In 2022 I was asked to join the board of the Bermuda Housing Corporation. There I met persons dedicated to providing affordable housing for almost 800 Bermudian families of various stations in life.
For full disclosure, board members are paid $50 per month / Chairman $100 per month.
Over the course of the last 2 years we have been able to provide an additional 70 units for Bermudian Families. Some of those units include:
Yet, with a growing population, there still remains a need for more affordable housing.
Contradictions
On February 23, 2024 the OBA released their 2024/25 Budget reply. This is what was stated on page 27 : “We also clearly support any and all initiatives to increase Bermuda’s
affordable housing.”
On March 15th in the House of Assembly, all Government MPs present voted to fund $10 million towards more units for Bermudian families. All OBA MPs present chose to vote against the use of funds. No matter how they attempt to spin it in the media, that is how the vote is recorded.
That they cannot deny.
Yes you read correctly, on February 23rd Jarion Richardson said that they support “increasing Bermuda’s affordable housing”, yet, less than a month later on March 15th they voted against funds being used for the very same thing they claim that they support.
Their vote is not surprising as during their time in office, the OBA built a grand total of zero affordable housing units. Ironically, they support an increase in work permits. Yet, they seem to ignore that Bermudians need housing as well.
As a people focused party, this is where our philosophy differs vastly from that of Doug Decouto and Scott pearman. Yes, we must balance our budget but we will never vote against helping persons in need.
As a government, our responsibility is to continue to provide affordable housing for Bermudians.
On a personal note, as someone from “a less than rich background”, when young Bermudians make contact looking for affordable housing, I am motivated even more to ensure funding is in place to create more units.
Thank you to the board and staff at BHC for all that they have done and continue to do for our fellow Bermudians.
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