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, with the chair getting $100 per month.

Over the course of the past two years, we have been able to provide an additional 70 units for Bermudian families. Some of those include:

• 10 units in St David’s

• 20 units in St George’s

• 2 units in Smith’s

• 12 units in Paget

• 1 unit in Somerset

Yet, with a growing population, there still remains a need for more affordable housing.

Contradictions

On February 23, the One Bermuda Alliance released its 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 15, 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 23, Jarion Richardson said that they support “increasing Bermuda’s affordable housing”, yet less than a month later on March 15 they voted against funds being used for the very same thing they claim to support.

Their vote is not surprising as during its time in office, the OBA built a grand total of zero affordable housing units. Ironically, it supports an increase in work permits, yet seems to ignore that Bermudians need housing as well.

Thank you

As a people-focused party, this is where our philosophy differs vastly from that of Doug De Couto 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. Just this week, we opened four new units in St David’s.

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.

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him on WhatsApp at 599-0901 or e-mail at carib_pro@yahoo.com