The Island will listen this morning as the One Bermuda Alliance outlines its plans for the coming Parliamentary year.

The Royal Gazette took to the streets of Hamilton yesterday to ask residents what they wanted to hear from Government, and what they hoped the OBA would be focusing their attentions on in the coming months.

Brian Steinhoff, 30, Smith’s. Underwriter: “I would like an update on how things went with implementing the SAGE Commission — what were they able to accomplish, what wasn’t feasible — that sort of thing. I’d also like to know whether they have been able to control the budget at all.”

Sara Schroter Ross, 32, Paget. Lawyer: “I would like to hear what’s on the table next year for job creation. As a lawyer I am always interested to hear what sort of legislation they are tabling that is very business focused.

“I’m also keen to hear whether a lot of the issues that were raised previously have been resolved. You hear all the stuff in the press that kicks off around PRC and immigration and both parties raising issues then it kind of fades away and you never hear the solutions. I would like to hear about issues that are still open.”

Mark O’Conner, 44 Warwick. Bar/restaurant manager: “I’d want information on the yea, or nay, for gaming concessions for hotels. The information one way or another as a link to tourism to promote a better product with more choices enable us to compete in an international market and combine that with enabling us to provide cheaper accommodation. I also think they need to tighten the purse strings — you can’t pay a debt if you are borrowing from someone else.”

Jah-che Cooper, 20, Devonshire. DJ: “I’d say tourism — we need to promote tourism much better than we do. We need to get our reputation back up there.”

Khari Sharrieff, Southampton. Governance manager: “I want to hear what’s being done for the ones who are struggling. We understand that we need a lot of business in order for Bermuda, as a whole, to go forward but if part of the community goes forward without the other there will be no togetherness.

“They have a tough job ahead and I think collaboration — like what’s happening in the US where the President is having to collaborate with the opposites — could work here. I think it shows a whole load of humility, it’s an opportunity for a fresh slate, rebrand yourself.”

Tenille Riley, 34, Sandys. Medical secretary: “Jobs. I want to see more people able to make ends meet and better education. I hope they can get proper education for kids, and disciplinarian actions implemented more.”

Alicia Wanklyn, 31, Paget. Coordinator: “I think that Government’s main priority should be accountability within the government so that people who have jobs are doing the best job, and everything that needs to be done is getting done in the most efficient way.”