As we head to the polls today, we face a serious choice. We will be choosing the party we believe will move this country forward, toward a brighter future. It is not simply a choice between two political parties, but between two fundamentally different paths for our country, our families and our economy. It is a choice between continuing the steady sure progress towards a fairer Bermuda or going backwards to a time where profit takes precedence over people.Fourteen years ago, the Progressive Labour Party was given its first opportunity to lead Bermuda. Since then we have strived to build a Bermuda that was fairer, more just and where opportunity was extended to all and not just the select few.Much has changed over the years, and while we have not been perfect, the PLP has remained committed to a vision of a Bermuda where hard work, sacrifice and commitment are fairly rewarded.Today, we face the greatest global economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Many Bermudians are concerned about keeping their jobs or are searching for employment. Yet as we continue to weather the effects of this global economic crisis, step by step we can see the benefits of our efforts to protect Bermudian jobs and create the conditions for job creation and growth. We’ve seen new insurance companies come to our shores and our efforts to bring major investments to Bermuda are paying off. With Job Corps and the One Stop Career Centre, we will prepare Bermudians to compete in our economy and provide them the tools to earn employment.We have created additional incentives for new businesses to come to our shores bringing with them jobs, increased customers for our retailers and more tenants to rent from our Bermudian homeowners. We have also seen over 500 new companies registered in Bermuda with more on the horizon.We have committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. We have preserved a life of dignity for our seniors by reducing healthcare and prescription drug costs through Future Care.We have eased the financial burden of hundreds of working families, through the DayCare Programme.We have created opportunities for Bermudian entrepreneurs and brought hope to the communities that needed it the most, through the EEZs.We are making steady progress toward reforming and improving our public education system, through our adoption of the Cambridge curriculum.We have expanded the number of scholarships and programmes available to Bermudians ensuring that those with the will to succeed, but not the means are not denied access to higher education.But there is more we need to do, and we ask you to support our efforts to continue what we have started. We recommit to working with Bermudians to improve our quality of life, and provide new opportunities for all Bermudians.Over the last month our opponents have made many big promises and have reversed their positions on numerous occasions. This inconsistency has lead to confusion in the minds of many voters. But what worries me the most, is that our opponents have a drastically different vision — one that will move our country backwards by making painful cuts to that programmes that our seniors, students, and working families require. We cannot afford to go backwards. But moreover, they offer a top down approach to Bermuda’s problems pushing the burden of taxation to employees and away from employers.The PLP believes that is the wrong way to approach our country’s problems. Their approach involves standing on Bermudians to move some of us ahead, not standing strong for Bermudians to ensure that we move forward together. The PLP believes in a balanced approach that seeks to bring Bermuda together, not divide us. And we know that there is nothing we cannot accomplish if we work together.From the constantly shifting and contradictory positions, their cover up of the UBP’s Secret Plan to their wilful disregard of the laws governing candidate eligibility, there are many questions surrounding the OBA. Openness, transparency and the ability to stand strong on their beliefs do not seem to be things that come easily to that organisation. Bermuda demands and deserves better.This election represents a clear choiceWith your support, we will build on the work that we have done to ensure that this island’s prosperity is enjoyed by all of our people. Our platform lays out a vision for the future that transforms our infrastructure and ensures that our young people have the training and education they need to compete for the jobs of the future. Our vision is a Bermuda that leads not only the region, but the world in clean energy and sustainability. We will bring more competition to our island which will provide lower costs and better service for Bermudians.There are challenges ahead, but if we move forward together, step by step, we can have a more vibrant and inclusive Bermuda. So, I ask for your vote for the PLP and our candidates so that we can continue to Stand Strong for Bermudians.Thank you and may God bless Bermuda.