Last week (Oct. 15) The Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, 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.
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’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.”
To read or download the full Affordable Bermuda Agenda, visit: www.costofliving.gov.bm