David Burt, the Premier, issued a rallying cry to “the PLP family” at the party’s Annual General Conference last week.

He lavished praise on recently deceased giants of the party, trumpeted his government’s catalogue of achievements and whetted the appetite of delegates with a list of promises to come.

Pointing out that the Progressive Labour Party was celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, Mr Burt summarised the beginnings of the party and its early heroes.

He went on: “Family, we have lost some of these champions this year, but we must never forget their devotion to this party and this island.”

Tributes were then paid to Arthur Hodgson, Stanley Morton, Ottiwell Simmons and Walter Roberts — stalwarts of the first PLP government which was swept to office in 1998, and who have died during the year.

Mr Burt told MPs and party delegates at the St Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church’s Centennial Hall: “These leaders, along with countless unsung heroes of our party, were fearless in their pursuit of what was right — advocating for social justice, striving for equality and envisaging a Bermuda where fairness was an integral part of every policy and initiative.”

Mr Burt then turned to the party’s more recent history, citing initiatives such as a minimum wage, affordable housing, education reform, pension increases, tax cuts and Financial Assistance reform, as proof of a government that listened, understood, cared and showed compassion.

Mr Burt said: “These accomplishments did not just happen by accident. They were delivered through consistent effort, hard work and dedication to the promises we made and the values and principles of this party.

“They were delivered thanks to your support and encouragement. Always hold our feet to the fire and ensuring that the PLP government's policies reflect what Bermuda needs.”

Mr Burt said that his government’s achievements were even more noteworthy given the tough climate in which they were achieved.

He said: “We managed a once-in-a-century pandemic and have grappled with the impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine that led to 40-year high global inflation.

“Yet, despite this difficult hand that we were dealt, this PLP government has continued to deliver for the people of our island.”

Acknowledging that the party had come under criticism in recent months for issues such as education reform and a stuttering economy, Mr Burt said: “But family, let's be clear, there is still much work to be done.

“While we have accomplished much that we can be proud of, we know that we are not perfect, and we recognise that many people in this country are still facing incredible challenges due to the cost of living, lack of affordable housing and the cost of food.

“In that environment, I understand why people may feel discouraged — and question whether the PLP hears the concerns of those barely making it.

“This Progressive Labour Party government hears you. Our election platforms are built on listening to the concerns and needs of our people and addressing those concerns to build a fairer Bermuda.

“And, when they tell you we don’t consult, they are incorrect. When they tell you we don’t adjust, they are just not being factual.

“This PLP government has a history of adjusting after consultation where adjustment is warranted.

“Time after time, whether healthcare reform, tax reform or education reform, we have adjusted proposals based on consultation — and we will continue doing that.

“However, we will balance listening and engaging in consultation with making with what is sometimes required, making difficult decisions needed to ensure a prosperous future for our island and recognising that not everyone will agree with every decision we make.”

Mr Burt took shots at the opposition One Bermuda Alliance and its track record.

He said: “The truth is, because we are so focused on our agenda of fairness, that is why the OBA and the combined opposition have such an issue with us and this great party I am proud to lead.

“They did not like what our founders stood for in 1963, and they do not like what we continue to stand for today and who we fight for … the hardworking Bermudians who demand and deserve fairness.”

Mr Burt concluded: “Now, to my PLP family, our mission is clear — to ensure that this island enjoys economic prosperity, social stability, affordable healthcare and quality public education for Bermudians today, for their children tomorrow, and for their children’s children in the years to come.”