Last Friday, March 15, the One Bermuda Alliance, inclusive of Susan Jackson, Ben Smith, Craig Cannonier, and Michael Dunkley, all led by Jarion Richardson, voted against the Progressive Labour Party's efforts to keep health insurance costs down and create more affordable housing for the people of Bermuda.

During the last fiscal year, government revenue projections were significantly higher than projected. As a people-focused Labour government, we believe that along with reducing our island’s debt, we must also invest in our people and address some of the issues too many of us are facing.

The Government Loans Act 2024 was designed to codify in law our belief that alongside fiscal responsibility, our people should always come first. Unfortunately, yet not surprisingly, the One Bermuda Alliance opposed putting Bermudians first, opposed keeping healthcare costs down and opposed the construction of desperately needed affordable housing.

With the Government Loans Amendment Act 2024, we are focused on building more affordable housing and keeping healthcare costs down by $540 per year for Bermudians.

Ironically, on the very same day, the OBA voted in support of the Government’s balanced 2024-2025 Budget, which is focused on the investment in the people of Bermuda. Yet, later the same day refused to support further needed investment in our people.

Like most Bermudians, we too are confused as to why the OBA voted in opposition to building affordable housing and keeping healthcare costs down.