Jason Hayward’s claim of non-collaboration doesn’t reflect our track record, Chamber says
Minister Jason Hayward stated yesterday that the Chamber of Commerce has failed to collaborate with Government… the Chamber says his comments are regrettable, and it does not reflect the business group’s track record.
The Labour and Economy Minister said the Chamber has not worked with the PLP Government on any economic initiatives since they retook power in 2017, even calling their feedback on the Economic Development Strategy, quote “shallow and anaemic”.
A Chamber spokesperson responded by listing their contributions, including commissioning the Queen’s/Cornell study on economic opportunities for Bermuda, participating in pre- and post-budget communications, providing formal submissions on economic strategy, and holding quarterly meetings with the Ministry of Finance.
A Chamber spokesperson said, “while this collaboration may not always be public or headline-grabbing, it has been consistent, deliberate, and focused on tangible improvements.”
“Today’s Chamber represents close to 700 member businesses across every major sector of Bermuda’s economy. These include taxi operators, restaurants and food services… construction companies, retailers… insurers, and international businesses…”
“We believe that public disputes… are counterproductive to the kind of problem-solving our member businesses urgently need.”
“We reaffirm our commitment to constructive dialogue and inclusive economic progress. As always, our door remains open.”
It has been noted to us that the Economic Development Advisory Board, which produced Government’s Economic Development Strategy, did not include any representatives of the Chamber of Commerce – only staff from Government or Quangos.
Full Chamber of Commerce statement below:
Clarifying the Record: The Chamber’s Response to Minister Jason Hayward’s Interview on
BBC – June 23, 2025
The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce offers the following as its final public remarks on this matter. We believe that public disputes do little to foster community confidence, do not encourage meaningful collaboration, and are counterproductive to the kind of problem-solving our member businesses urgently need.
Today’s Chamber represents close to 700 member businesses across every major sector of Bermuda’s economy. These include taxi operators, restaurants and food services, hotel operators, personal care and beauty services, construction companies, retailers, small businesses, Harbour Nights vendors, insurers, and international businesses.
Our members actively engage in government working groups, providing feedback on a range of policy matters
to ensure the voice of Bermuda’s industry is heard. Support for the Chamber is both strong and growing.
It is therefore regrettable that the Minister of Economy and Labour has suggested that the Chamber has not been engaged on economic matters or has failed to collaborate. This assertion does not reflect our track record, nor the many engagements we have had across multiple ministries.
The Chamber has consistently worked with the Government on a wide range of economic issues, including:
- Commissioning the Queen’s/Cornell study on economic opportunities for Bermuda
- Contributing to work permit reform and immigration policy
- Providing input on the progressive payroll tax scheme
- Maintaining ongoing dialogue with the Department of Workforce Development and
Ministry of Labour on hospitality and nightlife strategies- Leading the “Bermuda Breeze” initiative through our East End division, in collaboration
with the Ministries of Transport and Tourism- Leading the Harbour Nights initiative each year with the support of the Bermuda
Government, City of Hamilton, and the Bermuda Tourism Authority- Participating in pre-budget briefings, post-budget responses, and formal submissions
on economic strategy- Holding regular quarterly meetings with the Ministry of Finance and relevant ministers
(recently reinitiated)While this collaboration may not always be public or headline-grabbing, it has been consistent, deliberate, and focused on tangible improvements.
We remain committed to strengthening this engagement. Just last week, we proposed several practical enhancements, including structured roundtables, designated government liaisons, and improved data sharing. These are not symbolic gestures-they are actionable steps toward better collaboration.
The Chamber is focused on solutions, not sides. We reaffirm our commitment to constructive dialogue and inclusive economic progress. As always, our door remains open.
