The Progressive Labour Party today unveiled its election manifesto - with free day care services for Bermudian families and upgraded health care for seniors the main eye-catching pledges.

At a meeting at Alaska Hall, the PLP released its 2007 election platform “Patterns of Progress” which chronicles the accomplishments of nine years of PLP government and lays out its vision for the future.

The major highlights pledged in the Platform are:

· Future Care - upgraded Hospital Insurance Plan (HIP) to cover major medical expenses for seniors

· Child Care - free day care services for Bermudian families

· Public Transport - free bus and ferry Services

· Education - free Bermuda College for all Bermudians

· Housing - 500 interest free down payments for first time Bermudian home owners

· Environment - Green Paper on energy to reduce Bermuda's reliance of Fossil fuels

There were also announcements on hotels with a pledge to increase the number of beds to 10,000 and tax concessions for businesses employing Bermudians.

* For the full story and a detailed breakdown of the manifesto see The Royal Gazette tomorrow.

*The full Platform will also be on the PLP www.plp.bm website tomorrow.