Michael Fahy: ‘I take great offence to suggestions that the OBA is a party to protect the interest of the “white oligarchy”’.

Statement by Michael Fahy, Shadow Housing & Municipalities and Home Affair Minister:

As the summer gets to its hottest point many will be thinking more about the beach, swimming and enjoying what Bermuda has to offer rather than bills.
However, we cannot forget that there are many Bermudians suffering with electric bills they can barely pay, housing that is inadequate and overpriced and food costs that remain stubbornly high. There are Bermudians right now making choices on whether to turn on a window unit air conditioning system, which is inefficient and costly and will bring a much larger electricity bill and buying fresh fruit and vegetables and decent food to try and live a healthy lifestyle.
When the mercury hits 90 degrees and the humidity in an overcrowded studio apartment is hitting 90% the choice will be desperate.
So, what can be done? I am not going to tell you that the path to solving all the systemic issues Bermuda has will be easy. What I will say is that boldness is required.
The Shadow Minister of Finance Doug De Couto has identified how regressive payroll tax is and how it disproportionately affects the lowest earners, despite Government tinkering with rates. The Shadow Minister of Health, Robin Tucker has called for the sugar tax to be repealed (or at least subsidize healthy fruits and vegetable prices with the sugar tax).
The Shadow Minister of Education Ben Smith has demonstrated how the education system is falling desperately short in preparing out Bermudian children for the future.
The Shadow Minister of National Security Robert King has called for increase in police funding and redeployment of police officers to help end the cycle of gun violence. The list goes on. All is not well. 
Meanwhile, the Government’s response is to hold a few summits, send out questionnaires and brag about a record of systematic failure and complain when the OBA as the Official Opposition dares call out the failures.
Since returning to Parliament in February with increased numbers, the OBA has demonstrated admirably its commitment to making Bermuda fairer and prepare for the future, from better tiered pricing on BELCO bills to building our workforce to bring more economic growth to benefit all Bermudians. 
We have called for more transparency on CARICOM, relaxing house and apartment building regulations to encourage more affordable housing and sought to ensure the vote is given to Bermudians overseas.
We have brought to the attention of the public the clear and present danger to Bermudians of a shrinking population and discussed ways to better the declining situation.
In other words, we are becoming an effective and powerful Opposition that is preparing to be Government. 
Our MPs, Senators and our candidates are committed to making Bermuda benefit all Bermudians, not a select few. Frankly I take great offence to suggestions that the OBA is a party to protect the interest of the “white oligarchy” and I take even more offence to spurious allegations that the OBA does not care about the ongoing economic disparities between black and white Bermudians. The word for that is “bull****”.  
The OBA has given support to certain Government initiatives that make sense but we will be relentless in our opposition to legislation that fails to do what the Government says it should and be vocal about the solutions, even if they are seen as unpopular.
It is easy to cast stones from the sidelines. Instead get involved and help make Bermuda a better place for all Bermudians. Look at the team we have and what we believe in.  The road to change is rocky and difficult to navigate but it is possible despite the naysayers. 
Being in the public eye is not easy in Bermuda. For anyone. What we need is sensible and honest dialogue and debate.
We need to better our collective game across the “divide” and really think about what is right for Bermuda and our long term survival in an ever changing world.
Racial divisiveness and utilizing such for political gain is not going to ensure success long term for Bermuda and her people.
Let us make Bermuda the place that punches way above its weight. Let’s be bold. Let us not be defined by the mistakes of others, but instead be open and honest and make the tough decisions. Let’s stop accepting mediocrity and strive to be the absolute best.  
I believe the OBA can do this and hope you will lend support to help us move Bermuda forward.