Building a strategy for Bermuda’s economic recovery is the goal of a two-day gathering between Government, the Island’s unions and the private sector.

Around 150 representatives from the Island’s business, hospitality and union sectors will come together tomorrow and Friday to take part in Tripartite Economic and Labour Retreat at Fairmont Southampton.

“There are several goals we are seeking to achieve with this summit. First and foremost we want to enact meaningful solutions to ease the burdens that Bermudians are facing,” said Minister of Home Affairs Michael Fahy.

“We are already moving in the right direction as evidenced by one of our Throne Speech initiatives, the pledge that our grocery chains will offer a ten percent savings for residents on Wednesdays starting December 1.”

“We also want to have an open and frank conversation about where we are economically and what we can reasonably expect to achieve in the months ahead. So it’s hoped that this retreat will enhance our communication and the critical working relationships among the unions, government and business.”

According to a Ministry of Home Affair spokeswoman, representatives from the Bermuda Industrial Union, Bermuda Public Service Union, Bermuda Union of Teachers, Prison Officers Association and Bermuda Police Association will take part in the retreat, along with private sector representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, the Bermuda Employers Council, the Bermuda Hotel Association, ABIC and ABIR.

The Tripartite Economic Committee was formed as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bermuda Government and the Bermuda Trade Union Congress so that the unions could have an input on any economic recovery efforts that may involve unionised bargaining groups.

This week’s retreat was organised following an introductory meeting of the Committee late last month.