The Progressive Labour Party had been vindicated by its performance during its first term in office, Premier Jennifer Smith told party supporters at its annual conference banquet Saturday.

And she called on the party to move forward confidently into the future.

But Ms Smith warned that with the prospect of a US led war against Iraq, she said that “external shocks” cannot be avoided.

“We can merely be prepared to manage whatever consequences may arise if there is a war against Iraq.

“We have successfully managed the many crises that face us in Government, learning and growing from the opportunities presented with each challenge and we are a stronger Government, a stronger party as a result.”

The Premier also used her keynote address at the banquet - which took place on the fourth anniversary of her party's victory at the polls - to return some fire back at the Opposition United Bermuda Party (UBP).

“We have not strayed from our platforms or our ideals.

“We have stayed true to our cause.

“We have kept faith with our principles and our beliefs and with the Bermudian people,” she said.

“We have exercised the vision and courage of our forebears in doing what is right for Bermuda and not for mere political expediency,” the Premier said.

The party had grown “from strength to strength” in the past four years, she said before reminding the audience that then Finance Minister Grant Gibbons had predicted that businesses will close if the PLP became Government.

“Yet neither he nor his business colleagues have closed up shop.

“On the contrary they have expanded, opened new businesses and generally profited from the prosperity that the Progressive Labour Party Government has generated in this Country.”

She said tourism had “been turned around” by such measures as the Hotel Concessions Act and new cruise ship policies will continue to generate “significant additional tourism revenue” and business for taxi operators, restaurants and other sectors of the hospitality industry.

And Government policies had fuelled the growth of the international business sector, she added.

“Clearly, the UBP predictions of business strife was false prophecy.”

She urged the audience to be on guard against more “false prophecies” as the general elections draw near.

“We must be ready to repel those who will try to divide us,” she said adding that the members should “consider the source” of allegations against PLP leaders, officers and candidates.

“If the source is a United Bermuda Party candidate, chances are it's not true.

“If the source is someone who hasn't had anything good to say about Government in four years, chances are it's not true.

“If the source is anonymous, chances are it's not true,” she said to rising murmurs of approval.

“Beware, now that Bermudian people have put the PLP to the test, now that the fallacies and the forecast of doom and gloom have been definitely nullified, our opponents have to devise new tactics and new strategies.

“Watch as they attempt to reinvent themselves.

“Remember: ‘by their deeds you shall know them'.

“There is nothing new about the other side except new masks on old faces.

“The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party needs no makeover.

“We remain true to our ideals, true to our vision of building a new Bermuda...

“Our election platform contains the party's programme for our first term of office and it is clear that after four years we can give a good report of our stewardship.”

Among the accomplishments of the PLP Government, she said, was an increase of about 2,000 jobs held by Bermudians, regulations of nursing homes, a universal pension scheme and a reduction in the average age of the bus fleet.

“Since the PLP, inflation is down two percent in 2002...

“Since the PLP violent crime is at its lowest and since the PLP there is access to the Internet and to computers at the Bermuda Library for all members of the public and the library has extended hours.

“Since the introduction of the PLP Government garbage collection has doubled.

“It is clearer than ever that Bermuda's best opportunity of successfully meeting the challenges of this century depends on the leadership provided by the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party Government.”

She called on the party members to “renew our commitment to our ideals, our vision and our mission” which included better jobs for Bermudians, equal opportunity, investor friendly policies, accountability and transparency in government and protection of the vulnerable.

“Let us pledge tonight to light a candle rather than curse the darkness.

“Bound by everything to which we have recommitted tonight, let us so manage and build Bermuda that it will stand as a beacon of good governance for all the world to follow.

“To do this, and to accomplish what Bermuda expects of us we must win the coming elections.”

Ms Smith concluded : “Our date with destiny is not yet over, not by a long shot.

“When we return to the polls in the next general election, we must go prepared to ensure that there will once again be dancing on Court Street.

“With your help, your support and your goodwill we will make this millennium the most glorious time in the history of this Country with a Government of the people, by the people, working for the people.”