Lt. Col. David Burch concedes House statement was premature, but reiterates his concern about grocery prices
The notion of transforming the shuttered Heron Bay School into a government-backed co-operative grocery store remains unclear, after a premature announcement stirred debate and confusion.
Social media users reacted strongly when it was inadvertently suggested that the school — closed under education reform — would be repurposed as a co-op grocery store next year. Seeking clarity, Bermuda Broadcasting spoke with Lt. Col. David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, who admitted the concept is “in line for consideration” but far from finalized.
Minister Burch, who is tasked with repurposing government assets closed as part of education reform, recently outlined upcoming plans for several schools during the House of Assembly:
- Gilbert Institute will be converted into a seniors care facility;
- Clearwater Middle School will be temporarily repurposed while awaiting its long-term transformation into a senior school;
- Heron Bay School will serve a dual purpose, with the upper level dedicated to co-operative enterprises and the lower level and field leased for a cricket programme.
“Heron Bay is a two-storey building,” Minister Burch explained: “The upper part of the school, as I indicated in the House before, is headed to be a community space for various things similar to TN Tatem. That may include a grocery store. That’s not under our remit, but it’s in line for consideration,” Minister Burch explained.
The notion of a government-backed co-operative grocery store at Heron Bay School was aired in the House and cited as a way to introduce competition and lower food prices. However, Minister Burch later admitted he read the wrong statement during his address.
“They’re my ideas. I’m not responsible for making it happen, but I’m in the room and have had some conversations. The minister who is responsible—who I don’t think we’ve decided yet—will come forward with those plans,” he clarified.
Despite the mix-up, the inadvertent announcement has continued to circulate, prompting further speculation. Responding to the feedback, Minister Burch took responsibility.
“It was broadcast. I know that ZBM were very responsible in my view, in the sense that your station reported on the statement that was published. The House got two statements — I read the wrong one. My mistake. I take full responsibility. It’s in the public domain, so I expect people to comment on it. But it’s a mistake, and at the appropriate time, the appropriate minister will bring forward whatever the plan is.”
Minister Burch, however, expressed personal frustration regarding grocery pricing.
“I think it’s unconscionable that the government in 2022 reduced the duty on staple goods to 0%, and all the data show no reflection of that in grocery store prices. Anyone would be motivated to do something significant about that.”
When pressed on other factors influencing food prices—such as supplier costs and freight — Minister Burch maintained his stance.
“I think that you would have a list of expenses that you have: the cost of the item, shipping, duty, trucking locally. You take one of those out and it has an impact on your pricing. And we’ve seen zero.”
While it remains unclear whether a co-operative grocery store will become a reality, Minister Burch underscored the government’s commitment to addressing the high cost of living.
“Between housing and the cost of living, they’re running neck and neck. Any government with any sense would address these two things. Well, there are three really in this country—the other one is roads. Two of them fall under this ministry. And so, therefore, the focus is on addressing those issues. The challenge is, you can’t snap your fingers and fix it overnight. But consistency in delivering and addressing these problems must give people confidence, as opposed to us doing nothing.”
