The PLP understands the concern many Bermudians are feeling as global developments, especially the recent proposal to increase US shipping fees, present new challenges that will dramatically increase prices for families across our island. 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.

Proactive Engagement with International Partners

The PLP Government is engaged in ongoing dialogue with the United States Government to ensure Bermuda’s position is understood and reflected in any decisions that may increase the cost of essential goods for Bermudians.

• Regional Collaboration: We are coordinating with CARICOM to strengthen regional food production, providing additional options for Bermuda.

• Exploring Contingencies with Canada: Discussions are underway with Canadian officials to ensure consistent and affordable access to essential goods in case the US decides to impose significant fees on supply ships that transport essential goods to Bermuda.

Addressing the OBA’s Misleading Stance

It is remarkable that the OBA, who repeatedly criticised the PLP’s plans to use the future revenues from the Corporate Income Tax to reduce the cost of healthcare for Bermudians, is now proposing to use revenues from that same tax to subsidise shipping and import companies.

This demonstrates that the OBA’s earlier objections were purely political. It also shows that they seemingly only care about costs that affect the businesses that have always supported their party.

Focused on Bermudian Families and Small Businesses

The PLP Government’s focus is clear — protecting the interests of Bermudian families and small businesses will never change.

• 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 than tackling the cost of living.

Steadfast Leadership in Challenging Times

The PLP has demonstrated our ability to govern in times of crisis and remains focused on the task at hand: protecting Bermudian interests, not the political games of the Opposition.