[Updated with comment from Government] A petition was started today — attaining over 2,000 signatures in under 5 hours — asking the Bermuda Government to “allow people to buy from farm and fisherman stalls” during the Stay At Home period, which began on Tuesday.
This follows after a local farming business posted on social media saying, “What could be more essential than food? We have been shut down. All of Bermuda’s farmers and fishermen need to be able to sell to the public,” with the matter being widely discussed.
The petition says, “The Bermuda Shelter in Place regulations allow farmers and fishermen to continue to work, but their stalls are not classed as ‘permitted businesses’ for people to purchase from.
“It is much healthier to buy fresh local produce from an open air stall, than it is to buy imported goods from a windowless shop.
“It is also a blow to local farmers and fishermen if they cannot sell their produce at a time when we need to be doing everything we can to support local food supply chains.
“The regulations need to be amended to allow people to purchase local produce from open air vendors.”
We asked the Government for comment and will update if able, noting that we just asked so do not expect an instant response, however have submitted a query for consideration.
Update 10.32pm: The Government confirmed that the police “closed a roadside vegetable stand” and said that “any registered Commercial Farmer or Licensed Fisherman that needs to sell their products directly before next Tuesday can apply to the Ministry of National Security for an exemption.”
A spokesperson said, “Under the Public Health (Covid-19 Emergency Powers) (Stay At Home) Regulations 2021 registered commercial farmers and licensed fishermen are not required to work from home and therefore they can tend to their crops and catch fish.”
According to the Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban, “Regarding the issue that happened earlier today where the Bermuda Police Services closed a roadside vegetable stand, that is in keeping with the regulations where we are trying to keep movement and activity to a minimum during the 7 days that the current Stay at Home order is in effect.
“Any registered Commercial Farmer or Licensed Fisherman that needs to sell their products directly before next Tuesday can apply to the Ministry of National Security for an exemption.
“If the exemption is granted, persons will be given specific permission for the time and location, along with safety measures that must be observed. Any registered Commercial Farmer or Licensed Fisherman that is granted permission to operate will be subject to the supervision Department of Environment and Natural Resources.”
