Minister Updates On Affordable Bermuda Agenda
“The Ministry of Home Affairs has been working closely with stakeholders, community innovators, and the Cost of Living Commission to further develop the institutional foundation needed to deliver real relief to Bermudians,” Minister of Home Affairs Alexa Lightbourne said in the House of Assembly today [Dec 12].
The Minister’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker,
I rise today to update this Honourable House on the Government’s continued work to reduce pressures on the cost of living by building a culture of collaboration. The Affordability Initiatives under the Affordable Bermuda Agenda address the quote by Albert Einstein: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Affordability is not achieved through one single policy; it requires steady, deliberate action across the systems that influence what people pay every day, whether for food, utilities, telecommunications, or the impact of imported goods.
Mr. Speaker,
Since becoming the Minister responsible for stewarding the Affordable Bermuda Agenda, we collectively have heard clearly from residents and stakeholders that our current systems have not always kept pace with the realities families are facing. We know that Bermuda’s heavy reliance on imports, rising global costs, and concentrated markets have placed a real strain on households. We also know that previous efforts advanced by the Government have been bottlenecked and have not translated into the savings as expected.
Mr. Speaker,
This house would note that the Ministry has advanced efforts related to the cost of living including a cost-of-living summit and public surveys. To strengthen our approach, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been working closely with stakeholders, community innovators, and the Cost of Living Commission to further develop the institutional foundation needed to deliver real relief to Bermudians. Today, I am pleased to report that we are moving from preparation to implementation, with three pilots that demonstrate a modern, people-centred affordability agenda.
These pilots are small by design because the goal is to test, learn, adjust, and build with the community.
Mr. Speaker,
The first pilot under our Affordability Initiatives is the Digital Currency Pilot, which aims to develop a digital currency incubator to test new technologies that can help lower the transaction fees residents and small businesses face every day.
Right now, the typical card transaction can cost between 3 and 4 percent. These fees add up for local vendors and families alike. By testing payment options through BMA-approved systems, and through their success, those same transitions can be processed for a few cents resulting in more savings circulating within our own economy.
Mr. Speaker,
The pilot remains in development, but the early design includes:
- Supporting up to 400 residents through a “learn to earn” digital literacy experience to ensure participants understand both the opportunities and the safeguards;
- Providing a modest $50 Digital Relief Transfer to test real-world use with local vendors; and
- Building the compliance and monitoring structures that ensure this pilot is both innovative and that trust is being built.
This framework allows us to learn directly from residents, vendors, and regulators as we test what a more transparent payment ecosystem could look like for Bermuda.
Mr. Speaker,
Food security underpins affordability. And too often, Bermuda’s dependence on imports exposes families to volatile prices we cannot control.
The Grow. Eat. Save programme, a Ministry of Health initiative, is being expanded to pilot what a national network of parish-based affordability gardens would look like. Our first pilot is underway with Devonshire Recreation Club, transforming underused recreational land into a productive, accessible community garden.
This model aims to give residents:
- Practical skills in growing their own produce;
- Community connection;
- Practical ways to reduce grocery bills;
- And most importantly, a sense of ownership over our shared food system.
This government has always stood for empowering working families. This is empowerment at its most tangible: Soil under your hands, fresh food on your table, and collective resilience, built plot by plot.
Mr. Speaker,
Taken together, these form the early architecture of a modern affordability ecosystem, one that strengthens collaboration by strengthening our people. But more importantly, they send a clear message: Bermuda is not powerless in the face of cost-of-living struggles. We can build systems that put Bermudians first if we build them together.
Mr. Speaker,
These pilot programmes will run in parallel with the Ministry’s work to review and modernise existing legislation that can unlock further relief, including import-related laws and policies. The Cost of Living Commission will also play a key role in strengthening consumer education and awareness, providing the public with information on key industries and practical tips to better equip them to be informed and empowered consumers. Mr. Speaker, This is the ethos of the Affordable Bermuda Agenda, focused on fairness, resilience, and shared responsibility for prosperity.
Mr. Speaker,
Affordability is not a slogan; it is a social contract.
It asks us to rethink how our economy serves its people. It asks us to take innovative responsibility.
It asks us to collaborate across ministries, sectors, and communities. And above all, it asks us to remember that every Bermudian deserves relief, dignity, and the opportunity to see themselves in the co-creation of solutions today and in the future.
The work continues. The foundation is set. And with these pilots, we are demonstrating that Bermuda can lead, innovate, and collaborate on solutions.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker
I very much appreciate the Ministers efforts.
