

He said the UBP was attempting to gain people’s trust by “getting out door to door” to build bridges with the people.

“We stand for unity. We want to move this country forward, all of us together as one people, black and white, as Bermudians first, before all else,” said Mr. Dunkley.

“To do that we will bring forward programmes that can close the gaps brought about by historic injustices, programmes that can make real differences to the lives of people.”

Announcing the efforts to ease the cost of living, Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin said: “Ours is a successful economy that benefits many, but it is also a high-cost economy that makes life a daily struggle for far too many people, particularly single mothers and seniors.”

She said pensions would be lifted for seniors, while free prescription drugs, eyeglasses and dental care would be provided for those in need.

Healthcare coverage for seniors would be improved, school books and uniforms would be provided at nominal cost, or at no cost for the most in need, and increased funding support would be given to college students.

The Causeway and Longbird Bridge, described by Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin as a lifeline to and from the east end, would be rebuilt, while an aggressive construction programme would be launched for emergency rental units and affordable first-time homes. Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin said efforts would be made to make Government more transparent. This would include the passing of a Whistleblower Act, strengthening of the Office of the Auditor, ensuring an open tendering process for Government contracts and the passing of a Voters Referendum Initiative for binding referenda on any question of national concern.

Explaining the plan to help small businesses, she said: “We believe the best way to close gaps brought about by historic injustices is through specific concrete programmes that put money and opportunity into the hands of those who want to go ahead.

The $60 to $70 million through the awarding of Government contracts to small businesses would help them build experience and hire workers, she said.

On education, she said: “We will shift the focus from the Education Ministry and make school principals the education champions on the ground.”

Mr. Dunkley said the party would “get tough on crime” by cracking down on gang-style violence, illegal drugs and break-ins. Warwick candidates Senator Gina Spence-Farmer and R. Wayne Scott also spoke — discussing the party’s Three Doors Down scheme, which aims to cut crime in the parish.