Name: Paolo Odoli

Age: 19

Occupation: Plans to to go to Bermuda College this year to start general courses. Just spent nine months in Ecuador on Rotary Exchange.

Education: Warwick Academy

Hobbies: Bermuda Sea Cadets, computers, dancing salsa, reading.

@EDITRULE:

Question: Are you going to vote?

Answer: Yes I am because I have the right to vote and to make a difference in my country and I want to exercise that.

Q: Are you a politically aware person?

A: I wouldn't consider myself to have the best political opinion however I do like to follow what is going on as far politics in Bermuda. Generally, I discuss politics with my parents, or older family members such as aunties and uncles.

Q: What is your assessment of nearly five years of Progressive Labour Party Government?

A: From what I hear they have completed most of what they set out to do when they did the elections promises at the last election. I think they need to reach more out to young kids because I know a lot of people my age aren't aware of what the PLP has in store for Bermuda. One thing I've seen is the transportation improve greatly with Dr. Ewart Brown and they're also striving to make advances in the education system and other things like that. I don't know of any failures. The PLP has only been in power for five years and they've been in opposition for thirty-something years and I think that they need more time to make the kind of change that people are expecting of them. People need to realise that it doesn't all come down to one person, that what benefits all will benefit the individual afterwards. They've completed most of what they set out to do.

Q: What is your assessment of the United Bermuda Party?

A: I don't know. It's hard to say but a lot of people that I talk to about politics talk about the UBP's history. All I've seen the UBP doing is complaining about the PLP and what they're not doing. I've seen a lot of headlines, that the PLP says this and they're not doing that. But what I'd like to see is what the UBP is doing. That's what I'd like to hear.

Q: What is first on your wish-list of things that you would like to see the next government implement?

A: I'd like to see them do more educating towards the younger people as to how the government works to be honest. I have an idea but I'm not sure that I can tell you how it works and all the key details and it's the same for most of the young people. I think you need to educate the young people because they are the future of Bermuda.

Q: What is the most crucial issue facing Bermuda right now?

A: One of the issues that I think needs to be addressed is the education system. Also reviving the tourism industry because, while international insurance is important, tourism is what will keep us afloat if the United States passes all these bills that will jeopardise the insurance industry.