There is no doubt that Bermuda has a plethora of issues to tackle — our cost of living, crime, healthcare costs, housing crisis, and pension concerns just to name a few.

There is no doubt our larger problems need to be addressed but what is needed are sustainable plans.

The Progressive Labour Party can count on the One Bermuda Alliance’s support when it comes to improving the lives of Bermudians, as there are also opportunities for Bermuda to improve. However, the Government must get back to basics while addressing these critical issues.

The issues above affect many, but while canvassing I have learnt there are others which upset my constituents and which do not require long-term planning. The residents of Southampton East Central have mentioned wanting well-maintained and well-lit paths on the Railway Trail and tribe roads to walk or cycle through.

They want recreational areas, such as beaches and Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, maintained and invasive casuarina trees pruned.

My constituents are often citing the poor state of the roads, along with the need for mirrors on busy and blind corners, with flashing crosswalk lights for pedestrians.

They desire more support from vector control for rats; they want a crackdown on illegal dumping. The list goes on and on.

These are mundane, everyday things that mean a lot to everyday Bermudians.

On an island with so much wealth, how can we not have these basic things under control?

I often submit tickets with the Department of Public Works regarding issues brought to me by my constituents and I am sure many Members of Parliament on both sides of the floor do the same.

Let me thank the civil servants within the Department of Public Works and Environment who endeavour to answer all these tickets and dispatch resources when they can.

However, with a government constantly touting a Budget surplus and record-breaking economic growth, its failure to ensure these basics are provided to its residents is simply unacceptable.

The Civil Service tends to bear the brunt of the criticism when the issues are usually systemic and in need of reform or, in some cases, targeted investment. This places doubt in the hearts and minds of the people that Bermuda is doing as good as the Progressive Labour Party says because they have yet to feel it in their daily lives.

The Government believes this can be achieved through duty relief and blanket cuts to taxes. These are welcome gestures to address the cost of living for Bermudians and I am not dismissing them.

But do tax cuts cover the increase in healthcare costs? Do they help someone without transportation get around when their ferry breaks down? Do they help Bermudians unable to find housing? When Bermudians walk through the Railway Trail and tribe roads or travel our roads, they do not feel the Government’s projected surplus.

The Cabinet must address the smaller problems if it hopes to convince anyone that it can handle the bigger ones.

The OBA is the party that is committed to policy that would make a difference in the lives of Bermudians in the short, medium and long term. Here are some of the short to medium-term policies that we pledged in our platform:

• Repeal the sugar tax

• Repeal the Airbnb occupancy tax

• Partner with the private sector to lease unused government properties and enable leaseholders of government residences to purchase their properties

• Increase housing stock

• Amend existing landlord and tenant legislation to incentivise landlords to return their housing stock to the rental market while still protecting the tenants

• Cut payroll tax for businesses that hire Bermudians aged under 30

• Develop conference facilities and a multipurpose entertainment venue to increase our business tourism and service local businesses, while providing a place to cultivate our local creatives

• Establish an infrastructure fund for regular maintenance of our roads and general infrastructure

These are policies that the OBA believes would create quick relief for Bermudians and stimulate the local economy. The PLP has already borrowed a few of our policies; we welcome them to borrow a few more in the spirit of collaboration.

A good idea is a good idea regardless of who or where it comes from. Bermudians need to feel the “success of Bermuda” — or it isn’t truly success.

• Dwayne Robinson is the Shadow Minister of Tourism, Culture and Transport, and the MP for Southampton East Central (Constituency 30)