October 17, 2012Dear Sir,Some months ago I wrote to you to report the cynicism of many voters to the political process. In your October 16 edition, you quote John Gibbons, one of this Government’s “rising stars”, that this cynicism “has no right, nor place or tradition in this country.” Although Mr Gibbons attributes this cynical attitude to the older generation, I’m finding this sentiment is also prevalent among younger voters.Many of my constituents are in need and don’t understand why the help is not forthcoming. They had expectations that the Government would help them through these difficult times but this help has not exactly been forthcoming in abundance. They don’t know where the money went. Instead large ”infrastructure improvements” such as King’s Wharf, Bermuda Cement Company, Port Royal Golf Course and Grand Atlantic have only enriched a few. The coffers are empty and the Government has borrowed $1.4 billion to be repaid by our children. I can understand the voters’ cynicism and disappointment. The very neighbourhoods that have voted for the PLP election after election are the ones that have the feeling of neglect the most.As Mr Gibbons points out “politicians who can see very clearly the past, (have) very little vision of the present and absolutely no vision of the future” are a grave danger. I believe that this is what we have in the present Government. The PLP, like the UBP, is a dinosaur whose political philosophy does not suit Bermuda in the 21st Century. The ‘us versus them’ mentality has become anathema to the voter. I agree with Mr Gibbons that our political discourse should be focusing on “how to get more international business here and revitalising tourism.” This old divisive paradigm is not working for Bermuda anymore.One of the OBA’s founding principles is “inclusiveness”. In the words of our leader, Craig Cannonier, “no Bermudian is to be left behind”.For example, the Pembroke Marsh has been neglected by the Government in spite of the fact it is one of the most densely populated areas of Bermuda. The horticultural waste is an irritant to the neighbours and, more importantly, a safety hazard due to fire. It shames the PLP to represent the five surrounding constituencies, yet nothing has been done to alleviate the people’s suffering. The neglect has infected the psyche of many residents who are now cynical and frustrated. The OBA is committed to remediating and re-imagining the Pembroke Marsh to create a safe, useful amenity to the community. In the long term, real jobs will be created for Bermudians in science, planning, horticulture and construction to build pride in the heart of our community and City.This is a project that benefits all Bermudians not just a select few as in the past. This and other forward looking ideas and plans will assist Bermuda’s economic recovery and jobs for the many. The OBA is founded on the principles of Service, Responsibility, Integrity, Fairness, Opportunity, Transparency and, last but not least, Inclusiveness. Bermuda deserves a new way of doing politics by doing away with the bad behaviour of politicians from the past with no vision of the future. Drive out cynicism and restore confidence in our integrity as Bermudian politicians. The OBA is the party of change and it will deliver a better Bermuda.SCOTT STEWARTOBA CandidateConstituency 15