by Anthony Richardson JP, MP, Constituency #7, Hamilton South

Good afternoon, Bermuda! 🇧🇲

The Progressive Labour Party (PLP) is committed to making life more affordable for all Bermudians. Today, I want to share our plans to reduce the cost of essential goods and utilities, ensuring that every family can thrive. 💪

We understand the financial strain that high prices of essential items place on our households. To address this, we will implement increased oversight and controls over the cost of essential food items. 🛒

📈 Key Initiatives:

• 💰 Fair Pricing Control: Implementing measures to ensure that any import duty cuts are passed on to consumers, not just boosting company profits.
• 🛍️ Expanded Essential Goods: Broadening categories to provide more access to necessary goods for Bermudians.
• 🌱 Supporting Food Cooperatives: Encouraging competitive, diverse, and affordable options through community-based initiatives.
• 📊 Digital Grocery Price Tracker: Promoting transparency among major supermarkets.
• 🚜 Reducing Red Tape: Eliminating permit costs for streetside food vendors, farmers markets, and local producers.
• 🍬 Sugar Tax Funds: Diverting funds to support agricultural and fishing sectors, increasing food production and distribution.
• 🌳 Parks Department Reprioritization: Incorporating food production into select underutilized public spaces for food security, community gardens, and hubs.

By strengthening food security, we can reduce reliance on imports and keep prices stable. 🌾