Govt: ‘Proactive Measures Are Being Taken’
[Updated] “Given the news of possible strike action by approximately 45,000 port workers on the east coast of the US, the Ministry of National Security wishes to assure the public that proactive measures are being taken to mitigate any potential impact on Bermuda’s supply chain,” the Government said today.
Minister of National Security Michael Weeks said, “We understand the concerns that this potential strike may cause among our residents. I want to reassure everyone that the government has been actively monitoring the situation and will ensure the continuity of essential imports to the island.”
The Government spokesperson said, “Last week, the Ministry of National Security hosted a Supply Chain meeting, which was attended by several local stakeholders, including shipping companies, wholesalers and retailers. The matter of a potential strike by the east coast unionised port workers was discussed, as well as contingency plans should such a strike occur.
“A second meeting will be held today at 3.00pm, during which a comprehensive contingency plan will be finalised to address any disruptions that may arise.”
Minister Weeks said, “Our initial meeting on 17 September was productive. Bermuda Customs reported that imports have been moving smoothly, and Stevedoring Services confirmed business as usual at our docks.
“Shipping companies such as Bermuda Container Line [BCL] and Bermuda International Shipping Ltd [BISL] are collaborating closely to maintain our supply routes if the strike does materialise.”
The Government spokesperson said, “Should the strike proceed and extend beyond a week, the Oleander, which operates out of Port Elizabeth, NJ [an ILA-controlled port], may be unable to sail.
“However, BISL has pledged to assist BCL wherever possible, as it sails out of Salem, NJ, a port operated by local union labour not involved in the potential strike.
“Additionally, Somers Isle Shipping Ltd [SISL], operating out of Fernandina Beach, FL, is not under ILA jurisdiction and will continue its regular shipping schedule.
“Minister Weeks also advised the public against unnecessary stockpiling of goods.”
Minister Weeks said, “While there may be minor shipping delays as a result of this potential strike action, we do not anticipate significant shortages of essential items.
“We encourage residents to continue their usual purchasing habits to help ensure that supplies remain consistent and accessible to all.
“Be assured that we are exploring multiple avenues to ensure that essential goods continue to reach our shores. The Government urges all residents to remain calm and assures that further updates will be provided as the situation develops.”
Update 9.55pm: The government issued an updated statement which follows in full below
Following another Supply Chain meeting, which was held today at 3 p.m., the Ministry of National Security wishes to update the public on the proactive measures being taken to mitigate any potential impact from the strike action by approximately 45,000 port workers along the coastal United States.
Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks, stated: “Today’s meeting was productive and reaffirmed our preparedness to handle any disruptions that may arise. I want to assure the public that contingency plans are in place to ensure the continuity of essential imports to the Island.”
Local grocery stores confirmed during the meeting that they have six to eight weeks’ supply of non-perishable goods and one to two weeks’ supply of perishable items, indicating that there is plenty of stock currently on the Island.
Minister Weeks emphasised that residents can rest assured that local stores are well-stocked, and critical items will continue to be shipped.
One shipping line confirmed that they would be able to carry products to Bermuda from another port in New Jersey, where the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) action will not impact operations. Overall, shipping will continue to and from New Jersey.
“We have sufficient dry containers and refrigerated containers (reefers) available to transport goods,” Minister Weeks noted. “Pharmaceuticals will not be affected as they are brought in by air freight, which means that medical supplies remain uninterrupted.”
Stevedoring Services Limited, the Island’s dock managers, confirmed that they can handle the volume that will arrive at the Hamilton Docks via one ship.
Minister Weeks added, “When work resumes by the ILA — assuming they do go out on strike on 1 October — Bermuda Container Line will not see any disruption to the resumption of their services at the New Jersey docks.”
The Minister also urged vendors to assist in the smooth operation of the supply chain by returning all containers, especially the “reefers”, to the Hamilton Docks as soon as possible.
He concluded, “We are committed to keeping the supply chain moving efficiently. While there may be minor delays, our comprehensive contingency plan is designed to minimise any potential impact. We also are very appreciative of all the efforts being made by the local shipping lines, wholesalers and other agencies who are working together to ensure that there is minimal disruption to the provision of goods for Bermuda.”
“The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as necessary.”
What does this mean for our rate of price inflation?
I understand that most of our goods are shipped from Port Elizabeth, N.J. and that either the price of goods goes down once they leave Port Elizabeth, N.J. or that our importers are obtaining goods at prices that are lower than what American wholesalers pay.
What does this change of port mean for Bermuda? Will our rate of price inflation now rise to equal or exceed that of the United States? Or will our rate of price inflation continue to be lower than that of the U.S., U.K., and Canada?
Companies have been discussing this and the PLP are trying to take credit. You did nothing PLP
This is why everyone should have their own garden. That and absurdly high food prices.
What do you mean “absurdly high food prices”?
Our rate of price inflation in Bermuda is lower than than of the U.S., U.K., or Canada and that has been the case for several years.
Have you not heard what our Government keeps reporting?
That’s correct. Burt’s word is to be trusted, right?
Is that the same guy who said to take the covid-19 “vaccine” so you would not catch covid-19? I seem to recall that he caught it at least two times that was made public.
How do you when a politician is lying?
BTW. As I said before, we save so much money buying specific goods in the US and bringing those items back to Bermuda that the savings more than pays for two plane tickets plus additional savings. But hey, our rate of price inflation is lower than the US, UK, and Canada, right?
How green do we need to go ?
I would go for bright green if you can !
Have we got round to communal feeding yet ?
Some how Bermuda has an infatuation with manicured lawns just like we see at annually visits to Agg and Fisheries .
By the way we need to also get into chicken farming on the go, and sell the eggs to our cruise ship, because that way we dont have to export eggs , that is not off the table.
Hunger has no friends , Charlie Brown !
Why did we knocked down all those building at Dock yard Ireland island. and boaz island beat me !
How come we don’t. re ~ cycle any more ! ? cause we never did .
I also thought that project should have been done years ago.
Never the less, some how we can’t seem get them to bight by partially diging up a 50 % portion of all 8 of 9 of the golf courses .
No half measures here, we have to get off our high horses .
If the Brits can gat two crop i am sure we can do better as ot grass grows at a foot per week .
No more chopping up cars convert tem into trucks take the seats to the National stadium
Leave some golf courses carts on sight for harvesting.
What is that mountain of stuff ( plant cuttings ) at city dump for ?
Take all remaining golf carts to Port Royal* to keep our Royalty* happy.
Reserve premium land areas support;y with well water gravity fed irrigation to give over to planting land with a variety of speciality foods .
We an seel to our restaurants duty free .
GIve over to certain sheltered area for root foods also other for above ground leafy food. If you can water grass you can water corn.
Weeks is trying to project an illusion that he is actually doing something to mitigate any disruption of supply.
Weeks needs to get out of the way and let the professionals deal with it.
Two of the three ports that supply Bermuda are not involved. One of those ports is relatively close to the one involved. How complicated, I am sure that it is, will it be to divert freight from Port Elizabeth to Salem?
Now, now, now, we don’t need that sort of commonsense!
SHP may have a forgotten about storeroom full of toilet paper, and nicely aged food just for this type of scenario.
Make sure the toilet paper arrives first so the OBA can wipe itself up after the bye-election.
Please do not pretend to be me when spewing your vitriol
More like BYE oba.
OK ! guys just calm down to a dull roar for a minute.
I got up this morning 3 minutes before executive rising time to hear the sparrows singing tintalating melodies at least they are happy .
Not a good idea to let our minds wander too far and get lost into cyber space.
Took my bride to a local restaurant yesterday for lunch got $6.oo of food on special and a squirt of jee jup for only $65.oo + $9.oo compusary tip .
Recommendations .
rice cakes lightly browned
rice patties
rice doe nuts
rice soup
plain rice
buttered rice
Rice on the go
mayo with rice
TV dinner rice
rice A~ LA~LA~ Carte including over ripe Bananas for desert .
Wait till the OBA does some thing spectacular folowing which, the whole island can jump on their back
PLAN FOR THE WORST : HOPE FOR THE BEST.
Frozen foods could be be a risk only time will tell.
Do make sure certain foods are safe before consumption.
The carbon on BURNT TOAST ( not cremated ) is beneficial, having a calming effect.
I know that work every time for seasickness .