November 5th, 2009

Introductory Speech

PRESS CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 5th 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen

I stand before you today, thrilled and honoured to announce the formation of Bermuda's newest political entity.

Beside me now are just some of the dynamic men and women from across our Country that share a common vision - a vision where a Government exists that stands for equality of opportunity, social and economic justice, fiscal responsibility, security and safety, environmental sustainability, transparency, honesty and fairness in government for the benefit of all of Bermuda's people.

We stand for a Better Way. A way that will reject the use of race or class as a means to political success. A way that will reject all forms of corruption in political and public life. A way that will be the leader in responsible and open government. A way that will make Bermuda relevant for all Bermudians.

We will be guided in all of our activities by the principle of non-discrimination and equal rights for all, and by the over ruling principle that all people are equal before the law.

We are the BERMUDA DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE – BDA.

In short we believe in a Better Way of doing politics in Bermuda. In the coming months the Alliance will put forward proposals to rescue Bermuda, which will be guided by our core values and principles of leadership. The proposals will be for the benefit of the many, rather than the few. They will be in the best interests of all of Bermuda.

In the months ahead we shall be reaching out to the wider community by way of town hall meetings and constituency gatherings to include as many fellow Bermudians as possible to make change in Bermuda.

In the New Year we shall have the Alliance's first conference, where we shall ratify the Alliance constitution and democratically elect an Alliance leader. The process shall be open and transparent.

Please visit the Alliance's website, www.thealliance.bm, which contains our core values, draft leadership principles, on-line membership application and on-line donation capability. We also welcome emails through the site.

The Alliance's first Members of Parliament, Mark Pettingill, Donte Hunt and myself have a serious responsibility in terms of representing the Alliance in the House of Assembly – however the Alliance members beside me are confident that we are up to the task of representing Bermuda and helping forge a Better Way. We look forward to sending more Alliance members to the legislature and welcoming more fellow islanders into the Alliance in the coming months