Column: Robinson On Issues, Solutions & More
[Opinion column written by MP Dwayne Robinson]
There is no doubt that Bermuda has a plethora of issues to tackle… our cost of living, crime, healthcare costs, housing crisis, and pension concerns just to name a few.
There is no doubt our larger problems need to be addressed but, what is needed sustainable plans.
The Progressive Labour Party can count on the One Bermuda Alliance’s support when it comes to improving the lives of Bermudians. As there are also opportunities for Bermuda to improve. However, the Government must get back to basics while addressing these critical issues.
While the issues above affect many, while canvassing there are others which upset my constituents that do not require long-term planning; they’ve mentioned wanting well-maintained and well-lit railways and tribe roads to walk or cycle through.
They want recreational areas such as beaches and Gibbs Hill Lighthouse maintained and invasive Casuarina trees pruned.
My constituents are often citing the poor state of the roads along with the need for mirrors on busy and blind corners, with flashing crosswalk lights for pedestrians.
They desire more support from vector control for rats, they want a crack down on illegal dumping, and the list goes on and on.
These are mundane everyday things that mean a lot to everyday Bermudians.
In an island with so much wealth, how can we not have these basic things under control?
I often submit tickets with the Department of Public Works regarding issues brought to me by my constituents and I am sure many Members of Parliament on both sides of the floor do the same.
Let me take this opportunity to thank the Civil servants within Public Works who do endeavor to answer all these tickets and dispatch resources if they have them and when they can.
However, with a Government constantly touting a surplus and record-breaking economic growth, its failure to ensure these basics are provided to its residents is simply unacceptable.
The Civil Service tends to bear the brunt of the criticism when the issues are usually systemic and in need of reform, or in some cases targeted investment. This places doubt in the hearts and minds of the people that Bermuda is doing as good as the Progressive Labour Party says because they have yet to feel it in their daily lives.
The Government believes this can be achieved through blanket cuts to taxes and duty relief. These are welcomed gestures to address the cost of living for Bermudians, and I am not dismissing them.
But do tax cuts cover the increase in healthcare costs? Do they help someone without transportation get around when their ferry breaks down? Do they help Bermudians unable to find housing? When Bermudians walk through the railways and tribe roads or travel our roads, they do not feel the Government’s projected surplus.
The cabinet must address the smaller problems, if they hope to convince anyone that they can handle the bigger ones.
The OBA is the party that is committed to policy that would make a difference in the lives of Bermudians in the short, medium, and long term. Here are some of the short to medium term policies. The OBA pledged in our platform:
- Repeal the Sugar Tax
- Repeal the Air BnB Occupancy Tax
- Partner with the private sector to lease unused government properties and enable leaseholders of government residences to purchase their properties. To increase housing stock.
- Amend existing landlord and tenant legislation to incentive landlords to return their housing stock to the rental market, while still protecting the tenants.
- Cut payroll tax for businesses that hire young Bermudians under 30.
- Develop conference facilities and a multi-purpose entertainment venue to increase our business tourism, service local businesses while providing a place to cultivate our local creatives.
- Establish an infrastructure fund for regular maintenance of our roads and general infrastructure.
These are policies that the One Bermuda Alliance believe would create quick relief for Bermudians and stimulate the local economy. The Progressive Labour Party has already borrowed a few of our policies, we welcome them to borrow a few more in the spirit of collaboration. A good idea is a good idea regardless of who or where it comes from. Bermudians need to feel the success of Bermuda or it isn’t truly success.
- Dwayne Robinson, One Bermuda Alliance MP for Constituency 30, Southampton East Central
Ban ain’t BnB free up housing. For Bermudians. End the greed.
Are you suggesting that the PLP Government take homes from the rich and give them to poor Bermudians?