GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA
COST OF LIVING COMMISSION
PATI Information Statement
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Name of Public Authority: Cost of Living Commission |
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Introduction:
In accordance with Part 2 of the Public Access to Information Act 2010, the Cost of Living Commission is required to produce an Information Statement that includes the relevant items that are specified in Part 2, Section 5 (1) of the Act.
The general purpose of the Public Access to Information Act 2010 is to give the public the right to obtain access to information held by the Cost of Living Commission to the greatest extent possible, subject to exceptions that are in the public interest.
In producing this Information Statement, the Cost of Living Commission will ensure that it is in compliance with the Act to enable people to access records that are not exempt as outlined in Part 4 of the Act.
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Section A: Structure, Organization and Legislation [s5(1)a]
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In accordance with Sections 2(1) and 2(2) of the Cost of Living Commission Act 1974, the Cost of Living Commission was established and comprises a Chairman and a minimum of seven (7) and a maximum of twelve (12) other members. All members, including the two ex officio members, were appointed by the Minister of Home Affairs on 20th October 2025, as published in the Official Gazette. (https://www.gov.bm/theofficialgazette/notices/gn09742025),
Chairman – Ms. Michelle Jackson Deputy Chairman – Mr. Neville Grant Mr. Aaron Crichlow Mr. Anthony Santucci Mr. Charles Richardson Ms. Ianthia Simmons-Wade Ms. Javon Furbert Ms. Juanee Crockwell Mr. Marico Thomas Rev Nicholas Tweed Sen. Lauren Bell JP Ms. Zina Darrell Department of Consumer Affairs Department of Statistics Representative
In accordance with Section 1 of the First Schedule to the Act, each member of the Commission shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year, commencing on a date determined by the Minister of Home Affairs.
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Legislation:
The Commission operates in accordance with the Cost-of-Living Act 1974, the Cost of Living (Essential Commodities) Regulations 2022, and any subsequent amendments.
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Section B: 1) Functions, powers, duties of the Authority [s5(1)b]
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The Cost of Living Commission plays a vital advisory role in advancing the Government’s commitment to affordability. Established under Section 2 of the Cost of Living Commission Act 1974, the Commission is responsible for reviewing price trends, recommending goods and services for designation as “essential,” and promoting transparency in pricing practices.
Amendments to the Act in 2020 expanded the Commission’s powers, enabling it to formally declare commodities as “essential” upon recommendation—thereby strengthening its consumer protection mandate.
Building on this foundation, the 2025 Throne Speech signaled a renewed focus on affordability through legislative and policy reform. As part of this effort, the Commission will review and update the categories and list of essential goods and submit evidence-based policy recommendations to the Cabinet. This initiative forms a central component of the Government’s broader strategy to ease cost of living pressures and promote fairness in the marketplace for all residents.
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Section B: 2) Obligations under PATI Act [s5(1)b]
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Section C: Services and Programmes [s5(1)c]
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Services:
The Cost of Living Commission reviews the cost of living in Bermuda, monitors pricing of goods, provides public information on Essential Commodities, has the power to require information from businesses concerning pricing and advises the Minister on related matters, in accordance with Section 4 of the Cost of Living Act 1974. |
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Section D: Records and documents held [s5(1)d]
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The Cost of Living Commission maintains records of general correspondence, meeting agendas and meeting notes of meetings held, and records appeals before the Minister. |
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Section E: Administration (all public access) manuals [s5(1)e]
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Cost of Living Commission Act 1974 and Cost of Living (Essential Commodities) Regulations 2022 and the current Essential Commodity List
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Section F: Decision-making documents [s5(1)f]
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Cost of Living Commission Act 1974 and Cost of Living (Essential Commodities) Regulations 2022
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Section G: The Information Officer [s5(1)g] |
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Name and contact information:
Requests for information shall be in writing and directed to the Information Officer for the Consumer Affairs:-
Karen Marshall Executive Officer /Rent Commissioner Consumer Affairs D. Rego Building, 3rd Floor 75 Reid Street Hamilton Hm 12
Telephone Number: 1 (441) 297-7627 Email address: kemarshall@gov.bm
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Section H: Any Other Information [s5(1)h] |
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N/A
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Section I: Any Other Information To be Provided? [s5(1)i] |
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N/A
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Section J: Information Statement: Copies and Updates [s5(2,3,4,5)] |
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Every public authority shall update its information statement at least once a year, and make it available for inspection by the public at reasonable times by [s5(1-5), PATI Act]:
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Date Information Statement was updated: 19th of February 2026
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Locations of Information Statement:
Confirmed copies of the Information Statement are available at the following sites:-
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Consumer Affairs D. Rego Building, 3rd Floor 75 Reid Street Hamilton Hm 12
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Signed and Dated:
Karen Marshall, Executive Officer 19th of February 2026 |