Minister Shares ‘Affordable Bermuda Agenda’
The Minister of Home Affairs Alexa Lightbourne recently delivered a presentation to members of the Sandys Rotary Club, providing an overview of the Ministry’s mandate and highlighting the recently released Affordable Bermuda Agenda.
A Government spokesperson said, “The public will note that the Affordable Bermuda Agenda is a key component of the Government’s strategic approach to tackling the cost of living in Bermuda.
Minister Lightbourne presents to Sandys Rotary members
“Minister Lightbourne’s presentation focused on the Ministry’s high-level priorities and the work underway to improve affordability and promote long-term sustainability across the island. She emphasised that the Government’s mission, reaffirmed in the 2025 Throne Speech, is to build a fairer and more sustainable Bermuda by confronting the most pressing needs of its people.
“The Minister outlined the journey that led to the development of the Affordable Bermuda Agenda, which was informed by extensive public engagement, including the national Cost of Living Surveys and the Cost of Living Summit.
“These inputs provided critical insights into the challenges faced by families, seniors, and businesses, and served as the foundation for the Agenda’s initiatives. Minister Lightbourne also highlighted the ongoing role of the Cost of Living Commission, which will support oversight and drive accountability across key areas such as imports and food security.
“During her discussion with Rotary members, the Minister detailed several of the Agenda’s immediate and long-term priorities, including:
- “A modernised Landlord and Tenant Act, now open for public consultation on the Government’s Citizens Forum, which proposes standardised leases, security deposit reform, and streamlined dispute resolution.
- “Legislative reforms aimed at strengthening food security, encouraging household production, and reducing import costs.
- “Ongoing work to strengthen utility regulation and review Bermuda’s energy transition to ensure fairness and affordability.
- “The launch of a National Consumer Rights Campaign to support transparency and empower Bermudians to make informed choices.”
Speaking after the event, Minister Lightbourne said, “It was a pleasure to speak with the members of Sandys Rotary and share the Affordable Bermuda Agenda reaffirming the value of community collaboration. If we are to make Bermuda more affordable for all, we will continue to listen, stay transparent, and work together toward practical solutions that reflect the realities of everyday life.”
A Government spokesperson added, “To read or download the full Affordable Bermuda Agenda, visit: www.costofliving.gov.bm.”
Lots of fluffy talk. That is all that it is, talk.
Revisions of the Landlord Tenant Act have been kicked around various Government offices for years. They are only just looking for public opinion.
Kinda backwards, but who expects better?
Baffling how many resources and no doubt, lots of money have been poured into this report under the premise of “transparency” and “public consultation”.
Our Government loves giving the impression that they’re doing lots of hard work but this report speaks to the contrary.
1. This report largely echoes issues that have been present for the better part of the last 20 years (of which this government has been in charge for the majority of that time), offering no novel insight. Also begs the question, why has this persisted for so long under their watch if they’re so committed to making living in Bermuda more affordable?
2. A large number of proposed policy amendments are so generalised, non-specific and non-data informed that their efficacy and/or feasibility is undeterminable and therefore, non-actionable. In other words, political buzzwords that have little substance aside from aspiration.
3. The foreword is self-congratulatory to the point of bordering on comedic irony without much positive impact to show for it. It’s unclear why it was needed in a report like this, but then again, our government has a known track record of commending itself for doing the bare minimum if we’re lucky, and more often than not, for doing diddly-squat.
It’s all about appearance, not substance.
I thank Minister Lightbourne s statements as to a Government direction for affordability in Bermuda. It’s a start and recognition that we have problems and what these issues are.
The issues :
1. Bermuda has developed, thanks to we managed Government over 20 years, I re – insurance industry that is an envy in the world of business finance.
This type of industry requires specialized professionals; actuaries, accountants, attorneys. With a population of $60,000 Bermudians there are only so many Thant can achieve that “specialized” standard, even if they do proceed in these professions. This requires an “import” of workers and these workers require housing, food, electric that increases the price points of goods and services.
Positive actions :
A. Government has attempted to address the housing demand by changing the development of the former project from affordable housing, to a Hilton “Bermudiana Resort” to higher end housing that includes access by “specialized professional”.
My opinion after the announcement by Minister Burch (the change of use from Hotel to higher end housing) was questionable. But I do believe this move, by increasing supply may vacate other properties for Bermudians.
2. Tourism : This industry also requires outside professional, sometimes difficult to hire with a population of 60,000. It does effect rents in Bermuda and costs (introduction of short term house rentals etc), but this was necessary given demand and the lack of beds (hotels) to support the industry.
The Government has directed the Southampton Princess project and the Elbow Beach projects, both of these should in time increase demand by local landlords to have inventory for local business. The additional :hotel beds should also provide jobs to a more diverse labor pool of middle class : taxi drivers, restaurants etc
The additional actions Government should consider to support the accomplishments :
1. Trash pick up – twice a week (Keep Bermuda clean) – support Tourism and health
2. Invest in Parks the Rail Tracks (support tourism and life quality) – the Rail Tracks are a hidden gem
3. Reform restrictive housing laws – (Make Bermuda Affordable)
4. The Morgans Point property, look at different options including energy production. (Make Bermuda Affordable)
5. Incentives for Public Service Re Bermuda Regiment (Give Bermudians a path fore success)
Keep up the good work
Respectfully