I currently have 2.7 acres that can be used for a. Building affordable housing, perhaps container homes as a first start to home ownership.
B, The property also has rural / agriculture zone that can be converted to framing use.
I have approached the Bermuda Housing Corp (BHC) on this property and am willing to work a quasi – relationship on a project. To date without sucess.
Given a commitment from the land owner to build affordable homes / rentals so Bermudians have a place to rent (under rent control), with a plan / goal for them to save and buy a traditional home.
For example : a road is required – the cost of a road approximates $100,000; isn’t there a way to achieve some synergies from public works ?
As far as construction of Homes, how is this possible with the limited supply of contractors (primarily because of immigration policy and material costs ?
What about no duties to build affordable homes ?
The obstacles involved forces an owner, like my self to just keep the land that is paid in full in “inventory”
I believe the PLP Government is genuine to Make Bermuda Beautiful, Healthy and Affordable Again” but wanted to share above my experience as to why it is not / cannot work as fare as “affordable”.
Respectfully
I wonder if paying duty on materials and later paying land tax, maintenance ,and insurance, and bank interest, represents affordable housing.
People may save a few bucks if they build theii house themselves. The real cost is blood sweat and tears.
I wonder if affordable housing tells that someone is not doing their homework or does not want do their homework or do not know how .
Are rents. proportional higher go tto be the average income which is controlled by education. and ability.
An insurance company never a house how can they know the cost construction costs quality widely varies..
OI wonder how many houses and occupied by people who claim ownership , who , when asked can not produce title deeds .
I wonder if squatting is a naughty word here ?
I wonder how many title deed went in the fire place along with the mortgage deed ?
Can a reconveyance be used to verify property title , if you can find it ?
I wonder how many tenants are paying rent to people who do not own the dwelling.
A dwelling on a lot of land only represents improvement to the land.the land with right of way. is the title.
I wonder haw many lawyers are waiting for their services to be satisfied ?.
I wonder how many houses a built over on another mans property boundary line ?
I wonder if you know of a dwelling where the boundary line between two lost of land run through a living room through improper planning control?
I wonder how many buildings will loose part of their roof slate during the next cat 5 hurricane or tornado?
I wonder id people know the safest place to go during a tornado which sounds like an express train?
Untill the cost of living with four people working or participating and if the economyever improves nothing will ever be affordable..
M O NE Y.
The word Affordability is used allot terse days.
That affects different people in different ways for many the cost of living controls their existence .
We all have to face reality as some will hoard money, others may spend it with out any regard for the future.
Do they live one day at a time as some do ! they earned money that then becomes their responsibility on how they deal with it . Fate and mis fortune has a way of depleting savings, many have a plan for the future and save to meet that future , but there are no guarantees others live “the life of Riley” rich on Friday broke on Monday.
What keeps our island going that is more than what can be ever imagined, Bermuda go down we go down with it , Bermuda goes up we will be on the same ladder. it is very hard to clime back up other countries are also facing the same problem, that is them to become solvent as their situation will allow . does it all comes down to money.
know this borrowed money costs money, loans have to be payed back.
So let us talk about money and its best or worst friend possessions as it is one or the other for prudent people it is money and possessions or becomes a bit of both. Luck has nothing todo with it people plant carrots in return they get sour grapes .Years ago there was that second job now there are more people than jobs things have changed to the need education and ability but the wants remain to same many want what the other have but not prepares to work for it.
it is a known fact that many local people do not invest their savings in local thriving businesses, they spend it.
i often ask the question what becomes the worst too much money or not enough?
The next question is about want and need or got to have it .
Only you can plan your own destiny.
Is life about sacrifice ? I thought you would never ask?
What we read from Minister A.Lightbourne all which appears to be political theater the topic only touches on many minor items but little on pending items and taxation ,as to where money ends up ,let me mention Bermiudiana beach for example .
No body can say that the people are not concerned it is their money.
People in the know are concerned by the enormity of architectural and social mis judgement and unbelievable number of errors including financial misjudgement, 100 mill+++ is not small potatoes.
Many have called for the Government to get out of the housing business but at least it all can be blamed on the Bermuda Housing Corporation. Are taxes collected only just to collect money which appears then disappears in to a holding account also where some go to where ? no body knows may be to roads,or is it to the house of secrets.
The government is facing inflation just like we are .
Some say it could be waste , or presumed security. services, long deemed antiquated .
Education, being one suffering from los of interest .
I am sure the public is unaware of the colossal draw down on the building maintenance account and debt service which has to be satisfied. .