HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Premier David Burt says his administration will present a mid-year national budget review in September, promising no new taxes and cuts in essential services for Bermudians.
“Your Government will not wait for future fiscal years to take action; we will act now to provide the support our community desperately needs. We will put the needs of the Bermudian people above the desire for an impressive balance sheet – and the additional measures will be thoughtful, sustainable, and financially prudent, as all of our decisions have been,” Burt said in an address to the nation on Tuesday night.
Burt, the Minister of Finance, said that the ruling Progressive Labour Party (PLP) Government had made economic strides since 2017 and would use these “improved economic performance and finances” to provide more support.
“Unlike previous governments, we will not ask the people of Bermuda to give more than they already have. There will be no cuts to essential services, no implementation of layoffs, no increase in taxes, and no withholding of support from our seniors or our most vulnerable.”
In his broadcast, Premier Burt mentioned several initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Bermudians, including tax reductions for workers, increased affordable housing options, and keeping pensions in line with inflation rates.
Burt said that his Government had also seen the country recover from a “once in a century” pandemic in 2020 and went on to balance the budget in this British Overseas Territory.
“I know many will ask why the Government is making this announcement now. The simple answer is that it is the right thing to do,” he added.
He told the nation that the crime situation needed the input of all Bermudians, recalling recent tragedies that the island had endured, including the death of a family of four and the daylight killing of two young men.
He promised to work with the governor and the police to strengthen community safety efforts, adding that “policing is only part of the solution” and promising improved social resources to address the root problems of poverty and crime.
“If we want our community to come together and work hand in hand to address the social challenges we face, we must do what we can to ensure that people in the community can focus on unity and supporting one another rather than being overwhelmed by the costs of their everyday needs and have access to the support needed to tackle community violence.”
Burt said the Government had also increased scholarships, development programs, and a reformation system.
But he promised Bermudians that his administration “will work hard over the summer to deliver an impactful package in September.
“We have achieved much over the past seven years, but we know more must be done. This Government remains committed to the mission to support working people, and we will redouble our efforts to ensure that all Bermudians feel the benefits of the collective progress we have made and will continue to make together.”
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