In public life, words carry weight — especially when they touch on credibility, collaboration and how we solve problems together.

After the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce’s recent housing presentation, the Premier said in the House of Assembly: “Guesses on figures do not make facts. End of story.”

He also added: “Anyone can have views. Anyone can have their opinions.”

Both are valid points in principle — but they raise important questions.

If there was concern or misunderstanding around the chamber’s contribution, we welcome the opportunity to clarify our intent and methods. This is not about defending pride; it’s about upholding the integrity of a process shaped by good faith, professional standards and a shared commitment to solving real challenges.

Our housing analysis used public data, primarily from government sources, and followed sound economic and actuarial methods. Where estimates were used, we disclosed them. Where data was missing, we said so.

That’s not guesswork; it’s responsible analysis.

Take actuaries, for example. Their job is to model uncertainty, quantify risk and inform policy. That’s not opinion; it’s disciplined data analysis. Framing that kind of work as speculation risks sending the wrong message — not only to professionals and local institutions that rely on evidence-based approaches, but also to the broader public, who deserve clear, credible information.

In the absence of a clear statement from Cabinet leaders regarding the chamber’s presentations, the public are left to interpret these remarks in a vacuum. That ambiguity can erode trust — not just in our work, but in the spirit of collaboration itself.

Dismissive remarks, without explanation, can inadvertently undermine collaboration. It raises questions for the many public officers, ministries and community partners who engage with our data as part of their own efforts to move the country forward.

Let me be clear: I’m proud of the chamber’s Economic Committee — an accomplished group who volunteer their time to help Bermuda better understand and address issues such as housing. Their work is thoughtful, rigorous and offered in the spirit of contribution — not criticism.

One of Bermuda’s greatest strengths is its world-class model of collaboration between government, industry and regulators. It is a formula admired internationally, and rightly so.

Our ask is simple: let’s apply the same standard of excellence here at home. Let’s ensure the level of consideration, engagement and mutual respect we extend to the global stage is equally felt by those living and working right here in Bermuda.

Bermuda works best when all sectors — public, private and community — can engage with openness and respect. That’s the spirit we will keep showing up with. Because our aim is not to be right for the sake of it. Our aim is to help. And like many across this island, we are doing the work not to win points, but to make progress.

We continue to extend an open hand to Government, and invite continuing collaboration — so that together we can bring clarity, action and lasting solutions to the issues that matter most to the people of Bermuda.

• Marico Thomas is the president of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce