It’s a New Year, and while we have been taking stock, listening, learning and assessing the challenges and opportunities facing Bermuda, we know it’s also time to make resolutions for the year ahead and beyond.

As such, the One Bermuda Alliance team resolves to form the new government of Bermuda at the next election. A new government formed by the OBA will reflect the values and the best interests of all Bermudians — one that ensures that the urgent priorities of the people of Bermuda are also the urgent priorities of the government.

The challenges facing Bermudians – some of them unprecedented for this island – require a strong resolve to work together to find effective solutions. The soaring cost of living is threatening the health and security of too many. A shocking 1,100 people are homeless, and more than 70 are on a list for emergency shelter. Gang and gun violence is killing young Bermudians and leaving their families shattered. Deaths and injuries on our roadways are increasing at an alarming rate. Our seniors – who built our island community – are facing a future without the care and the place they so desperately deserve.

On top of these life-threatening challenges, we have a Progressive Labour Party government that wants to ram through an expensive proposal to become part of Caricom without providing Bermudians with a detailed list of the benefits – and the possible downsides – and, without a commitment to giving Bermudians a voice in this change by way of a referendum.

And speaking of voting, the PLP could have passed the OBA’s Bill to ensure that all Bermudians have the opportunity to vote in elections, whether they are on island or off, but used a technicality to have the Bill pulled from Parliament. We are a unique community, and many Bermudians have to go away for periods of time, for school or work, but this should not leave them disenfranchised.

Our island is unique. We have become more and more reliant on the world beyond our shores and across the ocean. But that world is changing and changing rapidly, and not always for the better. We may not be able to control those changes, but we will have to decide how we manage them with the best interest of all Bermudians, present and future generations, at the forefront of our decision-making.

My commitment to the people of Bermuda is a government grounded in values. Public service isn’t about position or prestige; it’s about purpose. We will demonstrate and uphold integrity in public life – fewer perks, more accountability. Our entire team is committed to fairness, respect, compassion and trust — values that must guide how we govern and how we treat one another.

Since becoming leader, I’ve prioritised listening — through open-house sessions, and direct engagement with Bermudians in every parish and our upcoming community town halls. We’re building a governing agenda shaped by real voices and real, achievable solutions.

The OBA prioritises affordability and homes for all Bermudians. Healthy families and safe communities include tackling gang and gun violence and youth vulnerability through prevention and support, not just punishment. Expanding access to mental health support and senior care, and making healthcare more affordable and equitable.

Quality education and creating opportunities include strengthening public education and creating an Education Authority to oversee public education. Empowering young Bermudians with skills that translate into real opportunity here at home, and creating genuine pathways into trades and professional careers.

The year ahead is an opportunity, and with a shared commitment to the long term, Bermuda can move forward with confidence. I invite Bermudians to be part of that conversation — to engage, to challenge, and to shape a country that is stronger, safer and full of opportunity for all, with the OBA at the helm.

Happy New Year, all.

• Robert King is the Leader of the Opposition