“We Are Exploring All Possible Contingencies”
“We are exploring all possible contingencies to maintain the continuity of our supply chain to shield Bermudians from further increases in prices,” Premier David Burt said as he outlined the actions being taken in light of the proposed U.S legislation that would result in significantly higher port fees for vessels built in China, including the MV Oleander.
A Government spokesperson said, “In a statement this evening, the Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, outlined the actions being taken to safeguard the island’s supply chain in light of proposed changes under the US SHIPs Act.
“If implemented without exemptions, the legislation would result in significantly higher port fees for vessels built in China, including the MV Oleander, Bermuda’s primary cargo ship, which could drive up the cost of food, fuel, vehicles, and other essential goods.
“Additionally, Premier Burt, the Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks and the Minister of Home Affairs Alexa Lightbourne, met today with Bermuda’s major shippers and importers.
“The purpose of the meeting, he explained, was to hear directly from industry stakeholders, understand their current challenges, and ensure that the Government’s approach reflects a shared commitment to practical and sustainable solutions.
Premier, Ministers and Bermuda’s shipping and importer stakeholders during a meeting at the Cabinet Office today
The Premier said, “As an island, Bermuda’s connection to the rest of the world relies heavily on shipping. Almost everything that we use, from food, household goods, vehicles and fuel, arrives by sea. Against this backdrop, the proposed changes under the US SHIPs Act have become a matter of serious concern for all of us.
“If implemented without exemptions or consideration for the unique circumstances of small islands like ours, these measures would impose significantly higher port fees on ships that supply Bermuda, including the MV Oleander, which is a major link to our supply chain.
“This would result in higher prices for food, fuel, vehicles, and other essential goods. Today, I want to assure the people of Bermuda that your Government is acting with urgency and determination to meet this possible threat.
“In recent weeks, I have held direct discussions with the US State Department, where I outlined not only the economic impact such action would have on Bermuda but also the consequences for US citizens living here and American businesses that supply our island.
“We have also engaged with CARICOM leaders who are working to reduce food costs through regional self-sufficiency and expanded food and energy production. We also met with Canadian officials to discuss the viability of re-establishing our shipping relationship with them as an option.
“We are exploring all possible contingencies to maintain the continuity of our supply chain to shield Bermudians from further increases in prices. We are taking these actions, guided by the wisdom that while we hope for the best, we must prepare for the worst and be ready to act in the best interest of our island home.
“We know that many Bermudian families are already feeling the strain at the grocery store, gas station, and in their monthly bills. That is why this Government has consistently acted to provide relief in the face of global pressures. Five years ago, when global events threatened the livelihood of Bermudians, we took action, and have no fear, your Government will do so again.
“This Government will continue to engage directly with our international partners and explore every available option to ensure that Bermuda and Bermudians are protected from the impact of these potential changes. We remain committed to doing what is necessary to preserve stability, address the cost of living, and continue delivering a fairer Bermuda for all of us.”
The blind leading the clueless. I counted 24 people in the photo – for a meeting. Is there not an Association(s) where, say, four people could represent the shippers and importers? Who is the person sitting on the right side of the table, texting on their cell phone? Cell phones OFF during meetings!
“Five years ago, when global events threatened the livelihood of Bermudians, we took action, and have no fear, your Government will do so again.” According to two recent ICO Decisions, 08/2025 and 09/2025, that whale don’t swim!
““We are exploring all possible contingencies to maintain the continuity of our supply chain to shield Bermudians from further increases in prices,” Premier David Burt said”
Thankfully, we are starting from a position where retail price inflation as reported by our Government is lower than reported retail price inflation in the U.S., the U.K., or Canada
Obviously, someone in government does not know how to use formulas correctly in an Excel spreadsheet. Or perhaps “assumptions” or the data are not accurate. Why don’t you see if someone in Statistics will send it to you for review? I would contact:
Jahni M. A. Smith, PhD
Senior Manager and Economic Statistician
Government of Bermuda | Department of Statistics
He sends out the quarterly statistics spreadsheet.
“All possible contingencies” is a lie… You are exploring some contingencies. Politicians are not your friends.
Are you suggesting that Premier and Finance Minister David Burt has lied to the electorate?
Based on past performace to date in both roles, I often wonder if Mr. Big’s Accounting grades were anything like his IT grades.
“Today, I want to assure the people of Bermuda that your Government is acting with urgency and determination to meet this possible threat.”
HIGHLY DOUBT IT.
The only time in recent memory the government has acted with any ounce of urgency and determination was to give themselves a pay raise. Talk about priorities!
Certainly look like they are dragging this one out.
I guess that we all know by no why Bermuda is in a sad state of affairs .
All this just did not happen over night.
Bermuda just did no catch a cold it caught Pneumonia .
We audit our Books here every month not looking good certain time o the year go over .
Ice cream just went up in price one last month a one this month.
Bread is now priced at over @$10.oo a loaf
99% of every thing in the supermarket including grapes a corn
I had a woman call me up am i one is a hundred ,to borrow money to pay for another trip to vagus .
Contingencies.
I am and as are many are caught up in the web of cyber space san i do not like it . we never though that we could get caught up to the state of affairs with Bermudiana Beach.
Time has come to ask, how much ?
In laymans terms what is the damage ,?
The last I heard was over 100 mill or is that yet another contingency ?
Consrtruction Contract Law is a big part of the legal profession and not one sider that is livin in a fpp;s paradise .
Sucessfull Projects are refered to fair price for fair value .
A project can go off the rails whe owner make changes which are generall are more costly if that involves some demoloition .
Generally word of mouth commonly practiced here not a good idea whait till you see the bill .
That in future has got to stop.
” Afordable housing” is stupid Phrase get real .
Many big projects are usualy have a higher prcentage pre sold before they break ground as a degree of protection for the vender.
units were sold off the plans or after completion of construction of the first exibition unit.
The trick is to use other people money to float the ship, this time the tax payer pays the price for another man house.
At the B.H C . the mortgage was execured before the construction started every body knew exactly where they were in the game .
let me tell you there is no mystery in construction these days it is generally cut an dried it s not a exactly a can of worms.
Never the less ,you have know what you are doing and how you are going to do it. No body can play the game a chedd in a rook with no light.
“The trick is to use other people money to float the ship”
And that is what the PLP Government did with White Elephant/Grand Atlantic/Bermudiana Beach. It used your money and mine to spend more than $100 million on a development that is worth less than half that amount.