A charity has welcomed the Government’s move to cut duty on some essential goods.

On Friday, the Premier and finance minister, David Burt, told the House that 21 goods would have duty cut to zero.

Items included were bath soap bars, laundry detergent, dish detergent, diapers for babies, and sanitary towels (pads) and tampons. Sanitary towels and tampons both have a 25 per cent duty rate.

A spokeswoman for the Women’s Resource Centre it was “critical and encouraging” to hear that the Government has tabled the relief of duty on women’s sanitary products.

She added that the group also “hopes that this will mean an ‘actual reduction’ that will be passed down to women consumers”.

“It actually costs more for women living in Bermuda to care for themselves during their natural monthly cycle, which cannot be controlled, than to buy some grocery products,” said the spokeswoman.

She added that according to “We Bleed" – a local advocate for period poverty – a gallon of milk in Bermuda costs $5.50. A box of cereal ranges between $4.75 and $8.90. A box of granola bars ranges between $7 and $9.

“The lowest price for pads is $7.40 and the lowest price for tampons $8.15. The price for one bus ride is $5. The price for 15 bus tickets ranges between $35 and $45.

“It is no secret that Bermuda is an expensive place to live, but we believe that women should not have to sacrifice their personal hygiene because of this.

“Having a period is not a luxury. It is something that most women must deal with for over 40 years of their life. The decision to buy food or pads is not a hard one.”

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