OBA Urges ‘Immediate Coordinated Action’
[Updated] The One Bermuda Alliance said they are “calling for immediate coordinated action” to address what it describes as “an impending national emergency caused by recent U.S. policy changes that threaten to dramatically increase the cost of living for all Bermudians.”
“The new US policies regarding port fees on Chinese-built ships and increased tariffs represent a serious threat to Bermuda’s economic security,” says Dr. Douglas DeCouto, Shadow Minister of Finance.
“Since almost all of our food and consumer goods arrive by sea from the United States, these changes will significantly impact every household in Bermuda, with the most vulnerable families bearing the heaviest burden.”
The spokesperson said, “The OBA expresses particular concern for Bermudians already struggling with tight household budgets.”
Dr. DeCouto said that “many families currently make difficult choices between food, housing, medication, and energy costs each month,” adding that “these impending increases will force even more painful decisions for those who can least afford them.”
The spokesperson said, “In response to these challenges, the OBA is proposing the creation of a Supply Chain Contingency Fund that would help offset temporary increases in shipping and import costs while Bermuda’s supply chains adapt to the new international trade environment.”
“We recognise that importers and shipping companies are working diligently to find alternative vessels, explore new trade routes, and identify different sources for Bermuda’s essential goods,” says Michael Fahy, Shadow Home Affairs Minister. “However, these solutions will take time to implement and will inevitably increase costs in the short term.”
The spokesperson said, “The proposed fund would be financed through a combination of the projected budget surplus and revenue from the new Corporate Income Tax. It would provide targeted relief by subsidising increased shipping costs, supporting the development of alternative supply routes, and offsetting higher prices on essential goods.
“Additionally, the OBA is calling for an acceleration and expansion of previously announced duty reductions on essential items to further ease the burden on Bermudian consumers during this transition period.”
“This is not a partisan issue,” said Mr. Fahy. “It requires the collaboration of all stakeholders—government, opposition, and the private sector—to develop effective solutions. We were disappointed to learn that the Government recently held a stakeholder meeting at Cabinet Office without extending an invitation to the Official Opposition, despite the Premier’s stated desire for collaboration rather than criticism.”
The spokesperson said, “The OBA expresses hope that Premier Burt will honour his election promises for a fairer Bermuda by including opposition voices in future discussions about this critical issue.”
“Our Supply Chain Contingency Fund proposal aligns with our core principle of fiscal responsibility for social fairness,” concludes Dr. DeCouto. “While we continue to advocate for responsible allocation of Corporate Income Tax revenue toward national priorities like debt reduction and infrastructure, this emerging crisis certainly qualifies as an urgent national priority.”
The spokesperson said, “The OBA acknowledges that addressing these challenges will require shared sacrifice from all parties in the supply chain, including shippers, importers, retailers, and consumers. However, they maintain that prompt, coordinated action can help prevent widespread financial hardship for Bermudian families.”
The Bermuda government has previously said they are “exploring all possible contingencies to maintain the continuity of our supply chain to shield Bermudians from further increases in prices” including “direct discussions with the US State Department,” engaging with “CARICOM leaders who are working to reduce food costs through regional self-sufficiency and expanded food and energy production” and meeting “with Canadian officials to discuss the viability of re-establishing our shipping relationship with them as an option.”
Update 7.28pm: A PLP spokesperson said, “The PLP understands the concern many Bermudians are feeling as global developments, especially the proposal 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.
“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.
“We are coordinating with CARICOM to strengthen regional food production to provide additional options for Bermuda. We are also in discussions with Canadian officials to explore contingencies that will 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.
“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. 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.
“The PLP Government’s focus is clear, and the work of 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 that tackling the cost of living.
“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.”
It is too bad that Mr. Big and his group are off the island during this crisis.
All this is getting beyond a hyperthetical joke it is almost becoming a fairy tale all this high level stuff how high is high at these fancy monday morning meetings. wher most of atendees have no idea where Bermuda is or even exist in the first place.
There are photo opps people shaking hands, not the usual bump stock bow and scrape, top floor apartments tea for two at the river side bistro all going on while the rest of us Bermudian are wondering where there next meal is coming from
THe very last thing we need ae these high level personel grasuate of sans sec telling us it is ‘raining when it is raining’ and don’t leave you electric car out in it .
Simply what else do you want us to think , as forest fires and volcanoes cause 1.295 % of global warming, it is all talk when it is all talk.
The word for the week is bi ~ lateral. bi means two of every thing .
$9.oo here per ltr is a good deal.
We all know that President Donald J Trump is a very smart man and one of this worlds great and talanted thinkers.
We have all heard the saying ” the inocent will always suffer for the guilty” that puts Bermuda squarely and unfortunately in the USA governments sights.
We do you no halm,
I will boldly say as what have we done to deserve to be catorized with those others who abuse fair trade.
We pay our bills.
Bermuda has always provided our American visitors a very nice home away from home they could stay longer if they wish.
Never the less we always strive to do better. we don’t make cars just friends .
We could do better with or value for money, that is very hard to do when we have to import virtually every thing.
Our people do get a cheep ride.
So ! Mr. Donald please with all your given generosity and kindness please remove Bermuda and our friends from the southern islands from the Tariff list .
We are an island with no raw materials we don’t do cars, just beaches and pink sand and vacation room with a view .
Did you know we have some 18′s of the finest chalenging golf courses on the planet.
what do i know? I am a sailor. Got a funny back, I don’t hit them, so I can’t loose them.