Feedback to shape final report that will be tabled in the House of Assembly
The Cost of living Summit was a “significant milestone in the Government’s ongoing efforts to address the cost of living in Bermuda,” said Alexa Lightbourne, Minister of Home Affairs.
The event, held at the Hamilton Princess earlier this week, brought together more than 250 residents and stakeholders to discuss issues impacting affordability, such as food security, housing, utilities, and healthcare.
Feedback from the summit, combined with survey data, will shape a final report that will be tabled in the House and published for public access.
Meantime, Minister Lightbourne said short-term solutions are already being worked on.
“Mr. Speaker, is important to note that the Ministry has already begun advancing relief and has conducted, legislative and policy review of key import-related laws, revision of landlord and tenant legislation, with consultation expected to begin in July of this year. We’ve also conducted successful industry stakeholder engagement to confirm short and near term solutions.
“The Ministry is particularly grateful that industry partners in the retail, wholesale, and utilities sectors
have already committed to doing things to improve affordability. These commitments will be published
on costofliving.gov.bm website in the coming weeks.”
Minister Lightbourne also encouraged residents to complete feedback surveys on public policy proposals before July 4 on the Summit website.
She added: “Mr. Speaker, the true success of the Summit lies not only in the policies it inspired, but in the collective spirit it reignited. Through the Summit, we were reminded that personal responsibility is a seed, but it
must be watered by collaboration and shared resolve. Further, we were reminded that the road to a more
affordable Bermuda is not paved by Government alone but rather walked together, by every household,
business and representative.”
You can read Minister Lightbourne’s remarks in full, below.
