September 12, 2025

Yes. Members, before we get to
the business of the day, I would just like to take the time
to join you in congratulating the new Leader of the O pposition, Mr. K ing.
Mr. K ing, congratulations.
And I will offer, if he so desires, the Premier, if
he wishes to have a word or two of congratulations.
That is entirely up to him. I have joined the House, so
you don't have to.
[Laughter]

Good morning. Very well, thank
you.

NATIONAL PENSION SCHEME (OCCUPATIONAL
PENSIONS) (ADMINISTRATION FEES )
REGULATIONS 2025

1354 12 September 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Madam Deputy Speaker, I
have the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of Assembly, the National Pension Scheme (Occupational Pensions ) (Administration Fees) Regulations 2025, in exercise of the
power conferred by section 69( 1)(jb) and [69(1)](q) of
the National Pension Scheme (Occupational Pensions)
Act 1998.
Thank you.

Thank you, Minister.
The next person I am calling on is the Minister
of Tourism and Transport, Culture and Sport. Very long
title.

Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Madam Deputy
Speaker.

[Inaudible interjection and laughter ]
BERMUDA SPORT ANTI -DOPING AUTHORITY —
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Hon. Owen Darrell: Madam Deputy Speaker, I have
the honour to attach and submit for the information of
the Honourable House of Assembly, the Annual Report
of the Audited Financial Statements for the Bermuda
Sports Anti -Doping Authority for year ending 31 March
2025.

You may. That’s why I said
okay.

Hon. Owen Darrell: The next one is the Civil Aviation.

BERMUDA CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY —
ANNUAL REPORT S 2021- 2024

Hon. Owen Darrell: Madam Deputy Speaker, I have
the honour to attach and submit for the information of this Honourable House of Assembly, the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority Annual Reports for the year s ending
31 March 2021 through [31 March] 2024 .

I think.

BERMUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND YEAR IN REVIEW FOR 2024
Hon. Owen Darrell: Madam Deputy Speaker, I have
the honour to attach and submit for the information of
this Honourable House of Assembly, the Bermuda
Tourism Authority Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2024, pursuant to
section 22(2) of the Bermuda Tourism Authority Act
2013, along with the Bermuda Tourism Authority —
2024 Year in Review.

Okay. Continue, Minister.



Bermuda House of Assembly TOURISM INVESTMENT (NAVIGATE DRONE
LIGHT SHOWS) ORDER 2025

Hon. Owen Darrell: Madam Deputy Speaker, I have
the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of
this Honourable House of Assembly, the Tourism Investment (Navigate Drone Light Show s) Order 2025,
proposed to be made by the Minister r esponsible for
Tourism, with the written agreement of the Minister of
Finance, in exercise of the power conferred by s ection 5 of the Tourism Investment Act 2017.

TOURISM INVESTMENT (ODYSSEY COMMERCIAL
CHARTER YACHT) ORDER 2025

Hon. Owen Darrell: I also have the honour to attach
and submit for consideration of the Honourable House
of Assembly, the Tourism Investment (Odyssey Commercial Charter Yacht ) Order 2025, proposed to be
made by the Minister r esponsible for Tourism, with the
written agreement of the Minister of Finance, in exercise of the power conferred by s ection 5 of the Tourism
Investment Act 2017.

Yes.
And I call on the Minister cover ing the financial
assistance [Statement] . That is the Minister of Youth,
Social Development and Seniors, I believe.
Hon. Tinee Furbert: Good morning, Madam Deputy
Speaker.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AMENDMENT
REGULATIONS 2025

Hon. Tinee Furbert: I have the honour to attach and
submit for the information of this Honourable House of
Assembly, the Financial Assistance Amendment Regulations 2025, in exercise of the power conferred by
section 21 of the Financial Assistance Act 2001.
[Crosstalk]

Yes.

STRONG LEADERSHIP TO ADDRESS
COMMUNITY VIOLENCE : THE WORK OF
THE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL
Hon. E. David Burt: And good morning to you, again.
I will deliver my first Statement, Madam Deputy
Speaker, which is on the Governor ’s Council .
Madam Deputy Speaker, our community is
confronted by a cycle of violence that has now become
generational. The pattern of events that shake our
sense of safety and pierce hearts of families and friends
have demanded a strategic approach on several fronts.
Successive Governments have employed methods that
have turned many away from the lifestyle choices that result in violence. The nature of these issues and the disproportionate impact the actions of a few have on
our community means that we cannot ever rest on what
was done befor e. Strong and sustained leadership is
required.
Madam Deputy Speaker, Bermuda's Constitution makes the United Kingdom's appointed representative, the Governor, responsible for internal security. This fact is cold comfort to the grieving families of
victims or those in our communities who want safer
streets and neighbourhoods. They rightly turn to their
elected Government to lead and not lean on the 57year-old Constitution as an excuse not to act. Madam
Deputy Speaker, section 70 of that Constitution makes
provision for the Governor's Council and specif ically indicates that the Council's function is to consider “matters for which the Governor is responsible. ” In this case,
internal security.
Additionally, Madam Deputy Speaker, section
70(6) requires the Governor to summon a meeting of
the Council when requested by the Premier to do so.
Ministers and others can also be summoned to attend the Council by the Governor ( after consultation with the
Premier in the case of Ministers ). Madam Deputy
Speaker, in the wake of the horrific shooting just one city block away from this C hamber, I request ed that the
Governor convene a meeting of the Council , and in
consultation with the Governor agreed that I s hould be
1356 12 September 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly joined by the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice; the Honourable Member s, the Minister of
National Security and Youth, Social Development, and Seniors ; and the Minister of Education.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the attendance of
these Ministers in the Council's meeting set out to
demonstrate the broad approach required to address the issues presented by community violence. Legislative change, enforcement, understanding the impact on
young people and how this cycle affects the critical educational path on which our young people should be engaged , all of these things form the foundation of the
Government's strong leadership in addressing community violence.
Madam Deputy Speaker, as has been set out
publicly, the Council received presentations from the
Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Collector of
Customs. In each case, these frontline officials set out
their views on how their remit might be enhanced in the
collective efforts to address these issues.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I reiterated in clear
terms that any perceived resource challenges or bureaucratic procurement processes would not be allowed to frustrate the needs of the community who want strong enforcement, sound technology put to work in
gathering intelligence and upgraded laws which reflect
the gravity of the offences committed. The G overnment
is a partner to both law enforcement and helping agencies who are engaged in this critical endeavour. And,
as a partner, we are determined to facilitate f unding,
recruitment, procurement and programme delivery as
demanded by the people we serve. Let there be no
doubt regarding our commitment to supporting every aspect of the implementation strategy to which the
Honourable Member, the Minister of National Security, will speak to later in this sitting.
Madam Deputy Speaker, this week began with
a return to school for most of our parents. Parents said
farewell to summer days and resumed a stricter home
routine to match the need for ideal conditions for teaching and learning to which our educators and our children are likewise committed. Madam Deputy Speaker,
parental responsibility is not devolved to schools, principals, and teachers. We, as parents , owe our children
a non- stop focus on their welfare and the development
of their moral character. We are responsible for the
people they become, and it is us , as parents , who cannot be shielded from accountability when we fail to do our part.
Honourable Members will be aware that our
statute books contain a 2010 law entitled the Parental
Responsibility Act. Madam Deputy Speaker, the preamble to that Act states , as follows, “WHEREAS it is
expedient to make provisions to prevent youth crime
and disorder and to make provision to hold parents lia-ble for the wilful misconduct of their children in relation
to the property of others ; . . .” Therefore, Madam Deputy Speaker, recognise that 15 years have passed since this Act was brought into operation. I have asked
it to be reviewed to ensure that it continues to provide
the legal framework required for these times and that our helping agencies [have] the capacity to fill the duties imposed upon them by this Act. This Government
does not believe in an unduly punitive society . But we
do believe in responsibility for those who we bring into this world and who we have been blessed to form into
young people who can contribute into making our I sland a better place.
Madam Deputy Speaker, these are our children. We are responsible for them. When we fail in that
responsibility and there are community impacts, the
community demands consequences. It is not ideal for
governments to mind matters of the home, but when failure to do so spills over into the community, it is the
government's responsibility to act. Madam Deputy
Speaker, on Tuesday of next week Governor's Council,
will meet again. We will receive updates from u niformed services and also ensure that all are engaged
in the violence prevention and intervention programmes that are in place through the National Violence Reduction Strategy.
Our commitment to reverse these trends is as
strong as that on enforcement and accountability,
which I have outlined today. Madam Deputy Speaker,
as this G overnment continues to bring the strong leadership required to address community violence, I reflect on the excitement seen on the faces of hundreds of
children—I’m sorry , thousands of children , Madam
Deputy Speaker —who started school on Tuesday. I
saw in them the best of what Bermuda can become.
Their innocence spoke volumes and provided the inspiration we need to press on with this fight. We owe them
their future , and it is this G overnment's firm commitment to deliver on that promise.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

Thank you, Premier.
Premier, are you ready to do your second paper? Yes, do have some water.

PUBLIC SERVICE SUPERANNUATION (PSSF
STABILISATION) AMENDMENT ACT 2025
Hon. E. David Burt: Madam Deputy Speaker, in the
Government's 2024/ 25 Budget Statement, and again in
my Statement to this Honourable House in May of this
year, I committed that the Government would bring forward reforms to ensure the sustainability of the Public
Service Superannuation Fund, which I will refer to in
this Statement as “the fund. ” Later today, I will table the
Public Service Superannuation (PSSF Stabilisation)
Amendment Act 2025 in this Honourable House.
Madam Deputy Speaker, this has been a long
journey. In 2019, the review process began in earnest,
and since then, there have been years of consultation,
study, and discussion. The Fiscal Responsibility Panel
has urged action, the O pposition has urged action, and


Bermuda House of Assembly the public, including public officers themselves, have
asked when the Government will act. Madam Deputy
Speaker, that time is now. This Government has
demonstrated that when we make commitments we deliver. Since returning to office, the Progressive Labour Party has taken on the tough issues of Bermuda's public finances, reversed years of unsustainable deficits,
made our tax system more fair and successfully balanced Bermuda's budget, delivering the first budget surplus in 23 years. We have restored fiscal c redibility,
reduced gross debt and ensured that Bermuda's finances are on a stable footing.
Public sector pension reform is the next step in
that journey securing the future, not just for public servants, but of Bermuda's fiscal house as a whole. Madam Deputy Speaker, the Public Service Superannuation Fund, which pays the pensions of our teachers, police officers, nurses, prison officers, firefighters and the
many other public officers who serve this country, is not
on a sustainable footing. The most recent ac tuarial valuation as of March 2023 shows an actuarial deficit of
just over $1 billion. The fund is only 37 per cent funded.
Without reform the fund is projected to deplete its assets by 2045— 20 years from now. That is within the
working lifetime of many Bermudians now in the public
service.
The numbers matter but let me explain what
they mean in plain terms. A funding ratio of 37 per cent
means that for every dollar owed in pensions, the fund
only has 37 cents in assets. A deficit of $1 billion means
that unless changes are made taxpayers will be re-quired to cover the shortfall leading to increased taxes
for residents and businesses. And depletion in 2045
means that a Bermudian in the public service today
could reach retirement only to find the fund exhausted.
Madam Deputy Speaker, that is a risk that no responsible government can accept.
The math is clear : The contributions going into
the fund are not enough to cover the benefits being paid out. As people live longer the number of retirees grows
and the pressure on the fund increases. Unless
changes are made taxpayers will face an ever -increasing liability t hat could jeopardise both pensions and
Bermuda's wider economy, putting credit ratings under pressure and lead to increased interest rates for all.
The current path is unsustainable. And to do
nothing would be irresponsible. Madam Deputy
Speaker, Bermuda is not alone in facing this challenge.
Across the world, governments have been compelled
to act. The United Kingdom has legislated gradual increase in retirement age, moving towards 68. Canada
has raised contribution rates for its public sector pensions. In the United States, many states reformed their
systems, raising both contributions and retirement ages
to preserve solvency. Elsewhere, the Netherl ands has
linked its retirement age to life expectancy, automatically adjusting as people live longer. Ireland has extended retirement ages and restructured public sector
benefits. Australia has raised both contribution rates and retirement ages in recognition of demographic
change. The OECD has reported that nearly every major public pension system has undergone reform in the past decade. The global trend is clear. As life expectancy increases and pension promises becomes more
expensive, governments have had to make adjustments.
Madam Deputy Speaker, Bermuda is part of
that global reality, and this PLP Government is taking
the necessary and responsible steps now to ensure
long-term stability of public sector pensions.
The reforms, Madam Deputy Speaker. The reforms that this G overnment has introduced today are a
product of careful analysis, actuarial advice, legal ad-vice and extensive consultation. They are phased, they
are fair , and they are designed to make public sector
pensions secure for the future. And I will cover them, the six major changes, Madam Deputy Speaker.
First, earliest unreduced pension age. Madam
Deputy Speaker, this is the most important change. At
present, non- special group members (the broad majority of public officers ) can receive an unreduced pension
at age 60. And special group members ( our uniformed
services) at age 50. Under these reforms these thresholds will rise gradually to 65 and 55, respectively,
phased in between 2027 and 2035.
This, Madam Deputy Speaker, is effectively the
retirement age for most public officers because it is at
the point which they can retire without penalty. The
change from 60 to 65 for most public officers is significant. However, even at 65, Bermuda's effective retirement age remains well below the benchmarks in most
developed countries where retirement ages are 67 or
higher. This change is about aligning with demographic
realities while still providing our public officers with one
of the more generous public pension systems g lobally.
Second, contributions. Madam Deputy
Speaker, at present, non- special group members (the
majority of public officers ) contribute 8.0 per cent of
their salary. This will increase gradually to 10.0 per cent
over three years. For our uniformed services contributions will increase from 9.5 per cent to 11.5 per cent
over the same period. Importantly, these increases will be offset by negotiated salary uplifts, meaning that public officers will not see their take -home pay reduced .
This approach balances the need to strengthen the
fund with this G overnment's commitment to fairness for
workers.
Third, Madam Deputy Speaker, the pension
formula. Today, pensions are calculated based on the
final year's salary. This is generous, but it is also unsustainable and creates inequities. Under the proposed
reforms, pensions will be calculated based on the average of the final 10 years of salary , phased in over a 10year period. This change prevents anomalies, ensures fairness, and aligns Bermuda with global best practi ce.
Fourth, the mandatory retirement age. Madam
Deputy Speaker, the maximum age at which a public
officer must retire is 65 for teachers, 68 for other non1358 12 September 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly special group members, and 55 for uniformed services.
These will gradually increase to 70 and 60, respectively, by 2035. It is important for H onourable Members
and public officers to note that this is not the earliest age at which someone can retire, but the latest age at which they must retire. These changes reflect longer
life expectancy and modern working realities.
Fifth, the lump sum conversion factor. Madam
Deputy Speaker, currently, a retiring member can commute part of their pension into a lump sum calculated
by a fixed factor of 11.5, which is static in legislation. This provision has proven costly to the fund. Going forward, this conversion factor will be actuarily assessed
at each valuation, ensuring that lump sums are properly
funded and do not weaken the fund's long- term sustainability.
And sixth, governance. Madam Deputy
Speaker, the governance of the fund will be strengthened. The Public Service Superannuation Board will
have a more formal role in reviewing actuarial evaluations and advising on future reforms. Decisions about
pensions will be based on evidence and actuarial advice. And it is only right that the representatives of those
who depend on public sector pensions play a more active role in determining the future sustainability of the fund.
Madam Deputy Speaker, taken together, these
reforms will transform the trajectory of the fund. Actua rial modelling indicates that instead of depleting by
2045, the fund can achieve fully funded status by 2060. In practical terms, that means that pensions will be se-cure not only for today's retirees, but for generations to
come.
Madam Deputy Speaker, these reforms did not
come easily. They are the product of years of consultation. The Government has engaged with unions, staff
associations and stakeholders across the public ser-vice. Multiple meetings were held, proposals were revised, adjustments were made to ensure what is
brought to this House is both fair and workable. We recognise, and I want to emphasise this point, Madam
Deputy Speaker, that any change to pensions is deeply
personal. People plan their lives around their retire ment
expectations. For many, the pension they earn through
years of public service is one of their most important
financial assets. That is why these reforms have been
carefully phased in. That is why we have sought to protect take -home pay. And that is why we have chosen
reforms that, while necessary, are fair and sustainable.
We listened to stakeholders. Unions stressed
the importance of gradual implementation, and we
agreed. Workers expressed concern about protecting
the value of their pensions, and we responded by ensuring that reforms secure the fund for the future.
Stakeholders asked for fairness, and we delivered reforms that share responsibility across contributors, cur-rent and future beneficiaries, and the Government.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I acknowledge that
there are some who may feel that benefits are being diminished. To them, I say these reforms are about protection, not reduction. With this Bill, the pace of accrual
of benefits and the level of benefits that you will be paid
are not changing. These reforms will ensure that your
pension and the pensions of those who come after you will be able to be paid when you retire.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I also would like to
speak directly to our current retirees. One of the most difficult consequences of the fund's financial challenges has been the freeze on pension benefit increases since 2014. This has placed increasing pres-sure on many of our retirees as the cost of living has
risen. The reforms we are bringing forward today are
not only about securing pensions for those still in service. They are also about creating the financial capacity
to advance benefit increases for those al ready retired
and for those who will retire in the future. With these
reforms, and subject to actuarial advice, we will be in a
position to consider benefit increases. While this Bill
does not enact those increases, during this legislative
session, after c onsultation with the actuaries and the
Public Service Superannuation Board, the Government will bring forward legislation to increase pension benefits for current public sector retirees.
Madam Deputy Speaker, that is an important
commitment, and it is only possible because we are
taking the steps today to place the fund on a secure footing.
In closing, Madam Deputy Speaker, this has
been a long journey. Multiple rounds of consultation, years of study and careful consideration have led to the
reforms this Government is bringing forward today.
These changes are not easy, but no one in Bermuda,
and especially all Honourable Members, should doubt
that they are necessary. This Bill will reduce our unfunded liabilities, protect pensions for current and future public officers and secure the financial future of the
Public Service Superannuation Fund. These reforms
are about responsibility. They are about fairness. And above all, they are about ensuring that the men and
women who dedicate their lives to serving Bermuda
and its people can retire with dignity and security.
This Government has shown before that it will
not shy away from difficult problems. We delivered a
budget surplus after years of deficits. We made our tax system more fair, reducing tax on workers in Bermuda.
We restored fiscal stability to Bermuda's publ ic finances and are now positioned to reduce our national
debt. And today, we take another step in that tradition, securing pensions for the future.
Madam Deputy Speaker, these reforms are the
right thing to do. They are fair, they are responsible,
and they will ensure that Bermuda's public officers today and tomorrow can depend on the pensions they
have worked so hard to earn.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

[Desk thumping]



Bermuda House of Assembly The Deputy Speaker: Thank you, Premier.
I call on the next Minister and that is the Minister of Housing [and Municipalities].
Deputy Premier, you have the floor.

MORGAN’S POINT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
UPDATE

Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Madam Deputy
Speaker.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I rise today to provide
Honourable Members with an update on the work of the
Morgan’s Point Development Company , or MPDC. This
Government recognises the significance of the Morgan’s Point site, not only for its physical scale, but for
its potential role in Bermuda's future economic and social development. It is therefore important that I take this opportunity to ap prise the House of the progress
that it has made in strengthening the company's operations, ensuring good governance and preparing the
site for redevelopment and setting the stage for longterm strategic decisions.
Madam Deputy Speaker, by way of context,
Honourable Members will recall the long and difficult
history of the Morgan’s Point site. What began as a land
swap for Southlands in 2011 was heralded as an opportunity to deliver significant hotel and residential development. Successive proposals included boutique
hotels, branded condominiums and a luxury resort anchored by the Caroline Bay Marina.
However, as was outlined when the Morgan’s
Point Company Act 2022 was introduced in this House,
the project was beset by financial instability from its in-ception. Construction proceeded on the basis of a $165
million government guarantee, rather than on f inancial
viability of the project itself. When the project defaulted,
the Bermuda Government was legally obligated to honour that guarantee. To date, taxpayers have borne
more than $230 million in direct costs and interest pay-ments, with little to show bey ond an unfinished site and
a marina. It is precisely because of this painful history, Madam Deputy Speaker, that the work of the MPDC
today is centred on discipline, transparency, and rigorous due diligence.
Every step now being taken, from corporate
governance and compliance to feasibility analysis and
structural assessments, is designed to avoid the mistakes of the past. Our aim is to ensure that this critical
national asset is managed responsibly in the pu blic interest and with the long- term goal of securing the best
value for Bermuda.
Madam Deputy Speaker, earlier this year, Government provided support to MPDC to establish its operational base and to commence feasibility and
cleanup activities. Since that time, the company has
concentrated on building the necessary foundations for sound management and effective oversight. One of the
first steps has been the formal onboarding of Carey Olsen as Corporate Secretary. This appointment ensures that the Board of Directors is operating in full compli-ance with its statutory and fiduciary obligat ions. In addition, MPDC has confirmed its compliance with the Personal Information Protection Act and appointed a
dedicated Privacy Officer to oversee all data protection responsibilities. These measures speak to a strong
commitment to transparency, accountability, and
proper governance.
Madam Deputy Speaker, on the financial and
operational side, MPDC has made notable progress. Bank accounts have been established and funded
through Bermuda Commercial Bank, and the company
has successfully addressed vendor payables and regulatory fees. Work is currently underway to secure Directors and Officers' liability insurance, which will further protect both the company and its Board. The company is also in the process of finalising the appointment
of accounting and legal service providers to provide ongoing professional support. Taken together, these steps represent a deliberate effort to ensure that the company's operations are robust, compliant, and fit for
purpose.
Madam Deputy Speaker, recognising the complexity of the work at Morgan's Point, MPDC has engaged an Operations and Project Management Con-sultant to oversee the various workstreams. This arrangement ensures that activities ranging from feasibility studies t o site readiness preparations are properly
coordinated and delivered with efficiency. It also provides Cabinet with the assurance that the project is be-ing managed with professional discipline. In terms of site readiness and clean- up, MPDC
has developed a phase plan to address both immediate and long- term requirements. The first stage has involved assessments of hurricane preparedness, as
well as cost estimation exercises to inform contract negotiations. These are critical steps to ensuring that the
site is safe, secure and maintained responsibly. The
next stage will involve the engagement of contractors
to carry out on- site clean- up work. Honourable Members will appreciate that such work must be undertaken
with the highest regard for health, safety and environmental standards, and MPDC is taking care to ensure
that these considerations are given full weight.
Madam Deputy Speaker, on the development
side, the company has not stood still. Board members
and consultants have undertaken site visits and due diligence exercises, and communications have commenced with leading structural engineering firms. I can
advis e Honourable Members that site visits are intended to be held in the near future, during which engineers will conduct detailed structural assessments and
prepare property condition reports for buildings R1
through R5. These reports will form the backbone of a
comprehensive redevelopment strategy, providing
clear evidence of what is feasible and what investment will be required. A further critical element of this work is
the feasibility study now underway. This study is updating the financial model originall y prepared in 2021,
1360 12 September 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly taking into account the effects of inflation, site degradation and current market conditions.
The updated model will allow the company,
and by extension Government, to consider a range of
options for the site's redevelopment. These options in-clude direct development by MPDC, public -private partnerships or the potential disposal of certain assets
through sale or lease. In each case, the analysis will
ensure that decisions are grounded in rigorous financial assessment and strategic foresight.
Madam Deputy Speaker, looking ahead, the
company has set out its next steps. These include finalising the appointment of its accounting and legal
service providers, securing D&O [ Directors and Officers] insurance coverage, engaging contractors to carry
out the phase site clean- up, completing the structural
engineering assessments and property condition reports and advancing the feasibility work to a point
where firm recommendations can be brought before
Cabinet. These steps represent steady progress, but
also a clear trajectory towards enabling long- term redevelopment at Morgan's Point.
Madam Deputy Speaker, in closing, I wish to
emphasise that Morgan's Point Development Company is now well -established and is diligently advancing its
mandate. While much work lies ahead, the foundations
are now in place to support an informed and strategi c
approach to the redevelopment of this important site. I
look forward to returning to this Honourable House in
due course with further updates as the company moves
from planning into implementation. Thank you.

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER OR
MEMBER PRESIDING

HOUSE VISITOR

Thank you, Minister.
And before I recognise the next Minister, I
would like to recognise Senator Foley of the OBA.
Welcome.
Minister of Cabinet Office, you have the floor.

[Ministerial Statements, continuing]

GOVERNMENT INNOVATION WITH 100 -DAY
ACCELERATION PROGRAMME
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Madam Deputy
Speaker.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to rise
today to report on the successful completion of Bermuda's first Government Accelerator Programme. This initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Government
of the United Arab Emirates [UAE], marks an important
milestone in our ongoing efforts to modernise public
services, strengthen the public service and deliver better outcomes for the people of Bermuda. [Madam] Deputy Speaker, the UAE's accelerator model is based on the principle that government
should not take years to solve problems that can be addressed in 100 days. It emphasises cross -departmental
collaboration, disciplined goal setting and the deliv ery
of visible results in a short time frame.
In September 2024, the Honourable Premier
accepted the UAE's invitation for Bermuda to participate in its global initiative, and in early 2025 we
launched our first cohort. The first step was to identify
the challenges. To qualify, each had to align with t he
Public Service Strategic Plan 2024- 27, involve more
than one Ministry so no single entity could simply direct
another, have resources available to deliver and be
possible to resolve within 100 days.
After reviewing the five options, three challenges were selected for acceleration.
1. Connecting personnel information. Integrating
payroll, pensions, HR and IT systems so that a
single update would automatically cascade
across all systems.
2. Creating an eProfile. Designing a unique government profile for service users, enabling one
logon, one profile for residents and businesses
when interacting with the government.
3. Revamping gov.bm. Redesigning the govern-ment's website into a modern, mobile- friendly,
accessible gateway to services with accurate
content and stronger search.
Madam Deputy Speaker, to prepare, a core
team led by the Deputy Head of Public Service, Dr. Jennifer Attride- Sterling, received training from the UAE facilitators. This enabled them to cascade the approach through workshops with accelerator teams and exec utive sponsors. In February, each project established a
challenge note, sponsors were appointed, and acceleration teams were formally launched. From there, the work was structured around milestone workshops, a
launch, day 25, day 75, and a day 50 progress report
workshop, and finally, the closing workshop held last
Monday, 8 September. Between these sessions, teams
met intensively, 48 team meetings, 24 cross -agency
encounters and consultations with over 130 stakehold-ers, contributing to nearly 400 human hours of effort.

[Inaudible interjection]

Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Deputy Speaker, the
process itself is worth noting. Each team was required to
1. map stakeholders and consult with both internal and external users;
2. co-design solutions with those affected, ensuring transparency and buy -in; and
3. report progress regularly to executive sponsors
and adjust as necessary.
The website revamp team, for example,
worked closely with Vision Bermuda to ensure the prototype met international accessibility standards. This


Bermuda House of Assembly not only improved usability for the visually impaired but
also improved the navigation for all users.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the personne l information team focused on mapping and synchronising
core data fields such as names, address, job titles, and contacts across four major government systems,
• EnterpriseOne;
• PX3000 for pensions;
• ETWeb for talent management; and
• Active Directory for IT users.
The new Personne l Sync process fills the gap
where no integration previously existed, and it is now
ready for production de ployment. The eProfile team
created a proof of concept for a unique identifier generated from the existing social insurance database, but
designed with no personal meaning, making it secure,
private, and persistent. They built a prototype UID generator, mapped the integration needed for legacy systems and produced a roadmap that moved towards a
national single sign- on service in the near future. The
website revamp team delivered a working prototype
built on a modern content management system, enabling infor mation to be updated once and published
consistently across the site. Enhanced search, mobile responsiveness and an inclusive design means users will have faster, easier access to information.
Full implementation is now scheduled to begin
with a public launch targeted for early 2026. These ini-tiatives support the Government's commitment of ensuring government services are digitally accessible to
every Bermudian, making interaction simpler, fast er
and more transparent, and reducing red tape for residents and businesses.
Madam Deputy Speaker, these are simply not
prototypes. Each team [was] required to submit a sustainability and scalability plan for the initial day 100
workshop. These plans outlined who would own each
initiative, how the work would be maintained and how
the solutions would be scaled up to other departments
and services. In other words, these are not 100- day experiments. They are the beginning of lasting reform and
ensure that Government's vision for an agile and accountable public service becomes a permanent reality,
not a pilot or an experiment.
Madam Deputy Speaker, to demonstrate how
seriously Bermuda treats this partnership, while attending the United Postal Union Congress Conference in
Dubai earlier this week, I arranged to meet personally
with senior leaders of the UAE Accelerator Programme,
including Mr. Abdulla Al Jarw an and Dr. Radh eya Al
Hashe mi. That in-person engagement allowed us to
discuss the hurdles faced, the solutions developed, and to reinforce Bermuda's commitment to embedding this
model in our public service culture. I believe this step
has strengthened the partnership and ensured that
Bermuda is seen internationally as a credible partner in government innovation.
Importantly, the UAE facilitators were so impressed with Bermuda's execution that they indicated during this in- person meeting that our experience is being considered to be used as a case study to guide
other countries adopting the accelerator model. Evidence shows that governments which adopt proven international models while tailoring them for local needs
achieve faster, more reliable reform. Bermuda has the
opportunity to position itself alongside leading innovation nations.
Madam Deputy Speaker, this is only the beginning. In months ahead, the Personne l Synch will be deployed, the eProfile will move towards integration with
other systems and the website revamp will roll out to
the public. The lessons learned from this first cohort will
be applied to new accelerator projects, ensuring that
the public service continues to improve and innovate.
I close by thanking our partners in the UAE, the
accelerator core team led by Dr. Attride- Sterling, the
sponsors and executive owners, and especially the
many public officers who demonstrated that even within
the everyday pressures of their day jobs, they can deliver transformative change in just 100 days. In doing
so, we are not only fulfilling the commitments set out in
the Throne Speech but also building a public service
that is fit for the future, innovative, people- focused and
trusted by all Bermudians .
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

Thank you, Minister.
I call on the next Minister, the Minister of National Security.
Minister.

NATIONAL VIOLENCE REDUCTION
STRATEGY UPDATE

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Good morning, Madam Deputy Speaker. And good morning to the listening public.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I rise today to update
this Honourable House on the National Violence Reduction Strategy . Madam [Deputy] Speaker, Honourable Members will recall that this strategy was debated
in this Honourable House in December 2024, reflecting
a shared commitment across government and community to address the root causes of violence.
The strategy is guided by three tiers of action:
• the steering committee that provides leadership and oversight;
• the Inter -Agency Gang Enforcement Team that
focusses on targeted interventions and enforcement; and
• the Inter -Agency Community Response [team]
that delivers prevention and support services
on the ground.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the National Violence
Reduction Steering Committee, comprised of perma-nent secretaries from across government, provides the
highest level of coordination and accountability. It ensures that ministries are aligned, resources are strat egically allocated and that progress against the eight
1362 12 September 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly goals is rigorously monitored. Importantly, the steering
committee is now managing a framework of SMART
goals, with clear and measurable objectives dedicated
to each Ministry and agency.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the National Violence
Reduction Strategy is an overarching national framework that brings together multiple agencies and ministries under the leadership of the Ministry of National Security. This framework is structured around short -, medium - and long- term goals. The short -term goals have
been achieved by establishing the governance archi-tecture, the steering committee, the Inter -Agency Gang
Enforcement Team and the Inter -Agency Community
Response team. The medium- term goals focus on scaling up and enhancing programmes, some of which
were already underway. The long- term goals speak to
the deeper mission of addressing the root causes of violence, transforming perceptions, reshaping behaviours and shifting cultural norms so that peace an d opportunity become the standard for our communities.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the Inter -agency
Gang Enforcement Team, or IGET as we know it, is
now evolving into a more balanced mechanism that
also integrates preventative approaches. By bringing
together police, corrections, probation, education, child and family services and other partners, IGET now functions as a multi -agency prevention tool and aids the development of early intervention plans that prevent
young people from entering cycles of violence.
The Interagency Community Response will operate at the grassroots level. Its mandate is to strengthen prevention and community resilience by
working directly with neighbourhoods, community organisations, faith- based groups, families, community
leaders and the private sector. Madam Deputy
Speaker, community mobilisation is the heart of pre-vention.
The Ministry has invested $397,434 in sports
organisations across the Island, including,
• Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club;
• Bermuda’s Brazilian Football School;
• Bermuda Cricket Board of Control;
• Boulevard Community Club;
• North Village [Community Club];
• Western Stars [Sports Club];
• St. David's [ County Cricket Club ];
• Devonshire Colts [Club]
• Flatt’s Victoria [ Recreation Club ]; and
• FrayStar Cricket Institute.
In the coming year, the Ministry of National Security will offer restorative justice training to sports club coaches, staff and stakeholders. These clubs are key partners in creating safe and structured environments
for young people, offering mentorship, p ositive identity
reinforcement and conflict mediation during critical after-school and weekend hours. Clubs were required to
show not only the need for facility improvements, but
also their capacity to deliver structured youth programmes that reinforce dis cipline, teamwork and conflict resolution. Some of the most intensive work we
do is with those at the highest risk. That is why counselling and social service support grants were established, requiring applicants to provide evidence of direct work with at -risk youth, offer viol ence prevention
and mediation and commit to regular monitoring.
Strong families are essential for preventing violence. The Ministry has provided $135,000 to commu-nity organisations that deliver wraparound support and
trauma- informed care, counselling and support for families in crisis, including the Family Centre and Transitional Community Services. These partners offer critical
support during times of crisis and play a central role in
recovery and resilience. Additionally, the Gang Violence Reduction Team's Coordinated Crisis Response
Team continues to meet with famil ies after violent incidents to provide immediate support, restore calm and
prevent retaliation.
In addition, Madam Deputy Speaker, $25,000
has been allocated to Crime Stoppers Bermuda to en-hance anonymous reporting. This investment reflects
our commitment to encouraging public participation
and empowering residents to share information that
helps keep our community safer. We recently reached
an agreement with Crime Stoppers wherein we
pledged to provide funding up to $50,000 for information that leads to an arrest and charge for serious violent crime.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the Gang Violence
Reduction Team has worked closely with 60 public high school students and engaged middle and primary
school students through the I AM Programme, providing alternatives for those who are excluded from tradi-tional sch ooling.
To further invest in young people's growth,
$60,000 has been dedicated to youth mentorship and
leadership development programmes, including Future
Leaders Bermuda, WeSpeak Bermuda and Women's
Resource Centre. The Ministry has also advanced the
work of the strategy through community grants dedicated to youth development programmes. These
grants support organisations delivering mentorship,
leadership training, and wraparound services to young
people most at risk.
In June, the Truth Be Told: Youth Rise Against
the Violence Summit brought together more than 70
students and 200 attendees, showcasing powerful
youth- led campaigns addressing mental health, the
“snitch culture” and gang violence.
Madam Deputy Speaker, education and employment are key to breaking cycles of violence. Over
$84,000 has been awarded to the Adult Education and
CARE Learning Centre to provide GED preparation,
digital literacy and re- engagement programmes for
young people identified by our case workers in need of
such support.
Through the Redemption Programme, 15 individuals who actively engaged in the 20- week programme have remained free of re- offending, a powerful


Bermuda House of Assembly sign of progress. The Gang Violence Reduction Team
also carried out prison visits to prepare individuals for
release with through- the-gate care packages under development to smooth the transition. Several clients have already secured placements at a local hotel and
in the trades programme, media companies, government departments and/or enrolled in training programmes, including the Bacardi bartending programme
and other certification programmes.
Madam Deputy Speaker, prevention is most effective when all sectors are working together. The Gang Violence Reduction Team has attended dozens
of interagency case management meetings with
schools, the Department of Child and Family Services,
justice partners, and workforce development. The Empowering Futures Initiative now supports 15 participants on paths that include GED programmes, Ber-muda College courses and apprenticeships. This work
is supported by a robust monitoring and evaluation
framework that hol ds all partners accountable and ensures that resources are used effectively. These grants
are structured investments with accountability built in at
every stage. The process is as follows:
1. Programmes submit daily grant applications
with budgets and sustainability plans.
2. Applications are reviewed against criteria tied
to the National Violence Reduction Strategy
goals.
3. Awardees participate in orientation sessions
where expectations are set.
4. Programmes are required to submit quarterly
progress reports.
5. At the end of the funding period, a formal eval-uation measures outcomes against agreed metrics.
And throughout this process, the Gang Violence Reduction Team is on the ground visiting pro-grammes, reviewing progress and connecting directly
with the young people and families served.
Madam Deputy Speaker, this year we will host
community roundtables to hear directly from residents,
frontline workers and families about violence, service
gaps and solutions. The “Mental Health Matters” campaign amplifies these voices, telling real stories of resilience and recovery through photography, spoken word
and storytelling.
Madam Deputy Speaker, some of our most important work is with those at the highest risk of harm. Fifteen individuals received intensive wraparound support in June, including mentorship, advocacy and family safety planning. The Gang Violence Reduction Team is
present in court every day, linking individuals to services and supervising community service placements
that hold individuals accountable. While offering guidance, they respond quickly to incidents in schools and
neighbourhoods using mediation and res torative conferencing to prevent escalation.
When this House endorsed the National Violence Reduction Strategy, Honourable Members were assured that it was not a slogan or a wish list. The strategy outlines more than 80 targeted actions, each tied
to the eight strategic goals of the National Violence Reduction Strategy, and each designed to deliver measurable impact. These actions reflect a whole -of-government response, with the Ministry of National Security
working alongside the Ministries of Health, Education,
Justice, Youth and Social Development, Tourism [and
Transport], Culture and Sport, and Economy and La-bour. Together, these partners carry responsibility for
different elements of the plan ensuring coordination across prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation and cultural change.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the Ministry of National Security, working in partnership with the police
and the Gang Violence Reduction Team, is tasked with
designing and delivering an annual evidence- based violence prevention workshop for community leaders,
educators, coaches and youth workers. These workshops will focus on emerging trends in gang involvement, innovative intervention strategies, and the most
effective practises in preventing youth violence, drawing on both local data and international best practis es.
Free access is also to be provided to the Mental Health First Aid certification course for educators,
youth workers and community leaders. This will ensure
that those who work closest with our young people are
equipped with culturally competent, trauma- informed
skills to identify challenges, intervene early and connect individuals to appropriate support. In addition, at
least 60 community mediators and facilitators, including
youth workers, faith leaders and residents, will be
trained through certified res torative practise programmes, helping to build community level capacity to
resolve conflict peacefully.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the strategy further
provides for post -incident mental health and trauma
counselling, ensuring that families and communities
have timely access to the support they need after violent incidents. A national audit of mental health and
substance abuse services is to be completed, identifying gaps in service and barriers to access, with this information made easily available through the Stop the
Violence website.
Building on this, a youth- focused mental health
anti-stigma campaign will be developed, featuring community ambassadors with lived experience to shift pub-lic perceptions and promote resilience. On the employment and reintegration front, the strategy calls for the
expansion of the GVRT's Redemption Initiative and its
Work Placement and Mentoring Initiative, with additional staff and resources dedicated to connecting high -
risk individuals to meaningful employment and voca-tional training. Partnerships with local GED providers
will be expanded to enable more learning support for
those who need it. The plan also provides for psychosocial events focused on men and their children,
strengthening family bonds, and promoting mental
health awareness.
1364 12 September 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly Finally, Madam Deputy Speaker, the Strategy
recognises that long- term change requires cultural
transformation. A national suite of print and digital materials will be created to explain the types of violence.
Early warning signs, prevention strategies, and availa-ble support services are all designed to be culturally
relevant and accessible.
Madam Deputy Speaker, robust monitoring
and evaluation is the foundation of any effective strategy, and the National Violence Reduction Strategy was
built with this in mind. We recognise the expectation of this Honourable House and the public to seek clear evidence of progress and acknowledge calls for greater
transparency in data. The Ministry is redesigning how
outcomes are collected, analysed and shared, moving
from ad hoc reporting to a structured, transparent system that tracks progress against the St rategy's eight
goals and Ministry -specific SMART objectives.
The National Violence Reduction Strategy is
not a slogan. It is a movement to heal our communities,
strengthen families, and give young people opportuni-ties for a better future. Every grant awarded and every
intervention delivered represents an investment in a
safer Bermuda.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I wish to express my
sincere gratitude to the Gang and Violence Reduction Team, community organisations, educators, families
and residents who are leading this charge every day. Your efforts, often unseen, are the backbone of this
strategy and a lifeline for many.
Madam Deputy Speaker, we will continue to
listen, to engage and to invite everyone in Bermuda to
take part in building a safer, stronger country. This Honourable House can be assured that the Ministry of Na-tional Security remains deeply committed to this mission, and I welcome ongoing dialogue with Members and the public as we move forward.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

Okay, sure.

36
TH ANNUAL NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH

Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Madam Deputy Speaker, in
our ongoing commitment to strengthen social programmes that benefit the Bermuda community, I would
like to highlight that the Ministry of National Security,
through the Department for National Drug Control (or
DNDC), joins communi ties globally in recognising September as National Recovery Month . The 36th Annual
Recovery Month, led by the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Administration in the USA since 1989, is observed every September to acknowledge the progress achieved by individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. The month also advocates for,
and supports, innovative treatment and recovery prac-tises, celebrates the robust and proud recovery communi ty and recognises the commitment of service providers and communities that facilitate recovery in all its
forms.
This year's theme, “ Recovery is REAL (Restoring Every Aspect of Life) ,” underscores the notion that
with appropriate treatment, support and resources, recovery is attainable. Recovery Month particularly honours those overcoming challenges related to substance
use disorders, which encompasses drugs, alcohol and
other addictiv e behaviours. And it pays tribute to the resilience of individuals and families on this journey.
Madam Deputy Speaker, this year the Centers
for Disease Control [CDC] is concentrating on young
individuals with substance use disorders or those in recovery, emphasising the impact that real conversations
can have in facilitating their access to assistance and
support. You may remember that the Throne Speech
2024 emphasised the need to re- establish a dedicated
adolescent substance abuse treatment programme under the direction of the Department of National Drug
Control. Efforts are currently in progress to put this programme into action.
Madam Deputy Speaker, in anticipation of this
year's Recovery Month, the Department of National
Drug Control formed a committee chaired by the treatment officer, comprising representatives from,
• Turning Point (Bermuda Hospitals Board);
• Focus Counselling [Services] and transitional
living;
• Harbour Light (Salvation Army);
• Pathways;
• Right Living House (that's the Department of Corrections); and
• Bermuda Addictions Certification Board
(BACB).
This committee collaborated to organise multiple community -oriented events in honour of Recovery
Month. The events begin with the BACB -sponsored
Substance Abuse Professional of the Year Award Ceremony, which recognises individuals who deliver exceptional care and support in the field of substance
abuse treatment. The committee has organised a re-covery barbecue fun day to honour and recognise indi-viduals who have embraced recovery for their strength
and perseverance.
Additionally, an event is planned that will feature bowling and karaoke for those who are currently
receiving treatment services. Madam Deputy Speaker,
the Department of Corrections will commemorate Recovery Month with various events, such as a barbecue
picnic honouring current and past residents of the Right
Living House, including those who have provided support. Later in the month, the Department of Corrections will host a graduation ceremony for inmates who have


Bermuda House of Assembly demonstrated a commitment to positive transformation
through substance abuse recovery and rehabilitation.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the Government of
Bermuda offers treatment for both men and women
through the Nelson Bascome Substance Abuse Treat-ment Centre located in Dockyard. The Centre provides
residential and outpatient programmes for individuals
facing chall enges with drugs and alcohol dependence,
in addition to facilitating access to a network of preven-tion and recovery services across the Island.
Madam Deputy Speaker, numerous individuals
and families in Bermuda have endured suffering and
silence or shame due to the effects of substance abuse.
However, recovery is both real and attainable. It is essential to raise awareness to remind our community
that seeking help carries no shame, and every person in recovery is entitled to dignity, compassion and sup-port. Recovery Month serves a crucial opportunity to
dismantle the stigma that frequently accompanies substance abuse.
So, Madam Deputy Speaker, I commend the
Department of National Drug Control, the Department of Corrections and our community partners for their
dedication in assisting individuals in creating new lives.
Recovery encompasses more than just abstaining from substances. It involves the restoration of all facets of
life, health, family, dignity and hope. I especially encourage those who are struggling to recognise that they are not alone and that help is available.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

Thank you, Minister.
I now call on the Minister of Tourism [and]
Transport, Culture and Sport.
Minister Darrell.
Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Madam Deputy
Speaker.

NEW CHAPTER IN TOURISM INVESTMENT
FOR BERMUDA

Hon. Owen Darrell: Madam Deputy Speaker, the title
of my Ministerial Statement today is “ A New Chapter in
Tourism Investment for Bermuda. ” Madam Deputy
Speaker, four of the matters introduced in this Honourable House today directly relate to tourism in Bermuda.
Honourable Members will have seen from the
Order Paper that two Bills and two Tourism Investment
Orders are intended to be taken up at the next sitting.
Madam Deputy Speaker, these legislative
items write a new chapter in tourism investment in Bermuda. The Government has engaged in a deliberate
promotion of the incentives available to attractions, restaurants, and local operators in the tourism economy.
The result, Madam Deputy Speaker, is a fast -growing
interest from local entrepreneurs who seek to avail
themselves of the benefits of various forms of relief that
often are assumed only to apply to large developers. Accordingly, Madam Deputy Speaker, Honourable Members will note that this Honourable House will
soon take under consideration Orders that grant relief
to two local businesses. One, a commercial charter
yacht, and the other, an exciting attraction designed to
add variety to which we offer our guests. It is a source
of some pride to advance these Orders as they demonstrate growth in the local economy and the Government's determination to support those who express
their confidence in our tourism fortunes.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the Tourism Investment Act will also be tabled today, and this begins the
fulfilment of our Throne Speech promise to modernise the Act. The restrictive criteria by which Tourism Investment Orders might be varied will be a thing of the past,
and in consultation with the Minister of Finance, the
Minister responsible for tourism will be able to take ac-count of real -time factors affecting tourism- related businesses and the potential impact on Bermuda's national
economic interest.
This flexibility has long been suggested by developers and investors, and the amendments to the Act
represent a constructive understanding of the role that
the Government must play in facilitating the investment
that ultimately will benefit the people of B ermuda.
Madam Deputy Speaker, as I signalled in a Statement to this Honourable House in June, the developers of The Loren acquired the site of the former Elbow Beach
Hotel and have set about expanding the existing hotel's
footprint to include this new site, operating one hotel in
two separate locations. This concept has been adopted
with great success in some of our competitor jurisdictions, and it is an exciting prospect for Bermuda.
The Bill to be tabled in this House today proposes to grant relief to the developers for their intended
vision, consistent with that which is available under the
Tourism Investment Act. A bespoke Act of the legislature is required to realise this new conc ept into Bermuda's tourism inventory. It is likewise an exciting pro-spect as we stand on the cusp of seeing a long- vacated
site revitalised and providing jobs for Bermudians in the various stages of demolition, construction, as well as
operation.
Madam Deputy Speaker, these are exciting
times for Bermuda's tourism. The deliberate actions taken by this Government support on- Island attractions, they sustain investor confidence, and they provide opportunities for jobs for our people in this key pil-lar of our economy. Madam Deputy Speaker, a new chapter is indeed being written in tourism investment
for Bermuda, led by the Government that has the Bermudian worker, the Bermudian ent repreneur and the
investor at heart.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

Yes.

BERMUDA’S PARTICIPATION AT
CARIFESTA XV BARBADOS

Hon. Owen Darrell: Madam Deputy Speaker, I rise today to report on Bermuda's successful participation in
the 15th Caribbean Festival of the Arts, known as CARIFESTA XV, which took place in Barbados from 22 to
31 August 2025. Madam Deputy Speaker, Bermuda
brought a delegation of 18 creatives representing our
Island across dance, music, visual arts, film, as well as
literature. Our contingent joined thousands of artists from across the Caribbean and beyond in celebration
of regional culture, creativity and unity.
From the outset, Bermuda made its mark. Our
national Gombey troupe proudly represented the Island
in a parade through the streets of Bridgetown and the
opening ceremonies, carrying the rhythm and spirit of Bermuda before an international audience. The delegation wore designs by Bermuda brand Holidae,
demonstrating the talent of our fashion sector on an important stage.
Madam Deputy Speaker, Bermudian musicians performed with distinction. At the Soca Super
Concert, Aalai and Fire Wayne performed alongside
Darien Bailey Band, who learned their original music
and backed them on a massive stage constructed especially for CAR IFESTA. They shared the bill with Soca
legends such as RPB (some of you would know that as
Red Plastic Bag), Biggie Irie, Lil Rick, Skinny Fabulous
and the soca great, Machel Montano. A remarkable ex-perience that underscored the quality of Bermudian artistry. On Bermuda Night, the spirit of CARIFESTA was
truly felt when our brothers and sisters from Trinidad
and Tobago opened the evening to ensure a warm re-ception for our performers. Kyra- Jaye, Joy T. Barnum,
Aalai, Fire Wayne, and the Bermuda Gombeys lit u p
Golden Square Freedom Park with music and dance
carrying the Bermudian story proudly.
Madam Deputy Speaker, our young Bermudian talent also shone brightly. Kyra Jaye performed at the Richard Stoute Youth Showcase, backed by an all -
star band and supported with vocals by Joy T. Barnum,
demonstrating the depth of our emerging creative generation.
Madam Deputy Speaker, our delegation contributed to the thought leadership at the highest level.
Bermudian artist Ms. Gherdai Hassell participated in a
distinguished panel discussion, Fragments and Futures : Collage as a Radical Reclamation. The Bermuda
Gombeys took part in A Conversation: Afro- Caribbean
Folk Culture, Beyond Preservation alongside cultural
scholars like Dr. John Hunt and Kieran Dwayne Sargent. And Dr. Carika Weldon participated virtually in
The Big Conversation, Ole Talk, New Frequency, Tuning the Archive.
Our delegation also touched hearts in Barbados. The Gombeys joined with masquerade rs and
dancers from St. Lucia, the British Virgin Islands, Guyana and Barbados in a mobile dance activation across
the island. They performed for children at a local home,
and they participated in workshops and performances
that strengthened cultural bonds with our Caribbean
neighbours.
Madam Deputy Speaker, Bermudian literature
and film were also on display. Tiara Webb took part in a literacy reading, judged a poetry slam and connected
with international literacy agents. At the CARIFESTA
film festival, audiences were able to view the Department of Culture's Gombey short film, “Not a Generic
Gombey” and “Gombey Unity,” directed by Carlita
Lodge and Qian Dickerson, alongside “Thoughts Become Things,” created by Stephan Johnstone and
Marq Rodriguez. Bermuda's visual artists were also featur ed in the festival's exhibitions, including the Code
as Canvas show.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the Barbados Prime
Minister, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, captured
the essence of this festival in her closing address when
she said: “Life must give us shelter and food and work.
Those are essential. But as human beings, we need the
nourishing of the soul. And whether that is through acknowledging our heritage, or whether it is through re-flection on our Caribbean civilisation, or whet her it is
through tasting the wonders that we have as a Carib-bean people, with the influences from the world that
made us unique, or whether it is the celebration through
movement, dance, music, art and craft, we have to be
able to nourish our souls.”
Madam Deputy Speaker, during my time in
Barbados, I did have the opportunity to meet with many
of our cultural neighbours to discuss the cultural ex-change and explore opportunities for future collaboration. These conversations reinforced that Bermuda's
culture has a meaningful place in the wider Caribbean
family, and there is great potential for us to continue
building regional partnerships.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to formally thank Prime Minister Mia Mottley and her team
for facilitating such a remarkable festival. Their


Bermuda House of Assembly leadership and hospitality ensured that CARIFESTA
XV was not only a success, but an event that will have
a lasting impact on our region's artistic and cultural
landscape. Madam Deputy Speaker, Prime Minister
Mottley also reminded us that CARIFESTA XV does not stand in isolation. It is about building a people,
building a region, building a civilisation and reclaiming
our destiny. Bermuda was proud to stand with our Caribbean neighbours in pursuit of that shared destiny.
Madam Deputy Speaker, Bermuda's participation in CARIFESTA XV exemplified the goals of cultural diplomacy: to share our Island's creativity with the
world, to build relationships across the region and to
celebrate a shared Caribbean identity. Our artists stood
shoulder to shoulder with the region's finest, and their talent and professionalism made Bermuda proud.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to thank
the Department of Culture for coordinating Bermuda's
involvement, the Gombey Council for leading our national troupe, and most of all, our artists who carried the
flag with pride.
Madam Deputy Speaker, Bermuda's presence
at CARIFESTA XV demonstrated that while we are
small in size, our culture is rich, our culture is resilient,
and we are ready to take its place on the world stage.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

Thank you, Minister.
I now call on the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors.
[Minister], you have the floor.

Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Madam Deputy
Speaker.

OFFICE OF YOUTH AFFAIRS
PROGRAMME UPDATES
Hon. Tinee Furbert: I am pleased to provide an update
this morning on the significant programme initiatives
undertaken at the Office of Youth Affairs , made possible by the commitment and professionalism of its staff.
As children, Madam Deputy Speaker, we often
looked forward to school breaks. They provided a welcomed distance from the daily routine of lessons,
homework and assignments, and opened up a time for
play, relaxation and discovery. Yet, [Madam] Deputy
Speaker , the perspective may change when we view
these breaks through the eyes of parents. For many families, school holidays bring transition. These school breaks present adaptations in balancing work responsibilities with the need to ensure children are engaged,
supervised, and cared for during extended periods
away from the classroom.
Madam Deputy Speaker, every working parent
in Bermuda knows this challenge. School breaks arrive, but work does not stop. Where do our children go?
What do they do? For generations, Bermudian families have
found ways to support each other through these times.
It is who we are as a community that looks after our
own. Today, through the Office of Youth Affairs, we are
carrying that tradition forward with programmes that meet the needs of parents while unlocking the potential
of our young people.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the Out of School
Programme is not just supervision. It is a dynamic initiative that serves children from preschool through middle school. It provides structured, engaging, and pur-poseful activities that extend far beyond simple care .
The programme is built on the pillars of character education, social -emotional learning, community involvement and teamwork. These activities are thoughtfully designed to meet the developmental needs of different
age groups, ensuring both enrichment and enjoyment. Each cycle is tied to themes from our National Youth
Policy, ensuring alignment with our broader vision for
youth development in this country.
The Out of School Programme fosters personal growth, respect, inclusivity and leadership while cultivating a sense of belonging and community spirit.
It is not merely a stopgap during school breaks. It is a
platform for holistic development that supports families,
strengthens communities, and invests in the future of
our young people.
[Madam] Deputy Speaker, during the 2024/25
academic year, the Out of School Programme served
children across the Island during five school break periods, running daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm at the cost
of $60 per week. The programme consistently ex-ceeded demand. Madam Deputy Speaker, each community centre is unique, like the children it serves.
The Eastern Zone in St. George’s, the Central
Zone at Sammy Wilson [Community] Centre partnered
with Dellwood Middle School, and the Western Zone at Boaz Island with shuttle support from West End Primary School. These partnerships show how our communities pull together.
Madam Deputy Speaker, during the 2024/25
academic year, the Out of School Programme was delivered successfully during October, December, February, April, and July breaks. And in October, the focus
was on building character and friendships. During this
mont h, primary 3 to primary 6 level students participated in a newly crafted Wild N’ Out overnight camp held at Grace Island that emphasised independence,
teamwork, and environmental appreciation.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I want to commend
the Youth Service team. Their commitment ensured these programmes did more than occupy time. They
built confidence, leadership skills, and friendships that
will last. Our young people and their families are
stronger because of their dedication.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the new academic
year has begun, and the team at the Office of Youth Affairs is ready with its themes for 2025/26 Out of
School Programmes that include sportsmanship,
1368 12 September 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly community service, and aviation adventures, just to
name a few. Our parents will be pleased to know that
their preschoolers and middle school aged children will
be fully engaged in amazing activities.
Madam Deputy Speaker, last month we hosted
Bermuda's first Youth Entrepreneur Expo in recognition
of International Youth Day. The year's theme was Local
Action for the Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond. Fifteen young Bermudians, age 11 to 24, showcased business they created, from jewellery and clothing to natural beverages, Bermuda- inspired scents,
baked goods, and more.
Madam Deputy Speaker, we invested in each
participant with professional headshots and product
photography because their courage and creativity deserve recognition. One attendee said, I was surprised
to see so many of my peers with businesses. I am now
considering starting my own business with friends.
Another said, The atmosphere was welcoming
and empowering to be surrounded by such young, tal-ented creators.
This Expo arose out of research conducted on
youth entrepreneurship as a study task in relation to the
National Youth Policy. The support from the Bermuda
Economic Development Corporation and Kidpreneurs BDA ensured that our young entrepreneurs were well
aware and involved.
Youth entrepreneur expos are already part of
the regional landscape in Jamaica, Guyana, Belize,
and The Bahamas. With this Expo, Bermuda has joined
that regional movement and we are determined to make ours one of the strongest platforms for our young
entrepreneurs. This initiative will now be held three
times a year starting in 2026, rotating across commu-nity centres to ensure access and visibility Island wide.
Our youth will not only partake in Bermuda's economy, they will help shape it.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the cost of doing
nothing is always higher than the cost of investment. When families are stable and youth are empowered,
businesses thrive, and Bermuda grows stronger.
Behind every programme statistic is a neighbour, a grandparent, a child with potential we are helping to unlock. The goal is simple. Every young Bermu-dian deserves a platform to build their future, whether
through safe engagement during school breaks or by
launching their first business at the age of 11.
We are not preparing children for the world as
it is. We are preparing them for the world they will
shape. That is the vision, that is the commitment, and that is the future we are building together.
Madam Deputy Speaker, in closing, I want to
thank the Youth Service team at the Office of Youth Af-fairs for producing high- quality programming for Bermuda's youth year after year. For them every day is a youth day. Thank you to the Youth Services team for consistently delivering innovative programmes for Bermuda's youth. Thank you to all of our 15 young youth entrepreneurs who participated in our first -ever Youth Entrepreneur Expo in recognition of the United Nations Inter-national Youth Day.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

I think you have a second paper.
Yes. I was just going to call the Minister of Health, but
you do have a second [Statement].

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AMENDMENT
REGULATIONS 2025

Hon. Tinee. Furbert: Thank you, Madam Deputy
Speaker.
I am pleased to rise this morning to lay the Financial Assistance Amendment Regulations 2025 in
this Honourable House. The amendments aim to close identified gaps that impact Bermuda's most vulnerable
populations, our seniors and persons with mental
health challenges /needs who are clients of the Department of Financial Assistance.
The enhancements to the legislation provide
further financial and social protection to support these
vulnerable populations, guaranteeing no one gets left
behind.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the Department of Financial Assistance is mandated by the Financial Assis-tance Act 2001 and the Financial Assistance Regulations 2004, which provides a legal framework for the
issuance of financial awards by the Department of Financial Assistance [DFA] to individuals in need and
certain expenses to be allowable expenses if they fall
within a class of items of expenditure which DFA would
legally be responsible for paying. Regulation 3(1) of the
Financial Assistance Regulations 2004 prov ides a criterion for eligibility for financial assistance award or
subsequent award for a person claiming financial assistance during any period.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the Financial Assistance Regulations 2004 provides a list of sources of income under regulation 2 that are deemed “excluded income,” one of which is defined as income from “(a) pension and other benefits to an amount not exceeding
$500 per calendar month payable under the Contributory Pensions Act 1970 and the Public Service Superannuation Act 1981 other than pensions and benefits
payable to persons who are in residential care homes;”
As a result of the statutory definition, when the
Department of Financial Assistance calculates the
means test to determine a pensioner's financial assis-tance assessment and eligibility , pensions amounting
to $500 or less per month legally cannot be included in


Bermuda House of Assembly the legislative formula/ calculation. This ensures seniors
can maintain a basic income.
Madam Deputy Speaker, let me share the basis of the amendments. There have been occurrences
of DFA awarding proportional reductions in financial as-sistance awards received by clients who are seniors/pensioners because of the recent periods of pension increases. In practise, this means when DFA conducts a means test on these senior s/pensioners their
pension income that exceeds the legislative threshold of $500 per calendar month must be included as part of the calculations as qualifying household income. This
leads to a reduced financial assistance award received
by the senior or pensioner on the basis that their household income is being offset by a corresponding de-crease. As a result, senior s/pensioners are now being
impacted by receiving proportional reductions to their
awards or unable to fulfil the eligibility requirements to
receive financial assistance.
Madam Deputy Speaker, statistics provided by
the Department of Social Insurance over the past 20
years show that there were increases to pension
amounts payable under the Contributory Pensions Act
of 1970 and the Public Service Annuation Act of 1981
to per sons age 65 and older. These increases to pension payouts aim to provide a countermeasure for annual cost of living inflation increases allowing seniors to
maintain a degree of financial independence. However, in respect to a senior who is (a) currently receiving a
financial assistance award or (b) applying for an award,
the pension increases are reducing awards and do not provide the additional financial support as intended for
all pensioners.
Madam Deputy Speaker, to address this issue,
the Bill increases the excluded income thresholds for
pensions from “ not exceeding $500 per calendar
month,” as currently stated in regulation 2 of Financial
Assistance Regulations 2004, to a threshold amount
not exceeding $800 per calendar month. This proposed
amendment would align with the maximum threshold
for pensions by the year 2030. Therefore, Madam Deputy Speaker, the legislative amendment does come
with financial impact on DFA's budget as there are currently 376 pensioners who will be impacted by this
change , presenting a cost to the department of
$112,920 per month.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to shift to
the second amendment to the Regulations. The De-partment of Financial Assistance takes a holistic approach to ensuring that the physical and mental state
of clients receiving a financial assistance award is paramount. To support the department's approach, recommendations are made to Mid- Atlantic Wellness Institute. Alternately, to bridge a gap in demand for mental
health outpat ient treatment, clients are referred to a licensed and approved clinician in private practise. However, Madam Deputy Speaker, clients and mental
health practitioners have informed DFA that the six sessions per year, which is the maximum number of sessions DFA can legally fund, is not enough to help
clients in their quest to address their mental health conditions. Currently, the Regulations allow for clients who
are eligible to receive mental health outpatient treatment at a maximum cost of $840 per year or a maxi-mum of six sessions per year
Madam Deputy Speaker, we have taken a position to make this amendment based on best standard practise of access to mental health services, which
takes into consideration frequency, utilisation, cost,
need, and access. We have collected data on the pri-vate insurer's schedule of benefits for mental health
services, and there is much variation across private insurers in mental health support, particularly in Bermuda.
What we all can agree on is that mental health
treatment services are needed to provide equitable ac-cess to those persons on financial assistance who may
be vulnerable, disadvantaged, on a low income, and
have adverse childhood experiences or experience
stressful or traumatic events. DFA clients will receive a
maximum of 24 mental health sessions per year at a cost of $840 per month. This amendment will enhance
the Regulations to ensure this determination is supported in legislation allowing DFA clients diagnosed
with mental health conditions to receive continuous
mental health services.
Mental health support is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Madam Deputy Speaker, the Government is
committed to Bermuda's most vulnerable, in this instance, our seniors and persons requiring mental
health support. This commitment is reflected in the Financial Assistance Amendment Regulations 2025, which aims to strengthen the Financial Assistance Regulations 2004 by providing assurance that there will be
minimum to no adjustments to financial assistance
awards to pensioners during periods of reassessments
that are triggered by increases to pension incomes as
enacted by the Department of Social Insurance and an increase of mental health outpatient services to DFA
clients diagnosed with mental health conditions.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the amendments to
the Financial Assistance Regulations guarantee that
there are legal protections in place to ensure financial
assistance clients who are seniors maintain a basic in-come and a degree of financial independence, and that
clients diagnosed with mental health conditions receive
continuous mental health outpatient services so that
they are empowered. In the words of Dustin Saiidi, “The
biggest battles of our life are fought in the darkness of
our mind. ” And this Government is affording clients of
financial assistance to have access to mental health
services if needed.
Madam Deputy Speaker, in closing, I now lay
the Financial Assistance Amendment Regulations
2025 in this House.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

Thank you, Minister.
1370 12 September 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly I call on the Minister of Health, Minister Wilson.

PRIORITIZING MENTAL WELL -BEING FOR A
SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR

Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you and good morning,
Madam Deputy Speaker.
Today I rise to acknowledge the beginning of a
new school year, a time of fresh opportunities, new
challenges, and the emotional journey our students
embark upon. As the days of summer wind down, this week marked the beginning of a new school year filled
with new experiences and opportunities.
Madam Deputy Speaker, across Bermuda, students return to their classrooms filled with anticipation
for another year of learning and growth. The excitement
of meeting new teachers, starting new classes, and even walking into new environments is real, but al ongside that excitement is the natural . . . excuse me. It is
natural for students to also experience moments of stress and worry as they adjust to a new school year.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I want to remind parents, guardians, teachers, and students that nurturing
good mental health in our youth is the foundation for
true success. Academic achievement can only flourish
when mental well -being is prioritised, as these two are
inseparable. Each age group of students faces its unique challenges, and each requires tailored support
from families, schools, and communities to ensure that
the transition back to school is as smooth as possible.
Madam Deputy Speaker, for our youngest
learners in primary school, going to school for the first
time or returning after summer can feel overwhelming.
These children may experience anxiety about separating from their parents, adjusting to new routines, or
making new friends.
Parents and guardians, you have an important
role in helping your children navigate these feelings.
Take time to ask them about their day and truly listen
to their responses. Validate their feelings of worry, reassure them that feeling nervous is normal, and remind
them that they will be okay. You can also help by establishing routines for going to bed and getting ready in
the morning that help them feel secure. Your help with homework in a calm and encouraging way can also
help to build the confidence chil dren need to feel prepared to succeed.
Teachers also play an important role in creating supportive classrooms where children's feelings are
acknowledged and a normal part of everyday conver-sation. When children feel safe to express themselves,
they are better able to focus, learn, and thrive.
Madam Deputy Speaker, our middle and high
school students also need support. They often face a
different set of pressures like navigating peer relationships, seeking social acceptance, managing academic performance, and worrying about their future after hi gh
school. For some, these pressures may even lead to
experiences of anxiety or depression. Parents and guardians of teenagers should remain attentive to changes in behaviour, moods, or social engagement. Encourage open conversations about
the stressors in their lives, model healthy coping strat-egies, and help them balance their responsibilities by
encouraging rest, exercise, and supportive community
connections.
Teachers also play a critical role in supporting
teenagers by checking in with students and noticing
early signs, such as withdrawal or a decline in academic performance. They can reach out for support
and connect students to the care and resources they
need. With timely intervention and encouragement,
young people can regain their confidence and continue
to thrive.
Madam Deputy Speaker, we cannot forget our
college -aged students. This period of young adulthood
is an exciting stage of transition with newfound independence, but it can also come with challenges in managing academic expectations, finances, and building
new social networks.
For young adults heading to college for the first
time, I want to remind you that self -care truly matters. It
is okay to ask for help when you need it, and it is best
to ask early. Don't wait until you are overwhelmed or in
a crisis to seek support. Asking for help is a sign of
strength and there are counselling services, peer support groups, or other wellness programmes available to
help you succeed both academically and personally.
Madam Deputy Speaker, regardless of age, if
you are a teacher, parent, or guardian, these are simple
but effective ways to support the mental health of our
young children. Encourage them to get enough sleep, limit their screen time, especially before bed, and make
time for regular physical activity. These healthy habits
go a long way to promote good mental health and well -
being.
You can also build fun and positive activities
into their routines, giving them something fun to look
forward to and to reduce stress. Most importantly, keep
talking. Keep the lines of communication open so that
your children always know that they have a l istening ear
and a safe space to share their feelings with. This can often be the most powerful tool for ensuring [that] youth get the help they need when they need it.
Madam Deputy Speaker, to support this vision,
the Ministry of Health has a number of initiatives in place that benefit our students and our families.
The Healthy Schools Programme works with
schools to promote nutritious eating, physical activity, and overall wellness, and each year schools that excel
are recognised with the Healthy Schools Award.
Our P1 Health Screening Programme ensures
that every child entering primary school is screened for
vision, hearing, motor skills, social well -being, and
other key health indicators, so that challenges can be
identified early and children can receive the support
that they need to thrive.


Bermuda House of Assembly Madam Deputy Speaker, we are also investing
in nutrition services and health promotion programmes,
where our teams provide guidance, workshops, and resources to schools, PTAs, and community groups to
help individuals and families adopt healthier lifestyles .
And in addition, our community health visiting
services support new mothers and young children
through home visits and early childhood education in
government preschools.
And finally, Madam Deputy Speaker, we continue to invest in the mental health of our young people through community mental health grants. Organisations such as the Family Centre and MASC have expanded access to counselling and support programmes that directly benefit children, teenagers, and
their families.
Madam Deputy Speaker, in closing, as students, teachers, parents, and guardians embark on the
new school year, I encourage you all to remain vigilant,
compassionate, and supportive. I want every student to
know that they are not alone. Your families, your schools, your communities and your Government are
here to stand beside you.
This school year let us commit not only to academic achievement, but also to focussing and fostering
resilience, practising kindness, and prioritising mental
well-being so that every child and young person in Bermuda can thrive both in the classroom and in life.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

Now I call on the Minister of
Works, Minister Adams.
Minister Adams, please.

IMPROVING SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY ON
PRIVATE ROADS: YOUR VOICE HEARD!
Hon. Jache Adams: Just squeezed it in to say good
morning, Madam Deputy Speaker. Just squeezed it in.
Madam Deputy Speaker private roads across
our country are becoming an increasing concern, with
many residents facing unsafe conditions, deteriorating infrastructure, and overly complex administrative pro-cesses for making much- needed improvements.
Whether it's repairing potholes, installing street
lighting, fixing retaining walls, or paving unsealed
roads, the current system can be burdensome, espe-cially for everyday Bermudians.
Madam Deputy Speaker, as you are aware,
there are two key pieces of legislation which govern im-provements to private roads, and they are the Private
Roads (Improvement ) Act 1969, and the Private Roads
(Lighting) Act 1984.
While the Road Improvement Act of 1969 does
allow the Minister responsible for Public Works to initiate improvements without requiring full upfront payment, it does not currently allow for waiving resident
contributions entirely. This means the financial burden
often falls on communities, many of which cannot afford it.
But, Madam Deputy Speaker, the challenge is
not just the cost alone, it's the red tape as well. Under current legislation, even when residents are desperate for repairs or safety measures, the requirement for
community cost -sharing and consensus can result in a
deadlock. The bureaucracy is often more frustrating
than the condition of the road itself. As Minister of Public Works and Environment, I hear these stories almost
every week. Madam Deputy Speaker, we receive a steady stream of calls and emails from people trying to
get potholes filled, retaining walls repaired, or mirrors
placed at blind corners. But too often, we respond with
technical explanations of why under the current laws
the government's hands are tied.
One grandmother recently told us that she no
longer walks home from evening church services, not because she fears people, but because the road is so
poorly lit that she's afraid of falling. Despite years of requests, no street light has been installed. Why? Be-cause it's a private road and the neighbours can't
agree.
Madam Deputy Speaker, this cannot be the
standard. That's why the 2025 Speech from the Throne
announced the Government's intention to modernise these Acts. Proposed changes include expanding the
Minister's authority to implement traffic calming
measures, instal safety mirrors at dangerous bends,
and carry out other critical safety upgrades on priv ate
roads in the public interest. But perhaps the most im-portant change may be our attempt to simplify the process. We want to streamline the bureaucracy and give
the government more flexibility to step in, particularly when safety is on the line.
Madam Deputy Speaker, it is important to note
that we are not seeking to override the voices of resi-dents. But we are seeking to make sure that vital infrastructure improvements don't get lost in endless paperwork or disputes between neighbours. The update d
legislation will aim to balance the community input with
government responsiveness, so that when something
needs to get done, it can get done.
1372 12 September 2025 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly But before the legislation is drafted, Madam
Deputy Speaker, we want to hear from the people of
Bermuda. And so, I rise this morning to advise this Honourable House that starting Monday, September 22,
the Government will launch a public consultation process to gather input on how these Acts should be updated.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the public can participate in two ways. They can visit the government forum
website to share their views or participate in upcoming
phone surveys.
Madam Deputy Speaker, this consultation isn't
just about fixing roads. It's about building a country
where safety, fairness, and dignity are not limited by
your postal code, where every . . . sorry. Fairness isn’t
limited just by your postal code, where ev ery voice matters, and every idea brings us closer to a system that works for all.
And so again, I invite the public to join the conversation starting September 22, and let's work together to build communities that put safety and fairness first.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.