A petition against a rise in duty on personal items imported into Bermuda has been presented to Premier Paula Cox.

More than 3,400 people have signed the petition, which was delivered to the Premier and various media today.

A cover letter attached to the petition, which was addressed to Ms Cox, reads in full:

“Please find attached a petition on behalf of Bermudians and Residents for No Duty Increase. With over 3,400 individuals signing this petition, we the people of Bermuda urge the Government to hear our voices and not to increase duty on personal imports. We further urge you to read the comments on the back of this petition, which are over 98 percent against any increase in the current duty structure.

“Duty increases will hurt Bermudians and residents, remove our right for free choice, injure businesses, lower business volume and activity and lead to layoffs and business closures. It will lessen competition and lead to increased prices in Bermuda and consequently increased inflation.”

The letter continues: “On behalf of all Bermudians and residents on our Island, please accept this petition that represents a large cross section of our population, urgently appealing to the Government not to increase duty on personal imports.”