Today, the people of Bermuda will go to the polls and elect their next government. It is the most important responsibility citizens of a democracy are called upon to discharge, for democracy doesn't work unless they do.

We in the new United Bermuda Party believe that governments are elected to get results and should be held accountable if they don't. Our plan not only commits us to public scrutiny, but also introduces legal measures to make sure that scrutiny can, and does, take place.

The new United Bermuda Party will provide a new style of leadership that listens, respects and includes the views of all our people in the decision-making process - in short a government that we can all be proud of.

Over the past several months, the members of the new United Bermuda Party team have listened closely to you.

We have listened to seniors who can't afford the medicine they need. We have listened to young families whose dream of home ownership has faded. We have listened to parents and teachers still frustrated with the education system.

We have listened to law-abiding citizens shocked by the increase in youth and street violence. We have listened to business people who are deeply concerned by deteriorating relations with the United States and blossoming ties with Cuba.

We have listened to young entrepreneurs who see a government that looks after its friends and ignores everyone else. We have listened to good, hard-working Bermudians who expect more from their government than arrogance, secrecy, self-dealing and scandal.

The new United Bermuda Party care about what you think. The concerns and suggestions we've heard on the doorstep and in living rooms will be reflected in the policies and programs of the next new United Bermuda Party government. Our platform is full of modern and practical ideas.

Let's start with housing. Bermudians are giving up hope of owning their own piece of the rock. That's why we've developed our First Homes initiative, which will give first-time buyers the opportunity to purchase their first house for less than $2,000 a month. In addition, we will build 100 emergency homes in the next two years and develop a long-term, National Housing Strategy.

The new United Bermuda Party will address the growing needs of our senior's by building a free senior health clinic and providing free prescription drugs and eyeglasses for seniors in need.

The new United Bermuda Party will expand Bermuda's economic prosperity through our HOPE initiative. Our proposed Economic Development and Tourism Authority will serve as the engine for expanding opportunity through economic diversification and economic empowerment.

This new Authority will search aggressively for opportunities-within tourism, international business and the broader economy-that generate new sources of revenue and provide new careers and business options for Bermudians.

We will put in place an Office of Economic Empowerment, which will work with all Bermudians to ensure that those with the will to succeed, but not the means, have access to new sources of capital and small business opportunities so they too can share in our island's economic success.

After listening to teachers, students and parents we've come up with a plan to make the education system work better for our children. We'll restore primary decision-making to principals and improve student performance by setting high standards in language, math and science.

Moreover, we'll put in place a "Bermuda Tech"-style technical education curriculum so every child has the opportunity for success.

The new United Bermuda Party will make Bermuda a safer place by establishing greater police visibility in our neighbourhoods through an increased number of beat officers and foot patrols.

We will increase sentences for persistent offenders, while ensuring that first-time offenders get the training and rehabilitation they need.

Above all, the new United Bermuda Party is committed to providing a government that operates with honesty, integrity, mutual respect and fairness - in the best interests of all Bermudians.

We will restore openness to government by introducing a number of "good government" measures unprecedented in Bermuda. These include a Whistleblower's Act, reforms to the Government tendering process, a Freedom of Information Act, and a Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament.

These are fresh approaches and solutions to the challenges facing our island. They are deliverable, and we can afford them. If there is one thing that binds all these plans and programmes together it is our vision for One Bermuda.

When we imagine the future we want for Bermuda, we see a country where every person, regardless of race, gender or age, has the same opportunities and is provided with the tools to take advantage of them. We see a country where the value of each individual is recognised, respected and embraced by a tolerant community.

We see a country where our diversity is a source of pride, not division. Most of all, we see a country where success is achieved by all Bermudians working together.

Today, the new United Bermuda Party team offers you new leadership and new ideas. Our vision for the future is clear.

And from that vision we have developed a modern plan for social and economic progress for all Bermudians in the 21st century.

It's time for a fresh start. We ask for your vote today to help bring us together and move us ahead.