Two new Opposition senators called for economic and social reforms during their maiden speeches in the Upper House yesterday.

Dion Smith and Tarik Smith were candidates for the One Bermuda Alliance in Warwick constituencies during the February General Election and were appointed to the Senate by Opposition Leader Robert King in September.

Dion Smith, OBA senate spokesman for Housing, Municipalities, Digital Innovation, Public Works, Home Affairs, the Cabinet Office and the Environment, voiced frustration with the state of Bermuda’s economy and education during the motion to adjourn.

He said: “A handful of entities control vast segments of market from shipping to milk distribution, road paving to tourism, from grocery stores to importation of basic goods.

“We talk of fairness yet we continue to accept an imbalance that stifles opportunity and locks too many Bermudians out of true ownership.”

He added: “We have made it increasingly difficult for educators to do their jobs — teachers are unable to discipline effectively, they are held hostage by regulations that remove authority but demand results.

“How can a teacher inspire learning when home provides no reinforcement and when respect for authority has all but vanished?

“We cannot complain about antisocial behaviour, fights and killings when we have failed to raise our children with values.”

He said Bermuda could get back on track if people chose “unity over ego, responsibility over excuses, and action over rhetoric”.

Tarik Smith, OBA senate spokesman for the Economy, Labour, Tourism, Transport, Youth, Social Development, National Security, Seniors, Culture and Sport, believes some Bermudians have become desensitised to bloodshed.

He explained: “I don’t claim to have the magic formula to fix the mess of major crimes, but I have ideas and maybe all of us who have a bit more influence can agree that we who wear red ties or green ties can come together with the wider community so that we can find solutions.”

He acknowledged that politicians may take different paths towards their goals, but all wanted the best for Bermuda.

He added: “I am here to make an impact, no matter the circumstances, impact to help others and show them that all hope is not lost, impact to show our youth and everyday citizens that they, too, are valued.”