Paving the roads and investing in the tourist industry are among the top issues that local business leaders want to see addressed in the Budget.

On Friday, David Burt will deliver the 2024-25 Budget and has already stated that the Government’s financial plan “will support the wellbeing of Bermudians, safeguard the vulnerable, enhance our infrastructure and uphold our commitment to achieving a balanced budget”.

In a statement last week, he added: “The 2024-25 Budget will prioritise economic growth and outline the Government’s plans to sustain our economic recovery.”

The Royal Gazette asked for a budget wish list from some of the divisions of the Chamber of Commerce.

The tourism division said: “Invest in tourism industry seriously as do other islands. Other islands are investing in their tourism products and their people to ensure they stay competitive because they understand the true meaning of the industry.”

It said the roads needed paving and added that transportation solutions were needed to address “the ongoing issues our visitors face”.

The division called for investment in building the industry’s workforce as well as investment in the parks and beaches.

Members of the restaurant division said: “The cost of food on the island is already aggravated by the need to import almost everything.

“Import duties on whole foods such as whole meats, fish, poultry, all fresh fruit and vegetables, which currently are dutied at 5 per cent, should be cancelled and tax sourced elsewhere.

“This benefits the entire residential population and would help lower the ever-increasing food cost for restaurants.”

It said there “definitely” should be “no further taxes on beer and wine as they are the areas that most contribute to the hospitality industry’s viability”.

It said also that there should be no additional costs, such as taxes, imposed on the local company workforce.

The non-profit division called for further tax reform to “enable reduction on duties and taxes for the charitable sector”.

It said the global minimum tax, which is called the corporate income tax in Bermuda, which should start boosting government revenue in future years, should have a specific percentage directed to the charitable/non-profit sector.

It added that the division would also like to see “full land tax exemption for all registered charities, regardless of source of funds”.