The Progressive Labour Party welcomes the Free Democratic Movement’s engagement with the 2025 Throne Speech. Bermuda’s challenges require open dialogue and practical solutions, and we are pleased to see areas where the FDM could support our work to ease the cost of living and build a fairer Bermuda for all of us.

However, while collaboration is important, leadership is essential. The FDM’s response lacks substantive solutions in key areas and proposes policies that either maintain the status quo or would be ineffective.

While the FDM criticizes aspects of the government’s approach, they fail to provide meaningful alternatives in crucial areas that impact Bermudians every day:

No Plan to Reduce Health Care Costs:

Bermuda’s high cost of healthcare is a major concern for Bermudian families. The PLP has taken steps to expand access to HIP and FutureCare, reduce copays, and strengthen public health programs. The FDM, however, makes no mention of healthcare affordability or reform.

No Alternative for Education Reform:

We welcome their support for government pausing education reform, but unfortunately, they offer no serious alternative to improve student outcomes. The PLP is committed to modernizing our education system so every Bermudian child, regardless of background, receives a world-class education.

No Strategy for Workforce Development:

At a time when Bermudians need higher wages, better jobs, and opportunities to compete in the modern economy, the FDM fails to put forward a plan for skills training, apprenticeships, or career development.

No Real Cost-of-Living Relief:

While they reject stronger oversight to prevent price gouging, they offer no plan to ensure that businesses do not exploit consumers during tough economic times.

FDM Proposals: Theory vs. Reality

Some of the FDM’s proposals sound appealing in theory but would fail in practice, or worse, make things harder for Bermudians:

• Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Mismanagement:
  The FDM’s proposal to lock away 80% of CIT revenue for five years ignores Bermuda’s real and immediate needs. Schools, healthcare, and infrastructure require investment now, not half a decade from now. The PLP’s plan balances responsible fiscal management with meeting the priorities of our people, today.

• Deregulation Without Consumer Protections:
  The FDM opposes strengthening oversight of business practices, claiming it would discourage investment. But without protections, large corporations could exploit workers, inflate prices, and undermine small businesses. A fairer Bermuda means ensuring competition and accountability.

• Privatizing Tourism Marketing:
  While we recognize the need for reform within the Bermuda Tourism Authority, abandoning government involvement altogether at this point would risk further instability in one of our most vital industries.

• Eliminating Dividend Taxes:
  This proposal benefits only the wealthiest, not the average Bermudian. A fairer Bermuda requires a tax system that works for all, not giveaways to a select, privileged few.

It should be noted that we have slashed or eliminated taxes on 86% of Bermudians. The further tax cuts the FDM proposes would dramatically slash government tax revenue simply to cut taxes for wealthy large business owners.

The FDM’s response contains areas for collaboration which we welcome wherever possible; we will not, however, support policies that would weaken protections for Bermudians or entrench economic inequality.