Grocery stores & BELCO in crosshairs, reducing hospital wait times, and more in the PLP’s legislative plans
Grocery Stores, wholesalers and BELCO were in the fiscal crosshairs of the PLP Government at the opening of the March 2025 Speech from the Throne (Watch in full HERE, or scroll to bottom for the PDF).
The stated aim is to reduce the cost of living…
COST OF LIVING
With the implication that duty relief on certain food items is not sufficiently reducing prices on the shop shelves, Governor Andrew Murdoch relayed that Government intends to “implement fair pricing control and pricing transparency measures”, while expanding the categories of essential goods that have no import duty.
…but it doesn’t stop there. A magnifying glass will hover over business practices in the food sector:
“Government will amend the Cost of Living Commission Act 1974 to expand the investigatory powers of the Cost of Living Commission to examine the books and records of all businesses involved in the supply of food and other essential goods. For far too long business has profited at the expense of everyday Bermudians and the sunshine of public scrutiny cannot just apply to the Government, it must also apply to those on whom Bermudians rely to purchase the goods to sustain themselves.”
Government will look to amend the Electricity Act, and limit the expenses that BELCO can pass on to consumers, and also review the the requirement for a mandatory connection to the monopoly power supplier.
The Regulatory Authority is set to get more power to implement fair pricing on retail electricity tariffs, and to oversee both regulated and and unregulated sectors – to ensure transparent pricing and fair competition.
How effective these cost-of-living measures will be remains to be seen.
EDUCATION, SENIORS…
The Throne Speech reiterated the PLP’s pre-election promise to support the ‘sandwich generation’ that is both raising children and caring for aging parents, and the construction of at least one new senior daycare facility.
“This will reduce the expenses of these families as they seek care for their loved ones during the workweek… Additionally, the government will make parental leave available to a legal guardian or adoptive parent, and amendments to the existing regime of paternity and maternity leave will be made to provide increased flexibility for parents in the critical early time of a child’s life.”
The development of Signature Schools will continue, plus expanded access to funding to pursue tertiary education, including government-supported partnerships with the private sector. Measures to protect public funds will be implemented in this instance:
“The Government will reintroduce a guaranteed loan programme, with additional legislation that will allow for the immediate garnishment of wages should persons not repay their guaranteed loan.”
HOUSING
The Government promises to leave “no stone unturned” in the effort to increase the housing supply, by partnering with the private sector to offer rent-to-own programmes and completing the amendments to the Landlord and Tenant Act to support mutually positive rental relationships.
“…during this Session, the Government will advance amendments to the Acquisition of Land Act 1970 and the Bermuda Housing Act 1980 to provide for a more efficient, streamlined means by which to address vacant and derelict properties. These units will be returned to the housing stock, providing additional housing for Bermudians.”
TAX REVENUE, DEBT & LIABILITIES
On the expected windfall of monies from the Corporate Income Tax in the next few years, Government promises to reduce the national debt, invest to upgrade infrastructure and public services, and set up a Sovereign Wealth Fund to invest for the future.
The eye-opening projection from November’s Throne Speech – that we could clear National Debt in 10 years – was not repeated.
Government will introduce amendments to eliminate the growing underfunded liability of the Contributory Pension Fund, and restore the annual cost of living increase for public sector retirees, which has been suspended for the last ten years.
LOCAL ECONOMY
The Throne Speech acknowledges that record growth in the international business sector has undergirded the local economy, but Government will also seek to foster growth of local business:
“Government will… Continue the implementation of Bermuda’s Economic Development Strategy… Complete the implementation of cooperative legislation and establish a Registrar for Cooperatives, supported by a dedicated Government department to administer and promote the sector… Develop and implement a National Entrepreneurship Strategy and a Digital Entrepreneurship Strategy that will support an expansion of small and medium-sized business ownership focusing on women, youth, and Bermudian business owners… Advance Bermuda’s position as a digital finance hub… Cut red-tape by streamlining business setup and operation processes…”
B.O.P.P… STOPPED?
Fishermen have won a battle, it seems, as the PLP have followed through on their platform promise to pause the implementation of new marine protected areas until an agreement is reached on, quote: “ better enforcement and fairer data collection rules” end quote.
TOURISM
In tourism, smaller guest houses and health and medical tourism sites could be included for concessions under the Tourism Investment Act.
HEALTHCARE
Long-awaited Universal Healthcare will continue to tarry, but in the meantime Government will expand HIP to include an annual preventative doctor’s visit, and look to expand specialist cover under FutureCare.
Government will seek to reduce pressure on Hospital resources and wait times, with measures to facilitate the timely discharge of patients who no longer need acute care, and support their care in the community.
“To support this transition requires affordable long-term community care, designed to ensure that support is directed to those who need it most… The power to discharge may free up space in the hospital, but if persons have nowhere to go that will only increase stress on families. There are currently 4 care homes that are in various phases of development, and the Government is committed to expanding the interest free loan scheme for home modifications for seniors and the disabled.”
Other Healthcare-related measures to be considered are:
- Enforcing a ban on industrially produced trans fats;
- Restrictions on flavoured vaping products
- Allowing abortions without committee approval
- A legislative review to ensure rights of accessibility and opportunities for individuals with disabilities
LAW, CRIME
Law reform will also be brought forward in this legislative session.
The age of criminal responsibility will be increased from 8 to 14, a statutory regime will be developed for for the compensation of persons wrongfully imprisoned and convicted, and access to Legal Aid will be reviewed.
Implementation of the National Violence Strategy, rolled out at the end of last year, will continue.
CONSTITUTION
Matters involving the Bermuda Regiment and Electoral practice will also be addressed, in collaboration with the UK:
“Government House and the Government have agreed that the 2014 Security and Defence Review must be refreshed, and how to accomplish this critical task will be the subject of discussions on those areas reserved to the Governor and those delegated to the Government of Bermuda”
“Our 1968 Constitution that was intended to be a bridge to independence within five years is approaching its own 60th anniversary. There is bipartisan agreement that reform of the 1968 Order is required. This, taken with the fresh call for voting reform, sets the stage for the commencement of a fulsome consultative process to discuss these matters, including reducing the number of seats in the House of Assembly, belonger status, and absentee voting for residents and students overseas.”
PUBLIC SECTOR
Government acknowledged the difficulty of retaining technical officers in the public sector due to enticing salaries in the private sector. A scholarship programme will therefore provide university support in exchange for a 5-year commitment to public service or public healthcare.
The digitisation of Government services will also continue.
Previous Throne Speech promises will roll over into this session, including amendments to Clean Air regulations, Cybercrime legislation, plus access to banking and over-the-limit fee regulations.
In closing his first Speech from the Throne in Bermuda, Governor Andrew Murdoch added a few words of his own…
“The importance of fairness, good governance and accountability are at the heart of the Constitution. I therefore welcome the Government’s commitment to serve every Bermudian with fairness and accountability… Madame President and Members of the Senate, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly, I declare this Session open and may God guide you in your deliberations.”
FULL THRONE SPEECH:
