The high cost of living has driven people away from Bermuda, an Opposition senator reiterated yesterday.

Dwayne Robinson claimed the expense of life on the island had contributed more to the population drain than the threat of gang violence.

He added: “I’m concerned that the cost of living might become the elephant in the room.”

Mr Robinson was speaking after David Burt, the Premier, said gang violence and further education were responsible for the “prevalence” of young people moving overseas.

The senator said the reaction he received to the Premier’s views were that Mr Burt was “out of touch” and that many had left the island to find a more affordable place to live.

Mr Robinson added: “I’m bringing this to the Chamber to urge our country’s leader to focus on the issue vehemently.

“The main beast that most Bermudians fight on a daily basis is the cost of living.”

Anthony Richardson, the junior minister of home affairs and the Cabinet Office, as well as the chairman of the Cost of Living Commission, said the Government was determined to tackle the cost of living problem.

Mr Richardson added: “The Premier speaks to me daily. There is definitely no question that he is focused on the cost of living and what we are doing to do about it.”

He said the high costs of rent, mortgages and loans were all a burden on the general public and that the cost of electricity has put pressure on businesses.

He also highlighted Government’s plan to introduce living- wage legislation.

Mr Richardson added: “That will be part of the way by which we address some of the problems we have.”