Promoting a More Responsive and People-Centered Government

1. Investing in Public Sector Excellence

 

To build the next generation of leaders and change-makers, we must continue our legacy of excellence by attracting and retaining strong, talented Bermudians in our civil service. While we cannot guarantee a role for everyone, we are committed to making a career in government an attractive and viable option where Bermudians can thrive, develop, and lead.

The public service has long been a stable and fulfilling career path for passionate and talented Bermudians. We are dedicated to preserving that stability while modernising and remaining competitive in today’s world.

The PLP is committed to:

  • Launch a Public Service Scholarship Programme that covers full university tuition in exchange for a 5-year commitment to public service or public healthcare. 
  • Modernising the Bermudian Public Service Graduate Scheme with competitive incentives to attract and develop skilled future public-sector leaders on a 5-year track.
  • Addressing public sector salary disparities and investing in leadership development to attract, retain, and empower top talent for effective public service delivery.

2. Maintaining and Improving Trust, Accountability, and User-experience in Government

Trust in government is built on transparency and accountability. We understand the frustration of Bermudians who feel disconnected from "politics as usual" and weighed down by red tape and bureaucracy. Our Government is committed to changing that by operating with greater openness and responsiveness.

We will modernise government to be more transparent, accountable, and responsive. Our focus is on creating opportunities for all, not just a select few. By prioritising transparency and delivering on our promises, we will enhance the public's experience with government, making interactions more accessible and efficient.

The PLP is committed to:

  • Establishing a Public Integrity Office to strengthen accountability, promote transparency, and uphold ethical standards across all public bodies, including the Bermuda Police Service, through independent oversight.
  • Engaging in a public consultation of additional options for electoral reform, including a reduction in parliamentary seats and campaign financing rules & transparency.
  • Expanding the digitisation of government services, providing greater access to online services, including increasing options for online payments to improve convenience and efficiency for the public.
  • As part of the digital transformation of government services, increasing the amount of government information that is open and accessible online to reduce the burden of PATI requests on public officers. This applies to government boards, quangos, and government financial information. 
  • Revising census and data collection processes to include Bermudians who relocated overseas before 2024, allowing data collection to account for those who have emigrated. 
  • Simplify the Project Management and Procurement Code of Practice to create a faster, fairer process for awarding government contracts to accelerate the upgrading of Bermuda’s public infrastructure.

3. Legal Reform

We are committed to providing Bermudians with access to a justice system that is impartial, accessible, and guided by laws that are fair and modern.

The PLP has made legal reform a cornerstone of our governance and will continue this work through the newly established Ministry of Justice. Our focus remains on ensuring that Bermuda’s laws are both relevant and equitable.

Moving forward, we will continue to enact forward-thinking legislation that addresses current needs while supporting long-term goals. Our aim is to avoid reactive measures and instead develop sound, lasting laws that will serve Bermuda well, now and into the future.

The PLP is committed to:

  • Conducting a comprehensive review of Bermuda’s Legal Aid system to ensure modernisation, transparency, and equitable access to justice for all.
  • Reviewing and amending consent legislation to equalise the age of consent regardless of sex or gender.
  • Enacting legislation to provide a clear framework for compensating individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned.
  • Reviewing and updating cannabis-related guidance, regulations, and oversight to strike a balance between the limits of the UK framework and safe, responsible adult cannabis use.
  • Removing financial barriers associated with obtaining a domestic violence protection order and establishing a domestic violence court programme.
  • Reforming the civil justice system to improve the public’s access to justice within the Magistrates’ and Supreme Courts. 
  • Continuing to advance the work of the Office of the Public Guardian to support individuals without the capacity to advocate for themselves, helping them access the care and advocacy they need.
  • Reviving the Legal Reform Commission to drive the necessary changes to the civil and criminal justice systems.
  • Increasing resources for probation services, mental health treatment for offenders, and independent living support to aid reintegration. 
  • Reviewing the framework of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board to ensure it effectively fulfils its purpose of supporting victims of crime.
  • Reviewing and updating of the Young Offenders Act 1950 to modernise the treatment of young people impacted by the criminal justice system, in addition to increasing the age of criminal culpability. 

4. Crime Prevention and Restorative Justice

Deterring antisocial behaviour requires proactive measures, not just reactionary responses. A justice system focused solely on punishment fails to address the root causes of crime or support long-term solutions.

Many factors contribute to an individual's decision to offend, which is why a focus on preventative and restorative justice is essential. This approach promotes healing for victims while creating pathways for offenders to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into the community. 

Restorative justice emphasises accountability, rehabilitation, and personal growth, encouraging offenders to understand the full impact of their actions and take responsibility. Through sound policies and strategies to address the root causes of crime and reduce recidivism, the PLP aims to create safer communities and foster long-term community well-being.

The PLP is committed to:

  • Implementing the National Violence Reduction Strategy to advance ongoing action to break the cycle of violence and create a safer environment for all of our residents and guests.
  • Pursuing opportunities to partner with third-sector charities to facilitate the operation of children’s homes and residential facilities, along with life skills programs, assessments, and substance abuse treatment.
  • Strengthening foster care by providing enhanced support to foster families, ensuring adequate coverage and quality care for children in need.
  • Implementing mandatory trauma-informed training across all sectors of Bermuda’s justice system and introducing trauma-informed care programs to help offenders address unresolved trauma that contributes to criminal behaviour.
  • Promoting restorative justice and community healing to foster accountability and healing with those impacted by the criminal justice system. 

5. Improving Transportation and Infrastructure

We are committed to upgrading Bermuda’s transportation and infrastructure systems. We understand that Bermudians want more accessible, consistent, and user-friendly transportation options, and we are committed to modernising our current transportation system. 

Regarding infrastructure, the PLP acknowledges and understands the frustrations people have experienced with Bermuda’s roads and is moving forward with plans to upgrade this vital aspect of our infrastructure. 

Our party views infrastructure and public transportation as key priorities. We will continue to work to make these areas not only functional, but also a point of pride for all of us.

The PLP is committed to:

  • Fast-tracking the improvement of the state and condition of Bermuda’s roads, following the acquisition of a new asphalt plant and paving equipment. 
  • Creating a 21st-century public transportation plan by expanding buses, ferries, and accessible vehicles, increasing scheduling frequency, and adding more access points in under-served areas to make public transport a reliable first-choice option for all residents.
  • Replacing the Tynes Bay Waste to Energy Facility to increase energy production and support sustainable resource management.
  • Introducing speed cameras within the new CCTV system to deter excessive speeding, reduce accidents, and save lives on Bermuda's roads.
  • Amending import duty regulations to extend the zero-duty policy currently applied to electric vehicles to hybrid vehicles as well, equalising incentives with electric vehicles, and diversifying affordable green transportation options for Bermudians.
  • Amending import regulations to allow the importation of used hybrid and electric vehicles to promote affordability and support Bermuda’s transition to greener transportation.
  • Implementing a scheme to increase the legal vehicle tint threshold through an annual fee at TCD, providing a balanced solution that promotes safety, regulation, and generates additional government revenue.