While reading last Monday's Opinion from Mr. Scott Simmons, I was reminded that when faced with difficult problems, the people without ideas always seem to be the first to start name-calling. Whenever you listen to the Progressive Labour Party, they seem to be more interested in attacking the United Bermuda Party than in telling the truth, keeping their promises or solving the problems facing our community.

Seven years of making excuses and attacking the United Bermuda Party hasn't solved our housing crisis, hasn't reduced violent crime, hasn't made life easier for our seniors and hasn't broken down the racial and economic barriers that continue to impede the success of our people. In fact the PLP's approach doesn't seem to be accomplishing much of anything.

We are blessed with a beautiful island home, a high standard of living, and a noble history that each of us should be proud of, but in our hearts we all know that we can and should be doing better. Throughout Bermuda there is a growing feeling that Bermuda is in moral, social and economic decline. In the past, parents felt certain that their children would go on to have a better life than they had. Today's parents worry that their newly-graduated son or daughter won't find a job or won't be able to afford their own home. They worry that their parents and grandparents will be unable to enjoy their golden years as the cost of health care escalates, seemingly without end. These fears, combined with a rising atmosphere of lawlessness, have created a growing sense of insecurity and a belief that Bermuda's best days are behind us rather than ahead. Until these fears are seriously addressed Bermuda will only be a good country and never attain the greatness that we as a people are capable of attaining.

The time has come for us to stop apportioning blame for the past and begin taking responsibility for the present and the future. The time has come for a new beginning, a new approach and a fresh start.

The United Bermuda Party wants to restore the people's faith that government can operate with honesty, transparency and fairness - that men and women who serve in Parliament are capable of delivering on their promises and willing to accept personal responsibility for their actions. That's why we have a “Good Government Plan” that includes a code of conduct for all Parliamentarians, drug testing for all MPs and anti-corruption legislation.

The United Bermuda Party wants to restore the belief in our people that they can own a “piece of the rock”. That's why we have created a four-point housing plan to address the immediate, short term and long term affordable housing needs of our people.

The United Bermuda Party wants to restore the dignity, respect and security of our seniors. That's why we have created a Senior's Health Plan that includes free senior healthcare clinics with free prescription drugs and eyeglasses for seniors who can't afford them.

The United Bermuda Party wants to make our community safe again. That's why our Anti-Crime Plan calls for tougher sentences, more police on the streets, improved training and an independent Internal Affairs Department to investigate allegations of corruption or criminal misdeeds within the Police Service.

The United Bermuda Party wants to build a Bermuda where every Bermudian has the opportunity to obtain economic success regardless of race or political affiliation. That's why we have created The Economic Empowerment Bill 2004 to insure that the final remaining barriers to economic opportunity are torn down in Bermuda.

The United Bermuda Party wants to restore the people's faith that a government can operate with honesty, integrity, with men and women who are capable of delivering on their promises and willing to accept personal responsibility for their actions. That's why we support a Code of Conduct for all Parliamentarians, drug testing for all MPs and Anti-Corruption legislation.

These are just a few of the ideas that we believe can change the direction of this country and build a Bermuda that is more than just good, but a Bermuda that can be a shining light to the world, as a symbol of mankind's potential for greatness.

The United Bermuda Party has evolved from being the party of the status quo, to a party of progressive ideas, optimism and inclusion. We, the men and women of the United Bermuda Party, are your brothers, your sisters, your aunts and uncles, your neighbours, your coworkers and your children. We live in your neighbourhoods; we share your values and your hopes and dreams for the future. Throughout the diverse mix that is the United Bermuda Party we share a common vision and a common purpose to insure that our people and our country prosper.We believe our elected leaders must send the strongest possible message that people who commit crimes will be caught, prosecuted and appropriately punished. And the law-abiding majority needs to believe they can live their lives free from fear, knowing that the criminal justice system works for them, not criminals. We believe in a Bermuda where hard work is rewarded. We believe in a Bermuda where housing is plentiful and affordable. We believe in a Bermuda that gives our children the tools to compete locally and in the international job market and we believe in a Bermuda with opportunity for all and special privilege for none.Our vision is clear, to build a Bermuda that is progressive, tolerant and where power and opportunity are in the hands of the many, not the few. Our job is to liberate the potential in every Bermudian and tear down the remaining barriers.

We are eager to start the work ahead and believe Bermudians are seeking a new beginning. I urge everyone who believes in our vision of One Bermuda, united and working together for a brighter and better future, to join us in making this vision a reality.

@EDITRULE:

Jamahl Simmons is Shadow Minister of Transport and spokesman for the United Bermuda Party.