Ben Smith calls for a new direction for Bermuda at OBA Conference

Ladies and gentlemen, friends, members of the One Bermuda Alliance, distinguished guests, and fellow Bermudians, good evening. It is an honour to stand before you at this important moment in our journey. We gather here as a political party, and as a community bound by shared values and a common vision for a bright, positive future for Bermuda. A future built on integrity, diversity, opportunity, transparency, and hope.

Today, is not about defining the future of the One Bermuda Alliance—wethis communityare defining the future of Bermuda.

We are here to forge a path that lifts every Bermudian, that embraces the full richness of our diversity, and that ensures that opportunity is not just a promise, but a reality for all.

For far too long the differences in our community have been used as political weapons instead of being used to strengthen our island. We can no longer allow anyone to divide our community by race or what country you or your family came from. We have built our party reflective of the people of Bermuda. Our island home is not based on one race, one gender, one age, or one economic standard, but together, we can become One Bermuda.

Bermuda’s strength lies in its diversity. Diversity is not a challenge to be managed, but a strength to be celebrated. It is our greatest asset. The One Bermuda Alliance is committed to ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. We believe in a Bermuda where opportunities are accessible to everyone. We must dismantle the barriers that hold us back and build bridges that connect us all. By embracing our diversity, we not only honour our heritage but also prepare ourselves for the future.

As your Government we will make sureintegrity is our foundation. Integrity in leadership, in governance, and in our personal and public lives. Bermuda needs leaders who are honest, who are transparent, and who will put the needs of our people above all else.

We are committed to a government that is accountable to you, the people of Bermuda. Integrity is simple. We will not make empty promises or engage in politics as usual. We will set a higher standard, one that reflects the values we hold dear.

We know that trust is earned, and it is our duty to earn it every single day. With integrity as our guide, we won’t take decisions that are politically expedient. We will make decisions that are right and just for the people of this great island.

Opportunity is at the heart of our vision for Bermuda. Opportunity for every child to receive a worldclass education. Opportunity for every young person to find a job that they love and that provides the ability to thrive in Bermuda. Opportunity for every entrepreneur to start and grow a business. Opportunity for every Bermudian to flourish in a society that rewards hard work and innovation.

But we know that opportunity does not come from government. It comes from you, the people of Bermuda. But government can help. We will create an environment where businesses can grow, where education equips our children for the future, and where hard work is rewarded. We will work tirelessly to create the conditions for success, to remove the obstacles that hold us back, and to ensure that every Bermudian has a fair shot at achieving their dreams.

As your government we will show how we are securing our future with true transparency. Transparency is more than just a buzzword—it is the bedrock of good governance. Bermudians deserve a government that is open, and honest, and that is willing to shine a light on the tough issues.

We will be a government that listens, that engages, and that acts with the best interests of our people at heart. We will champion reforms that make government more accessible and accountable. We will ensure that your tax dollars are spent wisely and that you get the truth about how decisions are made.

No more closed doors. No more backroom deals. No more fighting the Privacy Commissioner to keep information about your government from you. Just a government that works for you, not against you.

We started tonight with a video showing some of the challenges for our community. Many of you are feeling those challenges every day. We can’t say that everything is going well when residents are telling us that Bermuda is no longer viable for them. Mothers are deciding to migrate because they need to protect the lives of their sons or need education opportunities that aren’t available here.

Seniors are sitting in their houses in the darkbecause they are afraid of their next electricity bill. Many can barely afford the price of basic food items while having to choose which medicine is most important to purchase.

We have been speaking with young people who can’t find a good job that makes them happy. They want to move out on their own but can’t afford it. And they want a more vibrant social scene in Bermuda.

Entrepreneurs want to reduce the red tape that makes it difficult to build a business. Sadly, we are being told that there are more reasons for our neighbours to opt out and seek greener pastures off our shores, than to remain.

The OBA will be the change that creates opportunity and provides hope. Hope is the fuel that drives us forward. Hope for a better tomorrow, hope for a brighter future, and hope that together, we can overcome any challenge. We know that Bermuda is facing challenges, but we also know that we have the resilience, the creativity, and the spirit to rise above them.

The One Bermuda Alliance believes in a Bermuda where hope is not just a word, but a reality. Where young people can look forward to a future filled with opportunities. Where families can feel secure in their homes and in their communities. Where we can all come together, regardless of our differences, to build a better Bermuda for ourselves and for future generations

Bermuda, we are at a crossroads. We have a choice to make. We can choose the status quo, or we can choose a new path—a path guided by integrity, fueled by diversity, driven by opportunity, committed to transparency, and inspired by hope. The One Bermuda Alliance is ready to lead. We are ready to serve.

And we are ready to work hand in hand with every Bermudian to create a future that we can all be proud of. This is our moment. This is our time. Let us seize it together. Let us write a new chapter for Bermuda—one that is bold, one that is inclusive, and one that is full of promise.

Together, we all can help to secure Bermuda’s future. With a community that supports each other, builds on what we are good at and is open to new ideas, new people and new opportunities that will make all of us stronger. I believe in my country and her people.

Thank you for being here this evening. Thank you for believing in the future of Bermuda.

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