A property sales incentive has been passed by the Senate despite being resolutely opposed by the three Progressive Labour Party members.

The Bermuda Immigration and Protection (Land-Holding Charges) Regulations Amendment 2015 postponed a hike in land fees to maintain sales stimulated by a relaxation of the regulations governing the sale of land to permanent residents and non-Bermudians.

Diallo Rabain, the Opposition leader in the Senate, questioned when the breaks would be rescinded, adding: “People out there are looking at this, watching it — they are losing confidence that these things are being put in place to assist them.”

Michael Fahy, the Minister of Home Affairs, called concerns “misplaced”, saying the measures were in place simply to “stimulate a market that was in the doldrums”.

The amendments passed, with Sen Rabain voting against along with senators Marc Daniels and Renee Ming.