PLP accuses Opposition of “political games” by sharing their proposal publicly
Photo: The new MV Oleander arriving in Bermuda in 2019 (file)
The Progressive Labour Party has claimed that the One Bermuda Alliance’s idea for a backup fund to offset increases to shipping and import costs is evidence that they care only about businesses that historically support them.
The PLP also says the OBA know the proper channels to put forward such proposals, rather than using “media hype”.
On Wednesday, Shadow Finance Minister Dr Douglas De Couto and Shadow Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy proposed a Supply Chain Contingency Fund to subsidise shipping companies, in the face of the Trump Administration potentially increasing US port fees and hiking tariffs on imports into the US.
This would be financed by the projected budget surplus and revenue from the Corporate Income Tax.
The OBA’s Michael Fahy said importers and shipping companies are exploring new trade routes, but such solutions would take time and increase costs in the short term. Hence their proposal for a fund to help soften the impact.
However, a PLP spokersperson responded, “it is remarkable that the OBA, who repeatedly criticised the PLP’s plans to use the future revenues from the Corporate Income Tax… is now proposing to use revenues from that same tax to subsidise shipping and import companies.”
“It shows that the OBA’s earlier objections were purely political and, true to form, that they seemingly only care about costs that affect the businesses that have always supported their party.”
Michael Fahy has denied that their fund is an attempt to ‘bail out’ shippers and importers, saying “when you speak to shippers, we know that the freight costs are very high already…”
“That actually gets passed on to the consumer.”
‘Political theatrics’
Mr Fahy had also questioned why the OBA were not included in a recent meeting with stakeholders, despite what he called “the Premier’s stated desire for collaboration rather than criticism.”
A PLP spokesperson said, “the OBA knows the appropriate and established channels to share genuine ideas or proposals.”
“Choosing instead to bypass these channels, in favour of media hype, signals that they are more focused on political theatrics that tackling the cost of living.”
Speaking to Bermuda Broadcasting, Michael Fahy affirmed his opinion that the OBA should have been included in the meeting as this is a matter of national importance, and a large number of people in Bermuda did vote for the OBA.
“If you’re going to have collaborative ‘desires’,” Mr Fahy said, “then it would make sense to invite all stakeholders to the table to at least hear what everyone has to say.”
“We’re putting forward a proposal that we think can work. Period.”
Meanwhile, the PLP spokesperson added that they are engaged in ongoing dialogue with the U.S. Government, they are coordinating with CARICOM to strengthen regional food production, and are in discussions with Canadian officials to explore contingencies that will ensure consistent and affordable access to essential goods.
The spokesperson said “The PLP understands the concern many Bermudians are feeling as global developments, especially the recent proposal to increase US shipping fees, present new challenges…”
“Bermudians can rest assured that we remain engaged in a proactive manner to protect the well-being of every person and business in our island community.”
“The PLP has demonstrated our ability to govern in times of crisis and are focused on the task at hand; protecting Bermudian interests, and not the political games of the Opposition.”
